Camping near George Washington & Jefferson National Forests

Camping near George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor fun. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Many campers enjoy the scenic hikes, with one reviewer mentioning, "The trails go for miles! We just started camping and hiking and can’t wait to explore more of the country!"
• Fishing: Try your luck at catching some fish. One camper at Douthat State Park Campground said, "There are also cabins here! Plenty of picnic areas and great fishing as well!"
• Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing dip in the lakes. A visitor at Sherando Lake Campground noted, "The lake is beautiful and refreshing. You can swim out to an island if you want to."

What campers like:

• Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA mentioned, "The bath/shower/laundry facility was very clean and fairly new."
• Friendly staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A camper at Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp said, "The staff is friendly and go out of their way to answer questions you may have."
• Activities for kids: Families enjoy the amenities for children. A parent at Misty Mountain Camp Resort shared, "Our kids had a blast on the inflatable jump pad which was open all day."

What you should know:

• Cell service can be spotty: Many campgrounds have limited or no cell service. A visitor at Bolar Mountain Recreation Area noted, "There isn't any cell service yet near the camp loop you can get service."
• Noise levels vary: Some campgrounds can get loud, especially on weekends. A camper at Shenandoah Valley Campground mentioned, "The stay is decent. Can get loud and the golf carts are excessive and loud."
• Limited amenities at some sites: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A reviewer at Devil’s Backbone Camp expressed frustration, saying, "$150 per night is crazy. Nothing special about the campground except proximity to Devil's Backbone."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. One family at Misty Mountain Camp Resort said, "There were events the entire time we were there and the staff were awesome."
• Keep an eye on the kids: Some sites are close to roads. A parent at the same campground noted, "Our site was tiny so it was a tad stressful having kids running around right beside the road."
• Plan for downtime: Bring games or activities for quieter moments. A camper at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA mentioned, "There is a small swimming pool that the kids were enjoying."

Tips from RVers:

• Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Sherando Lake Campground said, "Easy to access sites with large RV, flat site, didn’t even have to unhitch."
• Be prepared for limited hookups: Some campgrounds may not have full hookups. A reviewer at Virginia Bolar Mountain Recreation Area noted, "The electric showed 30 & 50 amp yet the 30 amp was disconnected."
• Bring extra supplies: Some areas are remote, so stock up before you arrive. A camper at Crabtree Falls Campground advised, "There’s a small general store that sells some things, but it’s not a real grocery."

Camping near George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, Virginia, has something for everyone. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!