Best Campgrounds near Etlan, VA

Etlan, VA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Virginia camping has to offer. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Etlan. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Camping Sites Near Etlan, Virginia (135)

    1. Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    120 Reviews
    Stanley, VA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3500

    $30 - $75 / night

    "While the campground is very nice, with clean conveniently located bathrooms, the site itself is probably not suited for a large group of people."

    "Our site had the AT running right behind it. The was plenty of access to trails, and pretty central to the park. The campground is near showers, laundry, campstore, and visitor center."

    2. Mathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    44 Reviews
    Rileyville, VA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3132

    $30 - $75 / night

    "This is a nice and very large campground tucked away in the northern part of Shenandoah. The facilities and grounds were well kept and it’s a short car’s travel (but there’s also a trail!)"

    "There are a few trails encompassing and leading out from the campground, and it's nice to have a central location from which you can out on small hikes."

    3. Lewis Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    31 Reviews
    Hood, VA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3500

    $30 / night

    "Lewis mountain has all the amenities of home within walking distance if you just can’t live without them; bathrooms,showers, kitchen sink, fire pit, small store and 2 personal vehicle parking spots steps"

    "Arrived before the weekend, around late morning. Greeted by the park ranger, they gave the basic information for these sites. Limited spots here. You’re pretty close to your neighbor."

    4. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Luray

    24 Reviews
    Luray, VA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 300-1697

    "Close to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive."

    "They had plenty of appearances of Yogi or Cindy bear at activities and just driving around the park on a golf cart."

    5. Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Bentonville, VA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 622-6840

    $30 - $40 / night

    "Virginia has the best state park campgrounds. Water and electric. Large sites. The bathrooms are clean with separate shower rooms. Nice hiking in the park. Near SNP. Responsive and friendly rangers."

    "In my opinion it has the best location of the 3 Turks they have. It’s it the woods close to a boat landing you can see a bit of the river. In the fall or spring I’m sure the view is amazing."

    6. Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views

    18 Reviews
    Luray, VA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 743-7222

    $31 - $220 / night

    "Adjacent to a working farm where cows, sheep, llamas, chickens and roosters can graze next to the campsites. The grounds were beautifully manicured and incredibly clean."

    "We stayed at this KOA on our way to Virginia Beach but wanted to a day in Shenandoah National Park. "

    7. Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

    15 Reviews
    Bentonville, VA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3500

    "It is suitable for novice campers to experienced off-trail campers. You'll never tire of the wonders this beautiful piece of America has to offer."

    "There was definitely a lot less privacy/space between sites here at SNP than I’ve noted at other parks across Virginia."

    8. Graves Mountain Farm Campground

    6 Reviews
    Syria, VA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 877-9659

    $12 / night

    "Lodge close by if food, warmth, or better restroom desired."

    "Lots of people on horses running around which we loved, and good live music after dinner. Could get muddy if you're there after rain"

    9. Watercress Inn at Landon Farm

    3 Reviews
    Syria, VA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 365-4277

    $35 - $75 / night

    "The location was easy to find, which made the journey hassle-free. The cleanliness of the campsite was impressive, and I truly enjoyed my time there."

    "Did two nights at Butterfly Camp while hiking Old Rag and other trails in Shenandoah."

    10. Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    65 Reviews
    Dyke, VA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 823-4675

    $30 - $75 / night

    "This campground is perfect for those looking to just get away from things for a couple of days."

    "We got a walk in site, so our tent was way far away from cars and other people. The site included a fire pit w/grill grate, picnic table, and metal bear box."

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Recent Reviews near Etlan, VA

1029 Reviews of 135 Etlan Campgrounds


  • Alex R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Graves Mountain Farm Campground

    Great camp site for our motorcycle trip

    Awesome views, good food in the restaurant up the hill. Lots of people on horses running around which we loved, and good live music after dinner. Could get muddy if you're there after rain

  • C
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm

    Convenient location

    It s nice to have a camp option near Harrisonburg. I agree with others that the tall grass seems like a tick risk. The tall grass is too close in the more private fire circle for fire safety. It was nice to hear several owls nearby. There is road noise during the day. Orv is welcoming and accommodating.

  • Nicholas H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Lovers Lane FarmStay

    Campsite didn't get reservation from Dyrt

    Reserved campsite through Dyrt. Upon calling the campsite to confirm the booking they said they didn't receive the reservation and that the site was already booked by another group. They said this has happened in the past for others. Do not recommend booking.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Beware

    So the drive here is gorgeous. Deer everywhere and a nice drive. But campground wise wasn’t great. We stayed a Friday night and the group across from us yelled, laughed, partied the entire night til 5am. We didn’t sleep at all. Loud music and all. The bathrooms had one working toilet and one sink, however the one “working” toilet was stopped up and trash was everywhere around it. Such as dirty toilet paper and other sanitary things in the floors.

