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The Shenandoah Valley surrounding Harrisonburg, Virginia encompasses numerous camping options ranging from developed facilities to primitive sites. Established campgrounds include the Harrisonburg-Shenandoah Valley KOA, which operates year-round with cabin accommodations, tent sites, and RV hookups. The nearby Shenandoah National Park hosts several campgrounds including Loft Mountain, Big Meadows, and Lewis Mountain, each offering varying levels of amenities across different elevation points. Dispersed camping opportunities exist at locations such as Switzer Lake, approximately 20 miles west of Harrisonburg in the George Washington National Forest.
Camping seasons vary significantly throughout the region, with most Shenandoah National Park facilities operating from May through October. Winter camping remains available at select locations like the Shenandoah Valley Campground and Harrisonburg KOA. Fire restrictions apply at certain campgrounds, particularly at higher elevations within the national park. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak fall foliage season when visitor numbers increase substantially. The region experiences moderate snowfall in winter months, which may restrict access to dispersed sites and primitive areas. A visitor noted, "Nice mountain atmosphere and wilderness atmosphere with very friendly staff and clean restrooms."
Campers consistently mention the convenience of locations that balance natural settings with proximity to services. Several campgrounds feature amenities such as swimming pools, camp stores, and shower facilities, while others maintain a more rustic character. The Natural Chimneys Regional Park provides access to distinctive geological formations alongside standard camping facilities. Sites near water features like rivers and lakes receive particular attention in reviews. Elevation differences between campgrounds affect temperature and wildlife viewing opportunities, with higher-elevation sites in Shenandoah National Park offering cooler temperatures during summer months. A camper described one location as having "great sites that are nice and flat and shady with huge fire pits," highlighting the appeal of well-maintained facilities within forested settings.
"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."
from $30 - $75 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"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."
from $30 - $75 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $45 - $249 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $36 - $132 / night
Check Availability"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!"
from $25 - $30 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $5 / night
Check Availability"If you're lucky enough there might be some neat events nearby."
"Natural Chimmneys is on a river and has hiking trails."
from $23 - $44 / night
Check Availability"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."
ScoutThis campground is very basic. The area is very remote. Make sure you bring supplies. Going out to eat is at least a 30-minute drive. Floating the loop at Big Bend is one of the best things you can do without traveling away from the camping area. Seneca Rocks, Smoke Hole Caverns, and Seneca Caverns are all within an hour drive.
TravelerEnjoyed the campground, even during the storm. Disappointed the river was dry, but we enjoyed the pool! I wish there were more activities for children when the river is dry.
RangerThis is a classic National Park campground, and it’s important to keep in mind that it opened in 1937–the sites are small as travelers weren’t equipped with large vehicles, as such, it may not be the best option for large rigs but my van fit comfortably though the neighbors were rather close. If you’re expecting that, you’ll be more than happy. Walking distance via a connector trail to Dark Hollow Falls trail. Sustainable T-Mobile service for remote work, but Zoom may lag. No shore power or water hookups, but drinking water spread throughout the park and modernized bathroom and showers. There was also a circular, shaded tent area as part of D155, behind the drive. I’d stay again in a heartbeat.
RangerI stayed two nights in between bookings at the national park and I was surprised by how lovely the state park was. Quiet with great trails for strolling and peaceful river views. Level, spacious sites with some privacy offered by tree/bushes and a clean, modern bathroom (loved that the showers told you what temp the water is and that each shower was private/in its own room).
GuideGreat summer destination to escape the heat! Weather in late June was amazing - highs in the 70s; lows in the 60s; and crystal clear skies. Not too buggy either. Pulled ONE tick off of me before it bit me, but otherwise not much to speak of in the way of mosquitos or biting gnats/flies.
This particular site was smaller (RV back in) but private and level near the bath house. There IS a bear box present, and you'll want to use it for any unattended food outside an RV. The mini-bears are beggars. We saw several chipmunks in our site and a particularly clever bird successfully stole from our neighbors.
If you are RV-ing, fill your tanks at the dump station before heading to the ranger station for check-in. You don't want to carry all that water up the mountain, and they don't like you to block the campground road trying to fill along the loop. The dump station is located on the right prior to arrival at the ranger station.
Also, there are no dumpsters at the dump station (weird). So upon departure, pull your trash prior to leaving the site.
As always, there is virtually no cell signal in this site and no electric hookups anywhere in the campsite. So bring a generator or a lot of solar if you want to run your electrical. (Though this site being so shady doesn't provide a lot of solar power.) There IS wifi at the visitor's center if you want to call home or do a daily socials check. ;-)
We DID have one day there that was a pretty noisy from paving equipment re-doing the road. But I think they're almost done with their project, and honestly it wasn't that big a deal because we were on trails most of the time anyway.
There are great ranger programs here - it's one of the larger hubs for programming, and they're listed at the visitor's center because they change seasonally. Don't miss out on the chance to explore the meadow. What may LOOK like a vast, boring expanse of grass is actually a fascinating variety of foliage when you're out in it. Many, many wildflowers that can't be seen from the visitor center's overlook.
Also, many of the park's most popular hikes can be easily accessed from here, including Dark Hollow Falls and Bearfence Rock Scramble.
GuideThis was a single party campspot, very private and quiet. Perfect!
