Maurertown, Virginia serves as a strategic base for exploring several campgrounds in the Shenandoah Valley and surrounding mountains. The area features a mix of established campgrounds including Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park, Elizabeth Furnace Campground, and Wolf Gap Recreation Area, each offering varying levels of amenities and accessibility. Tent camping, RV sites, and cabin accommodations are available throughout the region, with some campgrounds also providing yurt or glamping options. The proximity to Shenandoah National Park campgrounds like Mathews Arm and Big Meadows provides additional camping opportunities within a reasonable drive from Maurertown.
Camping seasons vary across the region, with some campgrounds like Wolf Gap and Elizabeth Furnace operating year-round, while others such as Mathews Arm Campground have defined seasons from May through October. Most established campgrounds provide basic amenities including toilets and drinking water, though hookup availability differs significantly between locations. Access roads to some of the mountain campgrounds may feature gravel surfaces with occasional potholes, particularly after winter or heavy rainfall periods. Reservations are recommended for popular sites, especially during peak summer and fall foliage seasons when visitation increases substantially. One camper noted that "the road on the way up is gravel, but has its share of potholes and bumps."
The Shenandoah region surrounding Maurertown attracts campers with its mountain views, river access, and hiking opportunities. Several campgrounds provide direct access to trails, including connections to the Appalachian Trail at some locations. Wildlife sightings, particularly black bears, are common in the area and proper food storage is strictly enforced at most campgrounds. Campers report varying levels of privacy between campgrounds, with some sites offering more seclusion than others. A review of Mathews Arm Campground mentioned that "the A loop has the most appealing sites with many being situated along the forest's edge, providing a pleasant mix of shade and sun throughout the day." Campgrounds near rivers tend to be particularly popular, with Shenandoah River State Park receiving consistently high ratings for its riverside location and clean facilities.
$27 - $427 / 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."
$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."
$20 / night
"This campsite is by far one of my favorite free campsites that Virginia has to offer. what makes Wolf Gap so speacial is the the 4 mile hike that leads to a rocky overlook of the valley."
"We made a spur of the moment one night trip up here from Virginia, and I do glad we stumbled upon it! There are only 8 or 9 camp spots, each with a leveled area for a tent and a designated fire pit."
$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."
$26 - $47 / night
"We spent 2 nights at Creekside Campground in Edinburg, VA on our way to West Virginia—- and found a real gem. We paid$50/night for Back-in Creekview FHU Site#20."
"We had a large grass space with water and power on the edge of a beautiful creek and enjoyed the sounds of it both nights."
"We are tent campers and we’re looking for a place close to Shenandoah to ride our motorcycles. This was 3 miles from the north entrance to the park, perfect."
"Hike up a trail or up through the creek itself to a swimming hole only accessible to campers. Saw some decent sized fish swimming around in there."
$20 / night
"In the valley outside of Shenandoah, it was a nice spot to return to at night. There are also some hiking trails across the street."
"Campground Review: What a great find, so close to a town….though feels like you are deep in the forest!"
"Off the beaten path for sure. Only a couple of other campers there when we visited. No issue for our 2wd SUV. Quite a bit of hunters gunfire in the distance, but otherwise very peaceful."
"Some sites have direct access to the Peter's Mill Run OHV complex. Vault toilet for all sites to share. No water, no electricity. Have to pack trash out. Sites were first come first serve."
"Great spot right outside Shenandoah NP with quick access to the park or nearby trails. great fishing and hikes for kids, too!"
"There are a couple of sites that have a path to the creek that flows behind the campground.There is also plenty of hiking trails to be completed around the campgrounds of various levels from beginner to"
"Although it's not immediately convenient to the various hiking trails in the Lee Ranger district of Washington-Jefferson NF, this little site is tucked away atop a mountain far from any crowds."
"Tent sites are rough, some outside ring sites have tent pads."
TravelerVery nice spot, good tent setup pads and fire rings at all the sites, my one complaint is that it is right next to the road that while not frequently used, the occasional car can often take away from the remote experience. There are some sites a little further in but the diff is minimal. Overall very great, well maintained spot
ScoutThis was a great place to camp. Lovely. The price was affordable. We stayed in the cabin. Electricity. Air conditioning. Running water. The property owner manager is very accommodating and pleasant to talk with.
Highly recommended.
~Robert
art505.com
ScoutThis KOA was quiet and perfect for a short stay. We enjoyed our time here. The staff was friendly.
