Earlysville camping destinations sit in Virginia's Piedmont region at elevations around 500-800 feet, with the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains rising to over 4,000 feet. Summer temperatures average 75-90°F with high humidity, while winter nights often drop below freezing. Several campgrounds provide easy access to hiking trails and waterways, with approximately 45 inches of annual rainfall creating lush, forested campsites.
What to do
Disc golf and trails: Devil's Backbone Camp offers two on-property hiking trails (3km and 5km) with varying difficulty levels. "Lots of cool trails to explore around there," notes Jonny D. about Loft Mountain Campground. The campground connects directly to the Appalachian Trail for day hikes.
Water activities: Small Country Campground provides multiple water options for summer visits. "This place has a small 'lake' but has two man-made beach spots. The sand is very nice and clean... They have kayaks to rent out," explains Rachel S. The campground also features a pool and lake toys during summer months.
Local wine and beer tours: The region has numerous breweries and wineries within 20-30 minutes of most campgrounds. A reviewer at Devils Backbone Camp explains, "You are a stone's throw away from a ton of other really great breweries and wineries. I highly recommend visiting Blue Mountain Brewery and Bold Rock cidery during your stay for some great food and beverage."
What campers like
Night sky viewing: The area offers excellent stargazing opportunities away from city lights. "At night it can get very dark. We took a walk to the overlook in the middle of the night to stargaze," writes Kate about Dundo Group Campground. The elevated locations provide panoramic views of constellations year-round.
Blackberry treats: Regional specialties include seasonal blackberry dishes. At Loft Mountain Campground, Katrin M. shares, "We drove to the visitor center at the Big Meadow. They had very cool programs and really good food. I enjoyed a blackberry shake, which is kinda famous for the area, and it was delicious."
Wildlife encounters: Campers regularly spot native animals throughout the camping areas. "You will definitely see deer in the campground as they walk through and browse the understory. They are unafraid of humans unless directly approached," reports Veronica S. from Big Meadows Campground. Several campgrounds have established guidelines for wildlife observation.
What you should know
Seasonal conditions: Weather varies significantly throughout the year. According to Dale Y. at Harrisonburg Shenandoah Valley KOA, "While convenient to I-81, the campground is far enough away that there is no outside noise at all. 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."
Site layouts: Campground configurations vary widely. Jennifer K. notes about Charlottesville KOA, "This is a nice, clean campground. They recently expanded it, so there are additional sites. It's small, but we did not feel cramped or too close to others. The hooks were the closest we have ever had - which is very nice!"
Shower facilities: Most campgrounds charge for showers. "The shower was about 0.3 miles away. They charge $5 for 10 min, which you have to pay in quarters," explains Katrin M. about shower access at Loft Mountain. Pack sufficient quarters for your stay as change machines aren't always available.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer structured entertainment for children. "Very laid back atmosphere, plenty for the kids to do! Kept them occupied the whole trip! Enjoyed the music and smores offered by the campground," writes Christopher T. about Misty Mountain Camp Resort.
Budget-friendly options: Free and low-cost activities abound. Annalie N. reports about Small Country Campground, "We stay two nights and had a great time! There are lots of activities to do as a family and everything is kept up nicely. The jump pad and the pool tables were our favorites."
Campground amenities: Many locations have added features beyond standard campsites. A visitor to Shenandoah Crossing shares, "Salt water pool, horse rides, go karts, mini golf. Definitely more than a campground. It's actually a Bluegreen Resort. Cabins are awesome and equipped with everything you need. Onsite restaurant/tavern is great."
Tips from RVers
Hookup positioning: Some campgrounds have unusual utility layouts. At Devils Backbone Camp, Robert M. warns, "Some of the pads (#9 in our case) had a septic cap that was too high. We didn't have those things to raise the hose up, so I had to manually lift and empty the hose for the duration of our emptying. Also, the power station was on the opposite side of the septic, so make sure you have a 30ft power cord at least!"
Dog-friendly campgrounds near Earlysville: Most locations welcome pets but have specific rules. At Small Country Campground, dogs can enjoy shaded walking areas. The campground is among the pet-accommodating options within 30 miles of Earlysville, though reviewers note you should bring extra towels for muddy paws during rainy periods.
Site selection: Choose sites based on specific needs. Mike G. from Misty Mountain notes, "RV section is typical style in a large field. Back in sites for smaller trailers such as our teardrop were plenty big enough but still on the outskirts of the field. Bath house was very clean and very well thought out. Electric sites have 20a, 30a, and 50a hookups so small trailers can use a normal extension cord."
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