34 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent campsites near Luray, Virginia span primitive backcountry campgrounds and riverside tent camping areas across the surrounding mountains and river valleys. Little Fort Campground offers primitive tent camping with basic amenities, while South Fork Shenandoah River provides riverside tent sites with access to water activities. Crisman Hollow Road Camp and Emerald Pond Primitive Campground offer more secluded options for tent campers seeking a wilderness experience within the George Washington National Forest.
Most tent sites feature fire rings and flat areas for pitching tents, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Little Fort Campground provides vault toilets and designated tent pads with picnic tables, while more remote areas like Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed camping require hikers to be completely self-sufficient. Many backcountry tent sites require proper food storage due to bear activity, with several reviews mentioning wildlife encounters. Access roads to dispersed camping areas can become challenging after rain, with some requiring high-clearance vehicles. A camper noted that at Little Fort Campground, "You select a campsite by flipping a washer on a hook on the board from green to red. Flip it back when you leave."
Tent campers in the Luray area often experience significant temperature variations between day and night, particularly at higher elevations. The Veach Gap backcountry site offers tent campers a 4-mile hike to reach "breathtaking views of the Shenandoah River and surrounding mountains," according to one review. Many tent sites provide good tree cover for shade and hammock options, though some riverside locations can be more exposed. Water availability is inconsistent across locations, with some campers needing to filter from streams while others have access to non-potable pumps. Campers should be prepared for wildlife encounters, as multiple reviews mention bear activity at various tent sites. A review of Emerald Pond noted, "It's a great starter trip for backpackers since you start with a steep ascent to the ridgeline, but then it's mostly flat for the remainder."
"Night 1: Overall Run Camp: This is the third established site along the trail downhill from Overall Run Falls, near the junction of the Overall Run Trail and the Tuscarosa Trail."
"If you’re going to invest in a portable bear box for your food, check out http://igbconline.org/certified-products-list/. There are especially so many incredible hikes on Skyline Drive!"
"Not too many spaces so it can fill up quick. There is a launch in the middle, so there is a bit of come and go."
"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"
"We are located on the Shenandoah River! Our waterfront unique kamp offers yurts and tent sites along with a well maintained bathhouse! Of course I feel we are 5 stars!"
"I fear that yurt glamping may have ruined me against tent camping again! This was absolutely lovely. We stayed in the painted horse yurt. Cozy, comfy, lots of amenities."
from $45 - $225 / night
Check Availability"The campsites have a fire ring, a picnic table, and a flat area to pitch a tent. They have parking spots next to them. There are permanent structure Vault toilets/ out houses."
"There are 9 campsites, each with at least one fire ring, a tent pad and a picnic table, and there is a vault toilet in the middle."
"There was one really nice hiking trail by the bridge. Cons: Some roads were closed. Some spots were full of trash."
"A bit dirty but awesome spot near a creek"
"If you would rather not hike it, there is a Forest Access road, but I'm not sure how often it is open and if permits are needed to drive on it. "
"We didn’t see a ton of trash- but the trash we saw would fit into one plastic grocery bag and it was in the fire pits. I agree that it’s the locals hanging out here, that’s been confirmed."
"Every building in the campground is open you can walk literally anywhere you would like. Nobody is there to enforce anything. We had such a good time, that I still give it four stars."
from $23 - $33 / night
Check Availability"It’s a decently private spot with the trail close by, bugs weren’t bad only gripe was bears were constantly checking out our tent during night, we had one beef stick (trash thrown in our hang bag of course"
"This campsite is another one we found on a list provided by Shenandoah’s park rangers and was listed as moderate hike and easy camping."
"It was a great public spot to disperse camp as there are plenty of areas to set up camp on the way to the summit, but none beat the view of this one."
"Found this spot from a recommended list provided by Shenandoah park rangers, and I’m glad we choose this one."
TravelerAbout a half a mile down to gravel road to a very small boat launch and a loop where there are some fire pits but this is not really dispersed camping in the traditional sense. I saw a few fire pits on the other side of a guardrail where you could pitch a tent alongside the road. Noticeable highway noise in an otherwise scenic location
ScoutQuit, right along the creek, dollar general is right down the street. If only that house wasn’t looking down on me🤷♂️
GuideI fear that yurt glamping may have ruined me against tent camping again! This was absolutely lovely. We stayed in the painted horse yurt. Cozy, comfy, lots of amenities. The only downside here is the sulfur odor the water in the bathroom has, but it is very good for your skin at least! I’d stay here again for sure.
TravelerGreat spot! Water taps appear to be turned off for winter. Flushing toilets. Waterfall hike nearby!
ScoutFriendly staff, great riding right from the camper and a neat playground for the kids.
ScoutStayed here for 2 weekday nights in mid-October, late season. Nice & quiet. Warm showers, clean bathrooms, nice staff.
There was some vehicle activity with vehicles as they were still running river trips.
Very pleasant.
GuideQuite the dump and almost no one around to talk to. There is a bathroom with running water, flushing toilets, and a shower. But it is cramped and not attractive. Most of the sites are right underneath the freeway, and very noisy. Primitive sites away from the road noise are nothing more than a wide area of the dirt road.
