Tent campsites near Elkton, Virginia range from primitive sites in George Washington National Forest to established campgrounds along the Shenandoah River. The region sits at elevations between 1,000-2,800 feet with average summer temperatures reaching 85°F and dropping to 40-50°F at night in higher elevation camping areas. Sites in this section of the Blue Ridge Mountains receive approximately 40 inches of annual rainfall, with most precipitation occurring during summer thunderstorms.
What to do
Fishing at waterfront sites: South Fork Shenandoah River offers direct river access for anglers. According to a visitor, "Our site was amazing! The very last car camping site on the road. We were right on the river, we swam and fished." The river contains smallmouth bass, catfish, and sunfish with peak fishing conditions in spring and fall.
Mushroom farm tour: At Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm, campers can get an educational experience beyond standard camping. One camper noted, "We got a nice tour of the mushrooms currently growing at the farm. The camp area sits under a canopy of cedar trees." The farm grows several varieties of culinary mushrooms including oyster and shiitake.
Hiking nearby trails: Primitive camping areas provide access to miles of hiking trails through dense forest. A camper at Little Fort Campground mentioned, "Nice flat camp site with picnic table and fire pit... Long and winding road to get there with no service so be cautious." Several short trails branch directly from the campground, with lengths ranging from 0.5-2 miles.
What campers like
Natural swimming opportunities: Campers appreciate the spring-fed waters for swimming during summer months. One visitor to Rock Tavern River Kamp shared, "We could not have asked for a nicer location! Our tent was about 20 feet from the river and the campground had everything we could have asked for." Water temperatures typically reach the mid-70s by June.
Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution in camping areas away from Elkton provides excellent stargazing. A camper at Switzer Lake noted, "Amazing place with tons of very primitive spots and privacy." The area is known for particularly dark skies with the Milky Way visible on clear nights from late spring through fall.
Seasonal berry foraging: Some campsites offer unexpected natural treats during summer months. A camper at Emerald Pond mentioned wild blackberries were abundant throughout the area, creating an additional natural amenity beyond the standard camping experience.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to many dispersed sites requires navigating unpaved roads that may challenge some vehicles. A camper at Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping advised, "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."
Trash management responsibilities: Most primitive sites require pack-in, pack-out practices with no trash service. A camper at Little Fort Campground noted, "Nowhere to dump trash, pack it out when you leave. Seriously please take the trash with you so someone else doesn't have to clean it up."
Noise levels vary by location: Some camping areas experience more noise than expected. A South Fork Shenandoah River camper warned, "Don't disregard the warnings about noise like I did, constant speakers all the time until 4am. I think it's out of jurisdiction for park rangers so they won't do anything either."
Tips for camping with families
Campsite selection for children: Look for tent sites with level, clear ground and easy water access. Lake Anna State Park offers family-friendly camping with amenities. A visitor noted, "We absolutely love this camp ground. It has spacious camp sites with a great amount of natural shade. The swimming area is clean and very family oriented."
Plan for bathroom access: Many dispersed tent camping locations near Elkton lack toilet facilities. A camper at Crisman Hollow Road Camp mentioned, "A bit dirty but awesome spot near a creek." When camping with children, choose sites with at least basic toilets or prepare with portable options.
Weather preparation: Mountain weather can change quickly with significant temperature drops after sunset, even in summer. A Lake Anna visitor advised, "Such a lovely campground. Large sites, nice facilities and lots of stuff to do nearby. Hiking right within park." Always pack extra layers for children, particularly when camping at higher elevations.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations for camper access: Many tent campsites near Elkton have restrictions for larger vehicles. A Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm camper observed, "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."
Limited hookup options: Most dispersed camping areas near Elkton lack RV amenities. When hookups are needed, established campgrounds like Lake Anna State Park provide better options. A visitor noted, "For being a state park, Lake Anna is one of the best I've been to... There were large back-in sites as well as pull-through sites. There was also a dump station."
Seasonal road access considerations: Spring rains can make unpaved roads impassable for RVs. A Switzer Lake camper shared, "The road is a mix of gravel but also dirt so it can become muddy during rain." Check weather forecasts before bringing campers to remote tent sites.
