Best Campgrounds near Elkwood, VA
Elkwood, Virginia sits between several notable camping areas in the Shenandoah region, with options ranging from developed campgrounds to more primitive sites. The Big Meadows Campground in Shenandoah National Park offers tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations, while Mathews Arm Campground provides a more rustic experience on the northern end of the park. Other nearby options include Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground and the Prince William Forest RV Campground, creating a diverse mix of camping environments within a short drive of Elkwood.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability in the region. Big Meadows operates from May to November, while Mathews Arm Campground runs from May to October, with several campgrounds offering year-round access. "We stayed at Big Meadows Campground in Shenandoah National Park. Our site had the AT running right behind it with plenty of access to trails, and pretty central to the park," noted one camper. Bear activity requires proper food storage throughout the area, with many campgrounds providing bear boxes or requiring campers to store food in vehicles. Cell service is limited across much of the region, particularly in the more remote campgrounds within Shenandoah National Park.
The camping experience varies considerably across the region's mixed-use campgrounds. Mathews Arm Campground provides a more secluded feel with sites situated along forest edges that include bear boxes, though campers report sites can be close together. A recent review noted, "This is a nice and very large campground tucked away in the northern part of Shenandoah. The facilities and grounds were well kept." Several campgrounds offer proximity to hiking trails, including sections of the Appalachian Trail. Water access represents a key feature at locations like Rappahannock River Campground, which permits boat-in camping. Campers seeking more amenities can find developed campgrounds with showers, electrical hookups, and sewer connections at places like Bull Run Regional Park and Lake Anna State Park, though these tend to fill quickly during peak season.
