Camping near Middletown, VA

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    Camping opportunities around Middletown, Virginia concentrate along the Shenandoah River and nearby mountain landscapes of George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. Several developed campgrounds serve the region, including Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground and Elizabeth Furnace Campground, both offering established sites within 15 miles of Middletown. The area features diverse accommodation options ranging from basic tent sites to cabins and glamping facilities. North Fork Resort and Low Water Bridge Campground provide river access for campers seeking water activities, while national forest locations offer more rustic experiences.

    The camping season generally runs from spring through fall, with some facilities like Elizabeth Furnace Campground remaining open year-round. Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, particularly in national forest areas, while state park and private facilities typically require reservations. Winter closures affect water and dump stations at several locations, and summer weekends can see high occupancy rates. Elevation varies significantly throughout the region, affecting temperatures and conditions. A camper noted, "Elizabeth Furnace is a quiet place to disconnect as wifi and cell service was spotty at best. Nice stream nearby. Dump station and community water spigot closed during winter months."

    Riverfront camping represents a significant draw in this region, with multiple developed campgrounds positioned along the Shenandoah. Sites near water tend to fill quickly during peak season, particularly on weekends. Private campgrounds like North Fork Resort offer amenities such as pools and organized activities, though several reviewers mention these areas can feel crowded with sites positioned close together. The public lands campgrounds provide better solitude but fewer amenities. One review highlighted, "Great spot right outside Shenandoah National Park with quick access to the park or nearby trails, great fishing and hikes for kids, too!" Hiking accessibility remains a consistent advantage across most camping areas, with trailheads often connecting directly to campgrounds, particularly at Elizabeth Furnace where multiple trail systems begin.

    Best Campgrounds near Middletown (165)

      1. Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground

      4.7(58)12mi from Middletown62 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Our patio was on the side next to the road which was a little close to traffic but we still loved siting there, especially in the evening with a campfire."

      "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."

      from $27 - $427 / night

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      2. Mathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park

      4.4(46)19mi from Middletown166 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $30 - $75 / night

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      3. Candy Hill Campground

      2.8(24)12mi from MiddletownRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Unfortunately, it is located right on a major highway. This means there is easy access, but the traffic noise is less than ideal. But the gem of this place is the management and staff!"

      "No restaurant within walking range so have food on hand. There are a few places that will deliver but the food is a 5 out of 10 at best. Hwy 81 is right next door so you will hear road noise."

      from $38 - $77 / night

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      4. Gooney Creek Campground

      4.1(17)11mi from MiddletownRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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."

      5. Elizabeth Furnace Campground

      5.0(9)8mi from Middletown36 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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!"

      from $20 / night

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      6. Elizabeth Furnace Family Campground

      4.3(9)6mi from MiddletownRVs, Tents

      "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"

      7. Hawk Recreation Area Campground

      4.3(15)13mi from MiddletownRVs, Tents

      "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."

      8. The Cove Campground

      4.5(15)14mi from MiddletownRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Several rustic campsites with a large lake for the kids, and miles of off road trails for atvs, jeeps, and dirtbikes."

      "The road is gravel and could use some work, I’d recommend 4x4 drive. We really enjoyed it and will go back. The reason for 4 stars instead of 5, water situation and the roads could use some work."

      9. North Fork Resort

      3.0(8)6mi from MiddletownRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "First time visiting North Fork, didn’t explore as much as I wanted to, Campers are tightly parked next to one another, was invited by my Uncle to come have a good time and enjoy the atmosphere, go tubing"

      10. Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

      4.5(128)36mi from Middletown224 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      from $30 - $75 / night

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    Recent Reviews near Middletown, VA

    1155 Reviews of 165 Middletown Campgrounds

    • Hannah S.
      Sep. 11, 2026

      Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA

      Close to history!

