Beth D.
Guide
GuideGlen Maury Park Campground
Beautiful area
It’s very green and scenic
Best Campgrounds near Swoope, VA
Camping areas around Swoope, Virginia include a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed camping opportunities within the Shenandoah Valley region. Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park in nearby Staunton provides 139 sites with a range of accommodations including tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and cabin rentals. Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area offers a more primitive experience with free camping and basic amenities like toilets and trash service. The region's mixed-use campgrounds typically accommodate both tent and RV campers, with several locations like North River Campground and Sherando Lake Campground providing access to water features.
Most campgrounds in the area operate year-round, though some like Sherando Lake operate seasonally from April through October. Primitive sites at Braley Pond provide an alternative to developed campgrounds for those seeking solitude. "I was the only one here on a Saturday night. Very quiet and it was great to have the place to myself. The stars were amazing!" noted one camper about their experience at Braley Pond. Road conditions vary throughout the region, with dispersed camping areas sometimes requiring appropriate footwear due to muddy conditions. Campground accessibility ranges from easy highway access at locations like Walnut Hills to more remote forest settings requiring additional navigation.
Established campgrounds in the area frequently feature amenities such as electric hookups, shower facilities, and designated picnic areas. Several visitors mentioned the cleanliness of facilities as a highlight, particularly at Walnut Hills Campground. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "Bathhouses were pristine" and "the campground was one of the cleanest parks I've been to." Water features are common attractions, with fishing ponds, creeks, and lakes complementing many camping areas. Dispersed camping options provide more rustic experiences with fewer amenities but greater privacy. Campers report enjoying the secluded nature of these sites despite occasionally needing to clean up after previous visitors. Cell service can be limited at more remote locations, particularly in the mountainous terrain that characterizes much of the region.
Best Camping Sites Near Swoope, Virginia (166)
1. Shenandoah Valley Campground
27 ReviewsStaunton, VA11 milesWebsite+1 (540) 248-2267$36 - $132 / night
"We spent 2 weeks at SVC while our trunk was in the shop(our travel trailer got towed there- highly recommend Good Sam Roadside policy). Everyone on staff was accomodating, helpful and friendly."
"It was clean, but had a trail of ants get into my belongings. Sites are close to one another and the cabins are not near the water. They are near the bath house though."
2. Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park
20 ReviewsStuarts Draft, VA10 milesWebsite+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."
3. Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area
14 ReviewsWest Augusta, VA10 milesWebsite+1 (540) 432-0187"Car could be parked right next to us on site 2. Next to a creek, so good sounds and cool environment 3. Some walking trails 4."
"the pond has a great little trail you can walk around and at night the stars are gorgeous. the water is also stocked with fish!"
4. Sherando Lake Campground
33 ReviewsTyro, VA20 milesWebsite+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. "
5. Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley
12 ReviewsStuarts Draft, VA15 milesWebsite+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. North River Campground
8 ReviewsMount Solon, VA13 milesWebsite+1 (540) 265-5100$5 / night
"The roads are paved up to the last mile, which turns to a well maintained gravel road, so no need for an off roading vehicle."
"Lots of bmx bikers, tucked far back in the woods so decent for privacy except that sites are basically in an open field."
7. Devils Backbone Camp
40 ReviewsNellysford, VA25 milesWebsite+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."
8. Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park
68 ReviewsDyke, VA30 milesWebsite+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."
9. Stoney Creek Resort
7 ReviewsStuarts Draft, VA13 milesWebsite+1 (540) 337-1510"Beautiful surroundings. No phone signal and wifi was a joke but that's not a bad thing!"
"Ate at their on-site restaurant while a local band played outside. Mostly used by local folks as a seasonal CG. Lots of semi-permanent fixtures attached to rigs. Did get a PassPort America discount."
10. Misty Mountain Camp Resort
41 ReviewsCrozet, VA27 milesWebsite+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."
Recent Camping Photos near Swoope, VA
475 Photos of 166 Swoope Campgrounds
Mike
Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park
Cara P.
Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Honeysuckle Hideaway
Heather
Shenandoah Valley Campground
Summer M.
Stoney Creek Resort
Chris S.
Stokesville Campground
Evelyn T.
Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley
Lauren N.
Natural Chimneys Regional Park
Ford S.
Natural Chimneys County Park
sparkleblaster ✨.
