Dispersed camping near Huntly, Virginia offers a mix of primitive tent sites, established campgrounds, and backcountry options. The area sits at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with elevations ranging from 700 to 3,000+ feet, creating distinct temperature variations between valley and mountain sites. Water levels at creek sites can fluctuate dramatically during spring runoff months, with some sites becoming temporarily inaccessible after heavy rains.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: Several campgrounds provide direct access to hiking trails including the Appalachian Trail. At Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites, backcountry camping puts you close to numerous trails. As one camper noted, "There are so many trails to hike throughout the park and with a backcountry permit, you can find countless campsites. I stayed in the area of overall run falls. Make sure to hang your food. There are plenty of black bears in the area."
Water activities: The South Fork Shenandoah River offers excellent paddling and fishing opportunities. At Low Water Bridge Campground, you can arrange river shuttles for tubing or kayaking. A visitor explained, "I really love this campground. The river sites are worth the few extra bucks, but they book up fast. You have to call in your reservations - can't book online."
Wildlife watching: Morning and evening wildlife sightings are common at many campgrounds. Deer frequently visit campsites, and bird watching opportunities abound. One visitor to Sky Meadows State Park mentioned, "At night I saw white-tailed deer and heard owls and cattle! During the day I saw/heard SOOO many birds on the South Ridge Trail and found a bear track after the Cpt. Morgan Trail on the creek side of Hadow Trail!"
What campers like
Riverside sites: Waterfront camping is consistently rated as the top feature at many camping sites near Huntly. At Gooney Creek Campground, campers appreciate the creek-side accommodations. One reviewer stated, "Located right on the bank of the creek you sleep with the sound of the babbling water. Spaces aren't very big but big enough that we didn't feel like we were on top of our neighbors."
Clean facilities: Many campers mention the well-maintained shower and toilet facilities at established campgrounds. One camper at Elizabeth Furnace Campground reported, "I was there in August of 2024 for two nights and throughly enjoyed my stay. Their are flush toilets and showers available and they were kept clean."
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate sites with good spacing and natural barriers. Especially in the backcountry areas, site privacy ranks high in visitor satisfaction. A visitor to Sky Meadows State Park commented, "The hills are fantastic for helping each site feel like a little private oasis. Even if the campground is full, I think most of the sites would still feel shaded and private because of how they're dispersed throughout the hills."
What you should know
Seasonal crowds: Weekends and holidays fill quickly, especially during peak foliage season. Many campgrounds near Shenandoah National Park require reservations weeks or months in advance. At Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground, primitive riverside sites are particularly competitive. One visitor advised, "The Primitive Camping spots were all taken however, so arrive early if you want one of those."
Bear safety: Black bears are active throughout the area. Most established campgrounds provide bear boxes, but backcountry campers need to hang food properly. A backcountry camper reported, "We not only saw bear scat all around, we saw an adorable black bear cub run off into the woods along the Piney Branch Trail. Never saw mama bear, but hoped that she was where the little one was heading."
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds have limited or no cell reception. A visitor to Low Water Bridge Campground warned, "There is absolutely no Verizon service here (ATT seems to work pretty well). You'll have to drive 10-15 in either direction on Rt. 211 before you can catch a signal."
Water crossings: Trails and access roads may require stream crossings that become challenging after rainfall. Spring months can be particularly difficult. One hiker mentioned, "The creeks (runs) and springs are really flowing this time of year, with some nearly thigh deep. We didn't see a single bridge, though there were a few creeks that had downed trees or make-shift rock crossings."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming spots: Many campsites feature safe swimming areas that are ideal for families. At Gooney Creek Campground, a visitor shared, "Gooney's is run by a lovely woman named Pam. She went out of her way to make our camping trip a success. we landed the prime spot all the way at the back of the campsite, nearest to the swimming hole."
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds organize activities specifically for children. A visitor to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Luray reported, "This isn't my idea of camping, but I brought my 11 year old nephew. He was able to run around and make friends with his aunt always looking over his shoulder. He had lots of fun at pool, movie night, making s'mores, and jumping on bouncy mound."
Educational opportunities: Ranger programs and nature talks are available at many established campgrounds, particularly within Shenandoah National Park. One visitor noted, "Nice amphitheater with interesting ranger programs. Busy traffic in park but nice trails are accessible from campground. Visitor Center, gas station, food walking distance from campground."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many campgrounds in this mountainous region have sloped sites. A camper at Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views (formerly Luray KOA) mentioned, "We stayed in a level back-in site(#39) with picnic table on a concrete patio, Adirondack chairs under a pergola on a second concrete patio, clean gravel surface, and fire pit. The site was big enough for our motor home and Jeep."
Access road challenges: Mountain roads to campgrounds can present steep grades. One RVer cautioned, "The drive in requires about 25-miles through the roller coaster of steep grade(7+%) hills. There's no way around that, you're in the mountains. Just be aware and be prepared."
Length restrictions: Many campgrounds near Huntly have size limitations for RVs. A camper at Gooney Creek Campground advised, "Gooney Creek Campground is an excellent place to tent camp or camp in smaller RVs. Rigs longer than 25 feet, most likely will not fit."
