Camping near Fulks Run, Virginia offers diverse lodging in the Shenandoah Valley at elevations ranging from 1,100 to 1,600 feet. The area's humid subtropical climate creates distinct seasons with summer highs averaging 85°F and winter lows around 25°F. Fall camping provides optimal conditions with daytime temperatures in the 60s and cooler nights.
What to do
Hiking trails on-site: At Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA, campers can access hiking paths directly from the campground. "Great hiking trail into the hills and woods at the back of the property. Gave me and my pups a chance to run, walk & stretch," notes Kathy L. These trails provide convenient outdoor access without driving to other locations.
Visit local breweries: Many campgrounds are within 30 minutes of Harrisonburg's craft beer scene. "Close to Harrisonburg with all the great breweries! Eat at Golden Pony," recommends Ginny L. The Shenandoah Beer & Wine Trail features over 12 breweries between Harrisonburg and Luray.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing ponds or river access. At Rivers Edge Campground, visitors can fish right from their campsites. One camper described it as "A small, comfortable, family run campground that has enough amenities to keep the littles entertained and adults relaxing."
What campers like
River activities: The Shenandoah River provides swimming and tubing options. At Rock Tavern River Kamp, sites are positioned right on the water. "Our tent was about 20 feet from the river and the campground had everything we could have asked for," reports Matthew G. The river depth varies seasonally, typically 2-4 feet deep in summer.
Clean facilities: Consistently mentioned across reviews is the cleanliness of bathhouses. "Bathhouses were plentiful, heated, hot running water, and a utility sink available," writes Carol B. about Big Meadows Campground. Many campgrounds feature recently renovated shower facilities with reliable hot water.
Wildlife viewing: The valley's ecosystem supports abundant deer, birds, and small mammals. "We saw many deer and bear while camping. Just being in Shenandoah is a soothing experience," shares Rachel M. Morning and evening hours offer the best wildlife spotting opportunities, particularly near meadow edges.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Mountain elevations create temperature swings of 15-25°F between day and night. "It was an especially cold night hitting a low of 14°F. Very happy for the nearby heated restrooms with hot running water," notes Carol B. Pack additional layers even for summer camping.
Cell service limitations: Signal strength varies significantly across the region. "Cell signal and camp wifi are bad. I was just able to get a decent signal with Starlink by carefully pointing at a small gap between trees," reports Dale Y. Many campgrounds offer WiFi near main buildings only.
Yurt camping options: For those interested in yurt camping near Fulks Run, Virginia, several campgrounds offer these accommodations. At Blackwater Falls State Park, which is within a 90-minute drive, "This is a great state park! We really enjoyed the falls & were able to take a couple of hikes," mentions Cynthia K. Yurts typically include beds, electricity, and heating.
Tips for camping with families
Activity variety: Campgrounds designed for families often include multiple recreation options. "The kids loved running off in the open field and playing on the zip line. We loved that we could see them from our site," shares Jen O. about Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park. Most family-oriented campgrounds offer organized weekend activities.
Swimming options: Many sites feature pools or natural swimming areas. "We really enjoyed camping here. Took a great hike to Fridley's Gap and went swimming in the water hole," explains Liz U. Natural swimming holes typically have sandy or rocky bottoms with varying depths.
Proximity to bathrooms: With young children, consider sites closer to facilities. "Our site was a nice short walk away, but the proximity did have some drawbacks. The vent sounds like a diesel truck idling nonstop," cautions Veronica S. Request bathroom proximity when making reservations if needed.
Tips from RVers
Site selection advice: Many campgrounds have specific sites better suited for different RV sizes. At Luray RV Resort, "The RV sites at this campground are very spaced out, you have a lot of room to each side of your RV," explains Joe. Most sites accommodate rigs up to 35 feet, while premium sites can handle larger vehicles.
Elevation and access challenges: Mountain roads require planning. "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," advises Matt S. Consider releasing water weight before navigating steeper roads to campgrounds.
Utility specifics: Electric service varies between campgrounds. "Many of the pull thru sites are situated in the wrong direction with the electric hookup on the wrong side," notes Kevin E. Pack extension cords (30-50 feet) and extra water hoses to accommodate varying hookup locations.
