Natural Chimneys County Park near Mount Solon sits at the base of limestone formations reaching 120 feet high, formed over 500 million years ago in an ancient sea. The campground offers direct access to these towering rock spires while providing varied camping options at 1,200 feet elevation. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing while summer days typically reach the mid-80s.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 1 mile from camping. Crabtree Falls Campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the cascading waterfall just minutes away. As one visitor notes, "The falls are a great hike and there are lots of services nearby. A great Parkway stop."
Mountain biking: Access straight from camp. Stokesville Campground offers direct trail access to George Washington National Forest. A reviewer explains, "Stokesville campground is a little rough around the edges but offers access to lots of miles of trails in George Washington National Forest. There is an awesome swimming hole on the North River, Four miles of flow mountain bike trails inside the campground with endless miles of trails just outside."
Stargazing: Clear night skies. At higher elevations in Shenandoah National Park's Big Meadows Campground, visitors enjoy exceptional night sky viewing. "The fireflies are spectacular. At dusk, the ground shimmers, and then after they disperse, you will still see them flit by the tent throughout the night," reports one camper.
What campers like
Wildlife encounters: Frequent deer sightings. Big Meadows Campground visitors regularly spot wildlife during their stay. One camper shared, "Loved seeing the deer so close and other wildlife. Bear box for food storage." Another mentioned, "You will definitely see deer in the campground as they walk through and browse the understory. They are unafraid of humans unless directly approached."
Fishing opportunities: Stocked ponds. At Montebello Resort, fishing is accessible even for beginners. A visitor explains, "The trout pond is a nice touch you can fish without a license, and you pay for what you catch, we enjoyed fresh trout for dinner during our stay, and from what I saw, anybody with a hook can catch one."
Covered camping: Protection from elements. Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park offers sites with unique covered features. "Our site 33 was full hookup and a very nice, mostly level, spacious, and had a covered picnic table on a deck," notes one camper, adding practical shade during summer months.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Prepare for offline time. Many Mount Solon area campgrounds have minimal or no cell service. A Montebello Resort visitor warns, "Be aware; there is zero cell service at the campground. To get decent service it's a bit of a drive."
Site selection matters: Privacy varies significantly. When glamping in Mount Solon area, consider site location carefully. A Dundo Group Campground visitor advised, "We camped at campsite 3 which is right next to campsite 2. We could hear the conversation from campsite 2 and see them. Campsite 1 was right next to the bathrooms and the public picnic area. I would not recommend booking campsite 1."
Seasonal factors: Weather considerations. Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA offers year-round accommodations, but mountain weather can be unpredictable. One winter visitor noted, "It was an especially cold night hitting a low of 14F. Very happy for the nearby heated restrooms with hot running water."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple options. Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley provides extensive recreation facilities for children. A reviewer shared, "There is a very nice playground and a pet exercise area. You can fish in the lake though we didn't catch anything."
Swimming options: Natural and developed. Crabtree Falls Campground offers natural water play areas. "The sites run along a river, which provides great back drop for getting away from the city. The campsites have trails that go directly to the river!" explains one parent.
Educational opportunities: Ranger programs. Big Meadows Campground offers structured learning experiences. One family noted, "Nice amphitheater with interesting ranger programs. Busy traffic in park but nice trails are accessible from campground. Visitor Center, gas station, food walking distance from campground."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: Varies by campground. Natural Chimneys County Park offers good separation between sites. "The sites are large, though fairly open to each other," notes one RVer, while another adds, "Staff was friendly, sites were well maintained and great location."
Hookup locations: Check positioning. At Montebello Resort, hookups can be challenging to access. "The campground is old and has small sites with poorly marked utilities. Not big rig friendly, lots of trees," warns one RVer.
Elevation considerations: Mountain driving. For those seeking upscale glamping in Mount Solon and surrounding areas, road access can be tricky. A Quinn G. at Montebello advises, "FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS ON THE CAMPGROUND WEBSITE. VA56 is a very windy road not recommended for pulling a camper through. Use the blue ridge parkway."
