Mount Solon sits at approximately 1,450 feet elevation in the Shenandoah Valley, where the North River creates a small valley between the ridges of the George Washington National Forest to the west and Shenandoah Mountain to the east. The region experiences moderate rainfall year-round with temperatures averaging 10-15 degrees cooler than nearby cities due to elevation. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below freezing at night, even during spring and fall.
What to do
**Fishing opportunities: Around Switzer Lake you'll find multiple dispersed camping spots with fishing access. "The fishing is decent, and we have caught some trout there in the past. There is a boat ramp at the lake, but only electric motors and paddle boats are allowed," notes Emil D. about Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping.
**Hiking along North River: The area offers numerous streamside trails with moderate elevation changes. "There are a couple of nice, short trails and the natural chimney formations are fascinating," explains Ford S. at Natural Chimneys County Park. Many trails run alongside creeks and provide access to the river.
**Off-roading adventures: The forest roads accessing dispersed camping areas provide technical driving challenges. "The trail leading to and from camp can be a bit tricky for some," states David B. about Flagpole Knob. Sites at higher elevations require properly equipped vehicles but reward visitors with expansive views of the valley.
What campers like
**Wildlife viewing: The meadows and forests around Mount Solon support diverse wildlife. "We saw many deer and bear while camping. Just being in Shenandoah is a soothing experience," shares Rachel M. about Big Meadows Campground. Deer frequently appear at dawn and dusk near campgrounds.
**Waterfall access: Several nearby waterways feature small waterfalls and swimming holes. "Across from a beautiful waterfall," Joy A. mentions when describing river camping at Shenandoah Valley Campground, where "They have a store, a grill, a game room, and a big swimming pool."
**Star gazing: The minimal light pollution at higher elevation sites creates exceptional night sky viewing. "The stars were amazing! There was plenty of wood scattered about to use as firewood," notes Austin K. about primitive camping at Braley Pond, where the remote location provides uninterrupted darkness for astronomy enthusiasts.
What you should know
**Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds in the area have minimal to no cell reception. "No cell service for Verizon," warns Karen at Shenandoah Valley Campground. Similarly, Emil D. notes about Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping, "there is no cellphone signal for any carrier from what I could tell."
**Weekend crowding: Sites fill quickly, particularly at smaller campgrounds. "I would avoid it after heavy rains," suggests Joanna M. about North River Campground, noting the campground sits in a potential flood zone. Arrive Thursday or early Friday during peak season.
**Bear safety requirements: Multiple campers report bear sightings throughout the region. "There are bears here, so lock up your food in the car. We have encountered a bear at or around the campsite 3 times," advises Emil D. Most established campgrounds provide bear boxes, while dispersed campers need proper food storage containers.
Tips for camping with families
**Pool access: For summer visits with children, several campgrounds offer swimming facilities. "They have an awesome pool that was heated, hot tubs, mini golf and good playgrounds. My kids were in heaven," shares Lo H. about Shenandoah Valley Campground.
**Playground equipment: Some campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "They even have a cute playground for kiddos," mentions Mimi B. about Walnut Hills Campground. Natural Chimneys and Shenandoah Valley campgrounds both provide multiple playground options.
**Educational opportunities: Ranger programs offer learning experiences for children. "Very cool programs and really good food. I enjoyed a blackberry shake, which is kinda famous for the area," reports Katrin M. about Loft Mountain Campground, noting the visitor center programs available.
Tips from RVers
**Site spacing: RV sites at most campgrounds have limited separation. "The camper section is very tight, whereas the tent sites look more roomy," observes Ryan Z. about Shenandoah Valley Campground. Look for perimeter sites if possible.
**Water/electric availability: Several campgrounds provide hookups even at primitive-feeling sites. "Our site 33 was full hookup and a very nice, mostly level, spacious, and had a covered picnic table on a deck," shares Laure D. about Walnut Hills Campground, adding "Not all sites have full hookup."
**Dump station access: Multiple campgrounds provide dump stations even when full hookups aren't available. "Short-term sites are electric and water only but there is a free dump station down in the back," notes Mary W. about Walnut Hills, which helps extend stays without full sewer hookups.
