Best Campgrounds near Harrisonburg, VA

Several good camping spots surround Harrisonburg, Virginia, with Shenandoah National Park being the main draw for most campers. Big Meadows Campground has decent-sized sites that come with picnic tables and fire rings, working well for both tents and RVs. It gets pretty busy when the weather's nice, but having flush toilets and showers (though you'll need quarters) makes up for the crowds. Loft Mountain Campground sits nearby with better views and puts you right by some good hiking trails. If you want to get away from other people, you can find some basic spots scattered through the park for dispersed camping. Just know you won't have any facilities at these places, so bring your own water and be ready to handle trash. The higher elevation means nights cool down nicely, which feels great in July and August. Always check the park website before you go since rules and closures change seasonally. The Harrisonburg area has camping that works for everyone from families to solo backpackers.

Best Camping Sites Near Harrisonburg, Virginia (149)

    1. Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    63 Reviews
    Dyke, VA
    17 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. Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA

    31 Reviews
    Shenandoah, VA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 896-8929

    "Close to Harrisonburg with all the great breweries! Eat at Golden Pony. The bathhouse was clean and blissfully warm. There’s great hiking nearby. Would definitely return."

    "This campground has an awesome location between Harrisonburg and Luray/Shenandoah. It has great amenities like a pool and playground, a camp store and lots of friendly and helpful employees."

    3. Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    119 Reviews
    Stanley, VA
    24 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."

    4. Endless Caverns RV Resort & Cottages

    22 Reviews
    New Market, VA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 896-2283

    $45 - $249 / night

    "We didn’t do the cavern tour, but did take advantage of their hiking trails onsite. It is well worth the effort to climb up to their sign to take in the views. There are picnic tables up there."

    "July 10-19, 2020

    As my wife and I were discussing my review, I asked her what could we point to to take away from a 5-star rating. Neither of us could think of a single thing."

    5. Shenandoah Valley Campground

    25 Reviews
    Staunton, VA
    17 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."

    6. Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm

    6 Reviews
    Singers Glen, VA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 560-4847

    $25 - $30 / night

    "Convenient location, nice setup with tables and chairs around 2 firepits, space to spread out, and plenty of firewood provided. Friendly host.  Thanks!"

    "Accessibly located and cute as all get out!"

    7. Lewis Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    31 Reviews
    Hood, VA
    21 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."

    8. Hone Quarry

    10 Reviews
    Mount Solon, VA
    14 miles
    Website

    $5 / night

    "If you live in Harrisonburg, Bridgwater and any surrounding area, this place is amazing. Fair warning, this place is DARK DARK, but your campers, so."

    "The first camp sites are easy to get to are close to bathrooms and a creek if you keep going down the road the road does get pretty rough and I wouldn’t recommend any cars or less the 4 wheel drives at"

    9. Natural Chimneys Regional Park

    7 Reviews
    Mount Solon, VA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 245-5727

    $23 - $44 / night

    "If you're lucky enough there might be some neat events nearby."

    "Natural Chimmneys is on a river and has hiking trails."

    10. Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    Brandywine, VA
    17 miles
    Website

    "Once you turn onto Switzer Lake Rd from U.S. 33 and find the parking area to the lake on your left, be prepared to drive another 2ish miles on a single lane and very bumpy dirt road."

    "Some things to note- the lake front campsites fill up quickly and they are not drive in. Since I sleep in my Jeep, I needed a drive in spot."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 149 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Harrisonburg, VA

1092 Reviews of 149 Harrisonburg Campgrounds



Guide to Harrisonburg

Camping near Harrisonburg, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Many campers enjoy the hikes right from their campsites. One reviewer at Big Meadows Campground mentioned, "We went and did several hikes, including Dark Hollow Falls, and spent a late evening in the Big Meadow on a picnic blanket stargazing."
  • Fishing: The nearby lakes and rivers provide great fishing spots. A camper at Sherando Lake Campground noted, "There is a fishing area that you can drive to and park your car to fish."
  • Visiting Breweries: For those who enjoy craft beer, Devil’s Backbone Camp is just a short walk from a brewery. One happy camper said, "Great spot with clean facilities. Walk to the brewery. Probably my favorite improved camp site for beer enthusiasts!"