Kiss the Earth
Courtney M.
Sherando Lake Campground
Recent Reviews near Swoope, VA
1137 Reviews of 166 Swoope Campgrounds
Wes T.
ScoutBig Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park
Mixed Results...
I will start with the negatives. They do not enforce quiet hours. At all. We had multiple nights with a large group neighboring campers partying well past midnight. Yelling, slamming car doors, absolutely no regard for fellow campers. I would not recommend staying along the road sites unless you are equipped to deal with noisy neighbors in close proximity.
And the good... The sites in the more wooded areas on the edge of the campground are beautiful. You are less likely to deal with groups of campers there to party. Bathrooms were clean and well maintained, with pay showers available. Firewood, though expensive, was plentiful. Being close to hiking, the lodge, camp store, and visitor center are excellent perks for the price of each site.
I really wish the staff was there to better enforce the quiet hours, as there were multiple campers that struggled to sleep/relax with the raucous crowd so close.
- Beth D.Guide
Glen Maury Park Campground
Ok, not great. Not good value for the money
This is the city park with the campground and an old estate. They don’t accept reservations. We arrived at 5pm on Friday. Went to the office to check in,found that they closed at 4:30. There was a note on the door that said to leave money in an envelope and put it through the slot in the door, no further information. Wrote our name and a description of the vehicles and put $110.30 in cash for 2 nights in the door slot, and went to find camping. There are no picnic tables or fire rings, in the large lower section of the campground there is just water and electric, no sewer connection. We chose a site near the river and set up camp. Then found the power isn’t working. First thing the next morning I went to the office to ask about refunding the difference for the full hook up to dry camping spot. The woman was not helpful at all, and insisted that she doesn’t do refunds, even though I explained that I had left cash. She said no one was supposed to be camping on the riverside, and that they don’t turn the power on down there. I said without a note on the door to explain that or a sign near the path, there’d be no way to know that. Beware, when you pay, make sure you know what site you’re in and what services you’re getting, then go and pay for it. She was most unpleasant, and unhelpful. On the plus side, the river is pretty, there’s an ice cream stand, and there’s nice hiking trails.
lisa K.ScoutShenandoah Valley Campground
Tent campers are allowed to camp on full hook up sites for the full hook up price.
The river is nice for floating when water is high enough. Nice waterfall for pics. Sites are close together but still ok. They have planted trees between sites so in time it will get even better. Camping by the river is very peaceful.
- SSarah G.Guide
Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park
Large or Small, there’s a site for you
The sites vary greatly in size. That being said, each site is spaced or aligned to offer privacy. Bathrooms are easily accessible. Showers can be a bit of a hike away depending on your site location. Pricey; &5 dollars for ten minutes. No other option.
If you are camping off season the biggest inconvenience is the registration process if you are arriving “day of”. There is no WiFi outside of the camp store with is about .75 mile away from the campground. If you find a site you have to drive all the way back to the store to get the WiFi needed to register with Rec.gov. Try to identify 2 or 3 sites in case you drive back and find out that one may not be available. The volunteer “ranger” drives around to monitor. Our volunteer said that a site may be taken but no reservation slip has been attached to the campsite post. We thoroughly enjoyed our site. The fog rolled in and out of the valley like a heavy blanket. The camp was quiet and peaceful in large part due to the absence of noisy generators. There were several hikes of varying abilities that could be accessed from the campgrounds. A great asphalt path led to the camp store. Great for walking g or biking. There was also a gas station and a small cafeteria for those who want a note to eat.
Cheryl Ann S.
TravelerLuray RV Resort on Shenandoah River
Amazing location
So clean and well maintained! We went in April and the waterpark was not opened yet. Most campgrounds we looked to stay at mentioned not being opened until mentorship day but here did not have it listed anywhere. We love our site. Golf carts were so fun to ride around through their back trails along the water. Tubing in the river was so peaceful and relaxing.
- KKen D.Scout
"The Gravel lot"
It works!
Needed a spot to get off the road for the night while traveling through area. It served the purpose. Road noise is real. We ran a fan off our generator. Donuts made in same lot for breakfast and Buckeyes is close by.
