Best Dog-Friendly Camping near George Washington & Jefferson National Forests

George Washington & Jefferson National Forests is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—George Washington & Jefferson National Forests is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near George Washington & Jefferson National Forests (101)

    1. Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park

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

    $45 - $99 / night

    "Dog park and playground centrally located. Quiet. Close to shopping, restaurants, etc.

    Bad (if they can be called “bad”): We were excited about cable and wi-fi as a new perk."

    "Dog park and playground were nice features. Overall, good value for the sites and amenities."

    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

    "My husband and I recently stayed overnight with our two dogs. The campsites run along a river, which provides great back drop for getting away from the city."

    "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."

    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. "

    "Lots of pull thru sites, full hook up, even have dog park and laundry."

    6. 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."

    7. Devils Backbone Camp

    39 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. "

    "Pets welcome and camping can be made through site. Good for probably new campers or those looking to camp but have a more relaxed trip."

    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

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

    "I love this campground, it’s 5 to 10 minutes from BV, right on the river, primitive with bathrooms, which is fine with me, I sleep in my forerunner with my two dogs, plenty of land and trails, it’s perfect"

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near George Washington & Jefferson National Forests

836 Reviews of 101 George Washington & Jefferson National Forests Campgrounds


  • B M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2023

    Sherando Lake Campground

    Beautiful Campground, Big sites and a great location

    This campground is located in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. We stayed for 6 nights here and had a nice private site. With the lifetime senior National Park pass the cost was $21 a night. The sites are big and many with shade. I think we had one of the best sites at this campground Site# C05. We like the C loop better the sites have more privacy. The B loop is nice too yet C loop better. The A loop is for tents it’s harder to drive through it. Our site was more level than some yet we still needed to raise one side. Nice shaded sites in the C loop are C05, Co8, C10, C12, C13 and C 14, C16.If you want a site in the sun C01, C02, C04.

    We had a great view of sunset. Nice stars at night the park is darker than some. Each site has small pebble in the site which is raked and makes it nice no dirt. There is a regular picnic table, fire pit, bear box and a wooden table with a cement base you could place where you want it. We set our grill on it. The camp host Wes & Jackie were so nice and helpful. They gave us great ideas for things to do. 

    Restrooms are nice and very clean, the park is maintained very well. There is a dump station onsite. Easy to access but the wash hose doesn’t have any pressure so check that out before you head to dump out.

    We had song birds, hawks and rabbits at our site. Early evening the lightning bugs were fun to watch. 

    The sites are not on the lake which we prefer yet is all worked out well. The lower lake is spring fed so it holds a nice temperature. 

    There is a local guy that will deliver a good amount of wood for $20.00. Good burning wood. He also brought kindling in a paper bag which was nice. They park will call him for you and he comes right out.There isn’t any cell service so they will call him, the host called for us. There is an upper lake and a lower lake. The campsites are between the two. You can hike to the upper lake. 

    You have to fill with water there is a fill station across from the beach parking area. Our site had electric. The lake is beautiful and refreshing. You can swim out to an Island if you want to.  The beach is big with plenty of room for everyone. Nice sandy beach and shaded in some areas. To the left of the beach is a picnic area with grills and tables. There’s a dock over that way too.

    There is a fishing area that you can drive to and park your car to fish. You do have to walk up and down some steps.Canoes and kayaks are welcome yet no motorboats allowed.

    The campground is located very close to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Skyline drive. What a beautiful drive on the parkway. There are a lot of look outs with amazing views. We spent days driving each way on the parkway. My favorite overlook is Ravens Roost. You can walk up a wall where there is one lone neat tree to get a real special view with the tree in it. Watch out for the lone Turkey who likes to be out in the road and when you slow down it comes to your vehicle and stand in the way so you can’t move. The Parkway didn’t have much traffic at all but do pay attention to the speed limit they police do sit throughout the park. There is a few NP stores on the parkway and Skyline drive we found some good Souvenirs.

    There is a small store and gas station not far from the campground yet it is limited with what they sell. Waynesboro is not that far and it has a Walmart, grocery, hardware stores and more. We stopped at Weasies (home cooking) and had lunch. It was delicious.

