Best Tent Camping near Shenandoah, VA
Searching for a tent camping spot near Shenandoah? The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Shenandoah. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your Virginia camping adventure.
Best Tent Sites Near Shenandoah, Virginia (30)
1. Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm
6 Reviews•10 Photos•51 SavesSingers Glen, VirginiaI grow mushrooms and sell them at the Harrisonburg Farmers Market. The camping area is about an acre and is beside the house. Park under a canopy of red cedar trees which are bug resistant so very few mosquitoes. Two fireplaces, first come first serve. No neighbors yet close to Harrisonburg. Free firewood. No curfews. Tent camping and conversion vans only. No RV's.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
$25 - $30 / night
2. #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp
4 Reviews•18 Photos•296 SavesLuray, Virginia"Glamping at it's finest!" "Vacation In the Round" alongside the beautiful, legendary Shenandoah River in Luray, Virginia. Campers all around the world, experience true serenity when you vacation in one of our ONE-OF-A-KIND YURTS! Offering tent sites and yurts! #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp's riverfront campsite settings and yurts are just perfect for groups; relax with family and friends at this beautiful, In addition we offer two totally primitive tentsites in the pines diagonally across the road from kamp. The 1947 Rock Tavern Retreat cabin (luxury) is diagonally across the road from kamp. Groups can reserve in advance the entire camp and cabin - special pricing. #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp has on-site tubing,kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and local firewood is available.#1 Rock Tavern River Kamp is central to your camping vacation in Luray: you'll be hiking in GW National Forest within minutes! When you vacation at our camp, you're within **20 minutes of the entrance of Shenandoah National Park.**The famed Luray Caverns is within 7 minutes. Super convenient, the Walmart is a 10-minute drive from the#1 Rock Tavern River Kamp, and if you don't feel like cooking while you camp, Anthony's Pizza Delivers! Horseback riding just 12 min away. Cooter's "Dukes of Hazzard" Museum is 15 min away. River Hill Distillery is only 5 min- wine tastings, corn whiskey and bourbon all made on the horse farm.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
$45 - $225 / night
3. Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
10 Reviews•57 Photos•415 SavesBrandywine, West VirginiaThis colossal lake is a sight to behold. The surrounding forested mountains appear to just drop into the lake, making for scenery reminiscent of majestic paintings by the late Bob Ross. The lake should be checked during migration and winter for waterfowl. At other times of the year, it could host great blue and green herons and, on occasion, a bald eagle or osprey may drop in to pick out a bass for dinner. The neighboring hillsides are heavily wooded and host many woodland birds. Pileated woodpeckers can be heard as their loud raucous call reverberates across the lake. American goldfinch twitter overhead and ruffed grouse and wild turkey stalk the roadsides. Careful exploration is sure to reward the butterfly enthusiast; tiger and spicebush swallowtail, question mark, silver-spotted skipper, and American painted lady have been spotted here. There is little reason to doubt why they frequent this site as Black Eyed Susan, milkweed, wild columbine, and Queen Anne’s lace abound. Note that because this lake serves as the main water supply for surrounding towns, swimming and gas motorboating are prohibited. Camping is restricted to areas further down Skidmore Fork Rd/Switzer Lake Rd with less accessible sites past the second river crossing. Be sure to secure any food overnight as black bears are known to frequent campsites in this area.
- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
4. Emerald Pond Primitive Campground
2 Reviews•7 Photos•96 SavesNew Market, Virginia- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Drinking Water
5. Hazeltop Summit Dispersed Camping
1 Review•5 Photos•13 SavesSyria, VirginiaBack-country Permit Required - https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/bc-permit.htm
Each year thousands of people spend a night or more in the Shenandoah’s backcountry. While visitors seek the backcountry for isolation, the cumulative actions of everyone in these areas can have dire effects on the resources we seek to enjoy. We can mitigate these effects by following Leave No Trace principles, as well as observing park backcountry regulations. The following regulations exist to keep Shenandoah's wilderness wild and untrammeled for you and for future generations of hikers and campers.
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Dispersed
6. Crisman Hollow Road Camp
1 Review•26 SavesMount Jackson, Virginia- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
7. Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed
1 Review•2 Photos•7 SavesShenandoah National Park, VirginiaA free back country camping permit is required: https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/bc-permit.htm
Shenandoah National Park has 196,000+ acres of backcountry and wilderness and over 500 miles of trails to explore. Backcountry camping is, by its very nature, a primitive experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty and challenge of Shenandoah's wild side. Before you head out on your trip, however, be sure that you understand all of the information below so that you'll be prepared to safely discover a brand new world beyond the pavement!