      This KOA offers close and cozy get away near Harper’s Ferry Virginia. Technically within walking distance to the National Park shuttle to downtown. Spots are open and spaced out and they offer private showers/bathrooms

    • Hannah S.
      Sep. 11, 2026

      Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA

      Cozy and in the woods

      This KOA has cozy spots among the trees and off any major road. Shower houses are squeaky clean and spots are spaced out just right! Some extra amenities: playground, camper core signage, and many other things!

    • Danny S.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 7, 2026

      Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA

      It is absoluutly the worst ever experience

      The staff is certainly at the office not competent. Someone ran over my house when we were away and damaged it. The WiFi didn’t work any of the day but upon assistance request no one was willing to help. It couldn’t be worse. We have no other words except never a KOA location again.

    • Marie H.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 5, 2026

      Luray RV Resort on Shenandoah River

      Difficult river access for seniors

      Nice, clean, parking lot type campground. Great pool with lots of built in splash features for kids and a big slide. No real view from site 665 ~ just the top of some mountains. No river view at all. There is a golf cart trail to the river access with parking, but then there are big steps with no hand rail. Lucky a nice man let me hold onto him walking back up. My husband was carrying the gear and couldn’t help me. It seems everyone brought a golf cart. They had rentals, but too expensive. Again ~ great for young families.

    • N
      Sep. 2, 2026

      South Fork Shenandoah River

      Camping Next to shanandoa River

      It was a great spot for a little fire and outdoors camping. No permit needed and there are some places around where u can easily rent a kayak to go on the river. You can also park your car easily at this spot.

    • Tyler K.
      Sep. 2, 2026

      Jellystone Park™ Williamsport

      First time I ever left a campsite early , complete waste of money

      Trip -week before labor day , temps 93 degrees,  nothing on website when booked said about peak and non peak days on booking page. Said there were only 7 sites left(complete lie) campground was empty.   First time we ever been to a place where EVERYTHING was closed.  Campstore, jump pillow and the final straw was we went to go to the pool and that was closed. It was 545 pm sun still bright in the sky , nowhere near dusk( when its suppose to close) .  So much conflicting info from what the paper we got handed vs what internet site said.  Charged a resort fee ? for what a place to park? This is no resort. Grass was high enough to be seeding itself.  My wife was so upset she was actually crying. This was supposed to be a fun trip for our da6ughter before going back to school. We decided this place over Buttonwood  just because it was alittle closer.  Did a full tour of the place. Realized there is nothing here. Went to dinner in town. Decided we didnt want to stay where we knew our Daughter would be bored. She's pretty easy to entertain but this was just ridiculous.    12 HOURS OF MY LIFE AND  $400 BUCKS i will never get back.  (Loading , driving , realizing we got screwed, driving, unloading)  yup was pretty bad.

    • AThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 30, 2026

      Middle Ridge Campground

      Great Getaway

      Such a hidden gem! Beautiful place. Great host! Just what we were looking for

    • dThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 26, 2026

      Endless Caverns RV Resort & Cottages

      Great RV park/ resort

      The RV park is on a mountain side. Roads are fairly steep. Most sites are level, ours was a bit sloped but were able to level our trailer. Plenty to do here. Endless Caverns site is quite large. Huge rec room with large projection TV. Game room, large deck with public bbq equipment. Great pool. A catch n release fishing pond, pickle ball & volleyball courts and a great playground for the younger set sporting a large air filled bouncing pad. Kids in the camp loved it. The cavern tour is worth it once. Tour guides are young so not much geological knowledge. The New Market Civil War Battlefield is about 3 miles away, it and it's museum are well worth it. The Endless Caverns staff is super. Prices reasonable. A great find. I will stay again.

    Guide to Middletown

    Camping near Middletown, Virginia centers on the Shenandoah Valley with elevations ranging from 500 to 3,000 feet, creating varied temperatures across sites. The region experiences warm summers with average highs of 85°F and cooler spring nights often dropping to the 40s. Most campgrounds near Middletown VA offer seasonal availability from April through October, though several properties maintain limited winter operations.

