RV sites near Shenandoah, Virginia range in elevation from 500 to 2,700 feet, creating significant temperature variations between valley and mountain campgrounds. During summer months, valley campsites often register temperatures 10-15 degrees warmer than those along Skyline Drive. Winter camping is limited primarily to lower elevation campgrounds as several mountain facilities close from December through April.
What to do
Cave exploration: 15-minute tours at Endless Caverns are included with discounted rates for RV park guests. "The cavern tour (discounted for guests at the RV park) was lovely. Marked well, lighted, relaxed. Our tour guide, Haley, was a sweetheart, taking time for the two little kids, and still giving the information older people like," notes a visitor at Endless Caverns RV Resort & Cottages.
Stargazing: zero light pollution at higher elevation campgrounds during clear nights. "Dark sky and an open field for stargazing," reports a camper at Smoke Hole Caverns and Log Cabin/RV Resort, which offers prime viewing conditions due to minimal surrounding development.
Horseback riding: 1-2 hour guided trail rides are available at Fort Valley Ranch, which combines camping with equestrian facilities. "We recently stayed at Fort Valley Ranch Campground, near Luray, VA... The availability of horseback trail riding was an added bonus," explains a visitor. The ranch offers rides suitable for beginners and experienced riders.
What campers like
Fishing opportunities: multiple stocked ponds are available at several campsites throughout the region. A visitor to Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park advises: "The fishing ponds are great, bring a fishing pole!" Many campgrounds maintain stocked fishing areas with catch-and-release policies.
Wildlife viewing: deer frequent campsites throughout Shenandoah, especially in early morning and evening. "We loved seeing the deer so close and other wildlife. Fire ring with grate was available. Large site size," reports a camper at Big Meadows Campground. Bear sightings are also common with proper safety precautions required.
Mushroom farming tours: "We got a nice tour of the mushrooms currently growing at the farm. The camp area sits under a canopy of cedar trees," notes a visitor at Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm, which offers an unusual camping experience with educational components about local fungi cultivation.
What you should know
Limited phone coverage: varying carrier strength depends on location and elevation. "AT&T worked well and Verizon was a bit spotty," reports a camper at KOA Luray RV Resort. Coverage gaps are most common in valleys and remote areas.
Bear-aware camping required: Food storage containers are mandatory at most mountain campgrounds. "Bear box for food storage," notes a Big Meadows visitor. Rangers strictly enforce food storage regulations with potential fines for violations.
Campsite spacing varies significantly: "The sites along the lower area near the lake were shaded mostly, some more than others, while the sites up the hill at the top and near the front entrance (pull through sites) were not shaded much," observes a camper at Walnut Hills Campground. Sites close to water features typically offer less privacy but better views.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playgrounds: separate activity areas for different age groups are available at larger RV parks. "[Endless Caverns] features include a pool, laundry, pickleball courts, volleyball courts, disk golf, horseshoes, picnic tables and fire rings, a kid's activity area, a rec center that includes an arcade, swings, and tables," according to a recent visitor.
Educational ranger programs: evening presentations occur regularly at Big Meadows Campground. "Nice amphitheater with interesting ranger programs. Busy traffic in park but nice trails are accessible from campground," notes a camper. Programs focus on wildlife, geology, and regional history.
Local attractions within 35 minutes: "Locally you can enjoy wineries, orchards and cideries. Luray Caverns (an absolute MUST) is a pleasant 35-minute drive," recommends a visitor at Luray RV Resort on Shenandoah River. The resort offers river tubing directly from the campground.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: mountain terrain requires additional blocks at many campsites. "Sites were large and easy to level out at," mentions a camper at Endless Caverns, though many locations throughout Shenandoah require significant leveling for larger rigs.
Dog parks: dedicated exercise areas are available at several RV resorts. "They had a huge dog park that my dog loved. They also had multiple dog bag stations throughout the campground," notes a KOA Luray visitor. Many campgrounds maintain specific pet-friendly policies and amenities.
Narrow access roads: planning arrival timing helps avoid congestion at some campgrounds. "The road between the office and campsites is a bit narrow and one lane so can be tricky when people are arriving or leaving with rigs," warns a camper about KOA Luray. Access challenges are most common at older, established campgrounds.
