Best Campgrounds near Fairfield, VA

Campgrounds in the Fairfield, Virginia region span across the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley, offering a range of accommodations from primitive tent sites to full-service RV campgrounds. Sherando Lake Campground provides developed sites with drinking water and electric hookups in a picturesque forest setting, while Crabtree Falls Campground offers cabin options alongside traditional camping areas. Several campgrounds in the area feature mountain views, river access, and proximity to hiking trails, making them popular bases for exploring nearby natural attractions. The camping landscape includes both National Forest sites and private facilities, with options ranging from basic to resort-style amenities.

Road conditions and campground access vary significantly by season, with most developed campgrounds operating from April through October when weather conditions are favorable. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly at popular destinations like Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA and Devils Backbone Camp. Cell service can be limited or nonexistent at more remote camping areas, especially those located deeper in mountain terrain. The region experiences typical mountain weather patterns with cooler temperatures at higher elevations, even during summer months. One camper at Montebello Resort noted: "This place was certainly beautiful; our site was right on the pond. Be aware; there is zero cell service at the campground. To get decent service it's a bit of a drive."

Proximity to water consistently emerges as a valued feature among campers in the region. Stoney Creek Resort and Montebello Resort provide lakeside camping that receives positive feedback for scenic views and recreational opportunities. Several visitors commented on the quality of fishing experiences, with one noting that Montebello Resort offers "a stocked trout pond and a nice small lake" with complimentary kayaks and paddle boats. Quieter, more rustic experiences can be found at locations like Oronoco Campground, which offers primitive camping alongside streams. While developed campgrounds provide amenities like showers and hookups, primitive camping areas typically feature basic facilities such as pit toilets. As one camper at Oronoco described it: "Clean. Sites along stream. Pit toilets. Old CCC camp from 1930s. No cell at all. Primitive."

Best Camping Sites Near Fairfield, Virginia (117)

    1. Sherando Lake Campground

    33 Reviews
    Tyro, VA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2188

    $25 - $47 / night

    "Sherando Lake is a well-maintained, popular campground located in the George Washington National Forest near Lyndhurst, VA."

    "The lakeside is wonderful for sitting, reading and swimming.  The "upper lake" is great for fishing. "

    2. Crabtree Falls Campground

    20 Reviews
    Montebello, VA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 377-2066

    $28 - $55 / night

    "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."

    "I’ve camped at a completely different part of this place before which was a site without access to bathrooms and showers."

    3. Oronoco Campground

    15 Reviews
    Buena Vista, VA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2188

    "It should be noted that the warning about water moccasins posted previously is inaccurate as there are no water moccasins in this part of Virginia."

    "Only thing is that there’s a dog, we think from a property nearby, that acts aggressive towards campers."

    4. Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA

    31 Reviews
    Natural Bridge, VA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2770

    $35 / night

    "This campground is open year round and is right off the highway.  There is a gas station right next to it as well as a safari park. "

    "Located in a beautiful part of central Virginia, this campground gives you lots of options for sightseeing. It is definitely worth a trip to the Natural Bridge."

    5. Devils Backbone Camp

    39 Reviews
    Nellysford, VA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 817-9708

    $25 - $140 / night

    "First time camping in any part of Virginia, very nice and clean campground, not too much outside noise besides the random car driving on the one road near by."

    "We set up camp then walked over to the brewery/ restaurant for some flights and dinner. I recommend grabbing some growlers to go. Showers and restrooms were clean."

    6. Montebello Resort

    11 Reviews
    Montebello, VA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 377-2650

    $38 - $55 / night

    "This is one of Virginia’s best kept secrets for Cabins, RV or Tent camping.

    The location is awesome; close to some great hiking spots, very accessible & well laid out."

    "The upstairs neighbors were probably as quiet as they could be but you could still hear them walking around and using the plumbing.

    The trout pond is not what they make it out to be on the website."

    7. Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park

    20 Reviews
    Stuarts Draft, VA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 337-3920

    $45 - $99 / night

    "You can fish in the lake though we didn't catch anything. Wifi is free and open so no password and therefore, not secure. Trash picked up each day."

