Best Campgrounds near Shenandoah, VA

Camping near Shenandoah, Virginia, offers a fantastic mix of nature, adventure, and relaxation. With stunning views and a variety of campgrounds, it’s a great spot for families, RVers, and anyone looking to escape into the great outdoors.

What to do:

• Hiking: Shenandoah National Park is packed with trails. Many campers rave about the easy access to hikes right from their campsites. One visitor at Big Meadows Campground mentioned, “We went and did several hikes, including Dark Hollow Falls, and spent a late evening in the Big Meadow on a picnic blanket stargazing.”
• Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, head to Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground. Campers have noted, “There is a fishing area that you can drive to and park your car to fish.”
• Exploring Local Breweries: For those who enjoy a cold brew, Devil’s Backbone Camp is just a short walk from a brewery. One camper said, “Great spot with clean facilities. Walk to the brewery. Probably my favorite improved camp site for beer enthusiasts!”

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Loft Mountain Campground said, “The bathrooms and showers are very clean, and there is a laundry room which we did not use.”
• Privacy: Many campgrounds offer a sense of seclusion. One reviewer at Sherando Lake Campground noted, “We stayed for 6 nights here and had a nice private site.”
• Wildlife: Campers love the chance to see local wildlife. A visitor at Lewis Mountain Campground mentioned, “Great wildflower hunting,” highlighting the area's natural beauty.

What you should know:

• First-Come, First-Serve: Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A camper at Matthews Arm Campground said, “Arrive early enough in the day to snag a better site.”
• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Misty Mountain Camp Resort, have fewer amenities. One visitor noted, “The only detractors were that our site was tiny so it was a tad stressful having kids running around right beside the road.”
• Noise Levels: Depending on the time of year, some campgrounds can be noisy. A reviewer at Lewis Mountain Campground mentioned, “Most of the sites here are very close together and provide very little privacy.”

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly spots like Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA. One family said, “I liked the pool, camp shop, and proximity to Massanutten water park.”
• Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper at Sherando Lake Campground mentioned, “There is hiking and fishing in each lake.”
• Pack Snacks: Keep the kids happy with snacks on hand. A visitor at Misty Mountain Camp Resort noted, “The stay is decent,” emphasizing the importance of comfort during family trips.

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Big Meadows Campground said, “Surprisingly, recreation.gov had excellent campsite descriptions and photos for this campground.”
• Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Many campgrounds, like Loft Mountain Campground, don’t offer full hookups. One reviewer mentioned, “This is boondocking (no water, sewer, or electric hookups).”
• Plan for Generator Hours: If you need to use a generator, check the hours. A visitor at Matthews Arm Campground noted, “Generator hours are 08:00-10:00 and 16:00-19:00.”

Camping near Shenandoah, Virginia, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, whether you're with family or on an RV adventure. With plenty of options and activities, you’re sure to have a memorable experience!