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Best Campgrounds near Etlan, VA

1,038 Reviews

Campgrounds near Etlan, Virginia include multiple established sites within Shenandoah National Park and several privately operated facilities in the surrounding area. Big Meadows Campground and Graves Mountain Farm Campground offer different levels of amenities, with options ranging from primitive tent sites to cabins and RV camping. The region includes both National Park Service managed campgrounds along Skyline Drive and privately run campgrounds in the valley, providing a mix of developed facilities and more rustic experiences.

Seasonal considerations heavily impact camping in the Etlan area, with most Shenandoah National Park campgrounds operating from May through October or early November. "We stayed at Big Meadows in mid April and there was hardly anyone there. The staff was friendly and more than willing to point us towards things to see and do," noted one camper. Mixed-use campgrounds like Graves Mountain Farm operate with varying facilities, sometimes requiring campers to bring their own water. Reservations are recommended for park campgrounds during peak seasons, especially summer weekends and fall foliage season. Cell service is limited throughout the region, with several reviews mentioning no Verizon coverage within park boundaries.

Campers frequently mention wildlife encounters, particularly with deer at Big Meadows and bears throughout the park. Tent and RV sites at established campgrounds provide basic amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, and access to bathrooms. Reviews indicate that Big Meadows offers coin-operated showers and a camp store, while some privately run facilities have more limited facilities. A visitor to Graves Mountain noted, "We enjoyed the peace and quiet and the lovely mountain views," though several reviews mention the primitive nature of facilities there. Proximity to hiking trails, particularly the Appalachian Trail which runs through the area, represents a significant draw for many campers seeking developed campgrounds with trail access, and several reviewers mentioned using campgrounds as a base for exploring the park's extensive trail network.

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Best Camping Sites Near Etlan, Virginia (138)

    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

    45 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 - $200 / 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 Camping Photos near Etlan, VA

419 Photos of 138 Etlan Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Etlan, VA

1038 Reviews of 138 Etlan Campgrounds

  • sparkleblaster ✨.
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Kiss the Earth

    Sweet spot along the way

    This was a perfect spot for me and my van. Beautiful wooded area. Felt very safe for a solo camper. Sunny responded right away when I reached out about availability and gave me a warm welcome. I had no trouble finding the hard-to-see spot because I carefully followed the good directions. (Might be trickier to see after dark.) I appreciate this bit of nature and the affordable price; it's priceless having a safe spot to land for the night.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Mathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Love this Campground

    I love camping in Matthews Arm, it has a flush toilet restroom. The site A7 has a hug parking, can fit RVs and spacious area for tent, table, fire pit. Only downside is that the tent pad is kind of connected to site A09, so privacy is not the best.

  • Zach L.
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA

    Fall Leaf Peeping Trip

    We stayed here for 3 nights. Perfect campground with everything you need. Bathrooms are very clean. Ice, propane, and other items are available on site at the store. Halloween was in full effect including a haunted walk. Sites are spacious and have natural stone in ground fire pits instead of rusted metal rims which adds character. Dog park, pool, and plenty of games are available on site. Harrisonburg is down the road if you to need to stop in town.

  • Jack W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    South Fork Shenandoah River

    Great dispersed spot

    Only a few spots around, but beautiful spot right on the river with fire pits. No other amenities but it was exactly what we were looking for

  • Spencer W.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Cedar Creek Trail dispersed campsite

    Cedar Creek Trail Dispersed Campsite

    Went to Stultz gap and was a little unimpressed. Drove about 10 minutes further north on the same road.

    Location is approximate. After the intersection, the road will turn into a trail (marked by a metal gate) and there is a campsite right there.

    Was very peaceful and clean. Had an established fire ring.

  • Spencer W.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Stultz Gap Dispersed Campsite

    Stultz Gap Dispersed Camping

    The spot itself is right next to the road. The map seems to indicate trails connected but they appear very overgrown.

    Appears some may use this with horses as some small amount of waste was left behind.

    We ended up driving about 10-15 minutes further north along the same road and found a nicer spot with an established fire ring.

  • Brian B.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Misty Mountain Camp Resort

    Great cabins, very close together…

    First, the cabins are super cool. Found out that you can actually order them on Amazon, which is really ingenious.

    The only problem we ran into, is that the campground was packed and all of the sites are very very close together. Neighbors were not at all respectful of other people‘s space and kids were wandering around everywhere.

    Our last evening there, we have new neighbors that came in across the way who blew up an inflatable screen and streamed the football game. Just not what we were looking for for a getaway vacation..

  • Brian B.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    The Retreat at Shenandoah Meadows

    Great place, zero oversight…

    First, let me say that the viewers at this campground are incredible. We stayed there this September and my family had a fantastic time in their cabins. When we got there, we found our cabin and these had codes to be able to enter. All was fine till we started looking at bathrooms.

    None of the bathroom facilities are labeled, male or female, but it was just our family there so it wasn’t a really big deal. Later on in the weekend, another group showed up, and then we felt as though we needed to try and find or figure out another way to ensure that the girls were safe.

    Every building in the campground is open you can walk literally anywhere you would like. Nobody is there to enforce anything. We had such a good time, that I still give it four stars. We had such good views that I would still give it four stars. But I would be aware of what you’re going to.

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 138 campgrounds and RV parks near Etlan, VA and 19 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 19 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.

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