Cabin camping near Flint Hill, Virginia provides access to the Shenandoah River with elevations ranging from 700 to 3,500 feet throughout the region. Winter temperatures can drop to 14°F at higher elevations, while summer brings humid conditions with temperatures in the 80s-90s. Several campgrounds offer primitive riverside sites with wagons available to transport gear from parking areas to campsites.
What to do
River activities: Access the Shenandoah River directly from Low Water Bridge Campground where campsites are positioned along the riverbank. "Great place with spaces right on the shenendoah for fishing and tubing/kayaking. Most spots have no electricity or water hookups. Quiet during the week," notes one visitor. The campground provides tube rentals and shuttle service.
Hiking: Reach trails directly from campsites at Lewis Mountain Campground without driving. "This campground is right next to the AT and convenient to closer hikes like Bearfence Mountain (probably my favorite hike in the park - beautiful 360 degree views from the rocky summit) and the short trail up to Lewis Mountain itself," reports a camper. Trails vary from easy 1-mile loops to challenging rock scrambles.
Wildlife watching: Dawn and dusk offer prime viewing opportunities throughout the region. "We saw a total of 6 black bears, a barred owl, tons of awesome bugs (moths, beetles, etc), brook trout, a salamander, and some other wildlife," shares a Lewis Mountain Campground visitor. Many campers report deer walking directly through campsites, especially at higher elevations.
What campers like
Private riverside sites: Waterfront camping at Low Water Bridge Campground offers seclusion. "We loved our stay at a tent site on the river in June 2022. It was peaceful, and we spent a lot of our stay in the water," shares one visitor. Sites #15, #31, and #32 are noted for having the best combination of privacy and river access.
Seasonal atmosphere: Fireflies illuminate campsites during summer months. "The fireflies are spectacular. At dusk, the ground shimmers, and then after they disperse, you will still see them flit by the tent throughout the night," describes a visitor at Big Meadows Campground. Fall brings changing colors while spring features wildflowers.
Clean facilities: Modern bathhouses receive regular maintenance. "Campground is meticulously clean with daily restroom cleaning and trash pick up," notes a Big Meadows camper. "The bathrooms were plentiful, heated, hot running water, and a utility sink available," another adds, noting these amenities were particularly valuable during 14°F overnight temperatures.
What you should know
Elevation affects temperatures: Higher elevation campgrounds can be 10-15 degrees cooler than valley locations. "It was an especially cold night hitting a low of 14F. Very happy for the nearby heated restrooms with hot running water," reports a camper at Big Meadows in late November.
Cell service is limited or nonexistent: Prepare for disconnection, especially in valley areas. "There is absolutely no Verizon service here (ATT seems to work pretty well). You'll have to drive 10-15 in either direction on Rt. 211 before you can catch a signal," notes a Low Water Bridge Campground visitor.
Seasonal bug activity: Insects are most active during summer months. "The bugs when we got here were kinda crazy. They don't bite but they swarm your head and try to enter every orifice for some reason. A head net was helpful to get the tent and screen room set up," explains a Shenandoah National Park camper.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Schedule around campground events at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park which offers organized programming. "He had lots of fun at pool, movie night, making s'mores, and jumping on bouncy mound," shares a camper who brought their 11-year-old nephew.
Extra privacy: Request sites away from bathhouses when possible. "Though this campground is HUGE, the sites are not piled on top of each other. Our site was surrounded by shrubs under the canopy of trees which provided tons of privacy," notes a Big Meadows camper.
Food storage: Bear-proof containers are essential and sometimes provided. "Bear box provided, plenty of room to relax," notes a Lewis Mountain camper. Rangers enforce proper food storage rules with potential fines for violations.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Request level spaces when making reservations. "Our site was level, at least 28 was. You can't go wrong with the pergola and mountains view. Note that the most pull-thru in the inside of the camp are closers to each other than sites around the camp (the edge of the camp)," advises an RVer at Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views.
Water access points: Many campgrounds require fill-up upon arrival rather than at individual sites. "You can fill your water tanks as you enter the campground," notes a visitor to Low Water Bridge Campground. Some locations offer limited electric hookups with 30-amp service while water remains communal.
Steep mountain roads: Prepare for challenging terrain when traveling to mountain campgrounds. "The drive in requires about 25-miles through the roller coaster of steep grade(7+%) hills. There's no way around that, you're in the mountains. Just be aware and be prepared," warns an RVer at Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views.
