149 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Shenandoah National Park region surrounds Elkton, Virginia with multiple established campgrounds, including Lewis Mountain Campground and Loft Mountain Campground. These areas primarily accommodate tent and RV camping with some cabin options. The Appalachian Trail passes through several camping areas, making them popular bases for hikers. Campgrounds range from smaller, more secluded options like Lewis Mountain with just 31 sites to larger facilities with full hookups for recreational vehicles. Shenandoah Valley KOA and Endless Caverns RV Resort provide additional developed camping areas outside park boundaries.
Road access to most campgrounds requires driving along Skyline Drive, with several entrance points near Elkton including Swift Run Gap. Many sites require advance reservations during peak season, though Lewis Mountain operates on a first-come, first-served basis. As one camper noted, "If you get there when lots of sites are open, pick carefully as there aren't a lot of super flat areas for tents." Seasonal operations affect availability, with most Shenandoah National Park campgrounds closing between November and April. Elevations along Skyline Drive range from 2,000 to over 3,500 feet, resulting in cooler temperatures even during summer months and occasional fog or precipitation.
Campers report high satisfaction with wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the region. Bear sightings are common, with multiple campgrounds requiring proper food storage. "We saw a total of 6 black bears, a barred owl, tons of awesome bugs, brook trout, a salamander, and some other wildlife," noted one visitor to Lewis Mountain. Proximity to hiking trails represents a significant draw, with most camping areas offering direct access to trailheads. The quieter campgrounds like Lewis Mountain enforce strict quiet hours and tend to attract tent campers seeking a more peaceful experience. Several campgrounds feature camp stores with basic supplies, while larger facilities offer amenities like showers, laundry facilities, and sanitary dump stations for RVs. Cell service remains limited throughout much of the region, particularly within park boundaries.
"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"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"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"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"
"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."
"We stayed close to the catch & release pond and felt as though we had a lot of privacy despite the spots being right next to each other."
from $45 - $249 / night
Check Availability"Close to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive."
"They had plenty of appearances of Yogi or Cindy bear at activities and just driving around the park on a golf cart."
"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."
from $35 - $75 / 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"Adjacent to a working farm where cows, sheep, llamas, chickens and roosters can graze next to the campsites. The grounds were beautifully manicured and incredibly clean."
"We stayed at this KOA on our way to Virginia Beach but wanted to a day in Shenandoah National Park. "
from $31 - $230 / night
Check Availability"This is a nice and very large campground tucked away in the northern part of Shenandoah. The facilities and grounds were well kept and it’s a short car’s travel (but there’s also a trail!)"
"There are a few trails encompassing and leading out from the campground, and it's nice to have a central location from which you can out on small hikes."
from $30 - $75 / night
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TravelerSomething for everybody; long term slots, primitive camping, with electricity and water, with full hookups, day use ramps for Lake Anna, huge covered picnic area for large gatherings, rv sites in the woods and others on the edge of large field. Staff are great.
GuideNo other available sites, so used tent site 35 parking spot to stay in campervan. Worked fine. Nice campground. Saw at least 10 deer along sides of road from entrance to campsite.
ScoutFirst camping trip in VA and honestly the only time we’ll come here. Noisy, plots are on the main road people speed down, loud music at all times. Plus the bathroom was great, taken care of but this isn’t camping. Great if you need people around you.
GuideStopped here on my trip from Cherokee NC to Front Royal VA on the Blue ridge parkway and skyline drive. As in most NPS campgrounds, there are no hookups but the campground was nice and the weather was great. No AC needed.
RangerCool campground in a remote part of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As such, very little phone service and lots of narrow, winding roads. Plenty of hikes and several interesting little towns within 30 minutes. I thought it was an interesting mix! We had a power outage during our visit, which also eliminates water access at this site. I was grateful to have an inverter to keep us online since there is zero AT&T service. I had a pull-through site and I'm not certain that I could have made the exit if the campers ahead of me didn't leave.
GuideWe started our trip in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, all the way up the Blue ridge parkway and Shenandoah skyline drive. We stayed in NPS campgrounds all the way. Some were less well maintained than others, no power or hookups but the trip was still incredible. Matthews Arm was one of the nicest campgrounds along the way. If you need a lot of amenities than you may not like it but if you just want a peaceful night in the mountains, this place is for you.
