Situated in central Virginia, the Shenandoah Valley provides diverse glamping options near Earlysville. The region sits at elevations between 300-1,500 feet with moderate seasonal temperatures and receives approximately 40 inches of rainfall annually. Campers find proximity to both the Blue Ridge Mountains and major Virginia highways, creating accessibility for luxury outdoor stays while maintaining a rural atmosphere.
What to do
Horseback riding trails: The Harrisonburg Shenandoah Valley KOA is located close to various horseback riding options different from resort facilities. "A great hike to Fridley's Gap and went swimming in the water hole. The tent site was big and clean and the staff was super friendly. They have chickens and ducks roaming around and Our dog got to chase a chicken off the site," says Liz U.
Disc golf course: Shenandoah Acres Campground features a disc golf area that complements their water activities. A camper reports, "Gated and well kept group camping area. Lots of space for kids to romp and play. Crushed stone roads and pathways make it excellent for ADA access."
Lake activities: Lake Anna State Park provides multiple water access points beyond just swimming areas. "Nice trails, decent campsites, cabins! The paved handicapped-accessible trail and fishing platforms are a really nice addition," notes RL.
What campers like
Private yurt options: Shenandoah River State Park offers secluded glamping accommodations along the riverside. "There are several rustic campsites located on the Southfork of the Shenandoah River, as well as modern electric sites, RV sites, and cabins. Park and campgrounds are clean and well maintained," according to Ricki F.
Night sky visibility: The elevation at Big Meadows Campground creates exceptional astronomy opportunities. "Big Meadow has many amenities which make it popular and oftentimes crowded during weekends and holiday's. But, many of these amenities make camping with families a convenience. We saw many deer and bear while camping. Just being in Shenandoah is a soothing experience," shares Rachel M.
Clean facilities: Multiple glamping sites maintain high sanitation standards for their upscale accommodations. "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. Nice amphitheater with interesting ranger programs," says Kim L. at Big Meadows Campground.
What you should know
High elevation impacts: At Big Meadows, temperatures can drop significantly lower than surrounding areas. "It was an especially cold night hitting a low of 14F. Very happy for the nearby heated restrooms with hot running water," notes Carol B.
Peak season availability: Luxury glamping near Earlysville requires advance booking, particularly for holiday periods. "When we booked our site we didn't realize that most of the property is on a hill. Each camper was rather tight and we felt like we were staying at an RV show, that's how crowded it felt," reports Mary C. about Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park.
Bug considerations: Dundo Group Campground and other forest locations experience seasonal insect activity. "Though this campground is HUGE, the sites are not piled on top of each other. Our site, B112, was surrounded by shrubs under the canopy of trees which provided tons of privacy. The bugs when we got here were kinda crazy. They don't bite but they swarm your head," writes Veronica S.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Family-friendly glamping sites offer structured nature programs. "We saw many deer and bear while camping. With so many hiking trails and waterfalls nearby we love to camp in Big Meadows - and for the star watching at night," says Rachel M.
Playground access: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park combines glamping with dedicated children's areas. "The kids loved running off in the open field and playing on the zip line. We loved that we could see them from our site. The birthday boy also loved the outdoor laser tag! Staff was attentive," explains Jen O.
Interactive programs: Most upscale glamping sites include scheduled activities. "Busy traffic in park but nice trails are accessible from campground. Visitor Center, gas station, food walking distance from campground," notes Kim L.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Walnut Hills Campground offers specific recommendations for luxury RV glamping. "The sites were a little tight. We were there for the local hiking so we didn't spend too much tie in the park. I parked a little goofy it seems so I needed a little extra footage for my electrical hookup. They were kind enough to loan us a 25' extension," explains Ralph P.
Hookup configuration: Christopher Run Campground features varied utility setups. "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," reports Dale Y.
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts glamping comfort significantly in mountainous areas. "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. The bathrooms were plentiful, heated, hot running water, and a utility sink available," writes Carol B.
