Best Campgrounds near Nellysford, VA

Campgrounds near Nellysford, Virginia range from rustic tent sites to full-service RV resorts within the scenic Blue Ridge Mountain region. Devils Backbone Camp offers 73 mixed-use sites adjacent to its popular brewery, while Crabtree Falls Campground provides tent, RV, cabin, and glamping options near the cascading waterfall for which it's named. The area's developed campgrounds are typically situated along scenic corridors including the Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah National Park boundaries, providing strategic access to regional hiking trails and natural attractions. Several properties in the area feature both wooded and open sites to accommodate different camping preferences.

Road conditions and campground accessibility vary significantly by season in the Nellysford region, with many facilities operating from April through October. Public lands like George Washington National Forest offer more primitive options while private campgrounds typically provide additional amenities including showers, electric hookups, and on-site activities. Elevation changes across the region create microclimates that affect camping conditions, with higher elevations providing cooler temperatures during summer months. Cell service can be limited in more remote camping areas, particularly in valley locations. Advance reservations are strongly recommended for developed campgrounds, especially during peak leaf-viewing seasons in autumn. A review noted, "The campground is about 60% wooded, the rest is open ground with buildings from the camp's earlier days. The open area includes several artists' studios."

Campers consistently highlight the natural water features near Nellysford camping areas as primary attractions. Sites along rivers and lakes receive particularly high ratings, with visitors appreciating the sound of flowing water as a natural sleeping aid. According to one review, "The tent sites we stayed in were 10 ft away from the Tye river, we literally fell asleep to the sound of the water every night." The region's mixed-use campgrounds often provide a balance between natural surroundings and convenient amenities. Several campgrounds offer direct access to hiking trails, including connections to the Appalachian Trail system. Bear activity is mentioned in multiple reviews, requiring proper food storage at all developed campgrounds. Weekend occupancy rates tend to be significantly higher than weekday periods, with more peaceful experiences reported during mid-week stays.

Best Camping Sites Near Nellysford, Virginia (114)

    1. Devils Backbone Camp

    40 Reviews
    Nellysford, VA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 817-9708

    $25 - $140 / night

    "First time camping in any part of Virginia, very nice and clean campground, not too much outside noise besides the random car driving on the one road near by."

    "We set up camp then walked over to the brewery/ restaurant for some flights and dinner. I recommend grabbing some growlers to go. Showers and restrooms were clean."

    2. Sherando Lake Campground

    33 Reviews
    Tyro, VA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2188

    $25 - $47 / night

    "Sherando Lake is a well-maintained, popular campground located in the George Washington National Forest near Lyndhurst, VA."

    "The lakeside is wonderful for sitting, reading and swimming.  The "upper lake" is great for fishing. "

    3. Misty Mountain Camp Resort

    40 Reviews
    Crozet, VA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 647-8900

    $35 - $75 / night

    "The winding layout allowed for more distance between other sites. The woods were beautiful with easy walking trails right from the site."

    "Back in sites for smaller trailers such as our teardrop were plenty big enough but still on the outskirts of the field. Bath house was very clean and very well thought out."

    4. Crabtree Falls Campground

    20 Reviews
    Montebello, VA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 377-2066

    $28 - $55 / night

    "The tent sites we stayed in were 10 ft away from the Tye river, we literally fell asleep to the sound of the water every night."

    "I’ve camped at a completely different part of this place before which was a site without access to bathrooms and showers."

    5. Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley

    12 Reviews
    Stuarts Draft, VA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 337-2267

    $29 - $45 / night

    "And of course their lake that has two jumping decks, water slide, snack bar , restaurant and off to the side a little store for floats with putt putt golf and Jenna,etc."

    "Lots for them to do, great swimming lake, employees were a pleasure. Trash pick-up was awesome !! Our site was gorgeous. Not a full hook up(more on that later), but absolutely perfect."

    6. Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park

    20 Reviews
    Stuarts Draft, VA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 337-3920

    $45 - $99 / night

    "You can fish in the lake though we didn't catch anything. Wifi is free and open so no password and therefore, not secure. Trash picked up each day."

    "Good location close to I81 but little road noise. I did hear a train."

    7. Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    65 Reviews
    Dyke, VA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 823-4675

    $30 - $75 / night

    "This campground is perfect for those looking to just get away from things for a couple of days."

    "We got a walk in site, so our tent was way far away from cars and other people. The site included a fire pit w/grill grate, picnic table, and metal bear box."

    8. Canoe Landing Group Campsite — James River State Park

    27 Reviews
    Greenway, VA
    21 miles
    Website

    $15 - $80 / night

    "We spent one night with our dogs at the walk-in campground at James Lake. It is a wonderful piece of nature. The campsites are far away from each other. Everything was very clean and taken care of."

    "Campsite was right next to lake, beautiful views and easy water access. While we were there in April we only saw a couple other groups, and no other campers were anywhere near us."

