Best Campgrounds near Goshen, VA
The Blue Ridge Mountains surrounding Goshen, Virginia feature a diverse range of camping options within the George Washington National Forest and nearby state parks. Cold Sulphur Spring Campground, located directly in Goshen, provides tent and RV sites with electric hookups, showers, and toilets in a wooded setting. Within a 30-mile radius, campers can access highly-rated destinations like Douthat State Park in Millboro with its extensive trail system and lake recreation, or Bolar Mountain Recreation Area near Warm Springs, which operates from April through early December. The landscape transitions from mountain forests to riverside camping areas along the Maury River, with both primitive and developed sites available.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with some campgrounds accessible via paved roads while others require navigation on gravel forest roads. As one camper noted about visiting Goshen Pass along the Maury River, "It takes a little bit of driving to get there off the beaten path, but it is definitely worth the drive." Cell service is limited or non-existent at many campgrounds, particularly those deeper in the national forest. Bear activity is common throughout the area, requiring proper food storage. Most developed campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October, though some like Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA remain open year-round. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and fall foliage season.
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, particularly sites along rivers. Campers frequently mention falling asleep to the sound of flowing water as a highlight. As one reviewer of Crabtree Falls Campground described, "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." Many campgrounds feature wooded sites with good separation between neighbors, though privacy levels vary. Douthat State Park earns praise for its "level sites with or without hookups, well spaced apart, fairly private, and in the middle of a pretty good forest." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with fishing access available at many locations. The region's combination of mountain scenery, water recreation, and hiking trails makes it particularly appealing for extended stays.
