Best Campgrounds near Front Royal, VA

Front Royal sits at the doorway to some wonderful Virginia camping spots. Shenandoah National Park is just a short drive away and includes Big Meadows Campground with its roomy sites, picnic tables, and fire rings that many campers enjoy. Nearby Cacapon Resort State Park combines beautiful natural areas with things to do like hiking, fishing, and even golfing for those who want different activities. You'll likely see deer, black bears, and lots of birds while camping here, so be sure to store your food properly to keep wildlife away from your camp. Around Front Royal, you can access many trails throughout Shenandoah National Park for day hikes and longer treks. The best times to camp in this area are spring and fall when the weather is mild and the leaves are colorful. The campgrounds near Front Royal work well for both quiet getaways and more active outdoor trips.

Best Camping Sites Near Front Royal, Virginia (150)

    1. Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground

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

    $30 - $40 / night

    "Tons of trails great for families with dogs or those wanting to get out and hike. The campsite featured some of the best bathroom/ shower houses, they were super clean and well maintained."

    "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."

    2. Mathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    43 Reviews
    Rileyville, VA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3132

    $30 - $75 / night

    "You can hike to Overall Run Falls from a trail in the parking lot near the campground and turn this into a loop hike by returning a different way."

    "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!)"

    3. Gooney Creek Campground

    16 Reviews
    Bentonville, VA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 635-4066

    "We are tent campers and we’re looking for a place close to Shenandoah to ride our motorcycles. This was 3 miles from the north entrance to the park, perfect."

    "Hike up a trail or up through the creek itself to a swimming hole only accessible to campers. Saw some decent sized fish swimming around in there."

    4. Elizabeth Furnace Campground

    9 Reviews
    Strasburg, VA
    8 miles
    Website

    $20 / night

    "Campground Review:

    What a great find, so close to a town….though feels like you are deep in the forest!"

    "In the valley outside of Shenandoah, it was a nice spot to return to at night. There are also some hiking trails across the street."

    5. Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

    15 Reviews
    Bentonville, VA
    13 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."

    6. Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    117 Reviews
    Stanley, VA
    31 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."

    7. Elizabeth Furnace Family Campground

    9 Reviews
    Strasburg, VA
    8 miles

    "Great spot right outside Shenandoah NP with quick access to the park or nearby trails. great fishing and hikes for kids, too!"

    "There are a couple of sites that have a path to the creek that flows behind the campground.There is also plenty of hiking trails to be completed around the campgrounds of various levels from beginner to"

    8. North Fork Resort

    7 Reviews
    Front Royal, VA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 636-9949

    "First time visiting North Fork, didn’t explore as much as I wanted to, Campers are tightly parked next to one another, was invited by my Uncle to come have a good time and enjoy the atmosphere, go tubing"

    9. Low Water Bridge Campground

    8 Reviews
    Bentonville, VA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 635-7277

    $30 - $125 / night

    "Positive: Friendly staff, near the river, close to Shenandoah NP, quiet camping, every site has a fire pit. Negative: sanitary fascilities are old."

    "Sites 31 and 32 (despite being near the campground’s public river access) look large and private. Both riverside."

    10. Sky Meadows State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Paris, VA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 592-3556

    "Parking is in a locked lot steps away from trail head which leads to campsites about a mile away. Campsites are in a wooded area of park well away from other park attractions so it's very quiet."

    "When we were there they were having a historical reenactment near the visitors center that was so cool! We came in August and it was super hot, but that is just Virginia."

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Recent Reviews near Front Royal, VA

1004 Reviews of 150 Front Royal Campgrounds



Guide to Front Royal

Camping near Front Royal, Virginia, offers a fantastic mix of natural beauty and outdoor activities. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in Shenandoah National Park. Many campers rave about the easy access to trails right from their campsites. One reviewer at Big Meadows Campground mentioned, "Hiking trails leave right from the campground."
  • Stargazing: The clear skies in the area make for excellent stargazing opportunities. A visitor at Loft Mountain Campground enjoyed a late evening under the stars, saying, "We spent a late evening in the Big Meadow on a picnic blanket stargazing."
  • Fishing and Water Activities: If you enjoy fishing, check out the nearby rivers. Campers at Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground highlighted the beautiful river access, stating, "Hiking, fishing, breathtaking views, tons to do in the area!"

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Loft Mountain Campground noted, "The bathrooms and showers are very clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One visitor at Big Meadows Campground mentioned, "We could see a couple of other campsites from ours but generally felt we had plenty of space and privacy."
  • Proximity to Attractions: Campers love being close to both nature and local attractions. A reviewer at Pohick Bay Campground said, "We were here to visit DC and it was an excellent spot to stay."

What you should know:

  • First-Come, First-Serve: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A camper at Lewis Mountain Campground advised, "Arrive early enough in the day to snag a better site."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Matthews Arm Campground mentioned, "There is no electricity or hookups at Matthew’s Arm, and no cell service."
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially on weekends. A camper at Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA complained, "Partiers with foul mouths throughout the campground. No enforcement of quiet hours."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities for kids. A reviewer at Bull Run Regional Park mentioned, "The playground and trails were nice; kids really enjoyed the chance to take in nature."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep the kids engaged. A visitor at Greenbrier State Park Campground said, "There are also easy trails from the camping loops to the lake."
  • Pack Snacks and Meals: Having food on hand can save you time and money. A camper at Rocky Gap State Park Campground noted, "The camp store has their own swim beach with a great playground."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Loft Mountain Campground mentioned, "We would not have been satisfied with the slope of more than a few of the sites here."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Some campgrounds don’t offer electric or water hookups. A visitor at Matthews Arm Campground said, "No electric hookups, but you can run a generator if needed."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump stations are located. A camper at Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground appreciated the convenience of the dump station nearby.

Camping near Front Royal, Virginia, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just enjoying the scenery, there's something for every outdoor enthusiast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Front Royal, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Front Royal, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 150 campgrounds and RV parks near Front Royal, VA and 15 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Front Royal, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Front Royal, VA is Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 56 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Front Royal, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 free dispersed camping spots near Front Royal, VA.

What parks are near Front Royal, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 parks near Front Royal, VA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.