Camping cabins near Madison, Virginia provide convenient access to Shenandoah National Park and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. The region sits at elevations between 600-4,000 feet, creating distinct temperature zones and diverse ecosystems. Summer temperatures typically range 10-15 degrees cooler at higher elevations than in the valleys, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms during July and August.
What to do
Hike the Appalachian Trail: Lewis Mountain Campground offers direct access to the AT. "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 away from the tent," writes one camper about Lewis Mountain Campground.
Explore waterfall trails: Several trails lead to cascading waterfalls within a 30-minute drive. "There are several campsites available at this National Park. I like this campsite particularly because its close to one of my favorite waterfall hikes in VA," notes a visitor at Big Meadows Campground.
Visit local farms: The area's agricultural heritage offers opportunities to see working farms. "Adjacent to a working farm where cows, sheep, llamas, chickens and roosters can graze next to the campsites," explains a camper at Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views, mentioning its "largest dog park area of any campground I've ever seen."
What campers like
Mountain views: Many campgrounds feature panoramic vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. "Sunset over the mountains from our campsite each evening. Who could ask for more?" writes a camper about their experience at Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views.
Stargazing opportunities: The area's minimal light pollution creates exceptional night skies. "When I visited it was on a weekday and while there were some people staying on the RV side I had the tent area to myself, it was quiet at night in my little corner of camp and I could walk out a bit from my site and see the entire night sky which was amazing!" notes a visitor at Luray KOA.
Wildlife encounters: Deer, bear, and various bird species frequent many campgrounds. "We saw many deer and bear while camping. Just being in Shenandoah is a soothing experience. With so many hiking trails and waterfalls nearby we love to camp in Big Meadows - and for the star watching at night," shares one camper at Loft Mountain Campground.
What you should know
Early arrival recommended: First-come, first-served sites fill quickly, especially during summer and fall. "Lewis mountain has all the amenities of home within walking distance if you just can't live without them... We got there just after 12pm and there were only a couple of sites left," notes a camper at Lewis Mountain Campground.
Weather variability: Mountain elevations can experience sudden temperature drops. "It was an especially cold night hitting a low of 14F. Very happy for the nearby heated restrooms with hot running water," writes a visitor at Big Meadows Campground.
Seasonal availability: Operating seasons vary by location, with most mountain campgrounds closing in late fall. "We camped here for 2 nights... The shower was about 0.3 miles away. They charge $5 for 10 min, which you have to pay in quarters," explains a camper at Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground.
Insect preparation: Higher elevations can have specific insect populations. "The bugs when we got here were kinda crazy. They don't bite but they swarm your head and try to enter every orifice for some reason. A head net was helpful to get the tent and screen room set up," notes a visitor at Big Meadows Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated children's programming. "The kids loved running off in the open field and playing on the zip line. We loved that we could see them from our site. The birthday boy also loved the outdoor laser tag!" writes a visitor at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Luray.
Proximity to water features: Riverside campsites provide natural entertainment for children. "The primitive spots are right next to the river. The spots are a short walk from the parking area and the campground provides wagons to transport your stuff. Great fishing and swimming right at your camping spot," shares a visitor about Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park.
Evening wildlife viewing: Scheduled times increase chances of seeing animals. "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," notes a camper at Big Meadows Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. "Still great spot inside the park near lots of wonderful trials. Not too bad just really close to people and much smaller than Big Meadows," cautions an RVer about Lewis Mountain Campground.
Level site availability: Mountain terrain can create challenges for leveling. "The site was level, at least 28 was. You can't go wrong With the pergola and mountains view. Note that the most pull-thru in the inside of the camp are closers to each other than sites around the camp (the edge of the camp)," advises a camper at Madison Vines RV Resort & Cottages.
Utility placement: Consider tank connections when reserving. "Our only real drawback was our site was not even close to level. It probably shouldn't have been available for a 40'+ RV," shares an RVer at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park.
