Montebello, Virginia sits at an elevation of 2,800 feet in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where summer temperatures typically stay 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding valleys. The area receives significant rainfall (over 45 inches annually) that supports lush forests and creates numerous small streams across camping areas. Primitive dispersed camping options often require higher clearance vehicles or hiking gear to access the more remote locations.
What to do
Hike to mountain viewpoints: For a challenging but rewarding experience, the trail to Spy Rock offers exceptional views. "The hike up is brutal but the top is absolutely worth it," writes Emily T., noting that "the trailhead is tricky to find if you don't already know where it is, and there's no service until you get up to the top." The rock scramble at the summit provides 360-degree panoramic views.
Visit nearby breweries: Many campgrounds serve as perfect basehubs for exploring local craft beverage producers. "You are a quick walk to the brewery and café, where you can grab breakfast, lunch or dinner," notes Erika S. about Devils Backbone Camp. "You are also a stone's throw away from a ton of other really great breweries and wineries. I highly recommend visiting Blue Mountain Brewery and Bold Rock cidery during your stay."
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds maintain stocked fishing ponds for visitors. At Montebello Resort, "the trout pond is a very small pond with zero shade at the entrance of the resort. It is not catch and release, it is catch and keep, whatever you catch, you pay for power pound," explains Adrian K. For more natural fishing experiences, Stoney Creek Resort offers "a pretty big lake available for fishing and swimming (in season)," according to Sammii D.
What campers like
Private creekside sites: Water features are consistently mentioned as highlights by campers visiting the area. At Crabtree Falls Campground, "The sites we stayed in were 10 ft away from the Tye river, we literally fell asleep to the sound of the water every night," reports Britt S. Sites along waterways tend to book quickly, especially during summer months.
Free primitive camping: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the no-cost camping options near Montebello. "Nice spot, it's small but the sites are free and surrounded by clear mountain streams. We originally were only going to stay the night but liked it so much we stayed for three," writes Rogue1 B. about Oronoco Campground. These sites include basic vault toilets but no other amenities.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise the maintenance standards at established campgrounds in the region. "The bath house is top notch! Squeaky clean with lots of space," writes Jennifer E. about Devils Backbone Camp. Similarly, at Sherando Lake Campground, "The sites were level and everything looked recently upgraded. We didn't get in the water, but we saw the beach and it looked perfect for kids," according to Mike G.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Most campgrounds in the Montebello area have minimal or no cell service. At Montebello Resort, there is "zero cell service at the campground. To get decent service it's a bit of a drive," warns Quinn G. Similarly, at Sherando Lake Campground, "it is sufficiently remote to require a car ride to find cell and internet access," according to Linda C.
Weather considerations: The mountain location brings cooler temperatures and increased precipitation. "Coming in the middle of the week is the best time if you like to have peace and quiet and the place all to yourself," advises Katie M. about Sherando Lake Campground, noting that weather during their trip "was cooler than it usually is, so we got to enjoy some of the other aspects of the park since it was too cold to swim."
Site spacing varies significantly: The proximity between campsites differs greatly between campgrounds and sometimes within the same facility. "The sites in this area were pretty close together, some closer than others," Sam M. writes about Montebello Resort. For more privacy, dispersed camping at Spy Rock offers significantly more seclusion, but requires hiking in all supplies.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated play areas: Several campgrounds feature amenities specifically designed for children. Shenandoah Acres Campground "has everything. We have spent two summers here after leaving Florida. It is clean, spacious, lots of activities for young and old," according to Linda B., who appreciates the family-friendly atmosphere.
Choose lake-adjacent campgrounds: Swimming areas provide excellent entertainment for families with children. "The swimming lake cools ya off," notes Heather about Shenandoah Acres, while Stoney Creek Resort features "a great swimming lake. Family friendly," according to Steven S.
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds are quieter than others, which matters when camping with children. At Sherando Lake Campground, "There are three camping loops here; a standard non-electric loop (loop A/White Oak Loop), and two RV loops (B and C)," explains Stephanie J., adding that these locations offer varying levels of privacy and noise.
Tips from RVers
Check site levelness: RV campers frequently mention the importance of level sites in the mountainous terrain. At Misty Mountain Camp Resort, "The sites themselves are rather close, but nice and level. Hook ups were easily accessible, and worked well," according to Ryan D. This contrasts with some dog friendly campgrounds near Montebello where significant leveling may be required.
Consider hookup placement: The configuration of utility connections varies widely and can create challenges. At Devils Backbone Camp, "The hookups in this area where different than I have ever experienced as the hookups were shared between two sites," notes Steve V., explaining that "if you were on an odd number site, you either had to hope you had the length on your water and power lines to run to the opposite side of your rig."
Reserve well ahead for peak seasons: Popular pet-friendly campgrounds in the Montebello area fill quickly, particularly during fall foliage season and summer holidays. Sherando Lake Campground, a highly-rated dog-friendly option, "is difficult to get reservations. The window opens six months out and are usually booked for the high season summer months," warns Linda C.
