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Best Tent Camping near Orkney Springs, VA

1,004 Reviews

Dispersed camping options dominate the tent camping landscape surrounding Orkney Springs, Virginia, with several primitive sites located within George Washington National Forest. Wolf Gap Recreation Area offers designated tent sites with fire rings and picnic tables approximately 10 miles west of Orkney Springs, while Little Fort Campground provides a similar primitive tent camping experience with vault toilets northeast of town. Crisman Hollow Road Camp and Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping round out the tent-focused options in the area, both offering rustic experiences within the national forest boundary.

Most backcountry tent sites feature dirt or forest duff surfaces with limited grading, requiring campers to carefully select level spots for comfortable sleep. Drive-in access varies considerably, with some sites like Little Fort requiring minimal hiking while others may necessitate high-clearance vehicles or short walks from parking areas. "Long and winding road to get there with no service so be cautious," noted one Little Fort Campground visitor. Vault toilets are available at some locations, but campers should bring all necessary water and supplies as most dispersed camping areas lack amenities. Bear activity is common throughout the region, making proper food storage essential at all tent sites.

The tent-only camping experience near Orkney Springs provides excellent opportunities for solitude and natural immersion. Sites positioned along ridgelines offer expansive views and cooler temperatures during summer months. A visitor to Wolf Gap Recreation Area described it as "beautifully wooded with campsites mostly secluded from the rest of the park." Fall camping is particularly rewarding as autumn colors transform the forest, though early preparation is advised as temperatures drop significantly after sunset. Cell service is virtually nonexistent at most backcountry tent sites, allowing for digital disconnection amid the mountain landscape. The region's extensive trail network makes these primitive tent campgrounds ideal staging areas for day hikes or longer backpacking routes through the surrounding forest.

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Best Tent Sites Near Orkney Springs, Virginia (38)

    1. Wolf Gap Recreation Area

    3 Reviews
    Basye, WV
    11 miles

    "Most sites have a paved parking platform and then a second tier for the camp site. All sites are quite large and include picnic tables, fire rings and large tent platforms."

    "But there are picnic tables and fire pits and a vault toilet for sure. It’s quiet and dark and a bit buggy. Many of the car parking pads are not level. But the tent pads appear to be."

    2. Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm

    6 Reviews
    Singers Glen, VA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 560-4847

    $25 - $30 / night

    "If you are tent camping or have a camper van the area is fine. Large RV will have a difficult time setting up in the camp area.  The camp area is quiet and there is plenty of firewood for use."

    "We're excited to welcome this property to the platform. Camp out under a canopy of Red Cedar Trees and make yourself comfortable. Free firewood! Give this place a go and leave your review here."

    3. #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp

    4 Reviews
    Luray, VA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 843-4232

    $45 - $225 / night

    "We are located on the Shenandoah River! Our waterfront unique kamp offers yurts and tent sites along with a well maintained bathhouse! Of course I feel we are 5 stars!"

    "River access, hiking near by and if you forget something town is 8 minutes away."

    4. Little Fort Campground

    6 Reviews
    Woodstock, VA
    21 miles

    "The campsites have a fire ring, a picnic table, and a flat area to pitch a tent. They have parking spots next to them. There are permanent structure Vault toilets/ out houses."

    "There are 9 campsites, each with at least one fire ring, a tent pad and a picnic table, and there is a vault toilet in the middle."

    5. Emerald Pond Primitive Campground

    2 Reviews
    New Market, VA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 265-5100

    "If you would rather not hike it, there is a Forest Access road, but I'm not sure how often it is open and if permits are needed to drive on it. "

    "We didn’t see a ton of trash- but the trash we saw would fit into one plastic grocery bag and it was in the fire pits. I agree that it’s the locals hanging out here, that’s been confirmed."

    6. Crisman Hollow Road Camp

    1 Review
    Mount Jackson, VA
    15 miles

    "There was one really nice hiking trail by the bridge. Cons: Some roads were closed. Some spots were full of trash."

    7. Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    Brandywine, VA
    24 miles
    Website

    "Duration of Stay: Oct 16-18, 2020 Average Daily Temp: 61 Average Evening Temp: 30 On Site Parking: ✅ Potable Water: 🚱 Restrooms: 🚫 Firewood: 🚫 Cell Service: 📵 4x4: ✅ Wildlife and Fishing: ✅

    Amazing"

    "It was an established site with a fire ring. It had a large clearing with a pretty flat spot for my tent. I accessed the site on my motorcycle. You wouldn't get a car/truck to the site."

