166 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Front Royal serves as a gateway to camping in Virginia's Shenandoah region, with established campgrounds, cabins, and dispersed sites across the area. Shenandoah River State Park Campground provides year-round accommodations for tents, RVs, cabins, and yurts along the riverfront. Mathews Arm Campground in Shenandoah National Park operates seasonally from May through October. Several campgrounds like Gooney Creek Campground and North Fork Resort offer tent and RV sites, while others like Sky Meadows State Park exclusively support tent camping with hike-in access.
Many campgrounds in the region require advance reservations during peak season, particularly those within Shenandoah National Park. Seasonal operations vary significantly, with some campgrounds like Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park operating year-round while others like Mathews Arm Campground and Big Meadows operate only from spring through fall. Facilities range from primitive sites without amenities to full-service campgrounds with electric hookups, showers, and sanitary dump stations. Weather conditions can affect camping experiences, especially at higher elevations. A visitor to Gooney Creek noted, "We had a tent site with plenty of room to set up and park. Bathrooms were clean. Wood was provided in wheel barrows so no heavy lugging required."
Riverfront camping represents a significant draw in the Front Royal area, with multiple campgrounds positioned along the Shenandoah River. Several campgrounds like Low Water Bridge Campground and North Fork Resort provide direct river access, which proves popular with visitors seeking water-based activities. Mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate both tent and RV camping are common throughout the region. While some campgrounds receive positive reviews for their maintenance and amenities, others have faced criticism. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "Pam, the campground host was extremely accommodating! It was a little challenging to find the campground as it's located partially under a highway overpass." Proximity to Shenandoah National Park makes many of these campgrounds convenient basecamps for exploring the park's extensive trail system and scenic Skyline Drive.
"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."
"Our patio was on the side next to the road which was a little close to traffic but we still loved siting there, especially in the evening with a campfire."
from $27 - $427 / night
Check Availability"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!)"
from $30 - $75 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"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."
from $30 - $75 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"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"
"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"
"There are also several river rafting companies close by. The camp store seemed basic. Not a lot of supplies if you forget something. Front Royal is 20 minutes away and has several outdoor stores."
"Positive: Friendly staff, near the river, close to Shenandoah NP, quiet camping, every site has a fire pit. Negative: sanitary fascilities are old."
from $30 - $125 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $21 - $112 / night
Check Availability
ScoutThe staff is certainly at the office not competent. Someone ran over my house when we were away and damaged it. The WiFi didn’t work any of the day but upon assistance request no one was willing to help. It couldn’t be worse. We have no other words except never a KOA location again.
TravelerNice, clean, parking lot type campground. Great pool with lots of built in splash features for kids and a big slide. No real view from site 665 ~ just the top of some mountains. No river view at all. There is a golf cart trail to the river access with parking, but then there are big steps with no hand rail. Lucky a nice man let me hold onto him walking back up. My husband was carrying the gear and couldn’t help me. It seems everyone brought a golf cart. They had rentals, but too expensive. Again ~ great for young families.
ScoutIt was a great spot for a little fire and outdoors camping. No permit needed and there are some places around where u can easily rent a kayak to go on the river. You can also park your car easily at this spot.
ScoutTrip -week before labor day , temps 93 degrees, nothing on website when booked said about peak and non peak days on booking page. Said there were only 7 sites left(complete lie) campground was empty. First time we ever been to a place where EVERYTHING was closed. Campstore, jump pillow and the final straw was we went to go to the pool and that was closed. It was 545 pm sun still bright in the sky , nowhere near dusk( when its suppose to close) . So much conflicting info from what the paper we got handed vs what internet site said. Charged a resort fee ? for what a place to park? This is no resort. Grass was high enough to be seeding itself. My wife was so upset she was actually crying. This was supposed to be a fun trip for our da6ughter before going back to school. We decided this place over Buttonwood just because it was alittle closer. Did a full tour of the place. Realized there is nothing here. Went to dinner in town. Decided we didnt want to stay where we knew our Daughter would be bored. She's pretty easy to entertain but this was just ridiculous. 12 HOURS OF MY LIFE AND $400 BUCKS i will never get back. (Loading , driving , realizing we got screwed, driving, unloading) yup was pretty bad.