GuideI chose Big Meadows to stay at because my traveling companion is definitely a bit bougie and was anxious about camping in the mountains of a NP. Due to this site having showers, toilets, a laundromat, camp store(s) and even a lodge/taproom, they felt more comfortable. We stayed at site D142, right near the entrance by the registration office and showers. I didn’t expect the site to be so nice and quiet and still feel quite private despite the location! We checked out the loops and besides the tent sites, I actually preferred our site. We stayed the week before Memorial Day weekend and I was pleased with how quiet it was. Quiet hours were strictly adhered without rangers having to ask, other campers were respectful toward each other and we had no issues. The NP staff were awesome and the concession employees for the showers, camp store, and the Wayside grill were genuinely friendly and obviously cared about their jobs, which I sincerely appreciate. Wayside grill with attached camp store was fun and had some great gift items as well as some pretty solid quality hiking and camping items. The grill even had a beyond burger which I greatly appreciated! The lodge was funky but not my cup of tea, the taproom was ok, although the employees were really nice.
It did rain half the time we were there with extremely heavy fog so we only did a few hikes but they were still a lot of fun. We didn’t see any bear either! The number one animal we had invade our campsite on the regular were birds. Two catbirds regularly tried to involve themselves in everything, including landing on a pot of oatmeal I was actively cooking and standing next to! We followed leave no trace of course but any chance the birds got, from catbirds, robins, brown thrashers, towhee, and even a redstart, they would try to investigate.
There is clean drinking water listed on the campsite maps, there are utility sinks for grey water (don’t use the bathroom sink!), bathrooms were always clean and bathrooms and showers are open 24/7 and are well lit. I didn’t buy the firewood so I’m unsure how much it is but the little camp store was open from 9-6 (right by the bathroom) for firewood, ice, and other various supplies.
Only downsides to the site are 1) showers are not cheap ($5 for 10 mins) and don’t stay warm for long so you’re showering in chilly water. Some stalls last a bit longer than others. 2) The biggest issue though was surprisingly the bear boxes. They are quite large and fit a lot of stuff which is great. However, you are expected to keep your cooler in them. I have a bear proof cooler (IGBC) so I’ve never had to experience this situation before. The bear box being made of metal, heated everything up in it which caused rapid melting of ice. Despite pre-chilling it and my ice usually lasting for days and days, we had to refill it daily. The camp store thankfully sold ice (10 lb bags for $5) but it was frustrating that there was no other option for bear proof items. I didn’t fight the rangers regarding it because it’s their rules, it’s for the safety of the bears and people, and the rangers and park staff have enough stuff to deal with.
All in all, I’ve never really glamped before so it was quite a luxurious trip even with the rain and fog for half the trip. I’ll most definitely be back and would even stay at the same site or a tent only site with no driveway.
GuideThe sites are close together. The park was not full Mother’s Day weekend. It is a very nice park. The bathhouses were clean. The amenities were good although we didn’t utilize them. The national historic site was very close and we walked over day 1 rode our bikes day 2. The C&O canal is accessible but you must walk your bike across the lower town bridge and carry it down the stairs. This section of the trail was very good and we completed 38 miles.
GuideMy wife and I stayed here one night, while driving south to north, Skyline Dr. the drive has been awesome and this campground is the perfect resting spot for us, for the night. Had a couple drinks at the lodge while watching a spectacular sunset. I’d definitely come back.
ScoutClean facilities, each site has plenty of space. Never had an issue with noisy neighbors. Excellent access to the river. 10/10
ScoutI will start with the negatives. They do not enforce quiet hours. At all. We had multiple nights with a large group neighboring campers partying well past midnight. Yelling, slamming car doors, absolutely no regard for fellow campers. I would not recommend staying along the road sites unless you are equipped to deal with noisy neighbors in close proximity.
And the good... The sites in the more wooded areas on the edge of the campground are beautiful. You are less likely to deal with groups of campers there to party. Bathrooms were clean and well maintained, with pay showers available. Firewood, though expensive, was plentiful. Being close to hiking, the lodge, camp store, and visitor center are excellent perks for the price of each site.
I really wish the staff was there to better enforce the quiet hours, as there were multiple campers that struggled to sleep/relax with the raucous crowd so close.
ScoutI have a great spot right by the river. It is away from all noise but the flow of water. Right on the river
Camping near Maurertown, Virginia offers access to mountain terrain in the Shenandoah Valley region at elevations ranging from 600 to 3,000 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing at higher elevations. Water sources can be limited at some primitive sites, requiring campers to carry supplies from spring-fed sources or public fill stations.
Fishing opportunities: Elizabeth Furnace Campground provides easy access to trout fishing with stocked waters. "Great place to go tent camping and hiking. The sites are free and are first come first serve. Highly recommended you bring your own water or container to fill at the spring down the road," notes Amber in her review of Wolf Gap.
Trail access: Big Meadows Campground connects to multiple hiking trails of varying difficulty directly from the campground. "At dusk, the ground shimmers, and then after they disperse, you will still see them flit by the tent throughout the night," writes Veronica S. about the exceptional firefly viewing at Big Meadows Campground.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature access to water for swimming during warmer months. "The creek running through the campground drowns out most noise from the road or other campers. Sites are private and well-shaded, but with plenty of sun for our solar panel too," mentions Shari G. about the water features at Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area.
