Camping sites near Paris, Virginia span elevations between 500-1,200 feet within the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer temperatures averaging 85°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds remain partially operational during winter months, though with reduced services and limited amenities when temperatures drop.
What to do
Hiking historic trails: Access the Appalachian Trail from Harpers Ferry Campground, located approximately 20 miles from Paris. "Harpers Ferry is a beautiful place to hike, camp and visit. Highly recommended!" notes Annie S. The campground offers direct access to the C&O Canal towpath with connections to numerous regional trails.
River activities: Watermelon Park Campground offers tubing and river access along the Shenandoah. "Cheap tube rentals with busses that take you 2-3 miles up the road and drop you at boat landing. Bring your own tubes and have a camp member drop you off as well," explains Matt S. The river provides swimming, fishing, and kayaking opportunities from spring through early fall.
Cave exploration: Visit the extensive underground systems near camping areas. Endless Caverns RV Resort provides on-site cavern tours with knowledgeable guides. "The cavern tour 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," shares Clark P.
What campers like
Riverside sites: Many campers appreciate direct water access at several campgrounds near Paris. "Gorgeous spot on the river. Small campground with not a lot of amenities BUT THAT RIVER IS GORGEOUS. Lots of activities - tubing, zip lining, fishing," notes Darcy S. about Harpers Ferry Campground, located along the Potomac River.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses rank high among camper priorities. "Bathrooms/showers: very clean, spacious, centrally located. My spot was in the back row and I didn't mind the walk," reports Megan K. about Prince William Forest RV Campground. Some campgrounds provide individual shower stalls with locking doors for added privacy.
Mountain views: The elevated terrain provides scenic vistas from many camping areas. "We stayed here in April so many of the amenities weren't open yet. It's a pretty large campground. Most sites are well spaced but a lot are right beside each other, too," explains Jess about Endless Caverns. Many sites offer views of the Shenandoah Valley below.
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Several campgrounds sit near active rail lines. "The railroad runs pretty close, it's not super loud just wanted to make you aware," notes Brian S. about Brunswick Family Campground. At Brunswick Family Campground, trains pass "almost hourly" according to reviews, which affects light sleepers.
Varied site spacing: RV sites near Paris, Virginia range from spacious to tightly clustered depending on location. "Lots are really staggered/set back from each other so feels like you have more space. Average lot size in general, but the set back feels like you have more space," explains Megan K. about Prince William Forest RV Campground.
Mountain driving challenges: Access to some campgrounds requires navigating steep terrain. "The campground is on the side of a mountain so it is very steep in some sections. One entire loop says 4 wheel drive recommend, so read carefully before booking!" warns Jess about Endless Caverns RV Resort. Larger rigs may face difficulties on narrow mountain roads.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Bull Run Regional Park offers multiple play areas for children. "The campground had a climbing wall on one afternoon. There are miles of trails and my gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt. You even get a prize when you finish," explains Bridget H. The park organizes regular family activities throughout peak season.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature pools or river swimming areas suitable for families. "We love walking and having a nice walk right from our campsite is a big bonus. Nice and quiet at night. Fun to watch other families enjoying themselves too," reports Tabatha D. about Watermelon Park Campground.
Educational opportunities: Historical sites near Paris provide learning experiences for children. "DC just up the road. National Marine Corp Museum just around corner," notes Kenneth H. about Prince William Forest RV Campground. Many campgrounds offer ranger programs during summer months focused on local ecology and history.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Fort Valley Ranch provides relatively level sites for RVs. "Our site (site 3) 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," reports Jason G. Many campgrounds in the region require additional leveling blocks due to mountainous terrain.
Hookup considerations: RV camping options vary in hookup availability. "Most sites in section C usually back up into a wooded or naturally landscaped area that allow a nice sense of woodsy privacy. Sites are mostly level. Sites in section E appear tighter with less shelter," notes Sara M. about Endless Caverns RV Resort. Several campgrounds offer partial hookups with water and electric only.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region. "We picked up a dozen channels on our antenna and the 2-3 bar Verizon LTE enabled us to stream some channels on Fire TV," reports Sara M. about camping at Endless Caverns. AT&T generally provides stronger coverage than other carriers throughout the mountainous terrain surrounding Paris.