    Overall the loud party beside us ruined the entire experience and I really wish the campground hosts or rangers kept it clean and also upheld the quiet hours.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Watermelon Park Campground

    Beautiful setting!

    This camping ground is for RVs only. It's right on the Shenandoah River so it's a quiet peaceful setting. However it's a long way from any town, has terrible wifi, (the mobile data was slightly better) & doesn't hav a laundry room. The road in is very narrow so our moterhome had a little difficulty getting in, but we made it! There is only a dumping station. This is just info, not a bad review :) they have showers & firewood & the staff is very friendly & helpful! Tubing on the river was closed for the season but that wud have been a great pass time!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    South Fork Shenandoah River

    Beautiful spot!

    Our site was amazing! The very last car camping site on the road. We were right on the river, we swam and fished. There were plenty of walk in sites beyond ours. Unfortunately there was a decent bit of trash we cleaned up. The road was a little rough, but our 92 ford camper made it, just go slow

  • Zoey W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    South Fork Shenandoah River

    Horrie Neighbors

    dont disregard the warnings about noise like i did, constant speakers all the time until 4am. i think its out of jurisdiction for park rangers so they wont do anything either

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    South Fork Shenandoah River

    Riverside site

    The site at the end of the road is beautiful. We stayed right at the end of the road, since we have a 30 foot RV, but there are sites you can walk to all the way down the river. I saw one other site before ours. So limited, but we saw very few people. Got buggy at night, but that happens. Also wish people picked up their trash, but we helped. Absolutely recommend

  • j
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Lake Anna State Park Campground

    Nice space

    Great space for rvs and tents. Cabins and yurts available, bath house clean, but toilet paper is thinner than dry onion skin. Beach area is 1/2 mile paved walk. Beach very crowded on weekends.


Guide to Etlan

Camping near Etlan, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in Shenandoah National Park. One camper mentioned, "Hiking trails leave right from the campground," highlighting the convenience of accessing nature right from your site.
  • Stargazing: Enjoy clear night skies. A visitor shared, "We spent a late evening in the Big Meadow on a picnic blanket stargazing," which shows how magical the nights can be.
  • Fishing and Water Activities: Lake Anna State Park is a great spot for fishing. Campers have noted, "The campground was clean & the staff... were all very helpful," making it a family-friendly option for water fun.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One review stated, "The bathrooms and showers are very clean," which is a big plus for those who value hygiene while camping.
  • Spacious Sites: Campgrounds like Endless Caverns RV Resort & Cottages offer large sites. A camper remarked, "Sites are HUGE... you really feel like you’re camping, not at an RV resort."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention helpful staff. A visitor at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Luray said, "The staff were friendly and great... they let people have fun."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Mathews Arm Campground, do not have electric hookups or showers. A camper noted, "No electricity or hookups at Matthew’s Arm," so plan accordingly.
  • Crowded Sites: Campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak season. One camper mentioned, "The sites were all small and very close together," which might not be ideal for those seeking privacy.
  • Wildlife Precautions: Bears are common in the area. A visitor advised, "There are bears so make sure you don't leave any food out," emphasizing the need for caution.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. One review highlighted, "They offer tons of other adventures like laser tag, arcade, mini golf," at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Luray.
  • Plan for Amenities: If your family prefers comfort, consider campgrounds with showers and laundry facilities. A camper at Loft Mountain Campground mentioned, "Good clean campsites and showers," which can make a big difference.
  • Pack Snacks and Games: Keep the kids entertained with snacks and games. A visitor noted, "The camp store has essentials like firewood, ice, basic gear, and food," which can help if you forget something.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. One camper said, "We would not have been satisfied with the slope of more than a few of the sites here," so do your research before booking.
  • Be Prepared for Limited Connectivity: Many campgrounds have poor cell service. A visitor at Wolf Gap mentioned, "Verizon was nonexistent," so download maps and information ahead of time.
  • Use Generators Wisely: If you need power, check generator hours. A camper noted, "Generator hours are 08:00-10:00 and 16:00-19:00," which is important for planning your day.

Camping near Etlan, Virginia, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Etlan, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Etlan, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 135 campgrounds and RV parks near Etlan, VA and 17 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Etlan, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Etlan, VA is Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 120 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Etlan, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 free dispersed camping spots near Etlan, VA.

What parks are near Etlan, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 parks near Etlan, VA that allow camping, notably Shenandoah National Park and Prince William Forest Park.