Best Campgrounds near Maurertown, VA

Maurertown, Virginia serves as a strategic base for exploring several campgrounds in the Shenandoah Valley and surrounding mountains. The area features a mix of established campgrounds including Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park, Elizabeth Furnace Campground, and Wolf Gap Recreation Area, each offering varying levels of amenities and accessibility. Tent camping, RV sites, and cabin accommodations are available throughout the region, with some campgrounds also providing yurt or glamping options. The proximity to Shenandoah National Park campgrounds like Mathews Arm and Big Meadows provides additional camping opportunities within a reasonable drive from Maurertown.

Camping seasons vary across the region, with some campgrounds like Wolf Gap and Elizabeth Furnace operating year-round, while others such as Mathews Arm Campground have defined seasons from May through October. Most established campgrounds provide basic amenities including toilets and drinking water, though hookup availability differs significantly between locations. Access roads to some of the mountain campgrounds may feature gravel surfaces with occasional potholes, particularly after winter or heavy rainfall periods. Reservations are recommended for popular sites, especially during peak summer and fall foliage seasons when visitation increases substantially. One camper noted that "the road on the way up is gravel, but has its share of potholes and bumps."

The Shenandoah region surrounding Maurertown attracts campers with its mountain views, river access, and hiking opportunities. Several campgrounds provide direct access to trails, including connections to the Appalachian Trail at some locations. Wildlife sightings, particularly black bears, are common in the area and proper food storage is strictly enforced at most campgrounds. Campers report varying levels of privacy between campgrounds, with some sites offering more seclusion than others. A review of Mathews Arm Campground mentioned that "the A loop has the most appealing sites with many being situated along the forest's edge, providing a pleasant mix of shade and sun throughout the day." Campgrounds near rivers tend to be particularly popular, with Shenandoah River State Park receiving consistently high ratings for its riverside location and clean facilities.

Best Camping Sites Near Maurertown, Virginia (151)

    1. Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Bentonville, VA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 622-6840

    $30 - $40 / night

    "Virginia has the best state park campgrounds. Water and electric. Large sites. The bathrooms are clean with separate shower rooms. Nice hiking in the park. Near SNP. Responsive and friendly rangers."

    "In my opinion it has the best location of the 3 Turks they have. It’s it the woods close to a boat landing you can see a bit of the river. In the fall or spring I’m sure the view is amazing."

    2. Mathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    45 Reviews
    Rileyville, VA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3132

    $30 - $75 / night

    "This is a nice and very large campground tucked away in the northern part of Shenandoah. The facilities and grounds were well kept and it’s a short car’s travel (but there’s also a trail!)"

    "There are a few trails encompassing and leading out from the campground, and it's nice to have a central location from which you can out on small hikes."

    3. Wolf Gap

    20 Reviews
    Basye, VA
    12 miles
    Website

    $20 / night

    "This campsite is by far one of my favorite free campsites that Virginia has to offer. what makes Wolf Gap so speacial is the the 4 mile hike that leads to a rocky overlook of the valley."

    "We made a spur of the moment one night trip up here from Virginia, and I do glad we stumbled upon it! There are only 8 or 9 camp spots, each with a leveled area for a tent and a designated fire pit."

    4. Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    120 Reviews
    Stanley, VA
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3500

    $30 - $75 / night

    "While the campground is very nice, with clean conveniently located bathrooms, the site itself is probably not suited for a large group of people."

    "Our site had the AT running right behind it. The was plenty of access to trails, and pretty central to the park. The campground is near showers, laundry, campstore, and visitor center."

    5. Creekside Campground

    17 Reviews
    Edinburg, VA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 984-4299

    $26 - $47 / night

    "We spent 2 nights at Creekside Campground in Edinburg, VA on our way to West Virginia—- and found a real gem.  We paid$50/night for Back-in Creekview FHU Site#20."

    "We had a large grass space with water and power on the edge of a beautiful creek and enjoyed the sounds of it both nights."

    6. Gooney Creek Campground

    16 Reviews
    Bentonville, VA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 635-4066

    "We are tent campers and we’re looking for a place close to Shenandoah to ride our motorcycles. This was 3 miles from the north entrance to the park, perfect."

    "Hike up a trail or up through the creek itself to a swimming hole only accessible to campers. Saw some decent sized fish swimming around in there."

    7. Elizabeth Furnace Campground

    9 Reviews
    Strasburg, VA
    7 miles
    Website

    $20 / night

    "In the valley outside of Shenandoah, it was a nice spot to return to at night. There are also some hiking trails across the street."

    "Campground Review: What a great find, so close to a town….though feels like you are deep in the forest!"

    8. Little Fort Campground

    8 Reviews
    Woodstock, VA
    5 miles
    Website

    "Off the beaten path for sure. Only a couple of other campers there when we visited. No issue for our 2wd SUV. Quite a bit of hunters gunfire in the distance, but otherwise very peaceful."

    "Some sites have direct access to the Peter's Mill Run OHV complex. Vault toilet for all sites to share. No water, no electricity. Have to pack trash out. Sites were first come first serve."

