The terrain surrounding Marshall, Virginia features steep ridgelines rising 1,200 feet from trailheads in the George Washington National Forest, offering tent campers secluded woodland experiences. Camping opportunities span from primitive backcountry sites requiring 4-mile hikes to more accessible options within 30 minutes of town. Summer temperatures average 85°F during day and drop to the mid-60s at night, making proper gear essential for comfort.
What to do
Hike to mountain ridgelines: At Veach Gap in George Washington National Forest, campers can access sites via a challenging 4-mile uphill trek. According to one visitor, "There is no water after the first mile. I have seen a small trickle part way up the mountain, but don't count on it. Pack up all the water you will need for the day/evening/morning." The payoff is worth it as "since it is on the ridgeline, the views are breathtaking."
Connect with local history: Sky Meadows State Park in Delaplane provides educational opportunities alongside camping. "When we were there they were having a historical reenactment near the visitors center that was so cool!" notes one reviewer. The park features both the current Appalachian Trail and what they call the "old AT" before it was relocated.
Stream and river access: South Fork Shenandoah River sites provide direct water access. "The site at the end of the road is beautiful," mentions one camper, while another appreciated that their site "had its own path down to the Potomac River" though noting it was "quite steep for my bum knees and ankles."
What campers like
Well-designed site layout: Campers at Sky Meadows State Park appreciate thoughtful campground design. "The hills are fantastic for helping each site feel like a little private oasis. Even if the campground is full, I think most of the sites would still feel shaded and private because of how they're dispersed throughout the hills," writes one reviewer who details how the terrain creates natural separation.
Self-service systems: At Little Fort Campground, campers enjoy the straightforward site selection process. As one visitor explains, "You select a campsite by flipping a washer on a hook on the board from green to red. Flip it back when you leave." Another notes the campground has "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."
Wildlife encounters: Frequent sightings enhance the camping experience. "At night I saw white-tailed deer and heard owls and cattle!" reports a Sky Meadows camper who also spotted "a bear track after the Cpt. Morgan Trail on the creek side of Hadow Trail." Another mentioned, "We had a family of deer pay us a visit each morning."
What you should know
Water availability limitations: Tent campers should prepare for limited water access. At Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site, "it is about 4 miles up, so not too bad, but there is no water after the first mile." One visitor advises, "Pack up all the water you will need for the day/evening/morning."
Reservation and check-in processes: Sky Meadows has specific procedures campers should understand. "The reservation email said that check in is after 4, which is not true. You can check in after 1. But you have to drive up to the main building, register, go back to the overnight lot, put in the gate code, hang the lot tag on your mirror, and hike in to the site," explains one reviewer who struggled with the process.
Cell service gaps: Connectivity is limited throughout the area. At Little Fort Campground, a camper reports, "this page says that Verizon has limited service but I have a Verizon prepaid plan and I had no service at all starting from about 20 minutes away from the site." Another mentions having "no signal" at Sky Meadows though some sites do have coverage "at the top."
Tips for camping with families
Gear transport assistance: Sky Meadows provides equipment to help families manage the hike-in requirement. "They have wheelbarrows you can borrow to help bring in your stuff from the car," notes one camper. This feature makes the "about a mile hike-in" more manageable for families with younger children.
Kid-friendly water access: Antietam Creek Campground offers accessible river options. "The Potomac is mostly flat with some 'swirlies' for experienced paddlers. I also saw some people tubing," writes one visitor. Another mentions that while their access point was steep, they "saw kids easily run up and down it."
Multiple-day supply needs: Families should pack extra provisions. One Sky Meadows camper advises, "There is no camp store at the campground, only at the main visitor center where you check in," highlighting the need for advance planning. Another notes the need to "bring a bear bag or box with you" for proper food storage.
Tips from RVers
Site limitations for larger vehicles: Most tent-focused areas have significant RV restrictions. "Long and winding road to get there with no service so be cautious," notes one Little Fort visitor. While technically accessible by vehicle, another cautions, "The road was a little rough, but our 92 ford camper made it, just go slow."
RVers seeking the Marshall area's natural beauty should consider tent camping at these locations rather than attempting access with larger vehicles, as most sites are designated specifically for tent-only camping with limited parking areas.
