Best Campgrounds near Shenandoah, VA

Shenandoah, Virginia provides varied camping options throughout the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains. The region includes established campgrounds within Shenandoah National Park such as Big Meadows, Lewis Mountain, and Mathews Arm, all offering tent and RV sites with different amenity levels. Commercial options include several KOAs and private campgrounds like Endless Caverns RV Resort, which provide more developed facilities including water and electric hookups, showers, and in some cases cabin accommodations. Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park features tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and yurts in a scenic riverside setting, accessible by both road and boat.

Most campgrounds in the Shenandoah region operate seasonally, with peak availability from April through October. National Park campgrounds typically open in May and close between October and November, requiring advance reservations during the busier summer months. "The most interesting part about it is that there are bunnies running around everywhere. There is also a river to play in, tube down, or fish in," noted one visitor about their camping experience. Weather conditions vary significantly with elevation, and travelers should prepare for cooler temperatures even during summer months, especially at higher-elevation sites within the national park. Campfires are permitted at most locations, though firewood regulations may restrict bringing outside wood to prevent pest introduction.

Campers consistently mention the scenic mountain backdrop as a highlight of staying in the Shenandoah area. Several visitors commented positively about the proximity to hiking trails, particularly those accessing Shenandoah National Park's extensive trail system. Campgrounds near water features receive particular attention, with riverside locations at Shenandoah River State Park allowing direct water access. A camper wrote, "There are some campsites right on the river, which are beautiful." While national park campgrounds offer more rustic experiences with vault toilets and no showers, private facilities typically provide full bathhouses and amenities like camp stores. Sites range from densely arranged layouts at KOAs to more secluded spots in the national park, giving campers options based on their preference for socialization or solitude.

Best Camping Sites Near Shenandoah, Virginia (145)

    1. Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    120 Reviews
    Stanley, VA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3500

    $30 - $75 / night

    "This campground is located in the Shenandoah National Park in Stanley , Va on Skyline drive and offers some amazing views!"

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

    2. Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA

    32 Reviews
    Shenandoah, VA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 896-8929

    "Positive: Friendly staff, close to Shenandoah NP, quiet camping, every site has a fire pit. Negative: Pricing rather high"

    "We stopped here for one night so we could visit Shenandoah National Park. The campground was extremely pleasant, as were the staff on duty. The sites were more spaced out than is typical for a KOA."

    3. Lewis Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

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

    $30 / night

    "It's quieter than the other Shenandoah sites, it has clean facilities, showers, water, and a store, and is right on the Appalachian Trail with tons of access to other trails."

    "As usual any campground in the Shenandoah national Park is well-kept, well cared for, and just beautifulWe have stayed in all the campgrounds on the 101 mile stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway and with"

    4. Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    65 Reviews
    Dyke, VA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 823-4675

    $30 - $75 / night

    "Loft Mountain Campground is a large national park service campground on the southern end of Shenandoah National Park."

    "Loft Mountain was the third stop on our tour of Shenandoah National Park. First stop traveling south on Skyline Drive was Mathews Arm and second was Big Meadows at about the halfway point. "

    5. Endless Caverns RV Resort & Cottages

    22 Reviews
    New Market, VA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 896-2283

    $45 - $249 / night

    "This is a lovely RV park built up a mountain side overlooking the picturesque Shenandoah Valley, located in a deep old hardwood forest."

    "July 10-19, 2020 As my wife and I were discussing my review, I asked her what could we point to to take away from a 5-star rating. Neither of us could think of a single thing."

    6. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Luray

    24 Reviews
    Luray, VA
    18 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."

    7. Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views

    18 Reviews
    Luray, VA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 743-7222

    $31 - $200 / night

    "We had a great stay at Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views in Luray, VA. "

    "We stayed at this KOA on our way to Virginia Beach but wanted to a day in Shenandoah National Park. "

    8. Mathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    44 Reviews
    Rileyville, VA
    26 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!)"

    "The views on the drive through Shenandoah and skyline drive are not to be missed. Easy access to hiking trails

    The bathrooms were not super clean, but doable."

    9. Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm

    7 Reviews
    Singers Glen, VA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 560-4847

    $25 - $30 / night

    "Convenient location, nice setup with tables and chairs around 2 firepits, space to spread out, and plenty of firewood provided. Friendly host.  Thanks!"

    "Accessibly located and cute as all get out!"

