Shenandoah Valley camping near Middletown, Virginia offers sites at elevations between 500-1500 feet, creating varied climate conditions throughout the camping season. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing while summer days reach 80-90°F with cooler nights. Most campgrounds in the area remain open from April through October with select locations offering year-round access.
What to do
Hike to scenic overlooks: At Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground, visitors can access numerous trails for all skill levels. "Tons of hiking and biking trails, wildlife is visible everywhere you go," notes camper Melissa T. The park connects to adjacent Shenandoah National Park with shared trail systems.
Fish in stocked ponds: Anglers can enjoy fishing at Fort Valley Ranch without needing to travel far from camp. "The kids were able to fish for hours at the two fishing ponds, which both were stocked with bass and bluegill," reports Jason G. No special permits required for pond fishing within the campground boundaries.
Tour cave systems: The Shenandoah Valley contains significant limestone cave formations. Endless Caverns RV Resort offers direct access to cave tours with discounts for overnight guests. "Our tour guide, Haley, was a sweetheart, taking time for the two little kids, and still giving the information older people like," mentions Clark P. Tours operate daily during summer with reduced schedules in shoulder seasons.
What campers like
River access for swimming: Multiple campgrounds feature direct water access. "We found a river access point perfect for swimming and wading," states one Fort Valley Ranch camper. Gooney Creek Campground provides riverside camping with natural swimming areas. "The creek flowing along the campsite was gorgeous and it was great listening to the running water at night," reports Dani H.
Spacious campsites: Campers consistently mention appreciating room between sites. At Luray RV Resort on Shenandoah River, "The RV sites at this campground are very spaced out, you have a lot of room to each side of your RV," according to Joe. This differs from other local campgrounds with tighter spacing.
Dark night skies: The rural setting creates minimal light pollution. "This is a quiet campground, with no street lights, and quiet hours from 11PM to 8AM," notes Clark P. about Endless Caverns RV Resort. Most campgrounds maintain minimal outdoor lighting, allowing for stargazing opportunities rarely found in more developed areas.
What you should know
Highway noise varies by location: Some campgrounds sit closer to major roads than others. At Gooney Creek Campground, "The site is located near a highway, so getting a spot in the back is ideal," advises Deanna S. Request sites furthest from roads when making reservations.
Mountain roads can challenge larger vehicles: Access roads to some campgrounds involve steep grades and tight turns. "I was initially concerned about the road leading into the campground, as my rig is over 50 feet in total length. However, we were surprised that the winding roads presented no issues for us," reports Jason G. about Fort Valley Ranch.
Availability fluctuates seasonally: Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders and similar riverside locations fill quickly during summer months. "We stayed for a night back in October and loved it. Originally planned on staying at one of the Shenandoah campsites but nothing was available," reports Belinda K. about Gooney Creek. Make reservations 2-3 months ahead for summer weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas: Several locations offer child-specific amenities. "The kids loved the playground and the swings (a few different swing sets on the property)," mentions Jess about Endless Caverns RV Resort. Outlanders River Camp features a large playground area visible from many campsites.
Consider guided activities: Campgrounds often provide structured programming. "The children's programs offered on the weekends were great too," reports Melissa T. about Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park. Many campgrounds post activity schedules online or at registration offices.
Choose spots with natural water features: Children enjoy water activities during warmer months. "We were able to have plenty of cell signal to hotspot and get internet," mentions Joe at Luray RV Resort, allowing parents to stay connected while kids play in the river. River and creek access points provide natural entertainment without extra costs.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements vary by campground: Some parks offer more level sites than others. "Our site (site 3) was an easy level pull-through site, making the setup/breakdown very quick and painless," notes Jason G. about Fort Valley Ranch. Endless Caverns RV Resort campers report, "Sites are mostly level. Sites in section E appear tighter with less shelter."
Water and electric availability continues year-round: Despite seasonal closures at some parks, others maintain utility service through winter. "Water and electrical available at all the spots even though it was winter," reports John B. about Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park. Call ahead to confirm winter service availability.
Wi-Fi reliability differs significantly: Internet access remains inconsistent throughout the region. "The wifi was terrible and unusable, even with our antenna. AT&T worked well and Verizon was a bit spotty," notes Tina about KOA Luray RV Resort. Many RVers rely on cellular data rather than campground networks for connectivity.
