Camping near George Washington & Jefferson National Forests

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Across Virginia, George Washington Jefferson National Forests has camping spots that range from developed sites to more out-of-the-way places. The City Park Campground in the forests has clean sites and just the basics you need for camping. Many campers head to the Recreation Area when they want something more back-to-basics with campsites that put you right in the woods. If you're trying to avoid crowds, the national forest has plenty of quiet spots away from the busier areas. Most camping areas have drinking water and bathrooms, which makes things easier when you're staying for a few days. Weather really changes what's available - spring and fall are usually best, summer gets pretty hot, and some places shut down in winter when snow hits. Some campsites sit under thick trees that give good shade and keep you from seeing your neighbors. Always check if there are any current fire bans or closed trails before you head out. The forests work well for both tent and RV camping, depending on which area you choose.

Best Camping Sites Near George Washington & Jefferson National Forests (139)

    1. Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park

    20 Reviews
    Stuarts Draft, VA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 337-3920

    $45 - $99 / night

    "You can fish in the lake though we didn't catch anything. Wifi is free and open so no password and therefore, not secure. Trash picked up each day."

    "Good location close to I81 but little road noise. I did hear a train."

    2. Sherando Lake Campground

    33 Reviews
    Tyro, VA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2188

    $25 - $47 / night

    "This campground is located in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. We stayed for 6 nights here and had a nice private site."

    "Sherando Lake is a well-maintained, popular campground located in the George Washington National Forest near Lyndhurst, VA."

    3. Crabtree Falls Campground

    20 Reviews
    Montebello, VA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 377-2066

    $28 - $55 / night

    "The tent sites we stayed in were 10 ft away from the Tye river, we literally fell asleep to the sound of the water every night."

    "I’ve camped at a completely different part of this place before which was a site without access to bathrooms and showers."

    4. Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area

    13 Reviews
    West Augusta, VA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 432-0187

    "Car could be parked right next to us on site 2. Next to a creek, so good sounds and cool environment 3. Some walking trails 4."

    "the pond has a great little trail you can walk around and at night the stars are gorgeous. the water is also stocked with fish!"

    5. Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA

    31 Reviews
    Natural Bridge, VA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2770

    $35 / night

    "This campground is open year round and is right off the highway.  There is a gas station right next to it as well as a safari park. "

    "Located in a beautiful part of central Virginia, this campground gives you lots of options for sightseeing. It is definitely worth a trip to the Natural Bridge."

    6. Devils Backbone Camp

    40 Reviews
    Nellysford, VA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 817-9708

    $25 - $140 / night

    "The camp is also just miles from the Appalachian Trail, so they provide a free shuttle to the camp, as well as group tent area for registered AT thru-hikers. "

    "First time camping in any part of Virginia, very nice and clean campground, not too much outside noise besides the random car driving on the one road near by."

    7. Stoney Creek Resort

    7 Reviews
    Stuarts Draft, VA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 337-1510

    "Beautiful surroundings. No phone signal and wifi was a joke but that's not a bad thing!"

    "Ate at their on-site restaurant while a local band played outside. Mostly used by local folks as a seasonal CG. Lots of semi-permanent fixtures attached to rigs. Did get a PassPort America discount."

    8. Douthat State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Clifton Forge, VA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 862-8100

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Kid and pet friendly, this park has a nice lake for Kayaking/canoeing, multiple hiking trails with views, excellent opportunities for wildlife watching, and great biking trails."

    "General: There are four campgrounds in Douthat State Park - White Oak, Whispering Pines, Lakeside, and Beaver Dam (equestrian), each in a separate location. This review is for White Oak."

    9. Lee Hi Campground

    7 Reviews
    Lexington, VA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 463-3478

    "You can’t hear the highway, which is on the other side of the mountain in the back of the campground. Restrooms were older but clean during our stay and a short walk from the camp site."

    "You can’t hear the highway, which is on the other side of the mountain in the back of the campground. Restrooms were older but clean during our stay and a short walk from the camp site."

    10. Oronoco Campground

    15 Reviews
    Buena Vista, VA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2188

    "It should be noted that the warning about water moccasins posted previously is inaccurate as there are no water moccasins in this part of Virginia."

    "Only thing is that there’s a dog, we think from a property nearby, that acts aggressive towards campers."

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Recent Reviews near George Washington & Jefferson National Forests

851 Reviews of 139 George Washington & Jefferson National Forests Campgrounds


  • Vidalia S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 22, 2025

    Thunder Bridge

    Beautiful forested sites

    Sited on an old CCC camp, this private campground is a few minutes from convenience stores, has water, showers, toilets, fire pit, community room, and picnic tables. Close to the Appalachian Trail. There is an AT hostel and shuttle in nearby Glasgow. Rock Bridge and waterfalls just minutes away, by car. Minimum two-night stay for $100 is a little pricey, for me, but they do have Wi-Fi, and they don't have T-Mobile coverage. Some road noise and barking dogs in the distance.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 22, 2025

    Dispersed camping at Mower Basin

    Not for everybody, but definitely for me! dispersed camping at its finest

    I do a lot of dispersed camping, and have done several dispersed camping sites in West Virginia recently. Mower Basin is, hands down, my favorite one so far. And I suppose it depends on what you value and what you are looking for, but here's why I'm particularly fond of Mower Basin camping: 

    1. Many of the sites are legitimately dispersed, i.e. nowhere near other campsites, and sometimes not even visible from the main dirt road. 