Wildlife watching: Dawn and dusk offer the best opportunities for deer viewing. "We saw many deer and bear while camping. Just being in Shenandoah is a soothing experience. With so many hiking trails and waterfalls nearby we love to camp in Big Meadows - and for the star watching at night," reports Rachel M.
Riverside camping: Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park offers coveted waterfront sites. "There are several rustic campsites located on the Southfork of the Shenandoah River, as well as modern electric sites, RV sites, and cabins. Park and campgrounds are clean and well maintained," notes Ricki F. in her review of Shenandoah River State Park.
Primitive options: For those seeking basic accommodations, Wolf Gap Recreation Area provides no-frills camping. "9 sites first-come, first-served, and free. Wolf Gap is great—the campsites are high quality and well-maintained. There's overflow camping across the road, which is good since this campground usually fills up on good weekends," notes Andrew M.
Secluded spots: Hawk Recreation Area offers more isolated camping experiences. "Although it's not immediately convenient to the various hiking trails in the Lee Ranger district of Washington-Jefferson NF, this little site is tucked away atop a mountain far from any crowds. Not too long a drive to get there, but long enough for some seclusion," writes Aaron W. about Hawk Recreation Area.
Budget-friendly options: Several free or low-cost camping areas exist within 30 minutes of Maurertown. "Cheap price for a nice stay. Ended up at Elizabeth Furnace after a friend recommended it. For the price ($10/night and 50% off if you have a National Park Pass), it was pretty good," shares Taylor about Elizabeth Furnace Campground.
Water availability: Many primitive sites lack potable water. "We made a decision to camp on the eve of a potential blizzard. The grounds have sites in close proximity to a toilet without running water," explains Vy N. about Wolf Gap.
Cellular connectivity: Reception varies significantly between campgrounds. "No cell service. We went to the visitor center and connected to the WiFi if we needed to do something online. The camp store has a lot of stuff! The showers are $5 for 10 minutes," reports Veronica S. about connectivity at Big Meadows.
Road conditions: Access roads to several campgrounds can be challenging. "The road is quite bumpy. I was fine in a small car with relatively low clearance, but if you have extremely low clearance or things hanging down from your car, you're gonna have a slow, difficult drive in," warns Meredith P. about Hawk Recreation Area.
Reservation systems: Some campgrounds operate on first-come, first-served basis only. "This campground has all the amenities you need for a great family getaway; bathroom faculties, easy hikes, wildlife, and is an easy drove from Washington, DC," mentions Danielle G. about Mathews Arm Campground.
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with specific family facilities. "Great for kids. This campground is nice and the primitive spots are right next to the river. The spots are a short walk from the parking area and the campground provides wagons to transport your stuff. Great fishing and swimming right at your camping spot," shares Matt P. about Shenandoah River State Park.
Educational programs: Some parks offer ranger-led activities for children. "Nice amphitheater with interesting ranger programs. Busy traffic in park but nice trails are accessible from campground. Visitor Center, gas station, food walking distance from campground," writes Kim L. about Big Meadows Campground.
Wildlife precautions: Teach children about proper food storage in bear country. "Great campground! A lot of hiking and nature everywhere. We even had a doe and fawn right in our campsite! Just be careful of the black bears," warns Stephen K. about Mathews Arm Campground.
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather can change rapidly, particularly at higher elevations. "We were there during a heat wave so there were bugs but being from Georgia the heat was bearable. Speaking of bears- there were lots of siting and they take food clean up seriously," notes Anna R. about seasonal conditions.
Site length limitations: Some campgrounds have restrictions on RV size. "We were pulling a 15' trailer and could only access the sites from driving reverse along the one way road. The trailer barely fit the back-in site and we were able to detach and park our vehicle perpendicular to the trailer. It was perfect for our set up, but I wouldn't recommend anything larger than 15'," advises Vy N. about Wolf Gap.
Hookup availability: Water and electric connections vary by campground. "We stayed here on the night of December 11, 2020. No problem finding a spot, campground was about half full when we got there around 4pm. The Primitive Camping spots were all taken however, so arrive early if you want one of those. Water and electrical available at all the spots even though it was winter," notes John B. about Creekside Campground.
Navigation challenges: Some campground roads present difficulty for larger rigs. "If you're coming into town from I-81 don't follow Google Maps to the left on Main St, but rather follow the signs to turn right– it makes for an easier access to the campground," advises Seth P. about maneuvering into Creekside Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping may limit available facilities. "Showers and laundry were closed for the season but are centrally located near entrance area of campground. Elevation above 3000 feet and plenty of deer! It was an especially cold night hitting a low of 14F," reports Carol B. about winter camping at Big Meadows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Maurertown, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Maurertown, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 157 campgrounds and RV parks near Maurertown, VA and 22 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Maurertown, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Maurertown, VA is Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 56 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Maurertown, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 free dispersed camping spots near Maurertown, VA.
What parks are near Maurertown, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 parks near Maurertown, VA that allow camping, notably Shenandoah National Park and Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park.
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