    8. Squirrel Hollow Road Camping

    2 Reviews
    Wardensville, WV
    21 miles

    "Sites are located less than a mile from the paved highway. We found 5 spots just off the road. All were easily accessible by cat or with a small teardrop trailer."

    9. South Fork Shenandoah River

    3 Reviews
    Rileyville, VA
    23 miles

    "Not too many spaces so it can fill up quick. There is a launch in the middle, so there is a bit of come and go."

    "We stayed right at the end of the road, since we have a 30 foot RV, but there are sites you can walk to all the way down the river. I saw one other site before ours."

    10. Lost River State Park Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Mathias, WV
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (833) 987-2757
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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Orkney Springs, VA

65 Photos of 38 Orkney Springs Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Orkney Springs, VA

1004 Reviews of 38 Orkney Springs Campgrounds

  • RL
    Apr. 13, 2021

    Sky Meadows State Park Campground

    Great views, primitive camping

    We hiked the one mile into the campground and stayed for a night. It was a pretty flat walk from the overnight parking area to the campground. In the campground there is one bathroom facility with two vault toilets (although one of the doors was locked while we were there, which was unpleasant with a full campground). No running water or showers in the bathhouses. Non-potable water pump is near the restroom. Boil water at least three minutes before consuming. There are two areas with firewood (purchase when you check in or pay $6 cash at the kiosk - honor system). Each site has a bear box, fire ring, picnic table, tent pad with pea gravel, and a lantern pole. Definitely will be back!

    The park has wide open rolling hills and mountain views. Lots of families picnicking and flying kites 🪁💙

  • Jennifer B.
    Oct. 27, 2019

    Red Creek Campground

    Allegheny Plateau and Dolly Sods Wilderness

    Small, primitive campground with 12-sites.  There were a surprising number of trailers and small RVs when I visited, especially when you consider visitors have to drive about 10-miles on a graded dirt road to get there.

    There are some walk-in tent sites for more privacy and you have the option of pure wilderness camping in the surrounding 17,400 acres of Dolly Sods as long as you use existing campfire rings, or use a backpack stove when you can't find one.

    No cell phone service or Internet… No electricity, pit toilets, and a busted water pump, but there is a fresh-water spring. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and lantern pole. 

    The camp hosts are super mellow and also lead the volunteer bird-banding that takes place just across the road from the Red Creek Campground.  

    The plant life and weather at Dolly Sods are similar to Northern Canada, so bring some extra layers. It was at least 15-degrees cooler than the valley when I reached the peak of the Allegheny Plateau. Add the wind and I had to put my sweatshirt after sweating in a T-shirt at Seneca Rocks that same day. 

    Bring a backpack and good hiking boots so you're prepared to experience some of the most amazing scenery and wildlife you’ve ever seen! 

    First-come, first-serve only and often full on weekends.

    *Word of caution: Dolly Sods was used for military training during WWII, so there are artillery and mortar shells still being found in this wilderness. Don’t touch any shells you might find, note the location and report to authorities.

  • Nick C.
    Jul. 25, 2022

    Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Centralized spot in Shenandoah - hot showers!

    I stayed in the tent only / non generator sites which is definitely the way to go. My site was actually a walk in. So I had to park and lug my gear up some steps about 200 feet. The site was shaded with a nice spot for a hammock. Including a fire ring and grill grate, picnic table and a bear box. You are close to the road, so you get noise and headlights in your tent sometimes. Deer and skunk walk through camp all the time. Heard some owls at night. Whooooooo

  • Corey B.
    Jun. 15, 2018

    Little Fort Campground

    Great Stay

    Small and simple campground with a handle full of sites. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Sites are semi secluded from each other. Some sites have direct access to the Peter's Mill Run OHV complex. Vault toilet for all sites to share. No water, no electricity. Have to pack trash out. Sites were first come first serve. Free to camp.

    We camped so we could spend two days on the OHV Trails with the Jeep. Had an incredible time. We'll be back.

  • Mary S.
    Oct. 12, 2018

    Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Camping in the national park is the best!

    Loft Mountain was the third stop on our tour of Shenandoah National Park. First stop traveling south on Skyline Drive was Mathews Arm and second was Big Meadows at about the halfway point. Loft Mountain is at about the 3/4 mark. These parks are well spaced for viewing and hiking in between each campground.

    I'm a big fan of campgrounds in national parks. Why do I like this one? Pretty much the same reasons as I liked the other Shenandoah campgrounds:

    • All the basic needs are available in a scenic setting.