    10. Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground

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

    $30 - $40 / night

    "Private showers, no WiFi, firewood on site, lots of shade, trails and walking distance to the river. Highly recommended. Close access to Shenandoah National Park."

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Shenandoah, VA

1044 Reviews of 145 Shenandoah Campgrounds


  • Zach L.
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA

    Fall Leaf Peeping Trip

    We stayed here for 3 nights. Perfect campground with everything you need. Bathrooms are very clean. Ice, propane, and other items are available on site at the store. Halloween was in full effect including a haunted walk. Sites are spacious and have natural stone in ground fire pits instead of rusted metal rims which adds character. Dog park, pool, and plenty of games are available on site. Harrisonburg is down the road if you to need to stop in town.

  • Jack W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    South Fork Shenandoah River

    Great dispersed spot

    Only a few spots around, but beautiful spot right on the river with fire pits. No other amenities but it was exactly what we were looking for

  • Spencer W.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Cedar Creek Trail dispersed campsite

    Cedar Creek Trail Dispersed Campsite

    Went to Stultz gap and was a little unimpressed. Drove about 10 minutes further north on the same road.

    Location is approximate. After the intersection, the road will turn into a trail (marked by a metal gate) and there is a campsite right there.

    Was very peaceful and clean. Had an established fire ring.

  • Spencer W.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Stultz Gap Dispersed Campsite

    Stultz Gap Dispersed Camping

    The spot itself is right next to the road. The map seems to indicate trails connected but they appear very overgrown.

    Appears some may use this with horses as some small amount of waste was left behind.

    We ended up driving about 10-15 minutes further north along the same road and found a nicer spot with an established fire ring.

  • Brian B.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Misty Mountain Camp Resort

    Great cabins, very close together…

    First, the cabins are super cool. Found out that you can actually order them on Amazon, which is really ingenious.

    The only problem we ran into, is that the campground was packed and all of the sites are very very close together. Neighbors were not at all respectful of other people‘s space and kids were wandering around everywhere.

    Our last evening there, we have new neighbors that came in across the way who blew up an inflatable screen and streamed the football game. Just not what we were looking for for a getaway vacation..

  • Brian B.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    The Retreat at Shenandoah Meadows

    Great place, zero oversight…

    First, let me say that the viewers at this campground are incredible. We stayed there this September and my family had a fantastic time in their cabins. When we got there, we found our cabin and these had codes to be able to enter. All was fine till we started looking at bathrooms.

    None of the bathroom facilities are labeled, male or female, but it was just our family there so it wasn’t a really big deal. Later on in the weekend, another group showed up, and then we felt as though we needed to try and find or figure out another way to ensure that the girls were safe.

    Every building in the campground is open you can walk literally anywhere you would like. Nobody is there to enforce anything. We had such a good time, that I still give it four stars. We had such good views that I would still give it four stars. But I would be aware of what you’re going to.

  • Alex R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Graves Mountain Farm Campground

    Great camp site for our motorcycle trip

    Awesome views, good food in the restaurant up the hill. Lots of people on horses running around which we loved, and good live music after dinner. Could get muddy if you're there after rain

  • C
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm

    Convenient location

    It s nice to have a camp option near Harrisonburg. I agree with others that the tall grass seems like a tick risk. The tall grass is too close in the more private fire circle for fire safety. It was nice to hear several owls nearby. There is road noise during the day. Orv is welcoming and accommodating.


Guide to Shenandoah

Shenandoah camping experiences vary dramatically by elevation, with temperatures often 10-15 degrees cooler on mountain campgrounds compared to valley locations. The region spans elevations from approximately 600 feet in the valley to over 3,500 feet along the Blue Ridge Mountains. Winter camping requires preparation for overnight temperatures that can drop below freezing, while summer campers should anticipate afternoon thunderstorms that typically roll through between 2-5 PM.

What to do

Hiking accessible from campsites: At Lewis Mountain Campground, trails start directly from the camping area. "Lewis Mountain is right next to the AT and convenient to closer hikes like Bearfence Mountain (probably my favorite hike in the park - beautiful 360 degree views from the rocky summit) and the short trail up to Lewis Mountain itself," notes one camper who saw "6 black bears, a barred owl, tons of awesome bugs, brook trout, a salamander" during their stay.

Mushroom farm tours: Visit Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm for a unique camping experience where you can learn about mushroom cultivation. "We got a nice tour of the mushrooms currently growing at the farm. The camp area sits under a canopy of cedar trees," explains a camper who appreciated this distinctive experience just 20 miles from Shenandoah National Park.