Each year thousands of people spend a night or more in the Shenandoah’s backcountry. While visitors seek the backcountry for isolation, the cumulative actions of everyone in these areas can have dire effects on the resources we seek to enjoy. We can mitigate these effects by following Leave No Trace principles, as well as observing park backcountry regulations. The following regulations exist to keep Shenandoah's wilderness wild and untrammeled for you and for future generations of hikers and campers.
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Dispersed
8. South Fork Shenandoah River
2 Reviews•12 Photos•89 SavesRileyville, Virginia- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
9. Little Fort Campground
3 Reviews•8 Photos•125 SavesWoodstock, Virginia- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
10. Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site
2 Reviews•11 Photos•48 SavesBentonville, Virginia- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Dispersed
Recent Tent Reviews near Shenandoah, Virginia
930 Reviews of 30 Shenandoah Campgrounds
- jjames H.
Traveler
Shenandoah Crossing, a Bluegreen Vacations Resort
Two thumbs up!
We absolutely loved it! We stayed in the tent camping area. The bathrooms were the cleanest we’ve experienced at any tent camping site. It’s relatively close to the Shenandoah NP. Would recommend this place. Definitely returning.
Bridget H.
Ranger
Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground
Trails and Water
We legit loved this park! I took my grandkids tent camping and we had a wonderful experience. We brought our bikes and hit the trails. It was some great times. We had electricity and water and the bathrooms were close to our site. The park is on the Shenandoah River and there are multiple spots to put in and take out. There is primitive tent camping down by the river which looks fantastic. We definitely loved the trails with hiking and biking options. We will definitely go here again.
Anne K.
Guide
Mathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park
Take me home
I love the Shenandoah. Nice escape from city life. Tent sites vary. A couple trails near campsite but you must drive to good ones
Cory E.
Scout
Watercress Inn at Landon Farm
Great camp site
Did two nights at Butterfly Camp while hiking Old Rag and other trails in Shenandoah. Great experience, site had everything you would need and more for tent camping and enjoying some peace and quiet.
- Annette K.Scout
#1 Rock Tavern River Kamp
Owner says...
We are located on the Shenandoah River! Our waterfront unique kamp offers yurts and tent sites along with a well maintained bathhouse! Of course I feel we are 5 stars! Come visit us for the perfect Glamping experience — open year round!
Stephanie J.
Legend
Sherando Lake Campground
Great Recreation Area, Mid-Grade Tent Camping
Sherando Lake is a well-maintained, popular campground located in the George Washington National Forest near Lyndhurst, VA. Convenient to both Richmond and Charlottesville, it brings people in for camping and day-use alike.
There are three camping loops here; a standard non-electric loop (loop A/White Oak Loop), and two RV loops (B and C). Both of the RV loops are very flat and open, with little shade or privacy between sites. They have electric hookups and drinking water available, but do not have water hookups. The tent loop is the oldest loop in this campground, and is heavily wooded, with sites along both meadow and backing up to the mountain. These sites do not have any hookups, but most have driveways large enough for campers and RVs 28' in length or under. All tent sites have fire rings, utility poles, and large picnic tables, and tent pads that are raked clear by campground hosts between guests.
The biggest benefits of this campground are its location, and the recreation area. It's about an hour and a half west of Richmond and only thirty minutes from Charlottesville, making it a great weekend trip without having to take time away from work. And as for recreation, it's wonderful. There are two lakes--the lower lake is the largest at 25 acres, and and while the beach can get crowded during peak season, it's an easy walk from the campground, with a large swimming area roped off. Canoeing is available at the lake, and there are several hiking trails, ranging from the easy lakeside trail, to more difficult trails that connect to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and other trails in George Washington National Forest. Fishing is available at both lakes with the proper licensing. There are several large picnic areas right on the lower lake, and a few smaller creekside spaces with picnic table and grills.
All that said; for RV campers this is an excellent campsite. While the loops with hookups are lacking in shade and privacy, having an RV or camper will afford you what the site itself lacks, and the location and activities make this a great basecamp.
For tent camping, it's good if you live in one of the nearby cities and want the shorter drive time, or if you like tent camping but still want all the benefits of front-country camping. As a place to set up camp and enjoy spending time near your tent, Sherando is exceptionally maintained. There is not a lot of opportunities for foraging for firewood, which means purchasing heat-treated wood nearby, and while the sites are very shady, there is little underbrush between sites to offer a privacy barrier. Many of the sites are staggered, with one or more levels of steps leading from the driveways. Because of all there is to do this is a great site for older kids, but we learned that, especially with toddlers, the steps around the campsites can turn a relaxing trip into one of constant vigilance.
