Best Campgrounds near Grottoes, VA

The Shenandoah Valley surrounding Grottoes, Virginia features a diverse range of camping experiences within proximity to Shenandoah National Park. Loft Mountain Campground, located approximately 15 miles from Grottoes, offers both drive-in and walk-in tent sites with bear boxes and picnic tables. Several private campgrounds like Shenandoah Valley Campground in Verona provide year-round access with full hookups for RVs. The region includes both primitive backcountry options and developed sites with varying levels of amenities, from basic tent pads to full-service RV resorts with electric, water, and sewer connections. Most campgrounds in the area maintain seasonal operations from April through October, though select private facilities remain open year-round.

Reservations are essential during peak season from May through October, particularly for Shenandoah National Park campgrounds. As one camper noted, "This campground is perfect for those looking to just get away from things for a couple of days. The drive in from Swift Run Gap or the South Entrance is fairly easy, but off the road enough that you won't hear traffic." Bear activity requires proper food storage throughout the region, with rangers strictly enforcing regulations. Weather varies significantly with elevation, creating temperature differences of 10-15 degrees between valley campgrounds and mountain sites. Cell service is limited or non-existent in many camping areas, particularly within the national park boundaries and more remote forest service sites.

Mountain views dominate the camping experience, with many sites offering scenic vistas of the Blue Ridge and Allegheny ranges. Campers frequently mention the proximity to hiking trails as a major benefit, with the Appalachian Trail accessible from several campgrounds. According to one visitor at Lewis Mountain Campground, "This campground is more secluded than the others just down Skyline Drive which makes it more desirable." Facilities range from primitive (vault toilets only) to moderately developed (flush toilets and coin-operated showers). Noise levels vary significantly between locations, with some reviewers noting that "the mountains echo, so every child crying is heard." Weekday camping typically offers more solitude than weekends, when many campgrounds reach capacity, especially during fall foliage season.

Best Camping Sites Near Grottoes, Virginia (145)

    1. Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    65 Reviews
    Dyke, VA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 823-4675

    $30 - $75 / night

    "This campground is perfect for those looking to just get away from things for a couple of days."

    "We got a walk in site, so our tent was way far away from cars and other people. The site included a fire pit w/grill grate, picnic table, and metal bear box."

    2. Shenandoah Valley Campground

    25 Reviews
    Staunton, VA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 248-2267

    $36 - $132 / night

    "We spent 2 weeks at SVC while our trunk was in the shop(our travel trailer got towed there- highly recommend Good Sam Roadside policy). Everyone on staff was accomodating, helpful and friendly."

    "It was clean, but had a trail of ants get into my belongings. Sites are close to one another and the cabins are not near the water. They are near the bath house though."

    3. Misty Mountain Camp Resort

    40 Reviews
    Crozet, VA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 647-8900

    $35 - $75 / night

    "The winding layout allowed for more distance between other sites. The woods were beautiful with easy walking trails right from the site."

    "Back in sites for smaller trailers such as our teardrop were plenty big enough but still on the outskirts of the field. Bath house was very clean and very well thought out."

    4. Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    120 Reviews
    Stanley, VA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3500

    $30 - $75 / night

    "While the campground is very nice, with clean conveniently located bathrooms, the site itself is probably not suited for a large group of people."

    "Our site had the AT running right behind it. The was plenty of access to trails, and pretty central to the park. The campground is near showers, laundry, campstore, and visitor center."

    5. Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA

    32 Reviews
    Shenandoah, VA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 896-8929

    "Convenient to the highway and easy to get to. Sites are well spaced. Hookups were well positioned. Walking trail starts at the campground. WiFi worked pretty well. Overall a great KOA."

    "Positive: Friendly staff, close to Shenandoah NP, quiet camping, every site has a fire pit. Negative: Pricing rather high"

    6. Lewis Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    31 Reviews
    Hood, VA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3500

    $30 / night

    "Lewis mountain has all the amenities of home within walking distance if you just can’t live without them; bathrooms,showers, kitchen sink, fire pit, small store and 2 personal vehicle parking spots steps"

    "Arrived before the weekend, around late morning. Greeted by the park ranger, they gave the basic information for these sites. Limited spots here. You’re pretty close to your neighbor."

    7. Dundo Group Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    5 Reviews
    Grottoes, VA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 823-4675

    $75 / night

    "It was nice not having to drive our trash out! We stayed at campsite 3 which is right next to campsite 2. We could hear the conversation from campsite 2 and see them."

    "This campground was really awesome because it’s so close to the skyline drive and Shenandoah. We went on some awesome hikes while we were here. Check out rose river trail and bearfence mountain."

