Camping near Churchville, Virginia offers a mix of primitive and developed sites throughout the Shenandoah Valley region, with elevations ranging from 1,300 to 2,500 feet. The area sits at the eastern edge of George Washington National Forest where summer temperatures average 15-20°F cooler than surrounding valleys. Most campgrounds in this region have limited or non-existent cell phone service, requiring campers to plan communications accordingly.
What to do
Trout fishing in stocked waters: North River Campground provides direct access to trout fishing opportunities in season. One camper noted, "Sites are $5 and by honor system but rangers do come through and check. Sites are nice and level tent spots."
Hiking mountain trails: Hone Quarry offers several hiking options accessible directly from camp. A visitor shared, "We love hone quarry! It's a small pay when you get there creek/riverfront camping. A gravel road will lead you to the campground and you can continue down to reach the quarry and you can even keep going (with the right vehicle) down the forest road to find a few dispersed sites."
Swimming in natural waters: The Middle River provides swimming options during summer months when water levels are appropriate. According to a reviewer at North River, "Great small campground with 9 sites and vault toilets up the mountain nestled by a stream. Quiet and relaxing!"
Stargazing without light pollution: The remote location of Braley Pond Dispersed Camping Area creates excellent night sky viewing conditions. A camper mentioned, "The stars were amazing! There was plenty of wood scattered about to use as firewood."
What campers like
Creek-side camping options: Many sites at North River Campground back directly onto flowing water. One camper described it as "Great small campground with 9 sites and vault toilets up the mountain nestled by a stream. Quiet and relaxing!"
Free or low-cost sites: Loft Mountain Campground offers affordable camping with basic amenities. A visitor reported, "Well kept sites, clean bathrooms, all first come first serve sites, biggest campground in Shenandoah so can usually find a spot."
Privacy between campsites: Hone Quarry provides more secluded camping experiences. According to a camper: "This campground is small and secluded. Sites are spread out and large. Really a beautiful place. The ranger on duty was extremely rude but it could almost be overlooked because of the amazing location."
Primitive camping atmosphere: Braley Pond offers a back-to-basics experience with minimal facilities. A visitor shared: "In terms of free sites, I haven't had trouble dealing with the grounds being busy like I have in WV. I've only visited here twice. We had an issue with a tick or two, but otherwise it was comfortable and well placed primitive spot."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds around Churchville have minimal connectivity. At Walnut Hills Campground, a camper noted: "Wifi is free and open so no password and therefore, not secure."
Fire restrictions vary: Check current fire regulations before arrival. At Braley Pond, one reviewer mentioned: "There are fire rings, firewood, and enough room to pull in, pitch a large tent, (ours was a 10-person) and hang hammocks."
Water access considerations: Not all campgrounds provide potable water. A Braley Pond camper advised: "This a US Forest Service site. Campsite is primitive: no facilities aside from vault toilets. Bring water treatment system."
Weather impacts: The mountain location means rapid weather changes and potential flooding. At Hone Quarry, a visitor reported: "The first camp sites are easy to get to are close to bathrooms and a creek if you keep going down the road the road does get pretty rough and I wouldn't recommend any cars or less the 4 wheel drives at that point."
Tips for camping with families
Look for designated swim areas: Natural Chimneys Regional Park provides family-friendly water features. A visitor mentioned: "Natural Chimneys is on a river and has hiking trails."
Choose campgrounds with playgrounds: Some sites offer dedicated children's areas. At Natural Chimneys, a camper noted: "The pool and playground make it an excellent spot to travel with kiddos! Very little cell reception."
Consider weekday visits: The best places to camp near Churchville, Virginia are less crowded Monday-Thursday. At Loft Mountain, a visitor shared: "Stayed here for the first time this weekend at F-173. The sites were fairly close, but separated by trees, so you felt private."
Pack for tick prevention: Braley Pond and similar wooded areas require tick awareness. One family reported: "We spent two nights camping here and it was awesome. Nice size clearing, plenty of flat space, big stone fire ring (we used our little solo stove) and a great stream that runs right by the site."
Tips from RVers
Look for level sites: Sherando Lake Campground offers good options for various RV sizes. A visitor mentioned: "In the A loop (no hookups) and this loop is more suitable for tents, but we were fine in our 17-foot campervan. The tent pads are large and flat."
Check road conditions: Some campgrounds near Churchville have access challenges. At Braley Pond, a camper advised: "Prepare yourself for a primitive camping experience. This area is fairly low, and the road and sites can easily be soaked, if not underwater after really heavy rains."
Scout dump station availability: Not all campgrounds provide sewer hookups. At Sherando Lake, an RVer reported: "All the sites are well spaced, essentially level and have large pads with better than average fire pits and tables that can seat a family reunion."
Consider utility needs: Electric options vary widely at campgrounds around Churchville. At Walnut Hills, an RVer noted: "Located within minutes of I81. We stopped for 2 nights to see the Shenandoah National Park on our way to NC. Called last minute and got a site. Very nice customer service."