    9. Montebello Resort

    11 Reviews
    Montebello, VA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 377-2650

    $38 - $55 / night

    "This is one of Virginia’s best kept secrets for Cabins, RV or Tent camping. The location is awesome; close to some great hiking spots, very accessible & well laid out."

    "The upstairs neighbors were probably as quiet as they could be but you could still hear them walking around and using the plumbing. The trout pond is not what they make it out to be on the website."

    10. George Washington National Forest Sherando Lake Campground

    3 Reviews
    Nellysford, VA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2188

    $50 / night

    "Close to National Forests and Shenandoah NP. Pretty lake, lovely wooded sites that are really private. Sites are fairly basic, typical State Park style. We had a canoe that made this extra fun."

    "So beautiful and peaceful, sites are awesome, they have 2 stocked lakes, swimming lake, great hiking, particularly for young or new hikers. Bring your own kayak or canoe, bring your dog!"

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Recent Reviews near Nellysford, VA

928 Reviews of 114 Nellysford Campgrounds


  • Zach L.
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA

    Fall Leaf Peeping Trip

    We stayed here for 3 nights. Perfect campground with everything you need. Bathrooms are very clean. Ice, propane, and other items are available on site at the store. Halloween was in full effect including a haunted walk. Sites are spacious and have natural stone in ground fire pits instead of rusted metal rims which adds character. Dog park, pool, and plenty of games are available on site. Harrisonburg is down the road if you to need to stop in town.

  • Bradley M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Glen Maury Park

    Beautiful place with all the amenities

    Overnight stay off I-81. Easy in and out. VERY well kept and super friendly staff. I highly recommend. Larger rigs need to stay in the lower campground and there are no sewer connections, but the dump station is all good.

  • Brian B.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Misty Mountain Camp Resort

    Great cabins, very close together…

    First, the cabins are super cool. Found out that you can actually order them on Amazon, which is really ingenious.

    The only problem we ran into, is that the campground was packed and all of the sites are very very close together. Neighbors were not at all respectful of other people‘s space and kids were wandering around everywhere.

    Our last evening there, we have new neighbors that came in across the way who blew up an inflatable screen and streamed the football game. Just not what we were looking for for a getaway vacation..

  • Alex R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Graves Mountain Farm Campground

    Great camp site for our motorcycle trip

    Awesome views, good food in the restaurant up the hill. Lots of people on horses running around which we loved, and good live music after dinner. Could get muddy if you're there after rain

  • C
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm

    Convenient location

    It s nice to have a camp option near Harrisonburg. I agree with others that the tall grass seems like a tick risk. The tall grass is too close in the more private fire circle for fire safety. It was nice to hear several owls nearby. There is road noise during the day. Orv is welcoming and accommodating.

  • S
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Middle Creek Campground

    Beautiful and secluded

    Mostly seasonal campers, but an idyllic environment. I am parked alongside a babbling brook. Poor cell reception, no tv. A forced off the grid experience.

  • Nicholas H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Lovers Lane FarmStay

    Campsite didn't get reservation from Dyrt

    Reserved campsite through Dyrt. Upon calling the campsite to confirm the booking they said they didn't receive the reservation and that the site was already booked by another group. They said this has happened in the past for others. Do not recommend booking.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Beware

    So the drive here is gorgeous. Deer everywhere and a nice drive. But campground wise wasn’t great. We stayed a Friday night and the group across from us yelled, laughed, partied the entire night til 5am. We didn’t sleep at all. Loud music and all. The bathrooms had one working toilet and one sink, however the one “working” toilet was stopped up and trash was everywhere around it. Such as dirty toilet paper and other sanitary things in the floors.

    Overall the loud party beside us ruined the entire experience and I really wish the campground hosts or rangers kept it clean and also upheld the quiet hours.

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Quiet, lots of room

    This is a National Park campground so there are no hookups! Generators are allowed during designated hours. (Please don’t bring one.) Hot shower, bathrooms and laundry are available. Camp store with basics. The sites are large, some are not level but are workable. Lots of wildlife. Near trails.


Guide to Nellysford

Camping near Nellysford, Virginia sits at elevations ranging from 700-2,000 feet, creating distinct microclimates that affect seasonal camping conditions. The area experiences temperature variations of 10-15 degrees between valley and ridge campsites during summer months. Water access varies significantly between campgrounds, with sites along the Tye River and Sherando Lake being most sought after during peak season.

What to do

Hiking to waterfall viewpoints: Campers at Crabtree Falls Campground can access the nearby waterfall trail just a mile up the road. "The falls are a great hike and there are lots of services nearby. A great Parkway stop," notes one visitor. The 1.7-mile trail gains 1,200 feet in elevation.

Fishing in stocked waters: Montebello Resort offers fishing opportunities without requiring a license. "The trout pond is not catch and release, it is catch and keep, whatever you catch, you pay for power pound," explains one camper. Morning restocking occurs before holiday weekends.

Lake swimming: The 25-acre lower lake at Sherando Lake Campground provides designated swimming areas from Memorial Day through Labor Day. A visitor explains, "It's a decent walk from the campground but we usually walk down in the morning and spend all day there. The lake is beautiful!"

