Shenandoah River State Park, located 75 miles west of Washington DC, provides riverside camping access within the Blue Ridge Mountains at elevations between 500-1,300 feet. The park spans 1,600 acres with over 5 miles of river frontage along the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. Winter camping is available with temperatures often dropping below freezing between December and February.
What to do
Hiking diverse trails: Shenandoah River State Park offers multiple trail options ranging from riverside paths to mountain ascents. "Beautiful views, tons of hiking & biking trails. Wild life is visible everywhere you go. The children's programs offered on the weekends were great too," notes a visitor at Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground.
Off-road adventures: For those seeking more active pursuits, some campgrounds provide designated trail systems for motorized recreation. "Spent a weekend here in mid May. Bugs weren't a problem at all. Several rustic campsites with a large lake for the kids, and miles of off road trails for atvs, jeeps, and dirtbikes," reports a camper at The Cove Campground.
Historical exploration: The Middletown area sits close to numerous Civil War sites and historic towns. "Location, Location, Location! Close proximity to plenty of historic and tourist places to visit. The Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Visitor Center is literally next door. Harpers Ferry Lower Town and Bolivar Heights are a few minutes by car," explains a visitor to Harpers Ferry.
What campers like
Riverside camping: Direct river access remains one of the top attractions for campers in the Middletown region. "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," explains a visitor at Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting provides frequent wildlife encounters. "Loved seeing the deer so close and other wildlife. Bear box for food storage. Fire ring with grate was available. Large site size," shares a camper at Big Meadows Campground.
Swimming spots: Many campgrounds offer water recreation directly from campsites. "Gorgeous spot on the river. As well as the people," reports one camper about Harpers Ferry Campground, while another adds, "It is right on the river so you can go swimming right from your campsite!"
What you should know
Train proximity: Some riverside camping areas have nearby train tracks. "The river views were amazing, but face the other way and you're looking at a 15 or so foot CSX rail line berm. The trains that come through here almost hourly range from quick commuter MARC or Amtrak trains to long freight trains," warns a camper at Harpers Ferry Campground.
Facility variations: Bathroom and shower facilities vary widely between campgrounds. "The bathroom trailer near the campsites was extremely smelly, with many of the 4 toilets clogged," reports one camper, while others note clean facilities at other locations.
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds in the region have limited connectivity. "Note: There is absolutely no Verizon service here (ATT seems to work pretty well). You'll have to drive 10-15 in either direction on Rt. 211 before you can catch a signal," advises a visitor at Low Water Bridge Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation access: Many families appreciate campgrounds with swimming areas. "We hiked around Rock Cliff Lake and observed petrified wood. Swimming is excellent with sand beach. Big catfish in clear water. Water was so clean that it was throbbing with anfreshwater jellyfish," shares a visitor to Trout Pond Recreation Area.
Kid-friendly activities: Some campgrounds offer structured programs for children. "This isn't my idea of camping, but I brought my 11 year old nephew. He was able to run around and make friends with his aunt always looking over his shoulder. He had lots of fun at pool, movie night, making s'mores, and jumping on bouncy mound," notes a camper at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Luray.
Primitive camping options: For families wanting a more authentic experience, riverside primitive spots provide direct water access. "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," explains a visitor at Shenandoah River State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds present challenges for larger RVs. "Heads up, big rig owners! Our Pull-thru FHU Patio site(#199) had a serious slope. It was impossible to level my 45' motorhome without elevating the front wheels dangerously in the air," warns an RVer at Harpers Ferry.
Electric hookup variations: Power availability differs between campgrounds and specific sites. "It states online that it's only 15amp electric at 14 of their sites. Mid-August was a gamble as to weather. It was gorgeous weather! In the valley and surrounded by beautiful mountain views it was 80 daytime and ~60 at night," shares an RVer at Trout Pond Recreation Area.
Site spacing considerations: RV sites have varying degrees of privacy between campgrounds. "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," reports a visitor at Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views.