ScoutSuch a hidden gem! Beautiful place. Great host! Just what we were looking for
GuideThe RV park is on a mountain side. Roads are fairly steep. Most sites are level, ours was a bit sloped but were able to level our trailer. Plenty to do here. Endless Caverns site is quite large. Huge rec room with large projection TV. Game room, large deck with public bbq equipment. Great pool. A catch n release fishing pond, pickle ball & volleyball courts and a great playground for the younger set sporting a large air filled bouncing pad. Kids in the camp loved it. The cavern tour is worth it once. Tour guides are young so not much geological knowledge. The New Market Civil War Battlefield is about 3 miles away, it and it's museum are well worth it. The Endless Caverns staff is super. Prices reasonable. A great find. I will stay again.
ScoutGreat camp ground, spots are a little un-level
ScoutGood facilities for a NP campground
GuideThis spot was good for a one night pull over and just wanted to rest; I would not set up camp and spend some time at this site.
There are several spots with a vault toilet. We stayed at campsite 6. This spot had a tent pad, fire ring, and picnic table but overall pretty small. It did offer a slight more privacy due to the tent pad being below the parking spot and surrounded by overgrown brush. There are no views with this spot but does offer a trail. I would not recommend the trail being it has been used as a bathroom spot with toilet paper and heavy smell included.
The vault toilet was just a vault toilet. It is a heavy noise area with other campers and ATV so if you are looking for a secluded peaceful site with spectacular views, this is not it. If you just need a place to lay your head or wanting to bring your ATV along this is for you.
Dispersed camping opportunities near Front Royal include both primitive and established sites within the George Washington National Forest. Camping spots range from 1,000 feet in river valleys to 3,500 feet in mountain locations, creating diverse temperature zones where evening temperatures can drop 15-20 degrees at higher elevations. Primitive sites typically lack facilities while established campgrounds provide varying levels of amenities.
River activities: Tube or kayak the Shenandoah: At Low Water Bridge Campground, visitors can enjoy multiple water activities. "Great place with spaces right on the shenendoah for fishing and tubing/kayaking. Most spots have no electricity or water hookups," notes one camper. The campground offers equipment rentals and river shuttle services.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk optimal: At Mathews Arm Campground, wildlife encounters are common. "We even had a doe and fawn right in our campsite! Just be careful of the black bears," shares one visitor. The campground's location in Shenandoah National Park provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, especially early morning and evening.
Hiking: Access Appalachian Trail: Multiple trails connect to the Appalachian Trail from camping sites near Front Royal. "There are many deers, frogs, snakes, moths, flies, birds, turtles, bears...it's a pleasant relaxing campground," explains a Mathews Arm camper. Most trails are marked with difficulty ratings and approximate hiking times.
Fire rings with cooking grates: Many campers appreciate the practical fire setups. At Sky Meadows State Park Campground, "My firepit had a quality grill gate too. There are LOTS of bear trash cans available, and having a bear box at my campsite to store my food/trash/toiletries was so much easier than hanging a bear bag."
Creek sounds for sleeping: Creekside sites provide natural white noise. At Elizabeth Furnace Campground, "The creek running through the campground drowns out most noise from the road or other campers. Sites are private and well-shaded, but with plenty of sun for our solar panel too."
Primitive site privacy: For those seeking solitude, backcountry sites offer separation. "The hills are fantastic for helping each site feel like a little private oasis. Even if the campground is full, I think most of the sites would still feel shaded and private because of how they're dispersed throughout the hills," notes a Sky Meadows camper.
Cell service limitations: Signal varies significantly by location and carrier. "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," reports a Low Water Bridge Campground visitor.
Bear awareness requirements: All camping sites near Front Royal, Virginia require proper food storage. "Google reviews indicated park rangers insist you keep all food in a locker, camper or vehicle and you can be fined if you don't. Apparently, bears recognize coolers so you should cover them up in vehicles," notes a visitor at Mathews Arm.