    "Good location close to I81 but little road noise. I did hear a train."

    8. Lee Hi Campground

    7 Reviews
    Lexington, VA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 463-3478

    "You can’t hear the highway, which is on the other side of the mountain in the back of the campground.

    Restrooms were older but clean during our stay and a short walk from the camp site."

    "You can’t hear the highway, which is on the other side of the mountain in the back of the campground.

    Restrooms were older but clean during our stay and a short walk from the camp site."

    9. Stoney Creek Resort

    7 Reviews
    Stuarts Draft, VA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 337-1510

    "Beautiful surroundings. No phone signal and wifi was a joke but that's not a bad thing!"

    "Ate at their on-site restaurant while a local band played outside. Mostly used by local folks as a seasonal CG. Lots of semi-permanent fixtures attached to rigs. Did get a PassPort America discount."

    10. Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley

    12 Reviews
    Stuarts Draft, VA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 337-2267

    $29 - $45 / night

    "And of course their lake that has two jumping decks, water slide, snack bar , restaurant and off to the side a little store for floats with putt putt golf and Jenna,etc."

    "Lots for them to do, great swimming lake, employees were a pleasure. Trash pick-up was awesome !! Our site was gorgeous. Not a full hook up(more on that later), but absolutely perfect."

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Recent Reviews near Fairfield, VA

797 Reviews of 117 Fairfield Campgrounds


  • 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?

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Paradise Lake Family Campground

    Not more than one night

    This is an older campground and shows its age…and wear. There are several semi-permanent residents here. Some facilities need repair and/or maintenance. Water in the shower was hot, but the showers were small, and there was no place for d as iso, shaving things, shampoo, ets. And no place to sit to. There is a pool and a lake with a swim beach. Kayak rental. Playground, laundry, showers/ bathrooms are passable. Internet is very slow.

  • madison F.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park

    WALNUT

    first arrived weary of storm headed our way only to find out our campsite was the only in our section that wasn’t a flood zone.

    saw some liquid being pumped into naturally flowing creek water??! also if you want to see ducks… stay close to the pond.

    super honorable mention - lower bathhouses did not have warm water and had to hike up the hill to use, extremely nicer, bathhouse.

    POOL had a “tlc makeover” only to have a surmount of chemicals still not diluted by 5pm - MURKYYYYYYY

    also had a campsite that was placed between three trees - super tight but made it work.

    only stayed in passing - get what you get

  • Anna B.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Gorgeous Tent Camping 🤩

    One of the best sites I've had the fortune to stay at recently. The campground has a wide variety of sites, with the majority as pull throughs and a good handful of walk in tent sites. This site is large and an easy downhill walk from parking to set up camp. The view is unreal, especially for sunset. While you can definitely hear your neighbors, it still has a decent amount of privacy.

  • Aaron S.
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Stoney Creek Resort

    Lovely people, lovely place

    Overall a nice place to stay. We stayed one night. Hook ups were good, site was somewhat level. The staff are just lovely people, very friendly, helpful, and they go out of their way to do the next right thing.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Natural Bridge

    Helpful staff and nice amenities

    It has all the bells and whistles you’d hope for at a Jellystone. It sounds like staffing has been challenging but the fellow campers and wonderful staff that are here make it well worth staying. We partook in all we could and enjoyed the swimming hole, pool, splash pad, jumping pillow and arcade. I’d stay again and would love to head down to the river for some tubing and fish in the stocked pond.

  • Kevin M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2025

    Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA

    Exceeded expectations

    I was impressed with this campground from the minute I entered it. We were greeted at the entrance and then sent to an escort you smartly showed us to our site by taking the same path at the RV should take; making wise returns and so on. The site was pristine and laid out very nicely. Honestly the whole place was really clean and lovely. This is my first KOA visit and I was thoroughly impressed

  • Francelia A.
    Jul. 27, 2025

    Misty Mountain Camp Resort

    Mom and son new adventure

    Misty Mountain Camp Resort is located in Crozet, Virginia, off of 250 below Afton Mountain. I'm familiar with this resort. Many, many years ago, when it was Yogi Bear's park, a lot of updates since then. Great accommodations. I've not enjoyed camping as much as I have these last 2 weeks with my son Matthew, who is 30 years old down syndrome, autism and a leukemia survivor. I am 66 years old. I'm on the best adventure of my life. Just bought a new motorhome after my partner of 15 years passed away. I'm on a new journey. And taking care of my life with good health. I recommend this park to anyone. Friendly staff, accommodating, pet friendly dog parks, bathhouse, laundry, sun, and shade, with 30 and 50 amp hookups with sewage. I couldn't ask for a better place. Have a fun-loving life, I am!

