5 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm's private camping area welcomes pets with space to run and explore under a canopy of red cedar trees. Several pet-friendly campgrounds near Fulks Run provide tent sites, RV spots, and cabin accommodations where dogs can join their owners. Endless Caverns RV Resort features stone-bordered sites with full hookups and pet-friendly policies throughout their wooded property. Big Meadows Campground in Shenandoah National Park allows pets at designated campsites but requires them to be leashed at all times. Rivers Edge Campground offers a family-run atmosphere with tent areas along the riverfront where pets are welcome, though the tent area may feel crowded when full. Bennie's Beach Campground provides water access along the North Fork Shenandoah River for dogs that enjoy swimming, with crystal clear water and well-maintained grounds.
Free dispersed camping options accept pets at Switzer Lake and Flagpole Knob, though these primitive sites lack facilities like drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Harrisonburg Shenandoah Valley KOA permits pets year-round with designated pet exercise areas. When hiking with dogs on nearby trails, owners should carry enough water for their pets as summer temperatures can reach uncomfortable levels. The mountainous terrain provides numerous opportunities for dog-friendly exploration, particularly along less-traveled paths within George Washington National Forest. Campground hosts at Endless Caverns demonstrate pride in property upkeep, maintaining clean facilities that benefit all guests including those with pets. Visitors camping with dogs should be aware of potential wildlife encounters and take appropriate precautions, especially during early morning and evening hours when wildlife is most active.
"Halloween was in full effect including a haunted walk. Sites are spacious and have natural stone in ground fire pits instead of rusted metal rims which adds character."
"Convenient to the highway and easy to get to. Sites are well spaced. Hookups were well positioned. Walking trail starts at the campground. WiFi worked pretty well. Overall a great KOA."
"Stayed here with three other girls and my dog- it was a great spot! Nice and close to some great trails for our evening walk, and nothing beats staying Inside the NP!"
"This was a great campground location to many, many National Park Trails. Our stay was during the last week of September. We met up with family who live in the area and got 3 sites hugging the AT."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 - $75 / night
"July 10-19, 2020 As my wife and I were discussing my review, I asked her what could we point to to take away from a 5-star rating. Neither of us could think of a single thing."
"We stayed close to the catch & release pond and felt as though we had a lot of privacy despite the spots being right next to each other."
from $45 - $249 / night
"Convenient location, nice setup with tables and chairs around 2 firepits, space to spread out, and plenty of firewood provided. Friendly host. Thanks!"
"Accessibly located and cute as all get out!"
from $25 - $30 / night
"Once you turn onto Switzer Lake Rd from U.S. 33 and find the parking area to the lake on your left, be prepared to drive another 2ish miles on a single lane and very bumpy dirt road."
"Some things to note- the lake front campsites fill up quickly and they are not drive in. Since I sleep in my Jeep, I needed a drive in spot."
from $40 / night
"We arrived around noon and with the hopes of getting a good first-come, first serve site. All of the reserved sites were booked through July."
"I enjoyed visiting the park and camping here, especially as it is one or the few National Parks that are dog-friendly and allow dogs most everywhere, --throughout campground, on most trails, and even on"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 - $75 / night
"There’s a small bathroom attached to back of camp store nearby. Then the larger bathhouse down the way. The RV sites were flat, clean, in an open area. We will, for sure, be back."
"We spent 2 nights at Creekside Campground in Edinburg, VA on our way to West Virginia—- and found a real gem. We paid$50/night for Back-in Creekview FHU Site#20."
"I gave this campground 5 stars because it is super convenient to I81, the staff is wonderful, my tent spot was right on the creek, the bathrooms are immaculate with hot water showers, and they allow dogs"
from $26 - $47 / night
"Camped up there with just my dog and I doubt there was a single person for miles around. The sunset and sunrise views are insane. Made it up in a stock Subaru Outback."
"Great place if you want to off road a little and have an amazing view to wake up and go to sleepp too. Would definitely do this again!"
TravelerLong drive thru spots, lots of space between campsites. Really inexpensive laundry ($1 to wash $1 to dry) $5 showers for 10 minutes. Nice bathrooms. Dry camping at its finest. Close drive to Grand caverns and Luray caverns.
TravelerVery nicely maintained sites. Cost per night but can't pay via application cause there is no cell service. Water wasn't working or on but that was anticipated.
GuideLovely spot to camp as the temps drop. $30/night, first-come. Restrooms, fire pits, picnic tables, and mostly flat spots.
ScoutVery accommodating, we are traveling through and called at the last minute for a spot overnight. We stayed right on the creek.
GuideGreat spot! Was first-come first-serve - we got there mid-afternoon on a Monday and it'd filled up by about 5pm. Clean & well-stocked facilities. All the sites are pretty close together/little seclusion, but those across from us (13) probably offered the most seclusion in the upper loop there. Firewood from the camp store (3rd party - not NPS) was $10/bundle, which was kind of expensive - will probably bring my own treated firewood next time. Very pretty sunset/sunrise. Good grassy/gravel spots for tenting.