TravelerDispersed camping beyond the actual quarry. A lot of rain occurred in the days prior but on my visit over two days. Bright and sunny. However, it was a lot of road wash out and a lot of standing water as you made your way toward dispersed spots. Apparently, I was the only one there, because they were many, many spots open for camping. Nice pre-visited sites and was able to camp near running stream.
TravelerRoad in was without any major wash outs so I drove in pulling my overlanding trailer in 2WD. Plenty of campsites which allowed everyone here to space out easily. Lots of cut up fallen trees around which made collecting firewood simple.
Tent camping near Luray, Virginia offers access to George Washington National Forest and Shenandoah National Park, with elevations ranging from 600 to 3,000 feet. Summer temperature swings of 30°F between day and night aren't uncommon at higher elevation campsites, especially along ridgelines where wind exposure can intensify the effect. Many dispersed sites require bear canisters or proper hang techniques for all food and scented items.
Swimming in natural waters: At #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp, campsites are positioned about "20 feet from the river" with direct water access for summer activities. One camper noted it offers "river access, hiking near by and if you forget something town is 8 minutes away."
Night sky viewing: Veach Gap backpacking site offers ridgeline camping with minimal light pollution. A camper reported "Cell service at the top (not during the hike or on the road to the trailhead so prepare directions)" which helps with emergency communication while still enjoying dark skies.
Off-roading: Peters Mill Run/Taskers Gap OHV System provides technical trails for vehicle enthusiasts. A visitor confirmed it's a "Great place to camp at if your car can handle it, if you like to offroad this place is for you or if you like hiking this is also for you."
Mushroom farm tours: At Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm, visitors can experience a unique camping option with educational components. A camper shared, "We got a nice tour of the mushrooms currently growing at the farm. The camp area sits under a canopy of cedar trees."
Spring-fed swimming: The spring-fed Emerald Pond Primitive Campground provides a refreshing swimming opportunity after hiking. As one reviewer mentioned, "We hike this bird knob trail all the time and usually end it by swimming across emerald pond. It's the perfect temperature (in July and august when we've done it)."
Riverside camping: The direct water access at South Fork Shenandoah River creates memorable experiences. A camper described their site: "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."
Seclusion with access: Many campers appreciate Hazeltop Summit's balance of remoteness and convenience. One visitor shared it was "secluded, a great view and full of wildlife," while noting they "ended up looking around the summit for awhile before we found a good spot so be careful."
Simple booking system: Little Fort Campground uses an intuitive first-come system that doesn't require reservations. A visitor explained: "You select a campsite by flipping a washer on a hook on the board from green to red. Flip it back when you leave."
Seasonal flooding risks: The South Fork Shenandoah River sites can become inaccessible after heavy rains. One reviewer warned: "I went back early October to possibly camp again, shortly after the hurricane rains had passed. The sites were underwater or filled with river mud, making them completely un-campable."
Wildlife encounters: Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed camping requires proper food storage. A camper reported: "bears were constantly checking out our tent during night, we had one beef stick (trash thrown in our hang bag of course) but after one bear sniffed that sucker out 15 minutes later while we were in our tent we heard the first one full sprint and slobbering to check it out."
Limited phone service: Most camping areas have spotty or nonexistent coverage. A visitor to Little Fort Campground noted: "on this app it says T-Mobile access, I'm a T-Mobile customer, no reception at all but drive 5 minutes back down the mountain and you're good to go."
Trash management: Pack-in, pack-out principles apply at most sites. At Crisman Hollow Road Camp, a reviewer observed: "Some roads were closed. Some spots were full of trash." Little Fort campers are reminded: "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."
Beginner-friendly backpacking: Emerald Pond Primitive Campground offers an accessible introduction to backcountry camping for families. A reviewer explained why: "It's a great starter trip for backpackers since you start with a steep ascent to the ridgeline, but then it's mostly flat for the remainder."
Swimming spots for kids: Emerald Pond provides safe water play options. A camper mentioned: "We hang a hammock and let the kids play. There's wild blackberries everywhere. Got our bellies full."
Short drive to supplies: Rock Tavern River Kamp provides a safety net for forgotten items. One camper appreciated that "if you forget something town is 8 minutes away," making it ideal for families who might need quick access to supplies.
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations require extra clothing and sleeping gear. A visitor to Emerald Pond cautioned: "I didn't expect temps to get as low as they did the night I went out there, but keep in mind it is fresh (cold) spring water and you're in the middle of two ridge lines, so it will get colder than the surrounding areas."
Site selection for larger vehicles: Most dispersed areas have limited space for larger RVs. At South Fork Shenandoah River, a camper with a larger vehicle explained: "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."
Road condition awareness: Access roads to many sites can be challenging. A South Fork Shenandoah River visitor mentioned: "The road to get to the campsite was well maintained and easy to get to," but cautioned that "sites are dirt which makes staking down easy, but I can imagine it would be muddy if it rains."
Campsite timing strategy: For weekend camping, arrive early. A Little Fort Campground visitor shared: "Got the last site at 6PM on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend," while another mentioned arriving "at 7:30pm on a Saturday in late August and thought I might be too late to get a spot but there were only two other groups there."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Luray, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Luray, VA is Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park with a 4.4-star rating from 16 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Luray, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 34 tent camping locations near Luray, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