  • Steve V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2019

    Devils Backbone Camp

    Ranger Review: Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier at Devil’s Backbone Camp

    **Campground Review: **

    Devil’s Backbone Camp is a unique outdoor retreat that includes a campground at a large brewery complex. This was the best of both worlds, because we are beer enthusiast and avid campers. The campground includes 75 sites split between primitive tent sites, non-electric RV sites, and full hookup RV sites. All site types included a picnic table and fire ring. Check in for all camping is at the brewpub. I’ve included a picture of the map in my pictures for you to get a better understanding of the layout. 

    We stayed on site 4 on this visit, which was a full hook up site. All the full hook up sites are pull thru and in an open field so limited shade. The hookups in this area where different than I have ever experienced as the hookups were shared between two sites. If you were on an even number site, this was no problem. However, if you were on an odd number site, you either had to hope you had the length on your water and power lines to run to the opposite side of your rig or you had to pull into the site the opposite way to get the connections on the standards side of your rig. The non-electric sites were back in and had a little more shade. The tent sites were in the woods so full shade. 

    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. 

    There is single bathhouse in the camp area that is near the tent area and a good walk from both the RV areas. The bathhouse was clean and functional. 

    Firewood is available at the camp host.

    A short walk through the tent area brought you to the large brewery area. This area includes a brewpub, large outdoor seating area with fire pits and an outdoor stage, a distillery, cigar and cocktail lounge, an additional outdoor bar and grille, a breakfast building with craft coffee, and a gift shop. They also have their own green house to grow vegetables and source local farms for ingredients that they use in their brewpub kitchen and grille. 

    The property also included two large cabins to rent and two hiking trails (one 3km and another 5km). 

    We found good cell phone service with Verizon throughout the property. The camp area did have Wi-Fi, but it was a little bogged down on this Fourth of July stay (full campground). 

    While we camped, we also had the opportunity to check out a few of the local attractions. Being at the base of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, there are many outdoor activities to take advantage of. We hiked to Humpback Rocks which is a decent climb, so be prepared, but once you summit, the views are amazing. The area around the camp also had many other breweries, ciderys, wineries, and distilleries. One cidery is right across the street from the campground, was fun to visit, and has lots of outdoor seating. We did enjoy our visit here and do recommend this campground. 

    The main reasoning for the 4-star rating instead of a 5-star is due to the single bathhouse that is a good walk from the RV areas and the very unique water and power hookups in the full hookup area.

    **---------------------------- **

    **Product Review: **

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to test products. At this campground, I tested the Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier. The variety pack from Liquid I.V.  includes powder packs in the flavors of lemon lime, acai berry, and passion fruit. The packets are very easy to use (just mix one packet with 16 ounces of water) and are small enough to pack in your backpack, purse, or even your pocket so you have it with you when you want to use it. With the hydration multiplier, drinking one 16-ounce bottle of water is equivalent to drinking three bottles of water. I found that I enjoyed all three of the flavors in the variety pack. I am not a big regular water drinker, but having a little flavor made me drink the water quicker and more frequently. Having this while hiking in the area and after enjoying the large selection of adult beverages in the area made me feel rejuvenated and ready to get out and see more of the area.

  • Francelia A.
    Jul. 27, 2025

    Misty Mountain Camp Resort

    Mom and son new adventure

    Misty Mountain Camp Resort is located in Crozet, Virginia, off of 250 below Afton Mountain. I'm familiar with this resort. Many, many years ago, when it was Yogi Bear's park, a lot of updates since then. Great accommodations. I've not enjoyed camping as much as I have these last 2 weeks with my son Matthew, who is 30 years old down syndrome, autism and a leukemia survivor. I am 66 years old. I'm on the best adventure of my life. Just bought a new motorhome after my partner of 15 years passed away. I'm on a new journey. And taking care of my life with good health. I recommend this park to anyone. Friendly staff, accommodating, pet friendly dog parks, bathhouse, laundry, sun, and shade, with 30 and 50 amp hookups with sewage. I couldn't ask for a better place. Have a fun-loving life, I am!