GuideGreat campground! Facilities were well-stocked and clean. Stayed at a walk-in site (005), which was nice because it's a very short walk from the reserved parking spot and it's on the outside of the ring so comparatively secluded. All traffic entering the campground passes by it, which might be annoying to some (esp. during peak season I'd bet) but we didn't find it disturbing. The site also has its own bear box (adjacent sites 006 & 007 have to share one). One note - the site map shows a separate trail going right from the parking spot to the site, but you actually have to walk through site 006 to get to it. Also, we learned that the camp store is not run by the NPS, and the kid who was running the store does not provide great service, to say the least; he was very rude when there was a credit card snafu, and made us go down to the wayside store to get our refund even though he was the one who double-charged us. Don't blame NPS though! Also, firewood is kind of expensive ($10/bundle); consider bringing your own treated/kiln-dried from a nearby store before entering the park!
TravelerAbout a half a mile down to gravel road to a very small boat launch and a loop where there are some fire pits but this is not really dispersed camping in the traditional sense. I saw a few fire pits on the other side of a guardrail where you could pitch a tent alongside the road. Noticeable highway noise in an otherwise scenic location
ScoutResponsive hosts, great sites, fun family activities.
TravelerNice open field off a fire access road. Need four wheel drive to access but has some great views.
Dispersed camping sites near Fulks Run in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley offer primitive outdoor experiences at elevations between 1,100 and 4,000 feet. The region receives 40-45 inches of annual rainfall, creating microclimate variations throughout the George Washington National Forest. Weather conditions can change rapidly, particularly on exposed ridge areas at higher elevations.
Hiking at Flagpole Knob: Access this dispersed camping area via rugged forest roads requiring high-clearance, 4WD vehicles. "The sunset and sunrise views are insane. Made it up in a stock Subaru Outback. Not difficult but definitely need at least a little bit of clearance," notes Sydney D. from Flagpole Knob.
Cave exploration: The limestone geology creates underground exploration opportunities. "The Endless Caverns tour (discounted for guests at the RV park) was lovely. Marked well, lighted, relaxed. Our tour guide, Haley, was a sweetheart, taking time for the two little kids, and still giving the information older people like," reports Clark P. from Endless Caverns RV Resort.
Fishing access: Waterfront camping allows for immediate fishing access. "We were the only campers on a giant spot right on the river. The grounds are well maintained and stunning. Water is crystal clear and everyone is respectful," explains Sumner C. about their experience at Bennie's Beach Campground.
Privacy levels: Sites offer varying degrees of seclusion. "Sites in section C usually back up into a wooded or naturally landscaped area that allow a nice sense of woodsy privacy. Sites are mostly level. Sites in section E appear tighter with less shelter," explains Sara M. from Endless Caverns RV Resort.
Dark sky viewing: Limited artificial lighting enables astronomical observation. "I gave this campground 5 stars because it is super convenient to I81, the staff is wonderful, my tent spot was right on the creek, the bathrooms are immaculate with hot water showers, and they allow dogs," notes Alexis S. about Creekside Campground.
Wildlife interactions: Regular animal sightings enhance camping experiences. "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 Veronica S. from Big Meadows Campground.
Site limitations: Understand terrain challenges before booking. "The camp area sits under a canopy of cedar trees. If you are tent camping or have a camper van the area is fine. Large RV will have a difficult time setting up in the camp area," explains RALPH P. from Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm.
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather changes quickly with elevation. "Elevation above 3000 feet and plenty of deer! It was an especially cold night hitting a low of 14F. Very happy for the nearby heated restrooms with hot running water," reports Carol B. about Big Meadows Campground.
Road conditions: Access varies widely between established and dispersed sites. "I have been camping here for the past 10 years. Beautiful area and pretty secluded dispersed campsites. The road is a mix of gravel but also dirt so it can become muddy during rain," explains Emil D. about Switzer Lake.
Activity planning: Look for campgrounds with built-in entertainment. "They have an honest to goodness swimming hole! If you are looking for the newest, biggest, and most attractions, then this is not the place," shares The C. about Rivers Edge Campground.
Trail accessibility: Some trails connect directly to campgrounds. "Big Meadows Campground was wonderful. Facilities were clean and well maintained. Bear box for food storage. Loved seeing the deer so close and other wildlife. Fire ring with grate was available," mentions Terri S.
Kid-friendly amenities: Specific campgrounds cater to children. "KOAs have a standard formula that you can count on: clean, full RV hookups, easy in and out etc. This one has all that - and more! One of the features I look for in campground is hiking trails right out of the campground," describes Kathy L. from Harrisonburg Shenandoah Valley KOA.
Site selection: Research layout before booking. "You NEED site 13. The spaces at this campground are pretty tight. Not much room for activities other than sitting by a fire. Getting in and out on a weekend is pretty difficult too," advises Jennifer about Creekside Campground.
Terrain navigation: Some campgrounds require technical driving skills. "This campground (RV Resort) is simply beautiful. Wooded, stone borders, stone walls, and stone fire pits at every site, plus full hookup at each site. They cater nicely to big rigs, offering numerous pull-through sites as well as back-in sites," explains Clark P.
Pet-friendly infrastructure: Understand limitations for dog movement. "We took a great hike to Fridley's Gap and went swimming in the water hole. The tent site was big and clean and the staff was super friendly. They have chickens and ducks roaming around and Our dog got to chase a chicken off the site," shares Liz U. from Harrisonburg Shenandoah Valley KOA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Fulks Run, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Fulks Run, VA is Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA with a 4.4-star rating from 34 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Fulks Run, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 115 dog-friendly camping locations near Fulks Run, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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