ScoutNice level spots with enough space to park and set up a tent camp site. A few sites big enough for small RV/Trailer/RTT. Host on site- didn’t interact even one time. One site was obnoxiously loud with a speaker and singing. Ironically it was a guy by himself- host did nothing.
No alcohol allowed but nobody cared if discreet.
Bathrooms and showers- free. No super clean but hot water is hot water.
ScoutThe wifi test was done with my starlink not the campground wifi bc it doesn't exist.
To begin with I came physically up here from SC to check availability for long term stay. I was told there was a list and I would be put on that list and if a spot became available I would be notified (8-3-26). I was called (8-23-26) with availability and request for payment I paid then on the phone. My card the next following 3 days was ran for an additional total of 2400.00 every single morning an 800.00 charge I luckily had my card locked bc if not I would have been screwed. I was not given a reason why my card was ran so many times and not even an apology. I checked in on September 1st and was put in a site completely covered with tree limbs which is a problem as the only requirement I had was a clear view of the sky for my starlink to work for my remote work. For 2 whole weeks I went back and forth with the new GM Peggy. For 2 whole weeks I could NOT work the campground wifi is non existent. I was given the run around and a disrespectful attitude saying it wasnt there fault when it was known to begin with this was an absolute NEED not a want. Fast forward to today (9-12-26) I had issues with my power pole showing a short to ground and I was told its bc the poles are grounded to themselves but finally moved. The only catch was if I was to move I HAD TO LEAVE on october 1st per PEGGY the nee GM. So because of a miscommunication between staff of mine and my families needs bc my kids homeschooling I am forced to scramble to find another campground in two weeks when we live in our camper and work OTR. Its been nothing but problems here. The water taps are full of rust the GM judges you based off how you apear and treats you like dirt under the door mat. I was hoping this would be a good fit for me and my family but it has been nothing but the worst camping experience I have had in the past 5 years. The staff themselfs are great they tried to remedy the issue day one but PEGGY wouldnt allow it. I highly recommend going somewhere else and spending your hard earned money bc this place does not respect you as a customer or tenant. I talked with many campers who have been coming here for years since the 90s and they even say and feel the same the campground has declined since a management company purchased it. Also the long term rentals will be al.ost non existent unless you've bene coming here for 4 years or more. Cable is also non existent here. Its been a very VERY bad regretful experience. The lies from management and corporate baseline excuses are disgusting. Will NEVER camp here again. Take this as your honest warning from a normal person and a combat veteran. It dont take much to please me but this place has fell well below the bar. The site is was moved to before I get kicked out because they couldnt properly meet the needs of my stay allowed my starlink to work so I will be able to work 2 weeks before I am essentially nomadic again. If your tent camping bring water boots bc the tent sites seem to hold water. ALSO DONT LEAVE HONEST REVIEWS THAT SHED LIGHT ON THE NEGATIVES AND DOWNFALLS OF THIS PLACE OR THEY WILL TELL YOU YOU HAVE TO LEAVE.
GuideGreat experience; would absolutely go back. Lucked out with weather being warm enough for swimming at the beginning of fall. Campsites set back from the road and separated by decent stands of trees from each other.
Four of five stars because designated tent pad and portions of the rest of the site (River Loop 4) were gravel over poured concrete and therefore impossible to properly stake a tent. In general, sites were spacious and well separated from neighbors. I would probably avoid River Loop sites 9 & 10, as they back on to the restrooms and have all-night light shining in.
Shenandoah camping areas near Elkton, Virginia range in elevation from 1,200 feet at lower campgrounds to over 3,500 feet along Skyline Drive. This creates distinct microclimates with temperature variations of 10-15 degrees between valley locations and mountain sites. Many established campgrounds offer designated tent pads on platforms to manage the sloped terrain common throughout the region.
Waterfall hiking trails: Near Lewis Mountain Campground, multiple waterfall destinations require moderate hiking. "Nearby are a Dukies of Hazard themed spot and also Luray Caverns which is known for its musical stalactites and stalagmites, it is a must see!!!" notes one camper about regional attractions.
Stargazing sessions: The Shenandoah region offers excellent night sky visibility during clear weather. At Dundo Group Campground, "At night you could see stars. We took a walk to the overlook in the middle of the night to stargaze," reports a visitor who appreciated the minimal light pollution.