    2. Remote enough that it is often not crowded because it does take a bit of work to get to it. 

    3. Significant variety from one camping spot to another. Some have stellar views from their 4000 foot-elevation perch, loooking down into the fog covered valleys far below, while others will have you surrounded in dense forests of pines, and some have tons of sun exposure -- handy if you've got a solar generator to charge. 

    4. Trails nearby— some of the finest trails I've experienced in WV— which is a lot of trails since that is one of my prime reasons for camping is to be near trails for hiking or trail running. There is a gorgeous network of trails defined as multi-use but designed particularly for mountain bikers, complete with berms, moguls, and generally sufficient width for navigating without hanging up a handlebar. Most noteworthy: the trails are beautifully groomed, well-maintained(which is definitely not the case in many of the national forest trails in the region). 

    5. Many of the sites are very tent-friendly, and most are also camper/RV friendly. Because of the roughness of the road to get up to Mower Basin, I doubt you could get easily get a large motorhome up here, but I have seen MANY fifth wheel or campers up to 25 feet in length. I wouldn't call the road four-wheel-drive, high clearance terrain, but it is fairly rotted, so you want to drive slow. 

    Reasons why it might not be perfect for everyone: 

    1. Really remote. I'm pretty sure the nearest hospital is at least an hour away, and I never get cell phone reception at any of the sites I have camped at. At best, I might get a momentary rush of incoming emails at one or two spots along one of the trails. But, for the most part, you will be truly off the grid here.

    2. Definitely not perfect if you aren't into dispersed, primitive camping, so look that up if you aren't familiar with it. The short story: if you need to go#2, be ready to dig a hole unless you've got a camper.:-) 

    3. Because of its remoteness and high altitude, it could be impassable for any vehicle in winter when there's heavy snow.

  • VanRumschpringa V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 13, 2025

    Braley Pond Campground

    It’s good

    Follow the sign pointing to the picnic area. Sort of defined sites. Sort of flat. A Thursday in November and there were 2-3 others here before me. Big travel trailers.

  • C
    Nov. 9, 2025

    Colon Hollow Shelter Campground

    Isolated, free, clean

    A long dirt road with a couple camping plots just spread down it. Are a couple spot close to each other for bigger families, but other then that very lovely spot, doesn’t offer bathrooms or water tho so be prepared

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 2, 2025

    Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Complete campground with shower

    This campground in Shenandoah has a store and coin shower, flush toilets. The siye we stayed was very spacious, it can fit 2 tents. All sites have a fire ring and picnic table but not all have a bear food locker, so check if you need a food locker. Loft has an amphitheater that’s great for viewing the sunset! It’s connected to the site beside it so privacy is about 7/10

  • sparkleblaster ✨.
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Kiss the Earth

    Sweet spot along the way

    This was a perfect spot for me and my van. Beautiful wooded area. Felt very safe for a solo camper. Sunny responded right away when I reached out about availability and gave me a warm welcome. I had no trouble finding the hard-to-see spot because I carefully followed the good directions. (Might be trickier to see after dark.) I appreciate this bit of nature and the affordable price; it's priceless having a safe spot to land for the night.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Dispersed Camping Site off FR 812

    The best so far

    Best boondocking we've done in VA. The sites were clean, along a gentle stream, and all had huge fire pits. Highly recommend.

  • Bradley M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Glen Maury Park

    Beautiful place with all the amenities

    Overnight stay off I-81. Easy in and out. VERY well kept and super friendly staff. I highly recommend. Larger rigs need to stay in the lower campground and there are no sewer connections, but the dump station is all good.


Guide to 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!

Frequently Asked Questions

What activities and things to do are available in George Washington and Jefferson National Forests?

George Washington and Jefferson National Forests offer abundant recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Water activities are popular at Lake Sherwood, where visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, and lakeside relaxation. The forests feature extensive hiking trails, including access points to the Appalachian Trail from Loft Mountain Campground. Mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and photography are excellent throughout the forests. For a unique experience, the Greenbrier River Trail offers miles of scenic paths for hiking and cycling. History enthusiasts can explore nearby attractions like Natural Bridge State Park. In winter, opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing emerge. The forests also connect to nearby attractions including breweries like Devils Backbone, making them perfect for multi-activity vacations.

What are the best camping spots in George Washington and Jefferson National Forest?

George Washington and Jefferson National Forests offer exceptional camping experiences across diverse landscapes. Sherando Lake Campground stands out with its private, shaded sites and lakefront location at affordable rates ($21/night with senior passes). The campground features three loops, including standard non-electric options. For a more secluded experience, Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp is highly regarded for its tranquil setting. Other excellent options include Lake Sherwood with lakeside sites perfect for fishing enthusiasts, and Bolar Mountain Recreation Area for those seeking mountain views. For primitive camping, consider Braley Pond Dispersed Camping area, which offers a more rustic experience. Most campgrounds in the forest provide basic amenities like vault toilets, while some feature shower facilities and electrical hookups for RVs.

What camping is available near George Washington & Jefferson National Forests?

According to TheDyrt.com, George Washington & Jefferson National Forests offers a wide range of camping options, with 139 campgrounds and RV parks near George Washington & Jefferson National Forests and 20 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near George Washington & Jefferson National Forests?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near George Washington & Jefferson National Forests is Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park with a 4.3-star rating from 20 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near George Washington & Jefferson National Forests?