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Loft Mountain Campground remarked, "Good clean campsites and showers, my only complaint being the showers were pretty expensive at $5 for 10 minutes."
  • Privacy: Many campgrounds offer spacious sites. A reviewer at Seneca Shadows shared, "The sites were spaced far apart and are wooded."
  • Proximity to Nature: Campers love the natural beauty surrounding the campgrounds. One camper at Lewis Mountain Campground said, "I adore Lewis Mountain. It's quieter than the other Shenandoah sites, it has clean facilities, showers, water, and a store."

What you should know:

  • First-Come, First-Serve: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A visitor at Matthews Arm Campground mentioned, "Arrive early enough in the day to snag a better site."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A camper at Misty Mountain Camp Resort noted, "The only detractors were that our site was tiny so it was a tad stressful having kids running around right beside the road."
  • Wildlife Precautions: Bears are common in the area, so be cautious with food storage. A camper at Big Meadows Campground advised, "There are bears so make sure you don't leave any food out."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. A family at Sherando Lake Campground enjoyed, "The sites are nicely prepared. There are potable water taps close to most sites."
  • Plan Activities: Engage kids with nearby activities like swimming or hiking. A parent at Misty Mountain Camp Resort said, "Our kids had a blast on the inflatable jump pad which was open all day."
  • Pack Essentials: Bring along games and outdoor gear to keep everyone entertained. A camper at Loft Mountain Campground mentioned, "Campground with tables, fire rings, running water bathrooms, utility sinks."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Big Meadows Campground noted, "Surprisingly, recreation.gov had excellent campsite descriptions and photos for this campground."
  • Be Mindful of Hookups: Some campgrounds lack electric and water hookups. A visitor at Matthews Arm Campground shared, "There is no electricity or hookups at Matthew’s Arm."
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Respect the campground's quiet hours to ensure a peaceful stay. A camper at Seneca Shadows mentioned, "The camp host was friendly and helpful."

Exploring the harrisonburg, va campgrounds can lead to memorable experiences, whether you're camping with family or enjoying a solo adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds in and around Harrisonburg, VA?

Harrisonburg offers excellent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA stands out with its prime location between Harrisonburg and Luray, offering amenities like a pool, playground, and helpful staff who deliver firewood and collect trash. For budget-friendly options, Hone Quarry is a local favorite just outside Harrisonburg, offering clean campsites for only $5 per night with a payment box up front. Though very dark at night, its proximity to town and fishing opportunities at the nearby pond make it an excellent choice for Harrisonburg residents and visitors alike.

Are there any RV campgrounds near Harrisonburg, Virginia?

Yes, Harrisonburg has several excellent RV campgrounds nearby. Endless Caverns RV Resort & Cottages offers beautiful, spacious sites with stone borders, walls, and fire pits. This former NASCAR resort features easy-to-level sites and underground utilities at each site. Another premium option is Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views, which offers stunning mountain views and sits adjacent to a working farm where livestock graze near campsites. The grounds are beautifully maintained with an exceptionally large dog park, a nice pool, and friendly staff. Both campgrounds provide full hookups and accommodate various RV sizes while offering proximity to Harrisonburg's attractions.

What fun activities are available at camping places near Harrisonburg?

Camping near Harrisonburg offers diverse recreational opportunities. At Devils Backbone Camp, you can enjoy the adjacent brewery with excellent craft beers and occasional live music while staying at a clean, quiet campground. Hiking enthusiasts will love Red Creek Campground, which serves as an excellent jumping-off point for numerous trails throughout Dolly Sods (open April-December). For families, Natural Chimneys Regional Park near Mount Solon provides unique geological formations to explore. The Harrisonburg area also offers excellent brewery tours, fishing opportunities, and easy access to Shenandoah National Park's scenic drives and hiking trails.

What are the best tent camping options near Harrisonburg, VA?

Tent campers near Harrisonburg have several excellent options. Loft Mountain Campground in Shenandoah National Park offers a perfect escape with sites set back from roads for peace and quiet. The campground's curvy internal roads keep traffic slow, creating a serene tent camping experience. Another great option is Sherando Lake Campground in George Washington National Forest. Popular with visitors from Richmond and Charlottesville, this well-maintained campground features beautiful lake access and multiple camping loops. For those seeking a truly rustic experience, consider Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping which offers drive-in and walk-in access with free camping.