TravelerBeautiful spot. The campsite is across the street from the lodge. G-Maps and Apple will take you to the lodge however. Loved the Freeform and “make your own” spot vibe
ScoutI camped here on the 4th of July weekend in 2026. The lot was over $70 and the lot was a gravel lot in full sun, and our air conditioner could not keep up with the heat, because of the conplete lack of shade. These are the only lots available to campers. The water was toxic and brown out of the tap, and our water tank happened to be empty. We complained to the office, and they refused to help us by obtai i g some bottled water that was potable, and the manager basically said screw you. They didn’t care and claimed the water passed a water test. I run a campground myself and am very familiar with these issues, and guarantee this would not pass a potability test. I am reporting them to the local health dept and to the state liscensing department. If they think they can just blow me off, they are picking a battle with the wrong guy. O well, their mistake!!
TravelerDescription info is incorrect
Dispersed camping sites surround Harrisonburg, Virginia within the George Washington National Forest. Located 20 miles west of the city, Switzer Lake offers primitive camping along shorelines and wooded areas with elevation changes of 1,500-2,500 feet. Campers need to prepare for complete self-sufficiency as these areas lack facilities and cell service.
Hike to waterfalls: At Big Meadows Campground, numerous waterfall trails are accessible. "With so many hiking trails and waterfalls nearby we love to camp in Big Meadows - and for the star watching at night," notes camper Rachel M.
Cave exploration: Endless Caverns RV Resort provides onsite cavern tours at discounted rates for campers. "Their cavern tour (discounted for guests at the RV park) was lovely. Marked well, lighted, relaxed. Our tour guide, Haley, was a sweetheart, taking time for the two little kids, and still giving the information older people like," writes Clark P.
Fishing opportunities: The stocked waters near Hone Quarry Campground offer active trout fishing. "The river that runs right by the campground was recently stocked with trout and they were very active," reports Michael S.
Forest trails: Multiple hiking paths connect directly from campsites at Lewis Mountain Campground. "The AT runs right through the campground," explains Max O. "Bearfence is just down the trail, you can walk out of camp and start hiking."
Private sites: Loft Mountain Campground offers secluded camping spots despite its size. "We had a great time staying here, the site we were at was pretty private behind our camper. Bushes and trees on all sides of our fire ring and picnic table," shares Shane T.
Natural features: The limestone formations at Natural Chimneys Regional Park provide unique geological interest. "The Natural Chimneys are awesome. The park is flat with nice campsites and a stream that varies from year- it runs underground some years," mentions Meridith M.
Wildlife viewing: Bear and deer sightings are common at several Harrisonburg VA campgrounds. "We saw many deer and bear while camping. Just being in Shenandoah is a soothing experience," reports Rachel M. about Big Meadows Campground.
Fireflies: Summer campers can expect impressive displays of fireflies. "The fireflies are spectacular. At dusk, the ground shimmers, and then after they disperse, you will still see them flit by the tent throughout the night," writes Veronica S. about her experience at Big Meadows.
Road conditions: Access to Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping requires careful driving. "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. Go slow as several sharp corners with huge drops and inexperienced drives coming towards you," warns Mike C.
First-come basis: Lewis Mountain Campground operates without reservations. "Reservations are first-come, first-served, which makes it a bit tricky. Out of the 31 sites (including host site), only 3 remained when we arrived at about 1:45 PM on a Friday afternoon, and those remaining filled up within the hour," shares Danielle V.
Bathroom facilities: Restrooms vary widely between campgrounds. "Bathrooms were clean and well stocked. Ice, propane, and other items are available on site at the store," reports Zach L. about Harrisonburg Shenandoah Valley KOA, while another camper noted that Hone Quarry has vault toilets only.
Cell service limitations: Most forest campgrounds have limited or no connectivity. "Cell signal and camp wifi are bad. I was just able to get a decent signal with Starlink by carefully pointing at a small gap between trees," explains Dale Y. about the Harrisonburg KOA.
Activities for kids: Shenandoah Valley Campground provides multiple recreation options. "They had an awesome pool that was heated, hot tubs, mini golf and good playgrounds. My kids were in heaven," shares Lo H.
Wildlife education: Use deer sightings as teaching moments at Big Meadows. "You will definitely see deer in the campground as they walk through and browse the understory. They are unafraid of humans unless directly approached," explains Veronica S.
Evening entertainment: Many campgrounds offer ranger programs. "Nice amphitheater with interesting ranger programs. Busy traffic in park but nice trails are accessible from campground," notes Kim L. about Big Meadows.
Pet policies: Check which areas allow dogs before planning. "Our dogs were welcomed and we felt right at home! One of my favorite NPs and definitely my favorite camp spot in the park!" writes Molly G. about Lewis Mountain Campground.
Site selection: At Harrisonburg Shenandoah Valley KOA, certain sites offer more privacy. "Very nice valley location. Site 71 best for privacy," advises George H.
Hookup locations: Check the positioning of utilities when setting up. "The sites are large enough and level enough. The power pole is well positioned," reports Dale Y. about the Harrisonburg KOA.
Road grade considerations: Endless Caverns has elevation challenges. "Roads are gravel and can be a bit steep, 4-wheel drive is helpful," cautions Clark P.
Seasonal recommendations: Fall offers special camping experiences. "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," mentions Zach L. about his October stay at the Harrisonburg KOA.
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.
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