    9. Elizabeth Furnace Family Campground

    9 Reviews
    Strasburg, VA
    7 miles

    "Great spot right outside Shenandoah NP with quick access to the park or nearby trails. great fishing and hikes for kids, too!"

    "There are a couple of sites that have a path to the creek that flows behind the campground.There is also plenty of hiking trails to be completed around the campgrounds of various levels from beginner to"

    10. Hawk Recreation Area Campground

    15 Reviews
    Star Tannery, VA
    13 miles
    Website

    "Although it's not immediately convenient to the various hiking trails in the Lee Ranger district of Washington-Jefferson NF, this little site is tucked away atop a mountain far from any crowds."

    "Tent sites are rough, some outside ring sites have tent pads."

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Recent Reviews near Maurertown, VA

1008 Reviews of 151 Maurertown Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 26, 2025

    Middle Ridge Campground

    Quite and comfortable in the woods.

    Hosts are great.  Bathhouse was very clean.  Fall folliage was perfect.  The campgound is really 1.6 mi from rte 50 but feels longer the first time due to narrow roads and hills.  For being on the side of a mountain, the sites were suprisining level.  Only needed a few blocks under the wheels.  We chose one of the pull throughs.

    Don't forget to plug in well pump or you won't have water!

    30' TT

  • E
    Oct. 26, 2025

    Middle Ridge Campground

    Terrific

    Just got home from a lovely week in Romney.  We found the perfect campground, a mile or so off route 50, deep in the woods.  Each campsite surrounded by trees.  Since we have a popup, Shelly recommended a site not far from the bathhouse.  Perfect.  We were in Romney to ride the Potomac Eagle, but Shelly also recommended other experiences in Romney (Fort Mill Ridge, Indian Mound Cemetery, historic David House).  A very nice autumn week.

  • Gina T.
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Middle Ridge Campground

    Loved it!

    This was our first experience camping.  We just retired and rented a camper for a trial run and we just loved it.  It was quiet there and I slept like a baby.  Very positive experience.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Mathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Love this Campground

    I love camping in Matthews Arm, it has a flush toilet restroom. The site A7 has a hug parking, can fit RVs and spacious area for tent, table, fire pit. Only downside is that the tent pad is kind of connected to site A09, so privacy is not the best.

  • Zach L.
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA

    Fall Leaf Peeping Trip

    We stayed here for 3 nights. Perfect campground with everything you need. Bathrooms are very clean. Ice, propane, and other items are available on site at the store. Halloween was in full effect including a haunted walk. Sites are spacious and have natural stone in ground fire pits instead of rusted metal rims which adds character. Dog park, pool, and plenty of games are available on site. Harrisonburg is down the road if you to need to stop in town.

  • Jack W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    South Fork Shenandoah River

    Great dispersed spot

    Only a few spots around, but beautiful spot right on the river with fire pits. No other amenities but it was exactly what we were looking for

  • Spencer W.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Cedar Creek Trail dispersed campsite

    Cedar Creek Trail Dispersed Campsite

    Went to Stultz gap and was a little unimpressed. Drove about 10 minutes further north on the same road.

    Location is approximate. After the intersection, the road will turn into a trail (marked by a metal gate) and there is a campsite right there.

    Was very peaceful and clean. Had an established fire ring.

  • Spencer W.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Stultz Gap Dispersed Campsite

    Stultz Gap Dispersed Camping

    The spot itself is right next to the road. The map seems to indicate trails connected but they appear very overgrown.

    Appears some may use this with horses as some small amount of waste was left behind.

    We ended up driving about 10-15 minutes further north along the same road and found a nicer spot with an established fire ring.

  • Brian B.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    The Retreat at Shenandoah Meadows

    Great place, zero oversight…

    First, let me say that the viewers at this campground are incredible. We stayed there this September and my family had a fantastic time in their cabins. When we got there, we found our cabin and these had codes to be able to enter. All was fine till we started looking at bathrooms.

    None of the bathroom facilities are labeled, male or female, but it was just our family there so it wasn’t a really big deal. Later on in the weekend, another group showed up, and then we felt as though we needed to try and find or figure out another way to ensure that the girls were safe.

    Every building in the campground is open you can walk literally anywhere you would like. Nobody is there to enforce anything. We had such a good time, that I still give it four stars. We had such good views that I would still give it four stars. But I would be aware of what you’re going to.


Guide to Maurertown

Camping near Maurertown, Virginia offers access to mountain terrain in the Shenandoah Valley region at elevations ranging from 600 to 3,000 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing at higher elevations. Water sources can be limited at some primitive sites, requiring campers to carry supplies from spring-fed sources or public fill stations.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Elizabeth Furnace Campground provides easy access to trout fishing with stocked waters. "Great place to go tent camping and hiking. The sites are free and are first come first serve. Highly recommended you bring your own water or container to fill at the spring down the road," notes Amber in her review of Wolf Gap.

Trail access: Big Meadows Campground connects to multiple hiking trails of varying difficulty directly from the campground. "At dusk, the ground shimmers, and then after they disperse, you will still see them flit by the tent throughout the night," writes Veronica S. about the exceptional firefly viewing at Big Meadows Campground.

Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature access to water for swimming during warmer months. "The creek running through the campground drowns out most noise from the road or other campers. Sites are private and well-shaded, but with plenty of sun for our solar panel too," mentions Shari G. about the water features at Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area.

Wildlife watching: Dawn and dusk offer the best opportunities for deer viewing. "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," reports Rachel M.

What campers like

Riverside camping: Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park offers coveted waterfront sites. "There are several rustic campsites located on the Southfork of the Shenandoah River, as well as modern electric sites, RV sites, and cabins. Park and campgrounds are clean and well maintained," notes Ricki F. in her review of Shenandoah River State Park.

Primitive options: For those seeking basic accommodations, Wolf Gap Recreation Area provides no-frills camping. "9 sites first-come, first-served, and free. Wolf Gap is great—the campsites are high quality and well-maintained. There's overflow camping across the road, which is good since this campground usually fills up on good weekends," notes Andrew M.

Secluded spots: Hawk Recreation Area offers more isolated camping experiences. "Although it's not immediately convenient to the various hiking trails in the Lee Ranger district of Washington-Jefferson NF, this little site is tucked away atop a mountain far from any crowds. Not too long a drive to get there, but long enough for some seclusion," writes Aaron W. about Hawk Recreation Area.

Budget-friendly options: Several free or low-cost camping areas exist within 30 minutes of Maurertown. "Cheap price for a nice stay. Ended up at Elizabeth Furnace after a friend recommended it. For the price ($10/night and 50% off if you have a National Park Pass), it was pretty good," shares Taylor about Elizabeth Furnace Campground.

What you should know

Water availability: Many primitive sites lack potable water. "We made a decision to camp on the eve of a potential blizzard. The grounds have sites in close proximity to a toilet without running water," explains Vy N. about Wolf Gap.

Cellular connectivity: Reception varies significantly between campgrounds. "No cell service. We went to the visitor center and connected to the WiFi if we needed to do something online. The camp store has a lot of stuff! The showers are $5 for 10 minutes," reports Veronica S. about connectivity at Big Meadows.

Road conditions: Access roads to several campgrounds can be challenging. "The road is quite bumpy. I was fine in a small car with relatively low clearance, but if you have extremely low clearance or things hanging down from your car, you're gonna have a slow, difficult drive in," warns Meredith P. about Hawk Recreation Area.

Reservation systems: Some campgrounds operate on first-come, first-served basis only. "This campground has all the amenities you need for a great family getaway; bathroom faculties, easy hikes, wildlife, and is an easy drove from Washington, DC," mentions Danielle G. about Mathews Arm Campground.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with specific family facilities. "Great for kids. This campground is nice and 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 Matt P. about Shenandoah River State Park.

Educational programs: Some parks offer ranger-led activities for children. "Nice amphitheater with interesting ranger programs. Busy traffic in park but nice trails are accessible from campground. Visitor Center, gas station, food walking distance from campground," writes Kim L. about Big Meadows Campground.

Wildlife precautions: Teach children about proper food storage in bear country. "Great campground! A lot of hiking and nature everywhere. We even had a doe and fawn right in our campsite! Just be careful of the black bears," warns Stephen K. about Mathews Arm Campground.

Weather preparedness: Mountain weather can change rapidly, particularly at higher elevations. "We were there during a heat wave so there were bugs but being from Georgia the heat was bearable. Speaking of bears- there were lots of siting and they take food clean up seriously," notes Anna R. about seasonal conditions.

Tips from RVers

Site length limitations: Some campgrounds have restrictions on RV size. "We were pulling a 15' trailer and could only access the sites from driving reverse along the one way road. The trailer barely fit the back-in site and we were able to detach and park our vehicle perpendicular to the trailer. It was perfect for our set up, but I wouldn't recommend anything larger than 15'," advises Vy N. about Wolf Gap.

Hookup availability: Water and electric connections vary by campground. "We stayed here on the night of December 11, 2020. No problem finding a spot, campground was about half full when we got there around 4pm. The Primitive Camping spots were all taken however, so arrive early if you want one of those. Water and electrical available at all the spots even though it was winter," notes John B. about Creekside Campground.

Navigation challenges: Some campground roads present difficulty for larger rigs. "If you're coming into town from I-81 don't follow Google Maps to the left on Main St, but rather follow the signs to turn right– it makes for an easier access to the campground," advises Seth P. about maneuvering into Creekside Campground.

Seasonal considerations: Winter camping may limit available facilities. "Showers and laundry were closed for the season but are centrally located near entrance area of campground. Elevation above 3000 feet and plenty of deer! It was an especially cold night hitting a low of 14F," reports Carol B. about winter camping at Big Meadows.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Maurertown, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Maurertown, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 151 campgrounds and RV parks near Maurertown, VA and 22 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Maurertown, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Maurertown, VA is Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 56 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 free dispersed camping spots near Maurertown, VA.

What parks are near Maurertown, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 parks near Maurertown, VA that allow camping, notably Shenandoah National Park and Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park.