Enjoyment of this campground will largely depend on what type of camper you are. If you are mainly looking for a place to get outside of the city, where you can set up for the night and have easy access to hiking, fishing, swimming, or boating, this is a great campground. This is where we typically chose to take friends if they were new to camping, as the bathrooms are well-lit, the road is paved, and the sites are so well-maintained. Plus at $20 a night, while it's more expensive than its neighbors in Shenandoah National Park or Cave Mountain Lake, it's a shorter drive from the neighboring cities, and doesn't have the additional NPS fee. However, if you want something that feels more rugged, or with campsites that offer a greater feeling of privacy, it would be better to skip this one.
Jake C.Legend
Casa Vargas
Secluded Camping Near Skyline Drive
Jake from the Dyrt here! Casa Vargas offers secluded RV & Tent sites near the famous Skyline Drive that offers great views of the Shenandoah Mountains. Make this your homebase for a weekend to explore the area, and make sure to post some pictures and leave a review on the Dyrt!
RLLegend
Shenandoah Valley Campground
Close to Skydiving!
Have stayed here twice when skydiving at Skydive Shenandoah. I will say the tent sites aren’t super desirable. Not private and gravel. The cabins though - perfect for one or two people, has a fire ring. Both times we had a nice stay, both times in a cabin. Lots of antiquing and flea marketing in the area.
- Liza B.Scout
Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park
Big pros annoying cons.
Pros: Location. This campground puts your right in the middle of Shenandoah with multiple beautiful hikes only minutes away. Wildlife is abundant, you will see deer and bears. Weather is lovely not too hot during the day and campfire cool at night. The camp hosts and park rangers were friendly and helpful without being around too much.
Cons: Campsite are very close together, little to no brush between campsites, and tent sites are laid out poorly with some site only having access to the parking lot or facilities by walking through other sites. Normally I don't mind noise at a camp site, but this was particularly bad. Due to the lack of brush, you could hear zippers and gravel crunching all night. Additionally, tent sites are small but have a gravel pad for the tents, the issue was the gravel was poorly maintained, consisted of large chunks of rock and were steeply inclined making it hard to layout a tent so everyone inside is at least somewhat comfortable.
- KKaleighTraveler
Shenandoah Valley Campground
Beautiful river access tent sites
Beautiful river access directly from tent site! Lots of amenities from hot tubs, fishing pond and a heated pool. Staff was friendly and site was well maintained. Bathrooms were clean. Only complaint is that tent sites are really close together.
Amanda H.GuideMathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park
Beautiful views! Wild life!
I can not say enough good things about Shenandoah! You can take a drive down skyline drive and pull off to numerous view points!!! I could not get enough of the views! If you are a hiker, take advantage of the trails. There are many trails, including the AT that goes through the park! Be cautious of black bears, they are there!!!! The campground is great for tent camping!!! You must lock up your food in the park! Don't even leave your cooler out or you will get fined! Come prepared and you will have a great experience!!!! Happy Camping!
Katie M.Legend
Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA
Great location KOA
This campground has an awesome location between Harrisonburg and Luray/Shenandoah. It has great amenities like a pool and playground, a camp store and lots of friendly and helpful employees. I love that they will pick up your trash and deliver firewood. We stayed in a non-electric grass tent site in loop D. The sites are great! Nice and flat and shady. They come with a huge fire pit and a picnic table. There is only one bath house in the campground that has plenty of bathrooms and showers. A very nice stay!
- Daniel F.Traveler
Hawk Recreation Area Campground
Free, quiet, cell service!
Tent sites are rough, some outside ring sites have tent pads.
- BBrian C.Traveler
Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park
Small tent sites with big noise
Stayed in tent site 005, and while it wasn’t the smallest of the tent sites or least private, if was very close to the main look road and every car entering the camp loop passes right by the site up the hill within eyesight. Camp store didn’t allow dogs, and I didn’t feel good leaving my dog unattended in the park (which is their rule) I didn’t get to visit the store. One good thing was the view from the amphitheater
Rob O.TravelerBig Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park
Excellent campground especially as a base for hikes
Reservations are made through the National parks service "recreation.gov" website. Arrived for tent camping for 2 nights and found that my original planned site wasn't very hospitable to tent camping due to the slope, Conferred with park ranger who easily changed my site to a better one with no fee. My stay was quiet and the bathrooms were clean and well stocked. This is a great base camp for getting out to hike the Appalachian trail and the local water falls in the area. Firewood and some camping supplies can be obtained onsite and there is a park wayside store and cafeteria a short distance away (i highly recommend the honey breaded chicken).