Waterfalls and scrambles: Multiple waterfall hikes start near camping areas. "It is in middle of everything. Great hikes nearby including waterfalls and rock scrambles," mentions a Lewis Mountain visitor. Mathews Arm campers can access Overall Run Falls via a trailhead in the parking area, creating a loop hike using different return routes.

What campers like

Dark night skies: The lack of light pollution at several Shenandoah area campgrounds allows for exceptional stargazing. At Loft Mountain Campground, campers experience true darkness that reveals the Milky Way. One visitor shared, "We had the tent area to myself, it was quiet at night in my little corner of camp and I could walk out a bit from my site and see the entire night sky which was amazing!"

Wildlife encounters: Deer sightings are extremely common throughout the region's campgrounds. At Big Meadows Campground, a camper observed: "You will definitely see deer in the campground as they walk through and browse the understory. They are unafraid of humans unless directly approached." Another noted, "And finally, the fireflies are spectacular. At dusk, the ground shimmers, and then after they disperse, you will still see them flit by the tent throughout the night."

Seasonal spectacles: Fall foliage peaks from mid-October through early November, while wildflowers bloom most profusely in April and May. "The mountains are among the most beautiful in the fall. The leaves turn golden, and it is absolutely beautiful and worth your time," shares a Mathews Arm camper. Summer brings firefly displays at higher elevation campgrounds.

What you should know

Variable weather conditions: Mountain campgrounds experience weather changes rapidly. At Endless Caverns RV Resort, campers note that weather systems move quickly across the valley. "Roads are gravel and can be a bit steep, 4-wheel drive is helpful," advises one visitor, while another reports camping comfortably in April when temperatures ranged from 40-70°F in a single day.

Limited connectivity: Cell service and WiFi are unreliable throughout the region. "No cell service. We went to the visitor center and connected to the WiFi if we needed to do something online," shares a Big Meadows camper. Another visitor to Endless Caverns notes, "Cell signal and camp wifi are bad. I was just able to get a decent signal with Starlink by carefully pointing at a small gap between trees."

Campground elevation differences: Valley campgrounds can be 10-15°F warmer than mountain sites. "Remember this site is on the peak of a mountain, so it can get pretty chilly at night," warns a Lewis Mountain visitor. During summer months, valley locations regularly reach the 90s while mountain sites remain in the 70s.

Tips for camping with families

Ranger programs: Participate in educational activities scheduled throughout summer and fall. "Nice amphitheater with interesting ranger programs. Busy traffic in park but nice trails are accessible from campground," explains a Big Meadows visitor. Programs often include night sky viewing, wildlife talks, and junior ranger activities.

Swimming options: Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park offers river access directly from primitive campsites. "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," reports a camper who found it ideal for children.

Food storage requirements: All food must be stored securely to prevent wildlife encounters. "Bear box for food storage. Loved seeing the deer so close and other wildlife," notes a Big Meadows camper. Another visitor cautions: "You can be fined for leaving food out." National Park Service regulations require food storage in vehicles, hard-sided containers, or provided bear boxes.

Tips from RVers

Site selection matters: At Harrisonburg-Shenandoah Valley KOA, RVers recommend specific areas for privacy and views. "Site 71 best for privacy. Pool, playground, frisbee golf & pizza delivered to your site!" shares one visitor. Another experienced camper advises: "It's about 3 miles off highest 81, and no highway noise at all. So peaceful."

Limited hookup availability: National Park campgrounds typically offer no or very limited hookups. "Biggest campground in Shenandoah so can usually find a spot," notes a Loft Mountain visitor, though they caution that amenities are basic. RVers needing full hookups should look to private campgrounds like Endless Caverns RV Resort, which offers "stone borders, stone walls, and stone fire pits at every site, plus full hookup at each site."

Generator restrictions: Many campgrounds enforce generator-free periods or zones. "Generator-free area: No generators are allowed in parts of the A and B sections," explains a Mathews Arm visitor. Quiet hours generally run from 10PM to 6AM at most campgrounds, with some enforcing complete generator bans during these times.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Shenandoah, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Shenandoah, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 145 campgrounds and RV parks near Shenandoah, VA and 21 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Shenandoah, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Shenandoah, VA is Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 120 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 free dispersed camping spots near Shenandoah, VA.