Nestled at approximately 1,500 feet elevation in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, Lyndhurst offers tent and RV camping experiences in diverse settings from mountain ridges to riverside spaces. Temperatures range from 30-55°F in winter to 75-90°F in summer, with fall camping season bringing moderate 45-70°F conditions. Nearby campgrounds vary from primitive sites with creek access to full-service grounds with extensive amenities.
What to do
Fishing at multiple locations: Sites near Lyndhurst provide fishing opportunities in stocked ponds and natural waterways. At Crabtree Falls Campground, campsites back up to the Tye River where visitors can wade through natural flowing water. "Sites are right on the river, we had a walk to which gave us some extra privacy. Beautiful area for hiking, lots leading off of the AT," notes one visitor.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Many campgrounds serve as bases for AT access. Dundo Group Campground in Shenandoah National Park offers proximity to multiple trail options. "Really this was just a great place to come with a bunch of your friends and family and just relax. October is definitely the best time to visit the park," reports a camper who visited with family.
Waterfall exploration: The region features impressive waterfalls accessible from camping areas. Crabtree Falls is among the most visited, with one camper noting, "Crabtree Falls is a mile up the road and very easy to get to the trail head. The AT is also close by and easily accessed."
Natural formations viewing: The limestone formations at Natural Chimneys County Park draw visitors for their unique geological features. "There are a couple of nice, short trails and the natural chimney formations are fascinating," describes one visitor who extended their stay after discovering the area.
What campers like
Clean bathroom facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained facilities as a highlight. At Big Meadows Campground, "Campground is meticulously clean with daily restroom cleaning and trash pick up. Very small campground store on site but a much larger store at visitor center."
Private waterfront sites: Locations with water access rank highly in reviews. One Crabtree Falls visitor shared, "This camp ground was nice and cozy. The tent sites we stayed in were 10 ft away from the Tye river, we literally fell asleep to the sound of the water every night."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campsites offer chances to observe local wildlife. At Big Meadows, "You will definitely see deer in the campground as they walk through and browse the understory. They are unafraid of humans unless directly approached."
Convenient camping store access: On-site stores provide essentials and comfort items. As one Walnut Hills Campground visitor noted, "The store was sparse but adequate. The lawns were kept up and looking good. There is a very nice playground and a pet exercise area."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds in the region have poor connectivity. At Montebello Resort, "The location of the campground is remote with zero cell coverage or wifi, and other than the store on-site, there isn't much outside of a few hiking trails, within 30 minutes."
Varying site privacy: Campground layouts differ significantly in terms of privacy between sites. "Though this campground is HUGE, the sites are not piled on top of each other. Our site, B112, was surrounded by shrubs under the canopy of trees which provided tons of privacy," reported a Big Meadows visitor.
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns affect camping experiences throughout the year. A winter visitor to Big Meadows noted, "It was an especially cold night hitting a low of 14F. Very happy for the nearby heated restrooms with hot running water."
Road access challenges: Some locations have difficult approach roads. One Montebello Resort visitor cautioned, "Be aware...VA56 is a very windy road not recommended for pulling a camper through. Use the blue ridge parkway."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Walnut Hills, "There is a very nice playground and a pet exercise area. You can fish in the lake though we didn't catch anything."
Swimming options: Lakes and pools provide summer recreation opportunities. At Stoney Creek Resort, "Great swimming lake. Family friendly," making it ideal for warm-weather glamping near Lyndhurst.
Educational ranger programs: Parks often offer family-oriented programming. Big Meadows provides a "Nice amphitheater with interesting ranger programs. Busy traffic in park but nice trails are accessible from campground."
Firefly viewing: Seasonal insect displays create memorable experiences. "And finally, the fireflies are spectacular. At dusk, the ground shimmers, and then after they disperse, you will still see them flit by the tent throughout the night," describes a Big Meadows visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require significant effort to level rigs. A Walnut Hills visitor shared, "Access was easy. The campground was busy and everything was clean and neat. The sites were a little tight. We were there for the local hiking so we didn't spend too much tie in the park."
Premium hookup availability: Full hookup options vary by campground, with Walnut Hills offering "Our site 33 was full hookup and a very nice, mostly level, spacious, and had a covered picnic table on a deck. Not all sites have full hookup."
Varied terrain considerations: Campgrounds often have distinct sections with different characteristics. At Walnut Hills, "The sites along the lower area near the lake were shaded mostly, some more than others, while the sites up the hill at the top and near the front entrance (pull through sites) were not shaded much."
Size accommodation limits: Larger rigs face restrictions at some locations. At Montebello Resort, reviewers mention it's "Not big rig friendly, lots of trees," making it better suited for smaller RVs and luxury glamping tents in the Lyndhurst, Virginia area.
