Best Campgrounds near New Market, VA
New Market, Virginia serves as a gateway to numerous camping opportunities in the Shenandoah Valley region. Endless Caverns RV Resort & Cottages, located directly in New Market, provides 142 developed sites with full hookups for RVs and tent camping areas. The surrounding area includes several established campgrounds within Shenandoah National Park, such as Big Meadows and Mathews Arm, offering primitive tent sites, RV-compatible spaces, and cabin accommodations. Many campgrounds in this region provide access to hiking trails, including segments of the Appalachian Trail, while also serving as convenient bases for exploring nearby attractions like Luray Caverns and Civil War historical sites.
Road conditions throughout the Shenandoah Valley camping areas vary significantly by location and elevation. Campgrounds within Shenandoah National Park are accessible via Skyline Drive, which closes seasonally during winter weather events. Most developed campgrounds near New Market operate from spring through fall, with Big Meadows open from May to November and Mathews Arm typically operating from May through October. The region experiences four distinct seasons, with summer temperatures averaging in the 80s and winter bringing potential snow and ice at higher elevations. Cell phone coverage can be limited or non-existent within the national park boundaries and more remote camping areas. A camper noted, "This campground is perfect for those looking to just get away from things for a couple of days. The drive in from Swift Run Gap or the South Entrance is fairly easy, but off the road enough that you won't hear traffic."
Campers consistently praise the natural beauty and scenic views available from campgrounds in the region. Several established campgrounds feature wooded sites that provide shade and privacy, though proximity to neighbors varies by location. The Endless Caverns RV Resort receives high marks for its spacious sites and stone fire pits, with one visitor describing it as "nestled right up against the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians" with "semi-private spaces and full hookups for RVs." Wildlife sightings, particularly black bears, are common in the national park campgrounds, and proper food storage is strictly enforced. Campgrounds closer to town, like Endless Caverns, offer more amenities including swimming pools, playgrounds, and on-site cavern tours, while those within the national park provide a more rustic experience with access to hiking trails and natural features. Many campsites throughout the region fill quickly during peak summer and fall foliage seasons, making advance reservations highly recommended.