  • Carey R.
    Aug. 4, 2022

    Natural Bridge KOA

    Perfect for Visiting Natural Bridge with Kids

    We stayed in a Pull Through, Full Hookup site on the hillside. It was surprisingly very level. We just used this as a base for visiting Natural Bridge State Park, so it was only an overnighter. The bathrooms & private showers were amazing & clean. The laundry room looked just as nice, but we didn’t use it.
    We didn’t use the pool, but the kids enjoyed the Gameroom! Of everything we used there, the only thing to mention that was dirty was the game room. But I’ll take that, we were very impressed with the playground, dog park & they even had chickens & a petting farm upon entry.
    This KOA seriously restored my faith in KOA’s. I will renew our membership, (which is about to expire), based on this visit. There are great ones out there!

  • Bridget H.
    Nov. 17, 2020

    Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA

    Right off highway with great amenities

    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.  The campground itself has a pool, open seasonally, a game room, and a playground.  It's an old school playground but the gkids love it.  They also have a couple of walking trails and a small dog park.  It is roadside so expect just that for this campground.  It has plenty of trees and sites for all different sized vehicles and tents.  The cabins and bathrooms are nice and clean.  The employees are always nice and helpful.  We have stayed here several times and have always had a good time.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2025

    Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA

    Convenient and easy

    Lots of pull thru sites, full hook up, even have dog park and laundry.

  • A
    Nov. 28, 2021

    Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park

    Will definitely return!

    Pros outweighed the cons.

    Good: Staff was amazing! Trash pickup daily. Level sites. Nice little general store. 9-hole disc golf course. Dog park and playground centrally located. Quiet. Close to shopping, restaurants, etc.

    Bad (if they can be called “bad”): We were excited about cable and wi-fi as a new perk. Could not get cable to work and wi-fi was spotty at our site. Had great signal in other parts of the campground though, and cell reception was strong. Roads were narrow to navigate and some sites quite short in length.

  • G
    Oct. 14, 2021

    Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park

    Scenic clean campground

    Enjoyed our stay at this campground! Office is open until 8pm which is rare. Sites are clean and flat. Pull thru and back in slots available. There is a lovely creek running through portions of the campground. Showers and bathrooms were relatively clean. Didn't use the pool. Dog park and playground were nice features. Overall, good value for the sites and amenities.

  • Mimi B.
    Sep. 25, 2020

    Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park

    Very nice clean rv park

    Located within minutes of I81. We stopped for 2 nights to see the Shenandoah National Park on our way to NC. Called last minute and got a site. Very nice customer service. Grounds were very well kept. Our site 112 had water, 50amp and cable. Dump station on premises. Nice dog park for our fur babies and doggie duty stations with bags in several locations throughout the park. Also had a cute playground for kiddos. Didn't use the pool so can't comment. A little highway noise but when windows and door were closed couldn't hear a thing. We'd stay here again. They honor Good Sam discount. Paid $38 with discount.


Guide to George Washington & Jefferson National Forests

Discovering pet-friendly camping options near George Washington & Jefferson National Forests in Virginia opens up a world of adventure for you and your furry companions. With a variety of well-reviewed campgrounds, you can enjoy the great outdoors without leaving your pets behind.

Dog owners appreciate spacious sites and amenities

Tips for camping with dogs near George Washington & Jefferson National Forests

  • Ensure your pet is comfortable in new environments by bringing familiar items like their bed or favorite toys when visiting Lake Robertson.
  • Keep your dog leashed and close by at Crabtree Falls Campground to ensure their safety, especially near water and hiking trails.
  • Always clean up after your pet to maintain the natural beauty of places like Oronoco Campground, where other campers appreciate a tidy environment.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near George Washington & Jefferson National Forests

  • Enjoy hiking with your dog on the trails surrounding Douthat State Park Campground, where you can explore scenic views together.
  • Take your pet for a swim at the beach area of Sherando Lake Campground, which is perfect for cooling off on hot days.
  • Engage in fishing or simply relax by the water at Montebello Resort, where pets are welcome to join in the fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near George Washington & Jefferson National Forests?

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

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near George Washington & Jefferson National Forests?

TheDyrt.com has all 101 dog-friendly camping locations near George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, with real photos and reviews from campers.