  • Katrin M.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Nice getaway over the weekend

    We camped here for 2 nights. The campsite has the common amenities - a firepit, a bench, and a picnic table. Our site was definitely spacious.

    The bathhouse was not far away and mostly clean. It was awesome to have a dishwasher station with running water.

    Unfortunately our campsite was bumblebee invested. It was cool to watch them, but they got into everything.

    The shower was about 0.3 miles away. They charge $5 for 10 min, which you have to pay in quarters.

    There is also a very nice and well stocked campstore. They had everything you need.

    We drove to the visitor center at the Big Meadow. They had very cool programs and really good food. I enjoyed a blackberry shake, which is kinda famous for the area, and it was delicious.

    If you wanna hike somewhere, the AT runs right through the campground.

    The rangers and the host were super friendly and very helpful.


Guide to Fairfield

Camping near Fairfield, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.

What to do

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the scenic trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the nearby hiking opportunities. One reviewer at Sherando Lake Campground mentioned, "We had a great view of sunset. Nice stars at night the park is darker than some."
  • Swimming and Fishing: Enjoy the refreshing waters at local lakes. A visitor at Douthat State Park Campground noted, "Great camping, nice beach and swim area, lots of hiking and biking trails."
  • Family Activities: Many campgrounds have amenities like playgrounds and inflatable jump pads. One family at Misty Mountain Camp Resort shared, "Our kids had a blast on the inflatable jump pad which was open all day."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Sherando Lake Campground said, "Restrooms are nice and very clean, the park is maintained very well."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds are known for their helpful staff. A visitor at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA remarked, "The folks I interacted with in the office were very nice."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having enough space for their setups. One reviewer at Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp mentioned, "The campsites are spaced out good."

What you should know

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Shenandoah Valley Campground noted, "The biggest negative is lack of cell service/internet."
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get loud, especially on weekends. A visitor at Devil’s Backbone Camp mentioned, "The reduction in stars is for the golf carts. They blind you at night and ruin campfire time."
  • Seasonal Availability: Check the campground's open season before planning your trip. For example, Douthat State Park Campground is open from May to September.

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. A family at Misty Mountain Camp Resort said, "There were events the entire time we were there and the staff were awesome."
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Be mindful of noise, especially at night. A camper at Canoe Landing Group Campsite shared, "Our neighbors were noisy, obnoxious, and trashy into the wee hours of the morning."
  • Pack Essentials for Kids: Bring along games and outdoor toys to keep them entertained. One reviewer at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA mentioned, "There is a small swimming pool that the kids were enjoying."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Devil’s Backbone Camp noted, "The water, electric and sewer hookups are on the wrong side for half of the RV sites."
  • Look for Amenities: Choose campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. A reviewer at Douthat State Park Campground mentioned, "Some spots include clean bathrooms, hot showers, soda machines, fish fillet tables."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Ensure there’s a dump station nearby. A camper at Sherando Lake Campground said, "There is a dump station onsite. Easy to access but the wash hose doesn’t have any pressure."

Camping in Fairfield, VA, and the surrounding areas offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking comfort, there's something for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Fairfield, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Fairfield, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 117 campgrounds and RV parks near Fairfield, VA and 12 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Fairfield, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Fairfield, VA is Sherando Lake Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 33 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Fairfield, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 free dispersed camping spots near Fairfield, VA.

What parks are near Fairfield, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 25 parks near Fairfield, VA that allow camping, notably George Washington & Jefferson National Forests and Monongahela National Forest.