The Shenandoah Valley camping area around Boyce, Virginia sits at an elevation range of 500-1000 feet, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Allegheny Mountains to the west. Primitive campsites in this region often face temperature fluctuations with summer nights dropping to the 60s even when daytime temperatures reach the high 80s. Camping spots near Boyce offer diverse terrain from mountainside locations with elevation gains to riverside campsites at lower elevations.
What to do
Hike to waterfalls: Sky Meadows State Park Campground provides access to trails leading to scenic waterfalls. "We didn't get to check out the Appalachian Trail - but it was only a few miles from the campsites. I'll def. come back! Worth the 7-8 hour trip from both South Carolina and New Hampshire," notes one visitor who enjoyed the park's hiking options.
River activities: At Watermelon Park Campground, tubing is a popular warm-weather activity. "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 a camper who appreciated the convenient river access setup.
Historical exploration: Camp near Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders for a blend of history and nature. "If you would like to do some exploring, then you can walk the trail right next to the campground into the historical town of Harper's Ferry. The trail is about 1.5 miles one way. From there you can grab a bite, visit the history of Harper's Ferry or continue exploring more hiking trails."
What campers like
Creek-side privacy: Berryville Berries offers secluded campsites that feel remote while remaining accessible. "This camping area has all the feel of being remote and isolated, but it's actually in very short range of all the amenities you'd ever need. With easy access off major roadways and a short drive from Winchester, VA, you can get whatever you need and then be back in the woods in no time," explains a camper.
Bear-safe amenities: At Sky Meadows State Park Campground, the bear protection features receive praise. "For a backcountry campground, I was SO impressed with how stocked and clean everything was... having a bear box at my campsite to store my food/trash/toiletries was so much easier than hanging a bear bag."
Rustic camping with water sounds: Gooney Creek Campground provides simple campsites with natural sound effects. "Located right on the bank of the creek you sleep with the sound of the babbling water. Spaces aren't very big but big enough that we didn't feel like we were on top of our neighbors."
What you should know
Train noise concerns: Some camping spots near Boyce, Virginia are near train tracks. At Harpers Ferry Campground, the proximity affects sleep patterns. "The proximity to the tracks means that if the sound doesn't wake you up, the rumbling ground will. Every hour through the night."
Check-in processes vary: Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground and Sky Meadows have different systems. At Sky Meadows, "You have to drive up to the main building, register, go back to the overnight lot, put in the gate code, hang the lot tag on your mirror, and hike in to the site. Not bad unless you have another car coming later in the day."
Seasonal bathroom limitations: Some campsites have limited facilities. "Camp one had flush toilets on one end, a pit toilet on the other. Campsites were spacious and mostly level. The road is gravel and could use some work, I'd recommend 4x4 drive," notes a camper about The Cove Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: The Cove Campground offers various family amenities. "The beach is large and clean. The staff was very friendly. Camp one had flush toilets on one end, a pit toilet on the other. Campsites were spacious and mostly level."
Beginner-friendly backpacking: Sky Meadows State Park provides an excellent introduction to backpacking for families. "Overall, this is a fantastic campground for a beginner backpacking experience in the real backcountry. Use the Avenza Maps app that the park has its map uploaded into, and you won't get lost finding the overnight parking/self check-in station."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Mathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park offers wildlife encounters suitable for children. "The wildlife here is great. Many deers, frogs, snakes, moths, flies, birds, turtles, bears... It's a pleasant relaxing campground," according to a visitor who enjoyed the animal sightings.
Tips from RVers
RV size considerations: At Candy Hill Campground, certain restrictions apply to RV campers. "My bride & I roll in a DIY Class B (2017 For Transit High Top & Extended Length). It is VERY WELLL MAINTAINED inside & out. It is 100% Self Contained. Stayed at over 100 Campsites... That is when I was told I could not stay at Candy Hill... CANDY HILL ONLY WANTS RV's that are RVIA Certified."
Dump station details: Watermelon Park Campground provides electric and water but has limitations. "Price is a little high considering there is no sewer hookup (dump station is on site). A few things I'm disappointed in: 1) no fire rings but you can use an above ground pit, 2) not all sites have picnic tables."
Leveling challenges: Check the slope of your site when reserving at larger campgrounds. "Heads up, big rig owners! Our Pull-thru FHU Patio site had a serious slope. It was impossible to level my 45' motorhome without elevating the front wheels dangerously in the air."