Tarquin P.GuideNorth River Campground
Superb
Relaxed and quiet campground. No hookups Fire rings And a stream
- UUrsula
RangerRed Oak Campground — James River State Park
One of our favorites
This campground is one of our stops coming from VT or going back home - would love to spend more time then just passing through
Guide to Swoope
Dispersed camping options near Swoope, Virginia range from primitive forest sites to full-service campgrounds across the George Washington National Forest region. The area sits at elevations between 1,500-2,500 feet, creating cooler summer temperatures than nearby valley locations. Weather patterns can change quickly in the mountain terrain, with afternoon thunderstorms common during summer months.
What to do
Hiking trails access: North River Campground provides excellent access to nearby trails with varying difficulty levels. "There are trails from the campground along the streams, with several crossings," notes one camper who enjoyed the water features. The campground's location makes it ideal for hikers looking to explore without traveling far from their site.
Fishing opportunities: Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park offers fishing in their stocked pond. As one visitor notes, "The fishing ponds are great, bring a fishing pole!" The easy access from campsites makes this a convenient activity for all ages without requiring additional travel.
Water recreation: Shenandoah Valley Campground features multiple water activities in a single location. "Great campground with lots to do with the family. My kids loved all the bunnies, the river, pool and putt-putt," shares a camper. The campground provides a creek for tubing with a waterfall, plus a swimming pool for warmer weather enjoyment.
What campers like
Stargazing conditions: Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area offers excellent dark sky viewing due to its remote location. One camper reported, "The stars were amazing!" The primitive nature of this free camping area creates minimal light pollution, making it ideal for astronomy enthusiasts.
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness stands out as a consistent positive at many locations. At Sherando Lake Campground, campers appreciate the well-maintained amenities: "The campground itself is very well maintained and clean. Decent, hot showers."
Privacy between sites: Site layout and natural barriers create better camping experiences at several locations. At North River Campground, the setting provides isolation despite being a developed campground. "Small, quiet, directly on two streams, one of which is trout-stocked. I stayed on a Tues-Wed evening during the summer, and was the only person there both nights."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly by location, with some campgrounds having no service. At Devils Backbone Camp, "Cell service and wi-fi are spotty at best, but what do you expect? You are in the middle of the mountains."
Site spacing considerations: Proximity to neighbors differs widely between campgrounds. At Misty Mountain Camp Resort, "The sites themselves are rather close, but nice and level. Hook ups were easily accessible, and worked well."
Weather preparedness: Mountain elevations create variable conditions. At North River Campground, a visitor noted: "There were signs that say it is in a flooding zone, so I would avoid it after heavy rains." Low-lying sites near water features are particularly vulnerable to weather impacts.
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Campgrounds with diverse recreation appeal to different age groups. Shenandoah Valley Campground stands out for its amenities: "They have a store, a grill, a game room, and a big swimming pool. And large beautiful fields. You can even have a tent right on the river."
Playground access: Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley offers multiple designated play areas. "There's also a huge playground with volleyball and basket ball court near the pavilion. Along with a small arcade room and a huge fire pit ring to hang out at," writes one family camper.
Bathroom proximity: When camping with children, consider site location relative to facilities. At Sherando Lake Campground, site selection makes a difference: "We always get campsite A13, which is right across from the bathrooms. Very convenient with kids."
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: At Devils Backbone Camp, RVers should be prepared for unusual utility configurations. "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."
Leveling requirements: Some campgrounds require additional equipment for uneven sites. At Walnut Hills, one RVer noted: "Access was easy. The sites were a little tight. We were there for the local hiking so we didn't spend too much tie in the park. I parked a little goofy it seems so I needed a little extra footage for my electrical hookup."
Seasonal considerations: Off-season camping offers advantages for those with flexible schedules. At Walnut Hills Campground, a visitor shared: "Booking was easy. Arrived after hours, staying one night. Our tag was waiting for us with a map to our RV spot with E/W by the creek and pond. It was off season, so plenty of spots and privacy."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Swoope, VA?
What camping is available near Swoope, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Swoope, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 166 campgrounds and RV parks near Swoope, VA and 29 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Swoope, VA?
Which is the most popular campground near Swoope, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Swoope, VA is Shenandoah Valley Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 27 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Swoope, VA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Swoope, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 29 free dispersed camping spots near Swoope, VA.
What parks are near Swoope, VA?
What parks are near Swoope, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 parks near Swoope, VA that allow camping, notably George Washington & Jefferson National Forests and Monongahela National Forest.
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