    • Generator-free sections (because I hate noisy generators)

    • About 75% of the sites are first-come, first-served sites so you should always be able to find a site if you arrive early.

    • The $15 price is a bargain and our Lifetime Senior Pass cuts the fee in half.

    • Hiking: There's a lot to keep you busy in the entire national park, but rainy, foggy weather kept us from exploring as much as we'd like. We'll be back!

    Things to Know About the Sites

    • Some sites have food storage boxes. Use them as an alternative to keeping food locked in your vehicle.

    • Walk-to tent sites: It's not a long walk to your site from a designated parking spot.

    • I was surprised to see that most sites (other than walk-to tent sites) have long, pull through parking pads, and most have a grass buffer (and possibly a few trees) separating the site from the road. These asphalt pads can accommodate RVs of all sizes and have a spacious area behind the pull through with a picnic table, fire ring and room for a tent. Great sites!

    • Generator-free sites in loop F and part of G are reservable sites. If you want one of these sites, I recommend a reservation. See the site map photo.

    Amenities

    • Restrooms with a utility sink outside some of them

    • Potable water and trash/recycling stations are spread throughout the park. These are all shown on the site map photo.

    • Camp store with ice, wood and limited food choices is a short walk from the campground entrance.

    • Showers: $1.75 for 5.25 minutes. These are located in a restroom near the campstore and look new. There is a handicapped accessible shower/bathroom combination.

    • Laundry facility near the camp store

  • Terri S.
    Sep. 23, 2019

    Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Beautiful , well maintained

    Big Meadows Campground was wonderful. Facilities were clean and well maintained. Bear box for food storage. Loved seeing the deer so close and other wildlife. Fire ring with grate was available. Large site size. We had site 23. Highly recommend!

  • Carol B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 19, 2025

    Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Full campground, but a happy overnight

    I tent camped for one night at the start of Easter weekend. Lots and lots of folks about, but still enough space to NOT feel encroached upon. Level grass spot for a tent, fairly level paved parking area if car camping, picnic table, fire ring with grill grate. I was on the no generator loop, but in a non electric site (vs tent walk in type). Warm bathrooms, utility sinks in several, pay hot showers, lots of greenery. I will visit again! NO Verizon cell service at all!

  • Cindy D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2019

    Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Shenandoah National Park

    We did not have a reservation and were lucky to get a site. It is a large campground with 200 sites for RV's & tent campers. The site we had was primitive, no water or electric, but had a picnic table, fire ring, & a bear box. Although the sites were close, they were situated to maximize privacy. The campgrounds had plenty of restrooms with flush toilets & sinks. The camp store has laundry facilities and showers that you must pay for, $1.75 for 5 minutes. The grounds and facilities are very clean. An added bonus, you can access the Appalachian Trail right from the campgrounds that provides amazing views

  • Lucas B.
    Jul. 2, 2017

    Sky Meadows State Park Campground

    Awesome foray into backpacking

    Came here for the first time in February 2017 to do a shakedown on some new backpacking and camping gear. Super friendly staff and easy check in process. Parking is in a locked lot steps away from trail head which leads to campsites about a mile away. Campsites are in a wooded area of park well away from other park attractions so it's very quiet. Sites are spaced far apart and come with tent pad, picnic table, fire pit and lantern pole. Non potable water is available via hand pump near rest rooms. Rest rooms are very nice and clean. No showers. This was one of my favorite camping experiences ever and I will definitely be back!

Guide to Orkney Springs

Orkney Springs, Virginia, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for a peaceful escape in nature.

Tent campers should check out Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping

  • Enjoy a serene environment at Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping, where you can set up your tent amidst beautiful scenery and have campfires without needing a permit.
  • This spot is perfect for those who appreciate solitude, as it features secluded sites that are accessible by both driving and walking.
  • Be mindful of the road conditions; while the area is stunning, it can be tricky for low-clearance vehicles.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $25

  • Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm offers a unique camping experience with amenities like drinking water and electric hookups for a fee, making it a cozy choice for tent campers.
  • For a free option, consider Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping, where you can enjoy the great outdoors without any cost.
  • If you're looking for a well-reviewed spot with a reasonable fee, Shenandoah River Outfitters Camp Outback provides a charming atmosphere with access to water and other facilities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Orkney Springs, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Orkney Springs, VA is Wolf Gap Recreation Area with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Orkney Springs, VA?

TheDyrt.com has all 38 tent camping locations near Orkney Springs, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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