Shenandoah Valley offers diverse glamping options close to Mcgaheysville, Virginia, with elevations ranging from 900 to 3,000 feet throughout the region. The area experiences all four seasons distinctly, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds in the region remain open from April through November, though several provide year-round accommodations with heated facilities.
What to do
Hiking trails with river access: At Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy extensive trail systems right from their campsite. "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. Tons of trails, wildlife and activities in and near the park," notes a reviewer.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Big Meadows Campground in Shenandoah National Park offers excellent wildlife spotting. "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.
Winter camping experience: Some campgrounds remain open year-round with proper accommodations. "We camped here the last night of the season (Nov30) and shared the campground with a mix of tent campers, car/van campers, and a few larger units. The bathrooms were plentiful, heated, hot running water, and a utility sink available. It was an especially cold night hitting a low of 14F. Very happy for the nearby heated restrooms with hot running water," reports a winter visitor at Big Meadows.
What campers like
River activities for hot days: Luray RV Resort on Shenandoah River provides direct river access. "Bring tubes if you have them. This place is great for tubing. Everything you need for a great stay," recommends one reviewer. Another notes, "The ride down the river from one end of the park to the other is around 30 minutes."
Stargazing opportunities: The dark skies of the region make for exceptional stargazing. "At night you could see stars. We took a walk to the overlook in the middle of the night to stargaze," shares a visitor at Dundo Group Campground. The higher elevations of Shenandoah National Park campgrounds offer particularly clear views of the night sky.
Spacious, private sites: Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA offers well-designed campsites. "KOAs have a standard formula that you can count on: clean, full RV hookups, easy in and out etc. This one has all that - and more! One of the features I look for in campground is hiking trails right out of the campground. Most KOAs don't have that - but this one does!" A different camper notes, "Very nice valley location. Site 71 best for privacy."
What you should know
Variable cell service: Connectivity varies significantly across the region. One visitor at Walnut Hills Campground reports, "Cell signal and camp wifi are bad. I was just able to get a decent signal with Starlink by carefully pointing at a small gap between trees." Plan accordingly with downloaded maps and information.
Wildlife precautions necessary: Bears are active in the region, particularly in Shenandoah National Park. "Bear box for food storage. Loved seeing the deer so close and other wildlife," mentions a visitor at Big Meadows. Another camper cautions, "Speaking of bears - there were lots of sightings and they take food clean up seriously. You can be fined for leaving food out."
Weather preparedness essential: Natural Chimneys County Park offers camping near unique geological formations, but weather can change quickly. "Overall great experience! Staff was friendly, sites were well maintained and great location. Bath houses were clean and the chimneys were cool!" reports a camper. Pack layers and rain gear regardless of season.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley offers excellent water activities for families. "There's always tons of activities to do for everyone of age. Gold cart parades, crafts hours, poker run, corn hole tournaments. 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."
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated children's areas. "There's also a huge playground with volleyball and basket ball court near the pavilion. Along with a small arcade room and a huge fire pit ring to hang out at," notes a visitor at Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer ranger programs. Big Meadows has "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."
Tips from RVers
Site selection recommendations: Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views offers strategic site options. "We stayed in a level back-in site(#39) with picnic table on a concrete patio, Adirondack chairs under a pergola on a second concrete patio, clean gravel surface, and fire pit. The site was big enough for our motor home and Jeep. Full hook-ups with 50-amp service," shares one RVer.
Seasonal considerations: Be prepared for temperature fluctuations, especially in spring and fall. "The drive in requires about 25-miles through the roller coaster of steep grade(7+%) hills. There's no way around that, you're in the mountains. Just be aware and be prepared," advises an experienced camper at Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views.
Utility access notes: At Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA, "The sites are large enough and level enough. The power pole is well positioned." Another visitor adds, "Hookups were well positioned. Walking trail starts at the campground. WiFi worked pretty well."
