The Shenandoah Valley region surrounding Keezletown, Virginia offers primitive camping opportunities on both national forest and private land. The area features limestone formations, native hardwood forests, and elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach the mid-80s with cooler mountain nights dropping into the 50s, while winter camping requires preparation for nighttime temperatures that can fall below freezing.
What to do
Fishing access: 9.1 miles from Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping on U.S. 33 at Brandywine General Store where you can "find kiln dried firewood, ice, bait, and supplies you may have forgot at home." The lake allows electric motors and paddle boats for fishing.
Mushroom farm tours: At Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm, visitors can learn about fungi cultivation. "We got a nice tour of the mushrooms currently growing at the farm," notes camper Ralph P., adding that "the camp area sits under a canopy of cedar trees."
Swimming holes: South Fork Shenandoah River offers river access where "we swam and fished" according to Justine I. The river access includes "a launch in the middle, so there is a bit of come and go" making it convenient for water activities.
Trail exploration: Short hiking trails surround most tent campsites near Keezletown, Virginia. At South Fork Shenandoah River, "there was one really nice hiking trail by the bridge" according to camper Waseem H., while Little Fort Campground has "a couple small trails around the area."
What campers like
Wildlife encounters: Tent campers at Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed report regular bear activity. "Bears were constantly checking out our tent during night," reports Allan M., who warns "100% do not have food scents near your tent."
Night sky viewing: The region's limited light pollution creates stellar stargazing opportunities. At Emerald Pond, campers enjoy "an amazing view of the night sky, unobstructed!" The pond location creates a natural viewing platform away from tree cover.
Secluded camping spots: Hazeltop Summit Dispersed Camping provides isolation for those willing to search. One camper notes it was "not an easy find" but "the spot was perfect in every other way, secluded, a great view and full of wildlife."
Riverside tent pads: Many tent sites feature waterfront locations. At Rock Tavern River Kamp, "our tent was about 20 feet from the river" according to Matthew G., who appreciated the proximity to water while still having "spotless bathroom and shower facilities."
What you should know
Site selection systems: Little Fort Campground uses a unique reservation method where "you select a campsite by flipping a washer on a hook on the board from green to red. Flip it back when you leave," explains camper A Dan needs A.
Road conditions: Access to many dispersed sites requires careful driving. At Switzer Lake, "the road is a mix of gravel but also dirt so it can become muddy during rain," and Emil D. notes that "beyond the river can get more tricky for low clearance vehicles."
Bear safety protocols: Multiple campgrounds report bear activity requiring proper food storage. At Laurel Prong Trail, campers experienced bears "full sprint and slobbering" toward food scents, highlighting the importance of hanging food and trash away from tents.
Seasonal road closures: Weather affects access to many tent campsites. At Crisman Hollow Road Camp, campers noted "some roads were closed" during their visit, requiring flexibility in planning.
Tips for camping with families
Large group sites: For families camping together, Emerald Pond Primitive Campground provides spacious sites where "one of the spots could hold about 4 tents, so, great for some friends going out together." The pond allows swimming in summer months when "it's the perfect temperature."
Natural food sources: Families can supplement meals with wild edibles in season. At Emerald Pond, "there's wild blackberries everywhere. Got our bellies full," reports camper E.R., offering a fun foraging activity for children.
Swimming options: For families with children, Rock Tavern River Kamp provides safer water access with amenities nearby. Its location "on the Shenandoah River" means children can enjoy water activities while parents appreciate that "town is 8 minutes away" if supplies are needed.
Noise considerations: Some camping areas experience disruption from neighboring sites. South Fork Shenandoah River campers warn "don't disregard the warnings about noise like I did, constant speakers all the time until 4am," reports Zoey W., suggesting families select sites away from popular party locations.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Large RVs face limitations at most tent campgrounds near Keezletown. At Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm, "if you have a camper van the area is fine. Large RV will have a difficult time setting up in the camp area," cautions Ralph P.
Tent platform surfaces: RVers who bring tents should note platform conditions. Little Fort Campground has tent pads where the "surface is too hard to use pegs" according to Zack B., requiring freestanding tents or alternative staking methods.
Walk-in vs. drive-in options: Many campgrounds offer both types of sites with varying privacy levels. At Crisman Hollow Road Camp, "there are sites you can walk to all the way down the river" beyond where vehicles can reach, providing more seclusion than the drive-up locations.
Turnaround space: RV drivers should scout sites before committing. South Fork Shenandoah River has limited sites where "we stayed right at the end of the road, since we have a 30 foot RV," explains Justine I., noting the importance of choosing sites with adequate space for larger vehicles.
