The Shenandoah Valley region surrounding Orkney Springs, Virginia sits at elevations between 1,000-3,000 feet, creating distinct seasonal camping conditions. RV campgrounds near Orkney Springs typically experience cooler temperatures than lower elevations, with summer highs averaging 80°F and winter temperatures regularly dropping below freezing. Most camping facilities in this area operate from March through November, with limited winter availability.
What to do
Fishing access points: Fort Valley Ranch features two stocked fishing ponds with bass and bluegill that provide hours of entertainment. "The kids were able to fish for hours at the two fishing ponds, which both were stocked with bass and bluegill," notes one camper.
Cavern exploration: Tour the underground formations at Endless Caverns RV Resort, where guided tours are discounted for campground guests. A visitor commented, "Their cavern tour (discounted for guests at the RV park) was lovely. Marked well, lighted, relaxed."
Mountain hiking: Local trail systems offer various difficulty levels, with elevation gains between 500-1,500 feet on most routes. At Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm, trails connect under cedar canopies, with one visitor noting, "This place was incredible! Accessibly located and cute as all get out!"
What campers like
Spacious sites: Luray RV Resort on Shenandoah River offers unusually large sites compared to other area facilities. "The RV sites at this campground are very spaced out, you have a lot of room to each side of your RV," explains one visitor, a particularly valuable feature during peak season.
Clean bathhouses: Campground facilities in this region maintain above-average cleanliness standards with regular maintenance. A camper at Seneca Shadows noted, "The campground attendants were friendly and helpful and did a wonderful job keeping the bathhouses clean."
River access: Several campgrounds provide direct river frontage on the Shenandoah. "Location is prime!! Loved the RV sites right on the water. Perfect if you are a trout fisherman or hiker," shares a visitor to Smoke Hole Caverns and Log Cabin/RV Resort.
What you should know
Terrain variability: Most RV campgrounds in Orkney Springs operate on mountain terrain with significant grade differences between sites. "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," explains a visitor to Endless Caverns.
Seasonal crowding: Fall foliage season (late September through October) brings significantly higher occupancy. "This area is busy during autumn foliage season, so plan ahead if visiting then," advises a regular camper.
Cell connectivity: Service patterns vary widely across the region, with usable connections generally available at lower elevations. At Luray RV Resort, a camper found "plenty of cell signal to hotspot and get internet," but this varies by provider and specific location.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly attractions: Multiple campgrounds maintain dedicated child areas. "The facility is amazingly well taken care of, and it is a true family owned campground," shares a visitor to Rivers Edge Campground, which features a swimming hole and playground areas.
Swimming options: Natural water access points provide alternatives to campground pools. Luray RV Resort offers "riverfront access for tubing," while Rivers Edge Campground provides "an honest to goodness swimming hole!"
Pet accommodations: Most facilities accept pets but impose varying restrictions. "They have a huge dog park that my dog loved. They also had multiple dog bag stations throughout the campground," notes a visitor to KOA Luray RV Resort.
Tips from RVers
Site selection importance: Choose specific sites based on your rig size and leveling needs. One experienced RVer recommends, "Our site (site 3) was an easy level pull-through site, making the setup/breakdown very quick and painless."
Access road considerations: Mountain roads require careful navigation for larger motorhomes, particularly after rainfall. "I was initially concerned about the road leading into the campground, as my rig is over 50 feet in total length. However, we were surprised that the winding roads presented no issues for us," reports a Fort Valley Ranch visitor.
Hookup variations: Electric service ranges from 30-50 amp across facilities, often with both available. "Only 10 sites right on the river. Great fishing. Very quiet. Full hookups for RVs including cable," notes a camper at Smoke Hole Caverns, highlighting the trade-off between premium locations and hookup availability.