Mountain biking access: Several campgrounds offer direct trail connections to Blue Ridge mountain biking systems. The terrain ranges from beginner-friendly loops to technical descents with 1,000+ foot elevation changes. Local outfitters offer rentals starting at $45/day.

What campers like

Riverside camping sites: Campers consistently mention the sound of flowing water as a highlight. At Canoe Landing Group Campsite, "Camping along the river is great in the slower seasons. The sites are pretty close together so I'm sure it would be much more cramped when it's busy but it's a beautiful place. And you can fish right off the bank less than 50yards from your tent."

Brewery proximity: Devils Backbone Camp allows campers to enjoy the adjacent brewery while maintaining easy access to their campsite. "Walking distance to devils backbone brewery. Clean bathrooms. Close distance to hiking trails and other breweries and cideries," reports one camper. Many visitors appreciate this unique amenity combination.

Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds in the area maintain exceptionally clean bathhouses. One camper at Walnut Hills noted, "The bath houses were pristine," while another at Devils Backbone Camp shared, "This campground has some of the nicest facilities of any campground I've stayed at."

Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening hours provide reliable wildlife sightings, particularly deer. A Loft Mountain visitor reported, "We were certainly surprised to have a deer family join us during dinner." Wildlife activity increases during spring and fall seasons.

What you should know

Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds in the higher elevations have minimal to no cell coverage. A visitor to Montebello notes, "There is zero cell service at the campground. To get decent service it's a bit of a drive." Plan communications accordingly before arrival.

Weekend crowding: Midweek camping offers significantly different experiences than weekend stays. "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 a Sherando Lake visitor.

Flash flooding risks: Some campsites in low-lying areas require careful selection. At Misty Mountain Camp Resort, "T-1 though T-6 sites flood often became they are low and next the the river. We camped at t2 and had to tear down as soon as we set it up."

Reservation windows: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during fall foliage season. Sherando Lake's reservation system opens six months in advance, and sites "are usually booked for the high season summer months." Plan 4-6 months ahead for prime weekends.

Tips for camping with families

Playground proximity: For campers with young children, site selection can impact convenience. At Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley, "If you have young kiddos, the C loop is closest to the playground." This campground offers organized weekend activities specifically designed for children.

Tiered campsite challenges: Some campsites feature natural elevation changes that may present safety concerns. One camper at Sherando Lake noted, "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."

Family-friendly programming: Seasonal activities enhance the camping experience for families. "They have activities during the summer like outdoor movies and live music," reports a Sherando Lake visitor. Most organized activities occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.

Junior ranger opportunities: Several nearby parks offer educational programs for children aged 5-12. Programs typically run 45-90 minutes and provide interactive learning about local ecology and wildlife.

Tips from RVers

Hookup positioning challenges: Some campgrounds have unusual utility layouts that require planning. At Devils Backbone Camp, "The sewer connection for the odd number sites is on the opposite side of the RV than the electricity and water. The good news is that in a pinch, and your sewer hose does not fit, they do have a dump station on site."

Site leveling requirements: Prepare for potentially uneven sites at some campgrounds. "Some sites are really close to the main office were check-in is, and can come quickly, as ours was," notes a Misty Mountain visitor. Bring leveling blocks as several campgrounds feature sloped sites.

Road access considerations: Follow recommended routes when navigating to mountaintop campgrounds. As one Montebello camper 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."

Extension cord requirements: Electrical connection distances vary between campsites. "The hookups in this area where different than I have ever experienced as the hookups were shared between two sites," notes a Devils Backbone camper. Bring 25-30 foot extension cords to accommodate unusual utility placements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find campgrounds near Nellysford, Virginia?

Nellysford offers excellent access to several nearby campgrounds. Devils Backbone Camp is located right in the Nellysford area, providing a clean, quiet camping experience with the added benefit of being near their brewery. Sherando Lake Campground is another popular option in George Washington National Forest, with multiple camping loops including non-electric sites and full-hookup RV sites. Both campgrounds provide convenient access to the Blue Ridge Parkway and are within easy driving distance of Nellysford's amenities.

When is the best season to camp in Nellysford?

The best season to camp near Nellysford is typically late spring through early fall (May-October) when temperatures are most comfortable and facilities are fully operational. Loft Mountain Campground in Shenandoah National Park is ideal during this period, offering a perfect getaway with curvy roads that encourage slow driving and peaceful surroundings. Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp is another excellent option during the warmer months, with well-maintained facilities, potable water, and beautiful surroundings. Fall brings spectacular foliage viewing opportunities throughout the region.

What amenities are available at Nellysford camping areas?

Camping areas near Nellysford offer a range of amenities to enhance your outdoor experience. Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA provides year-round camping with seasonal swimming pools, game rooms, and playgrounds, plus it's conveniently located near a gas station and safari park. For those seeking a more rustic experience, Thunder Bridge offers quiet tent sites, screen cabins, log cabins, and fully furnished rental cabins in a peaceful mountain setting that was once a CCC camp.