Goshen, Virginia camping areas rest at elevations between 1,500-3,000 feet in the Shenandoah Valley region, creating moderate summer temperatures typically 5-10 degrees cooler than nearby lowlands. The area experiences distinct seasons with colorful fall foliage from late September through October. Winter camping requires preparation as nighttime temperatures regularly drop below freezing December through February.
What to Do
Fishing at stocked locations: Lake Moomaw at Bolar Mountain Recreation Area offers year-round fishing opportunities with trout stocking from April through December. "This place is amazing. I could stay here every weekend and not get tired of it. Warm water, fresh air, no service," notes Blake B., highlighting the peaceful fishing environment.
Mountain biking on maintained trails: The extensive trail network at Douthat State Park Campground includes over 40 miles of trails ranging from beginner to advanced difficulty levels. According to Jonny D., the park has "Fun trails to go ride around on your bike all day," making it perfect for cyclists of all skill levels.
Paddle sports on calm waters: Montebello Resort provides complimentary kayaks and paddle boats for campers to use on their small lake. "The lake in the back has some primitive tent sites that looked nice... The walk-in sites were next to an idyllic little stream with less crowding," reports Adrian K., describing the water recreation options.
What Campers Like
Clean, modern bathhouses: Walnut Hills Campground receives consistent praise for its well-maintained facilities. One visitor notes, "The bathhouse is nice as is the pool. The store was sparse but adequate. The lawns were kept up and looking good." These facilities make yurt camping near Goshen more comfortable.
River-adjacent sites: Campsites at Crabtree Falls Campground border the Tye River, providing natural sound barriers between sites. Britt S. explains, "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," highlighting the natural ambiance that enhances yurt and tent camping experiences.
Family-friendly activities: Visitors with children particularly enjoy the structured recreation at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge. As Matt R. describes, "Rec staff had awesome activities planned and kept the kids entertained all week with kick ball and karaoke and shaving cream wiffle ball and dance parties." These organized events supplement the natural attractions around Goshen.
What You Should Know
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds in the Goshen area have limited or no cellular coverage. At Montebello Resort, Adrian K. notes the "location of the campground is remote with zero cell coverage or wifi," which requires advance planning for navigation and communication needs.
Site size and privacy variations: Campgrounds offer varying levels of privacy and space between sites. At Walnut Hills Campground, one reviewer observes, "The sites were a little tight. The bath houses were pristine," indicating the trade-off between site size and facility quality that campers should consider.
Weather considerations: The mountain location means weather can change rapidly. At Bolar Mountain, a visitor recommends, "Bring water shoes, the rocks can be sharp," highlighting the practical gear needed for lakeside activities, a consideration for those planning yurt camping in Goshen.
Tips for Camping with Families
Water activities for various ages: Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA offers diverse water recreation options. "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," explains Bridget H.
Educational opportunities: Scheduled ranger programs at Douthat State Park provide learning experiences for children. According to Cathy L., the park offers "Fishing, lake swimming, hiking, educational opportunities galore. Security is good but not overwhelming."
Kid-friendly amenities: When selecting a campground for yurt camping with children near Goshen, check for dedicated facilities. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, families appreciate that "There are also a couple of playgrounds, two bouncy pads, basketball court, and gaga ball. During peak season there is also a water play area with a waterslide and mini golf."
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility variations: At Bolar Mountain Recreation Area, RVers should note approach angles. As one visitor cautions, "Caution should be used with large rigs as the low-water bridge to White Oak has steep approach and departure angles."
Hook-up locations: Experienced RVers recommend bringing extra-length hoses and cords. At Montebello Resort, Anthony I. observed sites "definitely showing signs of age from the washed-away, uneven gravel pads," suggesting leveling blocks are essential equipment.
Reservation timing: During peak season (May-September), securing sites with the most desirable hookups requires advance planning. As Thomas R. noted about Douthat State Park, "Generally this is a nice campground...not too big and pretty quiet," but adds it "is pretty pricey ($40?)" indicating that premium sites command higher rates.