    What to do

    Fishing access: Elizabeth Furnace Campground provides creek fishing opportunities with stocked trout. "My kids and I had a terrific time in this campground. We camped with a tent. There is a pretty creek running through the campground. Would recommend this to anyone with aspirations to hike in the area," notes Matt P.

    Mountain biking: Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground offers trails suitable for beginners within the park boundaries. "The park offers very doable hiking and mountain biking options for beginners. Campground access to the Shenandoah River," reports Laura N., making this Middletown VA campground ideal for new riders.

    Shooting range: The Cove Campground includes an outdoor firing range alongside other recreation options. "This Campground had everything I wanted. Shooting range, ATV trails, fishing, hiking and great campsites. We will be back for sure!!" shares Ben M., highlighting the diversity of activities available within a single property.

    What campers like

    Water activities: Low Water Bridge Campground offers tubing, kayaking, and swimming directly from campsites. "Great place with spaces right on the shenendoah for fishing and tubing/kayaking. Most spots have no electricity or water hookups. Quiet during the week," notes Glen W., describing the riverside access.

    Wildlife viewing: Mathews Arm Campground provides frequent animal sightings around camp. "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," advises Stephen K., highlighting the natural encounters possible at this Shenandoah National Park location.

    Farm animals: Gooney Creek Campground features unique on-site hosts. "Small family-run campground. No frills, very country. Location is good if you're putting in on the river. Pam helped us out and was very kind. There's a swingset and basketball hoop for the kids, a small camp store, and a bathhouse with hot showers," reports RL, mentioning the campground's accessible river location.

    What you should know

    Cell service limitations: Hawk Recreation Area Campground has spotty connectivity. "My cellular reception cut out along one of the forest roads well before reaching the campground; I will have a compass and written directions in and out handy when I return," shares Suzy W., highlighting preparation needs for the area.

    Water availability: Several campgrounds near Middletown VA limit water access seasonally. "Camped there in August of 2024 for two nights and their are flush toilets and very nice showers that were very clean. I would call this primitive camping as there is no electric or water hookups at the campsites. There is potable water at multiple locations that you can fill up an RV tank or a water jug if you are tent camping," notes William B. about Elizabeth Furnace.

    Road conditions: Access roads to some sites require careful driving. "Be forewarned that 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," cautions Meredith P. about approaching Hawk Recreation Area.

    Tips for camping with families

    Kid-friendly swimming: Gooney Creek Campground offers calm water access suitable for children. "We stayed for a night back in October and loved it. Located right on the bank of the creek you sleep with the sound of the babbling water," shares Belinda K., describing the peaceful setting.

    Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain play areas for children. "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 opportunities: The area features historical sites children can explore. "This state park is adjacent to Shenandoah National Park and is just as beautiful and rich in history!" notes Ricki F., highlighting learning potential at Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground.

    Tips from RVers

    Hookup availability: Elizabeth Furnace Family Campground offers limited electrical connections. "Nice and clean family campground. It has playgrounds from the kids and the bathhouses are clean. Both times we have been there the hosts are always very friendly and knowledgeable," shares Michael H., noting the family-friendly amenities.

    Parking limitations: Several forest campgrounds restrict vehicle length. "This is a very nice little campground offering several types of non-hook up sites. We stayed in site 18 which was large and had a nice long flat space for us to park our class B camper on and dry camp. The sites are quite private and are mostly flat," reports Chris C. about Elizabeth Furnace.

    Dump station access: Seasonal closures affect waste disposal options. "We didn't have need of the bath house but did check it out. A little dated but functional. RV sites are spaced out and have wooden fences on the sides. 30 amp service at the site. You can fill your water tanks as you enter the campground," notes Jeff H. about Low Water Bridge Campground.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What camping is available near Middletown, VA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Middletown, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 165 campgrounds and RV parks near Middletown, VA and 17 free dispersed camping spots.

    Which is the most popular campground near Middletown, VA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Middletown, VA is Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 58 reviews.

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 free dispersed camping spots near Middletown, VA.

    What parks are near Middletown, VA?

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