Best Campgrounds near Raphine, VA

Camping near Raphine, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

• Hiking and Nature Walks: Enjoy the scenic trails at Douthat State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "There are many hiking trails throughout the park, including one (to Blue Suck Falls) that has access directly from the campground."
• Swimming and Fishing: At Sherando Lake Campground, you can swim in the lake or fish for trout. A reviewer noted, "The lake is beautiful and refreshing. You can swim out to an island if you want to."
• Family Activities: Many campgrounds, like Misty Mountain Camp Resort, offer fun activities for kids. One family shared, "Our kids had a blast on the inflatable jump pad which was open all day."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA said, "The bath/shower/laundry facility was very clean and fairly new."
• Friendly Staff: Many reviews highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. At Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp, one camper remarked, "The staff is friendly and go out of their way to answer questions you may have."
• Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having enough space for their tents or RVs. A reviewer at Crabtree Falls Campground mentioned, "The sites are nicely prepared. There are potable water taps close to most sites."

What you should know:

• Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A visitor at Red Oak Campground noted, "Verizon service is spotty 1 to 2 bars and unreliable data."
• Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get loud, especially on weekends. A camper at Shenandoah Valley Campground mentioned, "Weekends were packed, but much quieter during the week."
• Seasonal Amenities: Some campgrounds may have limited amenities during the off-season. A reviewer at Devil’s Backbone Camp said, "Every October, this year (2024) they doubled the rate... it’s not worth the fee they’re charging."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids, like Misty Mountain Camp Resort, where one family enjoyed "events the entire time we were there."
• Plan for Safety: If camping near roads, ensure kids understand safety rules. A parent at Sherando Lake Campground mentioned, "Our site was tiny so it was a tad stressful having kids running around right beside the road."
• Pack Entertainment: Bring games or outdoor toys to keep kids engaged. A camper at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA noted, "There’s a small swimming pool that the kids were enjoying."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Douthat State Park Campground said, "All sites appeared level and were very generous in size with long driveways."
• Look for Electric Hookups: If you need power, confirm availability. A visitor at Devil’s Backbone Camp mentioned, "They are adding more electric sites."
• Be Prepared for Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have full services. A camper at Canoe Landing Group Campsite noted, "There is nearly ZERO ranger presence."

Camping near Raphine, Virginia, offers a variety of experiences, from family fun to peaceful retreats. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone!