Best Campgrounds near Madison, VA

Camping near Madison, Virginia, offers a fantastic escape into nature with a variety of campgrounds that cater to different preferences. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

• Hiking: Shenandoah National Park is nearby, with trails starting right from campgrounds like Big Meadows Campground. One visitor shared, "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 and Swimming: At Sherando Lake Campground, you can enjoy swimming and fishing. A camper noted, "The lake has a swimming area and a beach. There is hiking and fishing in each lake."
• Exploring Local Breweries: If you enjoy craft beer, Devil’s Backbone Camp is just a short walk from a brewery. One happy camper said, "Great spot with clean facilities. Walk to the brewery. Probably my favorite improved camp site for beer enthusiasts!"

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Loft Mountain Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms and showers are very clean, and there is a laundry room."
• Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A visitor at Lewis Mountain Campground remarked, "We liked this campground so much, smallness and setting, we almost cancelled our next reservation to stay here."
• Proximity to Nature: Campgrounds like Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground provide easy access to beautiful landscapes. One reviewer said, "Great State Park with the perfect little tent camping loop."

What you should know:

• First-Come, First-Serve: Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A camper at Mathews Arm Campground noted, "Seemed odd that we could not pick any site that wasn’t reserved."
• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Misty Mountain Camp Resort, have fewer amenities. A visitor mentioned, "The stay is decent. Can get loud and the golf carts are excessive and loud."
• Wildlife Precautions: Bears are common in the area, so it's essential to store food properly. One camper at Big Meadows Campground advised, "There are bears so make sure you don't leave any food out."

Tips for camping with families:

• Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly activities. A parent at Pohick Bay Campground shared, "The waterpark is new and loud so we avoid but nice if you have young kids."
• Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites to give kids room to play. A visitor at Sherando Lake Campground said, "The sites are nicely prepared. There are potable water taps close to most sites."
• Plan for Quiet Hours: Be mindful of noise levels, especially during peak times. A camper at Matthews Arm Campground noted, "You can expect inconsiderate neighbors."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Loft Mountain Campground mentioned, "We would not have been satisfied with the slope of more than a few of the sites here."
• Be Prepared for Limited Connectivity: Many campgrounds have poor cell service. A visitor at Lewis Mountain Campground said, "I didn’t see a site that would accommodate rigs over 20’ or so."
• Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds, like Devil’s Backbone Camp, may not have nearby stores. A camper advised, "There are no amenities. We’ve stayed many times but plan to go elsewhere going forward."

Camping around Madison, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful nature, family-friendly activities, and unique experiences. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for everyone to enjoy!