Dispersed camping near Raphine, Virginia offers options within the George Washington National Forest, where elevations range from 1,600 to over 4,000 feet. Camping conditions vary seasonally, with sites at higher elevations experiencing temperature drops of 10-15 degrees compared to valley locations. The region's mixed hardwood forests provide natural canopy coverage at most camping areas.
What to do
Hiking mountain trails: At Devils Backbone Camp, campers can access both the Appalachian Trail and shorter property trails. "There are several small walking paths throughout the property... It is a very quick drive to lots of hiking, including the Appalachian Trail," notes a camper. The camp offers free shuttle service to AT hikers.
Fishing stocked waters: Montebello Resort maintains both a stocked trout pond and a larger lake for fishing. "The trout pond is not catch and release, it is catch and keep, whatever you catch, you pay for per pound," explains one reviewer. The larger lake contains bass and crappie suitable for small watercraft.
Water recreation: Several campsites feature water access. At Montebello Resort, "The campground provides kayaks and paddle boats as well, at no charge," writes a visitor. Stoney Creek Resort offers a swimming lake with beach area that's popular during summer months. "Great swimming lake. Family friendly," notes one camper, providing a cooling option during hot summer days.
What campers like
Dark skies for stargazing: The remote location of many campsites provides excellent night sky viewing. At Spy Rock, campers hike to elevated positions for unobstructed views. "It is nice and dark at the campground, so great for star watching," reports one visitor. The primitive sites at higher elevations offer particularly good astronomical viewing with minimal light pollution.
Historic exploration: The region's proximity to cultural sites enhances camping trips. A visitor to Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA notes, "We were glad we stayed! There is plenty to do around this area," including Natural Bridge itself and the historic town of Lexington. Several campgrounds serve as convenient bases for exploring regional history.
Brewery access: Devil's Backbone Camp places campers within walking distance of craft beverages. "You are a 5-minute trail walk to the Devil's Backbone brewery. You can have several great beers with your meal and safely walk back to the camp site," a visitor explains. Many campers appreciate this unique amenity that pairs outdoor recreation with craft beverage experiences.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds have limited or no cellular connectivity. At Montebello Resort, "There is zero cell service at the campground. To get decent service it's a bit of a drive," warns one camper. Devil's Backbone Camp offers Wi-Fi but it can become "bogged down" during busy periods and holidays.
Reservation challenges: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak season. At Sherando Lake Campground, "The only drawback is that many people love this park and it is difficult to get reservations. The window opens six months out and are usually booked for the high season summer months," explains one reviewer.
Weather variability: Mountain locations experience rapid weather changes. At Oronoco Campground, campers note that "the fall foliage was stunning" but conditions can shift quickly with elevation. Plan for temperature drops at night, even during summer months, and potential fog or mist in morning hours.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park offers family-friendly water recreation. "Very nice pool," notes a visitor, though some mention it can get busy during peak times. Sherando Lake Campground provides a beach area that "looked perfect for kids" according to one camper.
Playground facilities: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas. Sherando Lake Campground has "a playground for kiddos" with one family noting, "The kids enjoyed playing on the playground, skipping rocks, and fishing as well." Shenandoah Acres also includes multiple playground areas spread throughout the property.
Wildlife education: The natural setting provides opportunities for nature learning. At Crabtree Falls Campground, campsites positioned along the Tye River create natural exploration zones. "The tent sites we stayed in were 10 ft away from the Tye river, we literally fell asleep to the sound of the water every night," shares a camper, providing an immersive nature experience for children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: At Walnut Hills Campground, RVers suggest: "If you're on the left side of the road and another camper parks their truck with their camper on the other side, it totally blocks the 'lake' view." Choosing sites away from high-traffic areas improves the experience.
Hookup configurations: Devil's Backbone Camp has an unusual hookup arrangement. "If you were on an odd number site, you either had to hope you had the length on your water and power lines to run to the opposite side of your rig or you had to pull into the site the opposite way," explains one RVer, recommending extra-long utility connections.
Dump station access: Some campgrounds with partial hookups have dump station limitations. "Since our site had no sewer hook up, we needed to dump before leaving. It's conveniently located on the way out," notes a camper at Crabtree Falls Campground, which offers both tent and RV camping options along the Tye River.
