The Gore area sits at elevations ranging from 700-1,100 feet in Virginia's northwestern region, with camping options scattered throughout the forested terrain of George Washington National Forest. Weather conditions vary significantly by season, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during day and dropping to 55-65°F at night. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below freezing with occasional snow.
What to do
Explore historic tunnels: The Paw Paw Tunnel offers unique hiking experiences near Gore. "The tunnel is very fun to travel through. Kids and adults alike enjoy the tunnel. Tunnel is always nice and cool refreshing during a long bike ride or hike on a hot day. Make sure to bring some flashlights for inside the tunnel as it is a mile long and gets very dark!" notes a visitor at Paw Paw Tunnel Campground.
River activities: The Potomac River provides paddling opportunities within 30 minutes of Gore. A camper at Antietam Creek Campground observed that "The Potomac is mostly flat with some 'swirlies' for experienced paddlers. I also saw some people tubing." Sites here include "a fire ring, picnic table, and grill" with some having "their own path down to the Potomac River."
Hiking trails: The Appalachian Trail access points lie within 10-15 miles of Gore's camping areas. "Nice area to hike around, with access to the AT. There is also a stretch of trail that they deem the 'old AT' before it was relocated," shares a hiker who stayed at Sky Meadows State Park.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Little Fort Campground's layout creates separation between camping parties. "Each site has a fire ring, a picnic table, and a flat area to pitch a tent. They have parking spots next to them," explains one camper at Little Fort Campground. The campground features vault toilets and a self-registration system where you "select a campsite by flipping a washer on a hook on the board from green to red."
Year-round accessibility: Some camping areas remain open throughout winter months. At Sky Meadows State Park Campground, a camper observed, "It is about a mile hike in to the campground, which sits in the woods in the park. Firewood is available for sale and there are fire rings with grates and a picnic table. Sites are large enough for three one person tents."
River proximity: Waterfront sites offer direct access to water activities. "This is such a nice little spot right along the Potomac River. All sites are walk-in only, which means you park on the street, cross the bridge over the C&O and towpath, and then down a little hill to your site," notes a visitor to Antietam Creek Campground.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many campgrounds near Gore have challenging access roads. "I initially missed the right turn onto the dirt road coming down the hill. The road in is a single lane dirt road with parts of it partially washed away," shares a visitor to Hawk Campground.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies dramatically between campgrounds. At Squirrel Hollow Road Camping, campers report: "We camped during the week and had nobody else camping on weekdays" and noted limited cell reception in many areas. Another camper at Little Fort mentions, "Long and winding road to get there with no service so be cautious."
Bear awareness: Multiple campgrounds require bear-safe food storage. "If you think a lantern is worth its weight to carry in, there's a lantern post on the tent pad. I loved how level the tent pad was even on a hill," noted a camper at Sky Meadows, who also mentioned the bear boxes provided at campsites made food storage "SO much easier than hanging a bear bag."
Tips for camping with families
Choose established sites: Families find certain campgrounds better suited for children. "We had a great night. Quiet, no bears, easy access to firewood ($6/10 logs), and nice hiking trails steps from the site," mentions a visitor at Sky Meadows.
Pack water: Many campsites near Gore lack drinking water access. At Paw Paw Tunnel, a visitor noted, "Pit toilets, no showers, cell service. Make sure you bring a bear bag or box with you."
Consider noise levels: Some camping areas have unexpected noise sources. A reviewer at Stoney Creek Campground highlighted that "The two large sites can accommodate up to 40 people each with plenty of parking. Two sides are separated by a dense forest, piles of drift wood and noise from the river running through boulders."
Tips from RVers
Small trailer access: Several campgrounds accommodate small trailers despite challenging roads. A visitor to Squirrel Hollow notes, "Sites are located less than a mile from the paved highway. We found 5 spots just off the road. All were easily accessible by car or with a small teardrop trailer."
Dispersed options: For self-contained RVs, dispersed camping provides more flexibility. "True boondocking, haul it in, pack it out," reports a camper at Squirrel Hollow, who also mentioned the site was "convenient off the road" for smaller rigs.
Check tent pad construction: Tent campers should inspect site surfaces before setup. A Little Fort camper warned, "Nice flat camp site with picnic table and fire pit. Comes with tent pad but surface is too hard to use pegs."
