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.
