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Best Campgrounds near Luray, VA

934 Reviews

Camping options around Luray, Virginia center on Shenandoah National Park, with several developed campgrounds including Big Meadows, Mathews Arm, and Lewis Mountain offering tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. The area features a mix of national park campgrounds, private RV resorts, and state park facilities. Shenandoah River State Park provides year-round camping with tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurts. Private campgrounds like Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views and Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park complement the public options with additional amenities and glamping opportunities.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability in the region. Most Shenandoah National Park campgrounds operate from spring through fall, with Big Meadows open May 6 to November 13 and Mathews Arm from May 6 to October 30. Winter camping is limited primarily to Shenandoah River State Park and select private campgrounds that remain open year-round. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak fall foliage season when the area experiences its highest visitation. The region's mountainous terrain affects both temperature and accessibility. A camper noted, "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."

Campers consistently highlight the natural beauty and diverse recreational opportunities available near Luray. The proximity to Skyline Drive, numerous hiking trails, and Luray Caverns makes the area particularly appealing for extended stays. Several visitors mentioned the quality of wildlife viewing, with black bears being a common sight in Shenandoah National Park. One reviewer commented, "Super secluded woodsy location. Lots of wildlife. Bears are a real thing here. They'll fine you for leaving food out." Campgrounds enforce strict food storage regulations to minimize wildlife encounters. Water features also enhance the camping experience, with the Shenandoah River providing opportunities for fishing, tubing, and swimming. Campgrounds vary significantly in terms of privacy and spacing, with national park sites generally offering more seclusion than private facilities where sites can be closer together.

Map showing campgrounds near Luray, VirginiaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Luray, Virginia (140)

    1. Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    120 Reviews
    Stanley, VA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3500

    $30 - $75 / night

    "The bathroom  was just a short walk away.  There are no hookups in this campground.   We did drive to the shower house and paid a fee to take a shower. "

    "While the campground is very nice, with clean conveniently located bathrooms, the site itself is probably not suited for a large group of people."

    2. Mathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    44 Reviews
    Rileyville, VA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3132

    $30 - $75 / night

    "Super secluded woodsy location. Lots of wildlife. Bears are a real thing here. They’ll fine you for leaving food out. They’re serious about quiet hours."

    "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!)"

    3. Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Bentonville, VA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 622-6840

    $30 - $40 / night

    "They have the perfect paved bike trail. There's a kayak place that'll pick you up and drop you off at the camp! They have zip lining too!"

    "There are trails that run right by the campsites! So good for a hike or a nice morning trail run! I chose to run in the morning and ran the trail right alone the Shennandoah River!"

    4. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Luray

    24 Reviews
    Luray, VA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 300-1697

    "Plus its pretty close to Luray Caverns which is a must see."

    "They had plenty of appearances of Yogi or Cindy bear at activities and just driving around the park on a golf cart."

    5. Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views

    18 Reviews
    Luray, VA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 743-7222

    $31 - $220 / night

    "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 had a great stay at Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views in Luray, VA. "

    6. Endless Caverns RV Resort & Cottages

    22 Reviews
    New Market, VA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 896-2283

    $45 - $249 / night

    "This is a lovely RV park built up a mountain side overlooking the picturesque Shenandoah Valley, located in a deep old hardwood forest."

    "(One entire loop says 4 wheel drive recommend, so read carefully before booking!) It's a pretty large campground. Most sites are well spaced but a lot are right beside each other, too."

    7. Lewis Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    31 Reviews
    Hood, VA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3500

    $30 / night

    "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."

    8. Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA

    31 Reviews
    Shenandoah, VA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 896-8929

    "Just 17 min from the Luray Caverns. Only issue for us was the the trash disposal situation. Only pick ups are from 9 - 12. Other wise you have to walk all the way to the entrance of the campground."

    "This campground has an awesome location between Harrisonburg and Luray/Shenandoah. It has great amenities like a pool and playground, a camp store and lots of friendly and helpful employees."

