Camping near Orkney Springs, Virginia offers sites ranging from basic tent plots to more developed campgrounds at elevations between 1,000-3,500 feet in the foothills of Great North Mountain. The region's limestone geology creates distinct water features throughout camping areas, with natural springs feeding clear mountain streams. Temperature swings can be significant even in summer, with 20-30°F differences between daytime highs and overnight lows in the mountain camps.
What to do
Hike to mountain overlooks: Wolf Gap Recreation Area provides direct access to Big Schloss trail with one of the most distinctive mountain views in the region. "The hiking around here is first rate—Big Schloss offers one of the most unique views in the region!" shares Andrew M. from Wolf Gap, where the nearby 4-mile trail leads to a rocky mountain overlook.
Explore underground caverns: Located adjacent to Endless Caverns RV Resort, the natural cave system offers guided tours throughout the day. According to one visitor, "The cavern tour (discounted for guests at the RV park) was lovely. Marked well, lighted, relaxed. Our tour guide, Haley, was a sweetheart, taking time for the two little kids, and still giving the information older people like."
Fish in stocked waters: Trout Pond Recreation Area provides fishing in crystal-clear waters. "The lake water was crystal clear and is surrounded by beautiful views of the mountains," notes a camper. Another mentions that "The Lake is stocked with trout (license required) during the regular season for those who want to fish."
Visit historic small towns: The region surrounding camp areas features restored colonial and Civil War era sites. "In New Market we enjoyed Pack's soft serve ice cream stand, Southern Kitchen diner and the old General Store," reports a camper who stayed at Luray KOA, adding that "We visited the VA Civil War Museum & homestead."
What campers like
Natural water features: Campers consistently mention the refreshing swimming and wading opportunities. At Creekside Campground, visitors appreciate the creek-front sites: "We had a large grass space with water and power on the edge of a beautiful creek and enjoyed the sounds of it both nights," writes Pete K. Another camper adds, "Ducks are there and you hear the water which is very soothing to us."
Stargazing opportunities: The area's limited light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing. One Wolf Gap visitor notes, "It was quiet at night in my little corner of camp and I could walk out a bit from my site and see the entire night sky which was amazing!" The higher elevation camping areas provide particularly good star viewing conditions with minimal artificial light interference.
Wildlife encounters: Several campgrounds in the region offer consistent wildlife viewing. At Rivers Edge Campground, the proximity to water attracts various species. "We were early in the camping season so we had no one around us. The size of the lots were amazing, plenty of room. We had so much fun, we didn't even leave our camping sites the entire time!!!" says Priscilla M., who enjoyed watching the abundant riverside wildlife.
Mountain trails accessible from campsites: Many campgrounds feature hiking paths directly from the camping area. At Harrisonburg-Shenandoah Valley KOA, one camper highlights: "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."
What you should know
Limited services and utilities: Wolf Gap Campground provides basic amenities with no showers. "If you are self sustained and just need a lovely place camp - this is it! The roads are paved and the little one toilet hole bathroom is helpful. Bring plenty of water and everything you need/want," advises Shandi B.
Mountain roads present challenges: The terrain around camping areas involves steep grades that can be difficult for some vehicles. For Shenandoah River State Park Campground, a camper mentions, "The drive in requires about 25-miles through the roller coaster of steep grade (7+%) hills. There's no way around that, you're in the mountains. Just be aware and be prepared."
Seasonal operations: Many campgrounds in the area close during winter months. Trout Pond Recreation Area has specific closure dates: "The area closes completely (entrance gate is locked) from Dec 21 - May 1," notes John B. Some facilities like showers and recreation areas may close earlier in the fall than the campgrounds themselves.
Varying levels of cellular connectivity: Cell service is inconsistent throughout the camping region. At Luray KOA, one visitor reports, "Cell signal and camp wifi are bad. I was just able to get a decent signal with Starlink by carefully pointing at a small gap between trees." Other campgrounds may have limited or no service in certain sections.
Tips for camping with families
Campgrounds with swimming options: Families with children often appreciate natural swimming areas. "Swimming is excellent with sand beach. Big catfish in clear water. Water was so clean that it was throbbing with anfreshwater jellyfish," notes Fred F. at Trout Pond Recreation Area, making it ideal for families seeking water recreation.
Animal encounters for kids: Several campgrounds feature farm animals or wildlife viewing opportunities. "They have chickens and ducks roaming around and Our dog got to chase a chicken off the site. She loved that!" says Liz U. about Harrisonburg-Shenandoah Valley KOA, where the mix of camping and farm experience appeals to children.
Educational ranger programs: Big Meadows Campground offers structured learning activities. "Nice amphitheater with interesting ranger programs," reports Kim L. These programs typically cover local wildlife, geology, and history topics suitable for school-age children.
Best times for bathroom access: With shared facilities at most campgrounds, timing matters. One camper at Big Meadows notes, "At night people using flashlights and headlamps walking away from the bathroom shine them into your tent," suggesting setting up camp away from direct bathroom paths if traveling with light-sensitive sleepers.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions at certain campgrounds: Many local camping areas have limited space for larger rigs. A visitor to Wolf Gap notes, "We were pulling a 15' trailer and could only access the sites from driving reverse along the one way road. The trailer barely fit the back-in site...It was perfect for our set up, but I wouldn't recommend anything larger than 15'."
Hookup limitations: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups despite allowing RVs. "No showers, coin-operated showers available 30 miles south at Big Meadows," reports one RVer about Mathews Arm Campground. For those requiring full hookups, Endless Caverns specifically mentions "full hookup at each site. They cater nicely to big rigs, offering numerous pull-through sites as well as back-in sites."
Level site availability: Finding level spots can be challenging in mountain terrain. At Creekside Campground, Michael H. notes, "Clean and level gravel site with well-maintained utility hook-ups," highlighting the importance of confirming site conditions before arriving with larger vehicles.
