Shenandoah camping areas sit at elevations between 1,200 and 4,000 feet, creating varied camping conditions throughout the region near Dyke, Virginia. The area experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer highs averaging 85°F and winter lows frequently below freezing. Most campgrounds operate from April through November, though several offer year-round access for visitors seeking yurt camping or cabin options.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: Dundo Group Campground provides access to hiking paths within Shenandoah National Park. "This campground was really awesome because it's so close to the skyline drive and Shenandoah. We went on some awesome hikes while we were here. Check out rose river trail and bearfence mountain," notes Sam M., who visited with family.
Fishing opportunities: Walnut Hills Campground offers fishing ponds for guests. "You can fish in the lake though we didn't catch anything," shares Laure D., who appreciated this amenity during their stay. The campground maintains stocked ponds accessible to all registered campers.
Tubing on the river: Luray RV Resort features Shenandoah River access with tubing options. "You can go tubing on the river but need to provide your own tubes. The ride down the river from one end of the park to the other is around 30 minutes," explains Joe, highlighting this popular warm-weather activity.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Big Meadows Campground maintains well-kept bathrooms and common areas. "Campground is meticulously clean with daily restroom cleaning and trash pick up. Very small campground store on site but a much larger store at visitor center," reports Kim L., who appreciated the maintenance standards.
Wildlife viewing: Campers frequently encounter deer and other animals at Big Meadows. "We saw many deer and bear while camping. Just being in Shenandoah is a soothing experience. With so many hiking trails and waterfalls nearby we love to camp in Big Meadows - and for the star watching at night," shares Rachel M.
Spacious sites: Shenandoah River State Park offers well-designed camping areas. "Clean grounds and importantly clean facilities. Park offers very doable hiking and mountain biking options for beginners. Campground access to the Shenandoah River," notes Laura N., highlighting the spaciousness that many campers value.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Big Meadows experiences significant temperature changes at its higher elevation. "We camped here the last night of the season (Nov30) and shared the campground with a mix of tent campers, car/van campers, and a few larger units... It was an especially cold night hitting a low of 14F," reports Carol B., underscoring the need for proper cold-weather gear in fall and winter.
Yurt options: Yurt camping near Dyke, Virginia is available at Shenandoah Crossing, offering a comfortable alternative to tents. "We stayed in a yurt, and I'm gonna let the photos do most of the talking. Yurt has a full kitchen and bath. Coffee, popcorn, toiletries, linens provided," shares RL, describing the furnished accommodations.
Site reservations: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. "We stayed at campsite 3 which is right next to campsite 2. We could hear the conversation from campsite 2 and see them. Campsite two and one had a water pump. Campsite 1 was right next to the bathrooms and the public picnic area. I would not recommend booking campsite 1," advises Kate from Dundo Group Campground, highlighting the importance of researching specific sites.
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offers numerous family-friendly amenities. "We love this campground, we like the pull in and the walk in sites, bear boxes provided, plenty of room to relax. Good bathrooms, coin hot showers available too. So many trails to explore, walk to the Lodge, Wayside, Visitor Center and more," recommends Jaclyn B.
Bug preparation: Insect activity varies by season and location. "The bugs when we got here were kinda crazy. They don't bite but they swarm your head and try to enter every orifice for some reason. A head net was helpful to get the tent and screen room set up," warns Veronica S. from Big Meadows Campground.
Bear safety measures: Food storage requirements exist at most area campgrounds. "Bear box for food storage. Loved seeing the deer so close and other wildlife. Fire ring with grate was available. Large site size. We had site 23. Highly recommend!" notes Terri S., pointing out the safety features at Big Meadows.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Harrisonburg-Shenandoah Valley KOA offers accessible sites with some considerations. "It's a typical KOA. Well managed, clean, friendly staff. The sites are large enough and level enough. The power pole is well positioned," reports Dale Y., noting the adequate site preparation for RVs.
Hookup options: Utilities vary between campgrounds and specific sites. "The sites were pretty big and had fire rings and picnic tables. There were also food lockers. The place is a group camping area, so we had like 15 people, but I think we coulda brought more," describes Sam M. at Dundo Group Campground.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies throughout the region. "Cell signal and camp wifi are bad. I was just able to get a decent signal with Starlink by carefully pointing at a small gap between trees," mentions Dale Y., highlighting connectivity challenges RVers might face when staying at Harrisonburg-Shenandoah Valley KOA.