    9. Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

    15 Reviews
    Bentonville, VA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3500

    "It is suitable for novice campers to experienced off-trail campers. You'll never tire of the wonders this beautiful piece of America has to offer."

    "There was definitely a lot less privacy/space between sites here at SNP than I’ve noted at other parks across Virginia."

    10. Creekside Campground

    17 Reviews
    Edinburg, VA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 984-4299

    $26 - $47 / night

    "We spent 2 nights at Creekside Campground in Edinburg, VA on our way to West Virginia—- and found a real gem. 

    We paid$50/night for Back-in Creekview FHU Site#20."

    "We had a large grass space with water and power on the edge of a beautiful creek and enjoyed the sounds of it both nights."

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Recent Camping Photos near Luray, VA

426 Photos of 140 Luray Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Luray, VA

934 Reviews of 140 Luray Campgrounds

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    South Fork Shenandoah River

    Beautiful spot!

    Our site was amazing! The very last car camping site on the road. We were right on the river, we swam and fished. There were plenty of walk in sites beyond ours. Unfortunately there was a decent bit of trash we cleaned up. The road was a little rough, but our 92 ford camper made it, just go slow

  • Zoey W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    South Fork Shenandoah River

    Horrie Neighbors

    dont disregard the warnings about noise like i did, constant speakers all the time until 4am. i think its out of jurisdiction for park rangers so they wont do anything either

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    South Fork Shenandoah River

    Riverside site

    The site at the end of the road is beautiful. We stayed right at the end of the road, since we have a 30 foot RV, but there are sites you can walk to all the way down the river. I saw one other site before ours. So limited, but we saw very few people. Got buggy at night, but that happens. Also wish people picked up their trash, but we helped. Absolutely recommend

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Quiet, lots of room

    This is a National Park campground so there are no hookups! Generators are allowed during designated hours. (Please don’t bring one.) Hot shower, bathrooms and laundry are available. Camp store with basics. The sites are large, some are not level but are workable. Lots of wildlife. Near trails.

  • Lee G.
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Big Bend Campground

    Big Bend Campground…Definitely Worth the Experience

    Big Bend Campground is a beautiful place with a great family atmosphere. The campsites are large and accommodate RVs and/or multiple tents. The best part about this place is the nearly 360° lazy river tubing experience. This place has no cell service and you’ll have to travel along a 2 1/2 mile dirt road to finally get to the campground. The Camp Hosts were great and offered a lot of local information and tips. While this is a great location and provides memorable adventures, it would be great if the picnic tables and some of the fire rings could be updated as they’re nearing the end of their service life. However, this is simply a great place to unhook from the daily grind.

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Perfect Shenandoah stopover

    Good amount of first come first serve spots. We visited during a weekday and there was more than enough availability. Nice small trail that runs around the campground. The campstore offers more than enough! We bought a smores-kit, very handy. I dont know if there are (enough) full hook ups?

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    KOA Luray RV Resort

    Just turned into a KOA?

    Wright next to the Luray caves and near the starting point of the Skyline drive. Nice, quietly located camping, surrounded by fields. You have all the necessary amenities that you would expect on a KOA camping. (I think they just now became KOA, last month it was still the big skies camping). There is a small but nice swimmingpool. Fun; lots of fireflies (in the right seasons?)

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Shenandoah Crossing, a Bluegreen Vacations Resort

    Not really camping

    This is a very developed campground…mayme over developed for me. Concrete pads, paved roads, street lights. Lots of amenities, like pool, playground, very nice showers, There is a gate house do you need the code to get in.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views

    Very clean and Nice Views

    Very clean campground with super friendly staff. I really enjoyed my time here.