Appalachian Trail access: Direct trail connections exist from multiple campgrounds. "This did not feel like a chain, it didn't feel like a private owner who had some land and used it as an after thought to generate some money, instead it felt like someone was welcoming you to stay with them," notes a visitor to Luray KOA about the friendly atmosphere while accessing nearby trails.
Privacy between sites: Many campers value separation from neighbors. At Loft Mountain Campground, "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!"
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region supports diverse animal populations. At Big Meadows Campground, "You will definitely see deer in the campground as they walk through and browse the understory. They are unafraid of humans unless directly approached (I did not do this, but I watched someone's child do it)."
Fire features: Many sites include stone fire rings rather than metal. At Harrisonburg Shenandoah Valley KOA, "Sites are spacious and have natural stone in ground fire pits instead of rusted metal rims which adds character." These built-in features make cooking over open fires more convenient.
First-come, first-served limitations: Some campgrounds don't accept reservations. "We stayed here July 3rd and were worried there would be people making a ruckus till all hours, but it turned out to be quiet and peaceful. Mostly families. Some staying for extended trips. We got there just after 12pm and there were only a couple of sites left," reports a Lewis Mountain visitor.
Elevation affects temperature: Prepare for cooler nights even in summer. "It was an especially cold night hitting a low of 14°F. Very happy for the nearby heated restrooms with hot running water," notes a November visitor to Big Meadows Campground.
Bug activity varies seasonally: Insects can be intense during certain periods. "The bugs when we got here were kinda crazy. They don't bite but they swarm your head and try to enter every orifice for some reason. A head net was helpful to get the tent and screen room set up."
Road grade considerations: Some access roads have steep sections. At Endless Caverns RV Resort, "Roads are gravel and can be a bit steep, 4-wheel drive is helpful." Similar conditions exist on Skyline Drive approaching many campgrounds.
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated children's programming. "We had a great time at Jellystone. The Mountain View is gorgeous. The sites are kept up, well equipped and the bath house is very clean. The staff are friendly and there is a large selection in the store."
Playground accessibility: Onsite play structures provide recreation options. At Misty Mountain Camp Resort, "This campground was really great for a family with small children. There were events the entire time we were there and the staff were awesome."
Wildlife education opportunities: Animal sightings create learning moments. "Big Meadow has many amenities which make it popular and oftentimes crowded during weekends and holiday's. But, many of these amenities make camping with families a convenience. We saw many deer and bear while camping."
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at some sites. "The only reason it didn't have 5 stars was the price itself was a bit higher than other accommodations in the area. I feel like this was fair considering the accommodations," notes an RVer about regional pricing versus amenities.
Seasonal shower availability: Some facilities close during shoulder seasons. "Showers and laundry were closed for the season but are centrally located near entrance area of campground," reports a late-season camper at Big Meadows.
Electricity options vary: Check specific hookup configurations before booking. At Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm, "If you are tent camping or have a camper van the area is fine. Large RV will have a difficult time setting up in the camp area." Many small private campgrounds have limited RV infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping spots near Elkton, VA?
Elkton offers excellent access to Shenandoah National Park's campgrounds. Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park is a peaceful retreat with curvy roads that minimize traffic noise, perfect for those seeking a quiet getaway. Another fantastic option is Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views, featuring beautiful mountain vistas, manicured grounds, and a unique setting adjacent to a working farm with livestock. For those who enjoy brewery access, Devils Backbone Camp provides a clean camping experience with minimal noise. Additional options include Mathews Arm Campground with excellent hiking trails, Big Meadows Campground with its central park location, and Endless Caverns RV Resort known for its beautiful stone features and fire pits.
Are there RV rental options available in Elkton, Virginia?
While direct RV rental services in Elkton itself are limited, several nearby campgrounds cater excellently to RVs and may offer rental options. Endless Caverns RV Resort & Cottages is specifically designed for RV camping with beautiful stone borders and fire pits at every site. Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA, just a short drive from Elkton, typically offers RV rentals on-site. Alternatively, consider renting from regional companies in Harrisonburg or Charlottesville and driving to Elkton area campgrounds. These companies often provide delivery and setup services at your chosen campground for an additional fee.
What camping is available near Elkton, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Elkton, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 149 campgrounds and RV parks near Elkton, VA and 22 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Elkton, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Elkton, VA is Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 129 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Elkton, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 free dispersed camping spots near Elkton, VA.
What parks are near Elkton, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 parks near Elkton, VA that allow camping, notably Shenandoah National Park and George Washington & Jefferson National Forests.
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