Best Campgrounds near Rixeyville, VA

The Shenandoah Valley region surrounding Rixeyville, Virginia features diverse camping options within an hour's drive, with Shenandoah National Park serving as the primary destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Big Meadows and Mathews Arm campgrounds offer established sites with basic amenities like drinking water and fire pits, while Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park provides year-round camping with electric hookups and shower facilities. Rappahannock River Campground, located closer to Rixeyville, offers boat-in access and riverside camping opportunities for those seeking water recreation. The area balances developed campgrounds with more rustic options, including some limited dispersed camping in designated areas.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability, with most Shenandoah National Park campgrounds operating from May through October or early November. "This is bear country and we saw a few bears lolly gagging in the area. They were curious and never posed a danger, but keep your food in a bear bag or in your car," notes one camper about Loft Mountain Campground. Park rangers strictly enforce quiet hours (typically 10 PM to 8 AM) and food storage regulations, with potential fines for violations. Cell service varies widely throughout the region, with limited or no coverage in many park areas. Weather patterns shift dramatically with elevation, with mountain locations experiencing temperatures 10-15 degrees cooler than valley floors.

Campers consistently mention the proximity to hiking trails as a major advantage of the region's campgrounds. The Appalachian Trail runs near or through several camping areas, providing easy access to day hikes. Site privacy varies considerably between campgrounds, with some visitors noting the close quarters at Mathews Arm: "The campsites are built right on top of one another with very little space separating them." Others highlight the walk-in tent sites at Loft Mountain as offering more seclusion. Facilities range from primitive (vault toilets, no showers) to more developed amenities including coin-operated showers, camp stores, and laundry facilities. Wildlife sightings, particularly black bears, are common throughout the region, requiring proper food storage and awareness.

Best Camping Sites Near Rixeyville, Virginia (134)

    1. Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    119 Reviews
    Stanley, VA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3500

    $30 - $75 / night

    "While the campground is very nice, with clean conveniently located bathrooms, the site itself is probably not suited for a large group of people."

    "Our site had the AT running right behind it. The was plenty of access to trails, and pretty central to the park. The campground is near showers, laundry, campstore, and visitor center."

    2. Mathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    44 Reviews
    Rileyville, VA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3132

    $30 - $75 / night

    "This is a nice and very large campground tucked away in the northern part of Shenandoah. The facilities and grounds were well kept and it’s a short car’s travel (but there’s also a trail!)"

    "There are a few trails encompassing and leading out from the campground, and it's nice to have a central location from which you can out on small hikes."

    3. Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Bentonville, VA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 622-6840

    $30 - $40 / night

    "Virginia has the best state park campgrounds. Water and electric. Large sites. The bathrooms are clean with separate shower rooms. Nice hiking in the park. Near SNP. Responsive and friendly rangers."

    "In my opinion it has the best location of the 3 Turks they have. It’s it the woods close to a boat landing you can see a bit of the river. In the fall or spring I’m sure the view is amazing."

    4. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Luray

    24 Reviews
    Luray, VA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 300-1697

    "Close to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive."

    "They had plenty of appearances of Yogi or Cindy bear at activities and just driving around the park on a golf cart."

    5. Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites — Shenandoah National Park

    15 Reviews
    Bentonville, VA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3500

    "It is suitable for novice campers to experienced off-trail campers. You'll never tire of the wonders this beautiful piece of America has to offer."

    "There was definitely a lot less privacy/space between sites here at SNP than I’ve noted at other parks across Virginia."

    6. The HarmStead Campground

    2 Reviews
    Culpeper, VA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (419) 304-5339

    $50 - $95 / night

    "Lots of land to walk. Fire pit, chairs and picnic table at site."

    7. Casa Vargas

    1 Review
    Culpeper, VA
    8 miles
    +1 (540) 522-6235

    $50 - $75 / night

    "Casa Vargas offers secluded RV & Tent sites near the famous Skyline Drive that offers great views of the Shenandoah Mountains. "

    8. Rappahannock River Campground

    11 Reviews
    Sumerduck, VA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 212-0343

    "Great for a weekend away from all the hustle and bustle. Very relaxing"

    "We paid our fee, which was only around $15, and then another $5 for a bunch of firewood. The Firewood was a bit wet and didn't work out, but hey, beggars can't be choosers."

    9. Lewis Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    31 Reviews
    Hood, VA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3500

    $30 / night

    "Lewis mountain has all the amenities of home within walking distance if you just can’t live without them; bathrooms,showers, kitchen sink, fire pit, small store and 2 personal vehicle parking spots steps"

    "Arrived before the weekend, around late morning. Greeted by the park ranger, they gave the basic information for these sites. Limited spots here. You’re pretty close to your neighbor."

    10. A World Away Farm LLC

    1 Review
    Elkwood, VA
    11 miles
    +1 (240) 626-3488

    $20 - $50 / night

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Showing results 1-10 of 134 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Rixeyville, VA

1009 Reviews of 134 Rixeyville Campgrounds



Guide to Rixeyville

Camping near Rixeyville, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails in Shenandoah National Park. Many campers rave about the easy access to trails right from their campsites. One reviewer said, "Hiking trails leave right from the campground" at Big Meadows Campground.
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing in nearby lakes and rivers. Campers at Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground appreciate the "breathtaking views" and the fishing opportunities available.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for deer and other wildlife. A visitor at Lewis Mountain Campground mentioned, "Lots of deer!" making it a great spot for nature lovers.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers often highlight the cleanliness of the campgrounds. One reviewer noted that the "bathrooms and showers are very clean" at Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground.
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy campsites. A camper at Gooney Creek Campground said, "The picnic table and fire pit at each campsite was fantastic," emphasizing the comfort of the space.
  • Proximity to Attractions: Campers appreciate being close to local attractions. One visitor at Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views mentioned, "The campground is close to Shenandoah National Park and Luray Caverns."

What you should know:

  • First-Come, First-Serve Sites: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A camper at Matthews Arm Campground advised, "We booked a site in a reservable loop...hardly any coverage," suggesting that arriving early is key.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Lewis Mountain Campground pointed out, "No hookups but you can run a generator if needed," so be prepared for a more rustic experience.
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A reviewer at Bull Run Regional Park mentioned, "This place is absolutely the most horrific noisy place," so consider your site location carefully.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and pools. Campers at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park enjoyed the "three pools, waterslides, and a splash pad," making it a hit with kids.
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or check if the campground has a store. One family at Lake Anna State Park Campground appreciated the "well-maintained" facilities, which made cooking easier.
  • Safety Precautions: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A camper at Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground reminded others to be cautious, saying, "There are bears so make sure you don't leave any food out."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Mathews Arm Campground mentioned, "We would not have been satisfied with the slope of more than a few of the sites here," highlighting the importance of site selection.
  • Generator Use: Be aware of generator hours. A camper at Big Meadows Campground noted, "Generator hours are 08:00-10:00 and 16:00-19:00," so plan your power needs accordingly.
  • Connectivity Issues: Expect limited cell service in some areas. A visitor at Gooney Creek Campground mentioned, "There was WiFi which was great considering the area in the mountains," so be prepared for spotty connections.

Camping near Rixeyville, Virginia, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Rixeyville, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Rixeyville, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 134 campgrounds and RV parks near Rixeyville, VA and 14 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Rixeyville, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Rixeyville, VA is Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 119 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Rixeyville, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 free dispersed camping spots near Rixeyville, VA.

What parks are near Rixeyville, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 parks near Rixeyville, VA that allow camping, notably Shenandoah National Park and Prince William Forest Park.