Guide to Luray

Camping near Luray, Virginia, offers a fantastic mix of natural beauty and outdoor activities. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in Shenandoah National Park. Many campers rave about the easy access to trails right from their campsites. One visitor at Big Meadows Campground mentioned, "We went and did several hikes, including Dark Hollow Falls, and spent a late evening in the Big Meadow on a picnic blanket stargazing."
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing in nearby lakes and rivers. Campers at Sherando Lake Campground appreciate the fishing opportunities, with one reviewer stating, "There is a fishing area that you can drive to and park your car to fish."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for deer and other wildlife. A camper at Loft Mountain Campground noted, "We noticed lots of deer and apple trees growing around the campground."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are praised for their cleanliness. A visitor at Matthews Arm Campground said, "The entire campground was clean and well-kept, including the bathrooms and showers."
  • Proximity to Attractions: Campers enjoy being close to attractions. One reviewer at Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground mentioned, "This campground is really close to Shenandoah National Park."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate larger sites for privacy. A visitor at Big Meadows Campground recommended booking a site on the outer part of the loop for more space.

What you should know:

  • First-Come, First-Serve: Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A camper at Lewis Mountain Campground advised, "Arrive early enough in the day to snag a better site."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A visitor at Devil’s Backbone Camp noted, "This is a parking spot in a field with no trees and the sewer likely on the wrong side."
  • Bear Precautions: Be mindful of wildlife, especially bears. A camper at Loft Mountain Campground reminded others, "There are bears so make sure you don't leave any food out."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Family-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. One family at Misty Mountain Camp Resort enjoyed, "There were events the entire time we were there and the staff were awesome."
  • Safety First: Keep an eye on children near roads. A parent at Misty Mountain Camp Resort mentioned, "Our site was tiny so it was a tad stressful having kids running around right beside the road."
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Choose campgrounds that allow for some peace and quiet. A visitor at Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA suggested, "Don’t come here if you want to sleep," highlighting the need for a quieter spot.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Ensure your RV site is level. A reviewer at Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA noted, "Our site was so unlevel that I was not able to get the RV leveled the entire weekend."
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups if needed. Campers at Devil’s Backbone Camp appreciated the addition of more electric sites.
  • Plan for Space: Choose sites that offer enough room for maneuvering. A visitor at Misty Mountain Camp Resort mentioned, "Easy to access sites with large RV, flat site, didn’t even have to unhitch."

Camping near Luray, Virginia, provides a great mix of outdoor fun and family-friendly activities. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds in Luray, VA for families?

Luray offers excellent family-friendly camping options. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Luray is perfect for families with roomy RV sites and plenty of activities to keep kids entertained. Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views is another outstanding choice with beautifully manicured grounds, a working farm where children can observe animals like cows, sheep, and llamas, plus a large dog park area and nice swimming pool. The park is exceptionally clean and well-maintained, making it ideal for families who appreciate both comfort and natural beauty. Both campgrounds offer easy access to local attractions and outdoor recreation opportunities in the Shenandoah Valley area.

How close are camping areas to Luray Caverns?

Several campgrounds provide convenient access to Luray Caverns. Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA is just 17 minutes from the caverns, offering a clean, well-maintained park with activities for kids on weekends. KOA Luray RV Resort features easy access to the caverns with level, padded sites and Blue Ridge Mountain views. Camp Roosevelt is another option just outside the caverns area with about 10 sites featuring fire pits and picnic tables. Most campgrounds in the Luray area are within a 15-25 minute drive of this popular attraction, making it easy to plan a day trip during your camping stay.

What amenities are available at Luray campgrounds?

Luray area campgrounds offer diverse amenities to enhance your camping experience. Endless Caverns RV Resort & Cottages features a swimming pool, laundry facilities, pickleball courts, volleyball courts, and disc golf in a beautiful hardwood forest setting. Shenandoah River Outfitters Camp Outback provides on-site river tubing access with helpful staff. For those seeking more rustic experiences, Big Meadows Campground in Shenandoah National Park offers sites that can accommodate trailers, nearby bathrooms, and a shower house (fee-based). Most private campgrounds in the area provide full hookups for RVs, while public campgrounds typically offer more basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets or restroom facilities.

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