    8. Kiss the Earth

    4 Reviews
    Crimora, VA
    7 miles
    +1 (540) 649-4155

    "It’s super close (only an hour drive) to Shenandoah NP! Host is super responsive to questions/concerns that arise but it’s not necessary to communicate with them if you prefer the privacy."

    9. Waynesboro North 340 Campground

    6 Reviews
    Crimora, VA
    10 miles
    +1 (540) 943-9573

    "Good area close to hiking trails and historical sites. Dog friendly. Only negative was the closeness of the sites."

    10. Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park

    20 Reviews
    Stuarts Draft, VA
    22 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."

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Recent Reviews near Grottoes, VA

1094 Reviews of 145 Grottoes Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Mathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Love this Campground

    I love camping in Matthews Arm, it has a flush toilet restroom. The site A7 has a hug parking, can fit RVs and spacious area for tent, table, fire pit. Only downside is that the tent pad is kind of connected to site A09, so privacy is not the best.

  • Zach L.
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA

    Fall Leaf Peeping Trip

    We stayed here for 3 nights. Perfect campground with everything you need. Bathrooms are very clean. Ice, propane, and other items are available on site at the store. Halloween was in full effect including a haunted walk. Sites are spacious and have natural stone in ground fire pits instead of rusted metal rims which adds character. Dog park, pool, and plenty of games are available on site. Harrisonburg is down the road if you to need to stop in town.

  • Jack W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    South Fork Shenandoah River

    Great dispersed spot

    Only a few spots around, but beautiful spot right on the river with fire pits. No other amenities but it was exactly what we were looking for

  • 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.

  • Spencer W.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Cedar Creek Trail dispersed campsite

    Cedar Creek Trail Dispersed Campsite

    Went to Stultz gap and was a little unimpressed. Drove about 10 minutes further north on the same road.

    Location is approximate. After the intersection, the road will turn into a trail (marked by a metal gate) and there is a campsite right there.

    Was very peaceful and clean. Had an established fire ring.

  • Spencer W.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Stultz Gap Dispersed Campsite

    Stultz Gap Dispersed Camping

    The spot itself is right next to the road. The map seems to indicate trails connected but they appear very overgrown.

    Appears some may use this with horses as some small amount of waste was left behind.

    We ended up driving about 10-15 minutes further north along the same road and found a nicer spot with an established fire ring.

  • Brian B.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Misty Mountain Camp Resort

    Great cabins, very close together…

    First, the cabins are super cool. Found out that you can actually order them on Amazon, which is really ingenious.

    The only problem we ran into, is that the campground was packed and all of the sites are very very close together. Neighbors were not at all respectful of other people‘s space and kids were wandering around everywhere.

    Our last evening there, we have new neighbors that came in across the way who blew up an inflatable screen and streamed the football game. Just not what we were looking for for a getaway vacation..

  • Brian B.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    The Retreat at Shenandoah Meadows

    Great place, zero oversight…

    First, let me say that the viewers at this campground are incredible. We stayed there this September and my family had a fantastic time in their cabins. When we got there, we found our cabin and these had codes to be able to enter. All was fine till we started looking at bathrooms.

    None of the bathroom facilities are labeled, male or female, but it was just our family there so it wasn’t a really big deal. Later on in the weekend, another group showed up, and then we felt as though we needed to try and find or figure out another way to ensure that the girls were safe.

    Every building in the campground is open you can walk literally anywhere you would like. Nobody is there to enforce anything. We had such a good time, that I still give it four stars. We had such good views that I would still give it four stars. But I would be aware of what you’re going to.


Guide to Grottoes

Camping sites near Grottoes, Virginia range in elevation from approximately 1,100 feet in the valley to over 3,500 feet along Skyline Drive. Winter camping remains available at select locations despite seasonal closures at most Shenandoah National Park facilities from November through March. Temperature variations between day and night can exceed 30 degrees during spring and fall months, requiring appropriate gear for overnight stays.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: The campgrounds around Grottoes offer various fishing spots with stocked ponds and natural waterways. At Shenandoah Valley Campground, campers can enjoy "decent fishing in the pond" according to Jerry G., who noted the campground's "colorful bunnies" and "pretty cool water fall" as additional attractions.

Waterfall hiking: Several trails within driving distance lead to scenic waterfall views. From Big Meadows Campground, you can access multiple waterfall trails. Anna Y. mentions the campground has "some sites with platform picnic/dining spots" making it convenient to rest after hiking excursions.

Stargazing: The higher elevation sites provide excellent night sky viewing opportunities away from light pollution. At Dundo Group Campground, one visitor described how "at night you could see stars. We took a walk to the overlook in the middle of the night to stargaze."

What campers like

Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds feature swimming facilities that provide relief during warmer months. Joy A. described Shenandoah Valley Campground as having "a river to swim and tube down... and a big swimming pool," noting it "really has it all" for water recreation.

Wildlife viewing: The region hosts abundant wildlife, particularly deer and sometimes black bears. At Lewis Mountain Campground, Lexa L. shared that "our tent was also nestled up against the AT so we came across numerous friendly backpackers!" while others frequently mention wildlife sightings.

Camp store amenities: Many locations feature well-stocked camp stores with essentials and local specialties. At Loft Mountain Campground, Katrin M. reported "a very nice and well stocked campstore. They had everything you need... I enjoyed a blackberry shake, which is kinda famous for the area, and it was delicious."

What you should know

Shower facilities: Shower availability varies significantly between campgrounds. At Loft Mountain, "the shower was about 0.3 miles away. They charge $5 for 10 min, which you have to pay in quarters." Big Meadows has similar pay shower facilities.

Insect activity: Bugs can be prevalent depending on season and location. One camper at Loft Mountain noted "our campsite was bumblebee invested. It was cool to watch them, but they got into everything."

Cell service limitations: Connectivity is inconsistent throughout the region. Karen mentioned at Misty Mountain Camp Resort, "no wifi, no cable and cell service is limited - definitely not good for Verizon. There were no fewer than half a dozen people walking around with their phones held high trying to get a signal."

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated recreational facilities for children. Christopher T. said Misty Mountain Camp Resort offers a "very laid back atmosphere, plenty for the kids to do! Kept them occupied the whole trip!" While Ryan Z. noted that Shenandoah Valley Campground had "lots to do with the family. My kids loved all the bunnies, the river, pool and putt-putt."

Playground access: Multiple campgrounds include playground facilities, though quality varies. Laure D. mentioned Walnut Hills has "a very nice playground" for children, which complements other family-friendly amenities.

Noise considerations: Sound carries differently at various campgrounds, affecting family sleep schedules. When staying at Loft Mountain Campground, Annie B. observed: "The sites were fairly close, but separated by trees, so you felt private. You could hear people on the other side of the trees, but no one was loud and it was very quiet and peaceful at night!"

Tips from RVers

Site spacing: RV sites vary considerably in size and proximity to neighbors. At Walnut Hills Campground, Jennifer A. noted: "The campsites are very close to each other and the roads are very narrow. We can't even extend our awning due to through traffic."

Hookup variations: Power options differ between campgrounds with implications for smaller versus larger rigs. Mike G. appreciated that at Misty Mountain, "Electric sites have 20a, 30a, and 50a hookups so small trailers can use a normal extension cord," making it more accessible for varied equipment.

Level site availability: Terrain varies significantly around Grottoes, affecting RV setup. Dale Y. found Harrisonburg Shenandoah Valley KOA sites to be "large enough and level enough. The power pole is well positioned," though he noted "cell signal and camp wifi are bad."

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best camping options near Grottoes?

The Grottoes area offers several excellent camping options. Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views provides beautiful mountain vistas, exceptionally clean grounds, and a large dog park area. It's situated adjacent to a working farm where you might see cows, sheep, and llamas grazing near your campsite. Another top choice is Endless Caverns RV Resort & Cottages, featuring wooded sites with stone borders, stone walls, and stone fire pits. For those seeking a more rustic experience, nearby Shenandoah National Park campgrounds offer peaceful, natural settings perfect for getting away from it all.

What activities can you do when visiting Grottoes?

The Grottoes area offers a wealth of outdoor activities. Hiking is particularly popular, with excellent trails accessible from Mathews Arm Campground, which provides a fantastic trail to Overall Run Falls. Water activities abound near Sherando Lake Campground, a well-maintained facility in George Washington National Forest that offers swimming and fishing opportunities. The region is also known for cave exploration, scenic drives along Skyline Drive, wildlife viewing, photography, and stargazing. For those who enjoy craft beverages, visiting local breweries like the one near Devils Backbone Camp makes for a perfect afternoon activity after a morning of outdoor adventure.

How do I get to Grottoes and what are the access points?

Grottoes is easily accessible from several nearby campgrounds. From Loft Mountain Campground in Shenandoah National Park, you can reach Grottoes via Swift Run Gap or the South Entrance, both providing scenic drives that are fairly easy to navigate. The campground itself is situated off the main road, ensuring a quiet experience away from traffic noise. For a different approach, Devils Backbone Camp offers a convenient base with good road access to the Grottoes area. The primary access points to Grottoes are along Route 340, which connects to several secondary roads leading to various attractions and camping options in the region.