138 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Blue Ridge mountains surrounding Raphine, Virginia provide campers with a range of accommodation options across several campgrounds. Sherando Lake Campground, Walnut Hills Campground, and Devil's Backbone Camp all feature developed sites for both tent and RV camping, while properties like Montebello Resort and Crabtree Falls offer additional cabin and glamping experiences. Most established campgrounds in the region provide basic amenities including drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings, while Spy Rock represents one of the few dispersed camping options where backpackers can experience more primitive conditions.
Access to camping areas varies significantly across the region, with many developed campgrounds offering reservable sites with full RV hookups including electric, water, and sewer connections. Montebello Resort provides paddle boats and kayaks for visitor use at no additional charge, while the more rustic Spy Rock requires a moderate uphill hike to reach camping areas. Several campgrounds operate seasonally, with peak availability from April through October. Cell coverage can be limited or nonexistent at higher elevations, particularly at more remote sites. As one camper noted about Montebello Resort, "This place was certainly beautiful; our site was right on the pond. Be aware; there is zero cell service at the campground. To get decent service it's a bit of a drive."
Campers frequently highlight the fishing opportunities available throughout the region. Montebello Resort features a stocked trout pond where visitors can catch and keep fish for a per-pound fee, plus a lake with bass and crappie suitable for small watercraft. The proximity to hiking trails and the Blue Ridge Parkway represents another significant draw for the area's campgrounds. Several visitors mentioned the appeal of combining camping with nearby outdoor adventures. A camper at Montebello Resort shared, "This is a wonderfully priced spot nestled in the middle of some great outdoor adventure opportunities." For more adventurous campers, the hike to Spy Rock offers rewarding 360-degree views of the Shenandoah Valley from a primitive camping area that requires carrying all supplies to the summit.
"Sherando Lake is a well-maintained, popular campground located in the George Washington National Forest near Lyndhurst, VA."
"The lakeside is wonderful for sitting, reading and swimming. The "upper lake" is great for fishing. "
from $25 - $47 / night
Check Availability"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."
"I’ve camped at a completely different part of this place before which was a site without access to bathrooms and showers."
from $28 - $55 / night
Check Availability"First time camping in any part of Virginia, very nice and clean campground, not too much outside noise besides the random car driving on the one road near by."
"We set up camp then walked over to the brewery/ restaurant for some flights and dinner. I recommend grabbing some growlers to go. Showers and restrooms were clean."
from $25 - $140 / night
Check Availability"You can fish in the lake though we didn't catch anything. Wifi is free and open so no password and therefore, not secure. Trash picked up each day."
"Good location close to I81 but little road noise. I did hear a train."
from $45 - $99 / night
Check Availability"It should be noted that the warning about water moccasins posted previously is inaccurate as there are no water moccasins in this part of Virginia."
"Only thing is that there’s a dog, we think from a property nearby, that acts aggressive towards campers."
"This is one of Virginia’s best kept secrets for Cabins, RV or Tent camping. The location is awesome; close to some great hiking spots, very accessible & well laid out."
"The upstairs neighbors were probably as quiet as they could be but you could still hear them walking around and using the plumbing. The trout pond is not what they make it out to be on the website."
from $38 - $55 / night
Check Availability"And of course their lake that has two jumping decks, water slide, snack bar , restaurant and off to the side a little store for floats with putt putt golf and Jenna,etc."
"Lots for them to do, great swimming lake, employees were a pleasure. Trash pick-up was awesome !! Our site was gorgeous. Not a full hook up(more on that later), but absolutely perfect."
from $29 - $45 / night
Check Availability"Beautiful surroundings. No phone signal and wifi was a joke but that's not a bad thing!"
"Ate at their on-site restaurant while a local band played outside. Mostly used by local folks as a seasonal CG. Lots of semi-permanent fixtures attached to rigs. Did get a PassPort America discount."
"This campground is open year round and is right off the highway. There is a gas station right next to it as well as a safari park. "
"Located in a beautiful part of central Virginia, this campground gives you lots of options for sightseeing. It is definitely worth a trip to the Natural Bridge."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"Spy Rock is this awesome hike about an hour away from Charlottesville, Va. It is a great hike with a small rock scramble at the top for an extra bit of fun."
"The views from atop Spy Rock are some of the best in Virginia, and the campsite is one of my favorites. You hike in and there is a decent sized area to set up tents."
ScoutI camp at beaver creek campground yearly and have for the past 5 years. This past year they have built new family bathroom facilities, and a new playground. The nature, beauty and stars at night are unmatched.
ScoutGood facilities. Clean and hot showers. Good beach area. Docks for fishing could use some markers on the trails to find them. Could use a playground given it's labells as a familycamp
GuideThis was a single party campspot, very private and quiet. Perfect!
TravelerDescription info is incorrect
TravelerWell maintained blacktop road which made it easy to get a camper or a van through. Some of the sites further up the road are away from the creek but less buggy. They were large and well-maintained. I like the privacy of the sites further up. I would highly recommend this off upgrade site.
LegendVery beautiful surrounds and plenty of family fun to be had here. Pool, waterslides, splash pad, jumping pillows, playgrounds, mini golf, and of course the James River, to which our campsite was immediately adjacent. It's 8 minutes to the state park with the natural bridge, which is spectacular. . The staff are super nice and helpful.
TravelerWe just stayed several nights at this campground and really enjoyed it. It was quiet, the bathrooms and showers were always exceptionally clean, and the pool was very nice. Some parts of the campground have a lot of trees and we enjoyed the shade. The staff was very kind and helpful, and kept a neat little camp store well stocked with a variety of essentials. It was easy to get into Shenandoah National Park via Skyline Drive, which we also enjoyed. It is not too far from Polyface Farms (a conference there was the purpose of our visit). We look forward to staying here again!
ScoutFrom all the reviews on this site, we thought it would be more dispersed/private than it is. If you’re ok with seeing and hearing strangers as you sit in front of your own campfire, then this is the spot for you. Not for those who want privacy and true connection with nature and surroundings.
ScoutShowers are well removed from the center of activity
Also the personalities at the office are extremely short
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Raphine, VA from Richmond, VA?
Raphine, VA is approximately 125 miles west of Richmond, VA, with a driving time of about 2 hours via I-64 W. This makes it a manageable weekend getaway destination for Richmond residents seeking mountain recreation. Sherando Lake Campground is located about halfway between these cities, making it a convenient stopover point that's popular with Richmond campers. The area around Raphine provides excellent access to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley attractions.
What's the driving distance from Raphine, VA to Roanoke, VA?
Raphine, VA is approximately 50 miles northeast of Roanoke, VA, with a driving time of about 45-50 minutes via I-81 S. This proximity makes Raphine an excellent base for exploring both the Shenandoah Valley and the Roanoke area. Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA is conveniently located near this route, offering year-round camping and easy highway access. Devils Backbone Camp is another excellent option in the Raphine area for those traveling between these two Virginia destinations.
What camping is available near Raphine, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Raphine, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 138 campgrounds and RV parks near Raphine, VA and 19 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Raphine, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Raphine, VA is Sherando Lake Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 34 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Raphine, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 free dispersed camping spots near Raphine, VA.
What parks are near Raphine, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 25 parks near Raphine, VA that allow camping, notably George Washington & Jefferson National Forests and Monongahela National Forest.
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