Near Montebello, Virginia, campers can access diverse camping opportunities along the Blue Ridge Mountains at elevations ranging from 800 to 3,000 feet. The area experiences relatively moderate summers with average July temperatures around 82°F, while winter nights often drop below freezing from December through February. Camping options span from primitive forest sites to established campgrounds with varying levels of amenities and cell coverage.
What to do
Hiking trails accessible from campgrounds: Crabtree Falls Campground offers direct access to multiple trails that connect to the Appalachian Trail. "This campground sits along a river fed by a waterfall just a short hike away. It is the perfect blend of peace and nature as it has a tone of shade making it a perfect summer camp spot," reports one visitor to Crabtree Falls Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds feature stocked fishing ponds or river access. At Stoney Creek Resort, campers can enjoy a dedicated fishing lake. "Great swimming lake. Family friendly," notes one camper. Walnut Hills also offers fishing with one camper noting, "The fishing ponds are great, bring a fishing pole!"
Beach and water activities: Several campgrounds maintain swimming areas during summer months. "There is a large swimming area roped off" at Sherando Lake, and the area includes "a very large, very clean" pool at Glen Maury Park according to visitors. A camper at Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley mentioned their "lake that has two jumping decks, water slide, snack bar, restaurant."
What campers like
Clean bathhouses: Sherando Lake Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance standards. "The shower houses are at the center of each loop and have been rebuilt to ACA standard with in the last five years," explains one camper. Another notes facilities are "well-lit" and well-maintained.
Quiet weekday camping: Several campgrounds offer more peaceful experiences midweek. One camper at Walnut Hills noted, "It was off season, so plenty of spots and privacy." At Crabtree Falls Campground, sites "run along a river, which provides great back drop for getting away from the city."
Music and events: Local campgrounds schedule regular entertainment. At Glen Maury Park, "There are many activities such as a bluegrass festival, fiddle festival, and jazz festival. This year they built large models of the twin towers and had a program about them on September 11th." Shenandoah Acres also features weekend activities with one visitor noting there's "always something to see most weekends."
What you should know
Wildlife encounters: Bears are active in this region. At Sherando Lake, "A young bear was repeatedly visiting site A9 up the road from me and I had to chase him off when he came near my site!" At Staver Farm, trail cameras have documented "an increase in wildlife this past month (May 2023) Black Bear, Deer, Coyotes, Bobcats, & Turkeys."
Road conditions: Some campground roads present challenges. At Thousand Trails Lynchburg, a camper noted, "A loop was in terrible shape as far as the roads go" and another mentioned "lots of road wash outs." Similar feedback appears for other mountainous campgrounds.
Site layouts vary significantly: Site configurations can be unusual. At Devils Backbone Camp, "if you stay at a full hook up site and are parked in an odd number spot, you will need an extra long sewer hose to reach the connection. For example, we have a small travel trailer and we needed a 30 foot hose."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: When selecting sites with children, consider proximity to play areas. At Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley, "There's also a huge playground with volleyball and basket ball court near the pavilion. Along with a small arcade room and a huge fire pit ring to hang out at."
Site elevation changes: Watch for multi-level sites with young children. At Sherando Lake, "many of the sites are staggered, with one or more levels of steps leading from the driveways. Because of all there is to do this is a great site for older kids, but we learned that, especially with toddlers, the steps around the campsites can turn a relaxing trip into one of constant vigilance."
Swimming options: Most campgrounds with swimming areas operate seasonally. One camper at Glen Maury Park noted "The pool is very large, very clean, and has a diving board. And there's a wonderful swimming hole if you can find it."
Tips from RVers
Extension cord requirements: RV sites near Montebello, Virginia sometimes require additional equipment. At Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park, one visitor noted, "I parked a little goofy it seems so I needed a little extra footage for my electrical hookup. They were kind enough to loan us a 25' extension."
Limited 50-amp service: Several campgrounds offer primarily 30-amp connections. At Thousand Trails Lynchburg, "80-90% of sites are 30 Amp. Limited 50 amp." Devils Backbone Camp has similar limitations, with campers noting that hookup arrangements can be unusual depending on site assignment.
Weekend vs. weekday availability: RV sites fill quickly during peak seasons, particularly on weekends. "In season this place is very busy. Our visit is pre Memorial Day so it is low key," explained one camper at Thousand Trails. For high-demand weekends, especially during fall foliage season, advance reservations are essential.
