The Shenandoah Valley offers a diverse range of camping options within a 30-minute drive of New Market, Virginia. Located along the eastern edge of the Allegheny Mountains at elevations ranging from 800 to 2,500 feet, this area experiences moderate temperatures with summer highs typically in the mid-80s and cool evenings even during peak season. Fall brings vibrant foliage starting in mid-October, making it a popular time for yurt camping near New Market, Virginia.
What to do
Hiking trails near campgrounds: Big Meadows Campground provides access to numerous hiking trails directly from the campsite. One camper noted, "With so many hiking trails and waterfalls nearby we love to camp in Big Meadows - and for the star watching at night." The campground's location within Shenandoah National Park makes it convenient for day hikes of varying difficulties.
River activities: Low Water Bridge Campground offers excellent river access for kayaking and tubing. A reviewer shared, "The staff was great from beginning to end. They took us up river and dropped us so we could kayak back." The campground provides tube and kayak rentals with shuttle service, allowing campers to float back to their riverside sites.
On-site recreation: Beyond water activities, many campgrounds feature recreational facilities. A visitor to Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA highlighted, "One of the features I look for in campground is hiking trails right out of the campground. Most KOAs don't have that - but this one does! Great hiking trail info the hills and woods at the back of the property." This location offers both on-site activities and proximity to area attractions.
What campers like
Secluded river sites: Riverside camping is particularly popular in this region. A visitor to Low Water Bridge Campground described their experience: "We loved our stay at a tent site on the river in June 2022. It was peaceful, and we spent a lot of our stay in the water." Many riverside sites provide direct water access for swimming and fishing.
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities. At Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground, a reviewer stated, "Clean grounds and importantly clean facilities. Park offers very doable hiking and mountain biking options for beginners." This state park also offers yurt accommodations for those seeking a unique camping experience near New Market.
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting provides abundant wildlife observation opportunities. A camper at Big Meadows Campground reported, "We saw many deer and bear while camping. Just being in Shenandoah is a soothing experience." Another visitor 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."
What you should know
Varying site privacy: Campground layouts differ significantly in terms of privacy. A camper at Luray RV Resort on Shenandoah River observed, "The sites are quite close together with virtually no privacy so if they were busy and full, I'm not sure I'd be leaving the same review." Visiting during weekdays or shoulder seasons typically provides more space and quiet.
Weather considerations: The mountain climate can bring unexpected temperature changes. A visitor to Big Meadows noted, "It was an especially cold night hitting a low of 14F. Very happy for the nearby heated restrooms with hot running water." Many campgrounds at higher elevations close seasonally, typically from late November through March.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely throughout the region. At Low Water Bridge Campground, a reviewer mentioned, "There is absolutely no Verizon service here (ATT seems to work pretty well). You'll have to drive 10-15 in either direction on Rt. 211 before you can catch a signal." Similarly, at Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA, a camper reported, "Cell signal and camp wifi are bad."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Luray specializes in family-oriented camping experiences. A visitor shared, "The kids loved running off in the open field and playing on the zip line. We loved that we could see them from our site. The birthday boy also loved the outdoor laser tag!" The campground features multiple recreational facilities designed specifically for children.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer ranger-led programs that appeal to younger campers. At Big Meadows Campground, a visitor noted, "Nice amphitheater with interesting ranger programs. Busy traffic in park but nice trails are accessible from campground." These programs typically cover wildlife, history, and conservation topics.
Site selection for families: Choosing the right location within a campground can significantly impact the family experience. A camper at Jellystone Park advised, "If you have kids definitely get closer to the play ground, you won't regret it!" Most family-oriented campgrounds have playground areas, though proximity to these facilities means potentially more noise and foot traffic.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have terrain issues that affect RV setup. A camper at Jellystone Park noted, "Our only real drawback was our site was not even close to level. It probably shouldn't have been available for a 40'+ RV." When booking, specifically request information about site leveling if traveling with a larger rig.
Hookup positioning: The placement of utilities can impact the RV camping experience. A visitor to Rivers Edge Campground shared, "The RV sites were flat, clean, in an open area." At Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA, another camper noted, "The sites are large enough and level enough. The power pole is well positioned."
Road access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. When visiting Low Water Bridge Campground, an RVer cautioned about nearby boat ramps, noting one was "very steep and incredibly dangerous after a heavy rain, as the ditches wash out and make it nearly impossible to pass other vehicles coming the opposite direction." Most campgrounds in the area can accommodate medium-sized RVs, though sites for larger rigs may be limited.
