Glamping near Winchester, Virginia offers elevated outdoor experiences in the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills at elevations ranging from 700-1,200 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 85°F and winter lows around 25°F, allowing for year-round camping opportunities. Many sites provide direct access to the Shenandoah River for water activities during warmer months.
What to do
Riverside activities: Tubing and kayaking: Low Water Bridge Campground provides convenient river access with shuttle services. "We had some locals tell us of a boat ramp down a nearby windy dirt road (which would have put us south of the campground paddling north so you exit at the campground)," notes one visitor. The shuttle service makes water activities hassle-free, as another camper explains: "They took us up river and dropped us so we could kayak back."
Civil War history exploration: Located near Harpers Ferry, Harpers Ferry Campground serves as a base for historical adventures. "From there you can grab a bite, visit the history of Harper's Ferry or continue exploring more hiking trails," writes a reviewer. The area features significant Civil War battlefields within a 20-minute drive.
Wildlife viewing: The region's campgrounds offer excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. "We saw many deer and bear while camping. Just being in Shenandoah is a soothing experience," shares a Big Meadows visitor. Morning and evening hours provide the best animal sighting opportunities.
What campers like
Natural water features: The Cove Campground earns praise for its lake access. "Beautiful lake and overall picturesque setting. Free range, friendly goats wander around, which is kinda fun," writes one camper. Another adds, "There are several different camping areas, and depending on where you end up, you might have a short walk to reach the best fishing spots."
Privacy between sites: Unlike the tight quarters mentioned in the existing description, some campgrounds offer more seclusion. "Though this campground is HUGE, the sites are not piled on top of each other. Our site was surrounded by shrubs under the canopy of trees which provided tons of privacy," notes a Big Meadows visitor.
Off-road recreation options: Beyond the standard hiking and biking mentioned in the existing description, some sites offer more adventurous activities. "This Campground had everything I wanted. Shooting range, ATV trails, fishing, hiking and great campsites," explains a reviewer at The Cove Campground.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the area. At Big Meadows Campground, "No cell service. We went to the visitor center and connected to the WiFi if we needed to do something online." Similarly, at Low Water Bridge Campground, "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."
Weather preparedness: The region experiences rapid weather changes, especially at higher elevations. "It was an especially cold night hitting a low of 14F. Very happy for the nearby heated restrooms with hot running water," shares a Big Meadows camper from a late-season stay.
Seasonal facility limitations: Campground amenities often change with seasons. "The bathhouses were all very clean when I went. The portapotty by our site got significantly worse throughout the weekend and by Sunday morning we stopped using it," reports a visitor to Low Water Bridge Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife education opportunities: Shenandoah River State Park offers excellent family programs. "Wild life is visible everywhere you go. The children's programs offered on the weekends were great too," explains a camper. These ranger-led activities typically run 30-60 minutes and are ideal for ages 5-12.
Kid-friendly amenities: Some glamping resorts near Winchester feature extensive recreation options. "This campground has tons of nice cabins and tent sites, all in wooded surroundings. There is a small creek to play in and a nice little hiking trail within the campground. Has a great water park, playground and bounce pad feature," writes a visitor at Jellystone Park Williamsport.
Proximity to swimming areas: Families appreciate easy access to water recreation. "We love that the campground has their own beach so it's not over crowded with the public. Near the beach there is a nice playground near shade for parents to watch," notes a camper at Rocky Gap State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: RVers should research specific sites before booking. At Jellystone Park Luray, a camper reports: "Our only real drawback was our site was not even close to level. It probably shouldn't have been available for a 40'+ RV. Still, we would go back...just to a different site location."
Utility hookup considerations: While many campgrounds offer electric and water, full hookups aren't universal. At North Fork Resort, RVers note the campground is "Huge" with "Lots of permanent RVs. All parked very close," and that sites are positioned on hills which can affect leveling and hookup accessibility.
Dump station access: Even when full sewer hookups aren't available, most campgrounds provide dump stations. At Shenandoah River State Park, "You will enjoy 30/50 amp electric and water. No sewer at the sites, so plan on using the dump drain on the way out."