Spring creek crossings: Early season hikers should prepare for water crossings. "The creeks (runs) and springs are really flowing this time of year, with some nearly thigh deep. We didn't see a single bridge, though there were a few creeks that had downed trees or make-shift rock crossings," explains a Shenandoah National Park backcountry camper.
Accessible first-time backpacking: For families wanting to try backpacking, Sky Meadows offers an ideal introduction. "This is a great campground for a beginner backpacking experience in the real backcountry. The hike in is about a mile to the campground, which was a great hike-in if you don't overpack!" A different visitor adds that "The campsites are about 1 mile from the overnight lot, which was a great hike-in if you don't overpack!"
Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds specifically cater to families. "Nice and clean family campground. It has playgrounds from the kids and the bathhouses are clean. Both times we have been there the hosts are always very friendly and knowledgeable. Great hiking trails taking off from the campground and a stocked trout stream, will keep the kids and kids at heart busy," reports an Elizabeth Furnace Family Campground visitor.
Transport assistance for gear: Several campgrounds offer equipment to help move camping gear. At Sky Meadows, "They have wheelbarrows you can borrow to help bring in your stuff from the car. There are pit toilets and non potable water available as well as firewood when you get to the campground."
Length restrictions: Many campgrounds limit RV size. At Gooney Creek Campground, "A great place to camp, hike, fish, practice your photographic skills or just sit, relax and take in the view. Gooney Creek Campground is an excellent place to tent camp or camp in smaller RVs. Rigs longer than 25 feet, most likely will not fit."
Seasonal utilities: Water and electric availability varies by season. "Water and electrical available at all the spots even though it was winter. Bathrooms and showers were nearby and clean. No cell service but the Visitor's Center has WiFi available," notes a Big Meadows camper describing winter camping.
Dump station locations: For longer stays, knowing dump station access is crucial. "This is a very nice little campground offering several types of non-hook up sites. We stayed in site 18 which was large and had a nice long flat space for us to park our class B camper on and dry camp. The showers (4) were clean and nice and the grounds were very well kept."
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds near Front Royal, VA?
Front Royal offers excellent camping options for all preferences. Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground stands out with beautiful mountain views, riverside camping, extensive hiking trails, and exceptionally clean bathroom facilities. For those seeking a more rustic forest experience, Elizabeth Furnace Campground provides a secluded woodland setting with picnic tables, fire pits, and lantern posts, yet remains conveniently close to town. Both campgrounds serve as excellent base camps for exploring the Shenandoah Valley region while offering distinctly different camping experiences.
Is Gooney Creek Campground a good option when camping in Front Royal?
Gooney Creek Campground is a viable option when camping near Front Royal, offering basic amenities including water access and toilets with both drive-in and walk-in sites. For those seeking riverside camping alternatives, Low Water Bridge Campground provides nicely spaced RV sites with wooden privacy fences, 30-amp electrical service, and water tank fill stations at entry. This campground also offers tube and kayak rentals with several river rafting companies nearby, making it particularly appealing for water recreation enthusiasts.
What camping amenities are available at Front Royal, Virginia campgrounds?
Front Royal area campgrounds offer diverse amenities to suit various camping styles. Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views features manicured grounds, an exceptionally large dog park, a swimming pool, and unique farm views with grazing animals. For those seeking luxury RV accommodations, Endless Caverns RV Resort & Cottages provides beautifully maintained wooded sites with stone borders, walls, and fire pits at every location. Other campgrounds in the area typically offer varying combinations of water access, electrical hookups, shower facilities, hiking trails, and river recreation opportunities, with amenity levels ranging from basic forest service sites to full-service RV resorts.
How close is Front Royal camping to Shenandoah National Park?
Front Royal serves as the northern entrance to Shenandoah National Park, making it an ideal basecamp for park exploration. Mathews Arm Campground is located directly within the park's northern section, offering a serene national park experience with generator-free areas and beautiful natural surroundings. For those preferring to camp outside the park, Elizabeth Furnace Family Campground provides a convenient option that feels secluded yet allows quick access to the park entrance. Most Front Royal campgrounds are within 10-30 minutes of the park entrance, making day trips along Skyline Drive and to popular hiking trails highly accessible.
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