RV camping near Orange, Virginia provides access to multiple hookup options across central Virginia's Piedmont region. The area sits at elevations between 500-1,500 feet and serves as a gateway to both Shenandoah National Park and the surrounding wine country. Several campgrounds operate year-round with varying degrees of tree coverage affecting seasonal temperature management.
What to do
**Explore historic attractions: Civil War sites and museums are within short drives of many campgrounds. "Close to Prince William Forest which is a fantastic National Parks forest," notes one camper at Prince William Forest RV Campground.
**Take cave tours: Underground explorations provide family-friendly activities regardless of weather. At Endless Caverns RV Resort, "The cavern tour was lovely. Marked well, lighted, relaxed," according to one visitor who appreciated how guides accommodate different ages.
**Visit national parks: Shenandoah National Park offers numerous hiking opportunities. A visitor to Big Meadows Campground shared, "Lots of beautiful hikes and bike course with awesome views of the valley."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers value natural screening between camping spots. At Fort Valley Ranch, "Our site was an easy level pull-through site, making the setup/breakdown very quick and painless. All the RV sites were impressively level, with only minimal leveling needed."
Wildlife viewing: Native animals frequently visit campgrounds in the region. At Big Meadows, campers report, "You will definitely see deer in the campground as they walk through and browse the understory. They are unafraid of humans unless directly approached."
Evening atmosphere: Nighttime offers special experiences unique to the region. "At dusk, the ground shimmers, and then after they disperse, you will still see them flit by the tent throughout the night," writes a camper about the fireflies at Big Meadows.
What you should know
Terrain challenges: Some campgrounds feature significant elevation changes. At Endless Caverns, "Roads are gravel and can be a bit steep, 4-wheel drive is helpful," according to one reviewer who still gave the location five stars.
Seasonal closures: Winter access varies significantly by facility. At KOA Luray RV Resort, the swimming pool and certain amenities close during colder months, while Big Meadows Campground reported "Showers and laundry were closed for the season" during late fall visits.
Wi-Fi limitations: Internet connectivity remains inconsistent across campgrounds. One camper at Prince William Forest RV Campground noted "Promised wi-fi does not even appear as an available signal," while another advised, "Don't plan on being able to have work zoom calls or really much on it for that matter."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated recreational facilities. At Shenandoah Crossing, families can "Kayak, putt putt, tennis, swim in one of the pools, hot tub, work out in the gym, walk on trails, ride horses, take a carriage ride or eat at the 'real' restaurant."
Playground options: Multiple play areas provide entertainment for different age groups. Prince William Forest RV Campground has a "playground that is in very good condition" according to campers, while Fort Valley Ranch features fishing ponds that are "stocked with bass and bluegill" where "kids were able to fish for hours."
Educational programming: Some campgrounds offer learning opportunities. Big Meadows has a "Nice amphitheater with interesting ranger programs" that complement the nearby visitor center facilities, making it ideal for family-oriented educational camping.
Tips from RVers
Utility challenges: RVers should prepare for potential hookup issues. A reviewer at The HarmStead Campground noted, "All hookups are available and functioning," but others mentioned elevation challenges with sewer connections at various campgrounds.
Site leveling preparation: Varying terrain requires proper equipment. At Endless Caverns, "Most sites are spaced enough to give some feeling of privacy, some are fairly close together. A few sites are nicely secluded for those of us that crave privacy."
Seasonal facility access: Shower and restroom availability varies by season. At Big Meadows, "The bathrooms were plentiful, heated, hot running water, and a utility sink available," during late season camping, though "Showers are $5 for 10 minutes. Kind of a steep price."