- RLLegend
Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park
Opt for the non-generator loop!
Beautiful part of the SNP. I was unfortunately tent camping next to a loud RV, but that was my fault for booking the wrong site! Lovely hikes nearby.
Kassie F.Guide
Seneca Shadows
Great location!
Great location for fly fishing & hiking. The tent camping area has a view of Seneca Rocks while the camper trailer/RV sites are wooded.
- FFrances G.Scout
Mathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National park camping.
Great site. Cement parking area and tent site is designated with log surround. Clean and airy.
- MMark B.Traveler
Riverside Cabins and RV Park
Really a nice place!
We stayed here in October 2020. Nice family campground with cabins, tent sights and RV slots. We tent camped and Steve (owner) took us down to the bank of the south branch of the Potomac. Perfect!
- Missi N.Scout
Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views
Don’t come here if you actually want to camp
The tent sites are ON TOP of each other. No trees. Zero seclusion. This is an rv resort.
Kathie M.GuideLoft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park
Great view
It’s has small sites, great for tent camping, but not great for a fifth wheel. Bath houses are available and a small amp store.great for overnight camping and some bear coolers are available.
- AmberTraveler
Wolf Gap
Great hiking
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.
Dave V.LegendSeneca Shadows
Seneca Rocks Cast Their Shadow
West Virginia is packed with some of the best hiking, climbing, rafting, biking, canyons, mountains, rivers, valleys, and forests in the U.S...and the beauty is few people take advantage of it.
Wanting to spend the a few days midweek in and around Seneca Rocks and Spruce Knob, we chose Seneca Shadows Campground as our basecamp. Aptly named, as views of Seneca Rocks can enjoyed from your tent site.
Smack dab in the middle of the Monongahela National Forest, Seneca Shadows Campground is part of the U.S. Forest Service, so if you are planning a weekend or popular vacation time stay, log onto (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/mapof_Seneca_Shadows/r/campgroundMap.do?page=map&search=site&contractCode=NRSO&parkId=70322 ) and reserve your site.
If you are driving a big RV or hauling a Camper, you'll be parking on one of the 38 sites designed specifically for that purpose. There are a few large group tent sites on the same side of the park roadway before you reach the individual tent sites. Be astute, some have electric and some do not.
Forgive me for saying, but the tent sites appear designed by someone only interested in allowing as many tenters as possible, without regard for privacy...more like cattle in a feed lot (with the exception of 50-53). These are considered "walk to" sites. So I would not camp here during a weekend or holiday. Fortunately, weekdays see few tenters and we had it all to ourselves. Staying on somewhat of an elevated site (50) with some encompassing foliage. However, a roadway runs along the campground to the north, so we heard truck traffic early morning and late. Water and restrooms are located by the parking lot and adequate.
The views of Seneca Rocks were welcomed, when it wasn't raining (a common occurance is WV)...and only one mile from entrance to entrance with the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center (https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mnf/recreation/recarea/?recid=7050)...and 14.3 miles/Half hour drive to Spruce Knob, West Virginia's highest peak at 4,862 (https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mnf/recarea/?recid=7053). At the crossroads a mile away are a couple restaurants and a country store (with ice cream shop) for last minute needs.
While I prefer more isolated campgrounds and sites, this filled the need.
- RLLegend
Cedar Mountain Campground
Simple Campground
$25 + tax per night for a tent site, $2 more per person. Showers and bathhouses avail. RV accommodations. About 6 miles from the town of Culpeper.
- Julia A.Scout
Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA
For glamping not camping
Hot clean showers, all the tent sites platforms were covered with mushrooms and map is labeled completely wrong. 3 stars for the high quality amenities available but needs site maintenance.
- Brian V.Traveler
North Fork Resort
Expensive
Stopped here for a tent site. And the cost was almost $60 a night. They do offer discounts for some associations but I wasn’t a member of any.
Scott F.Guide
Christopher Run Campground
Great campsite off of Lake Anna in Virginia.
We've spent a number of nights tent camping at Christopher Run. The people who manage the site are very nice. The campground and bathrooms are kept clean. The bathrooms are even air-conditioned. Christopher Run has a boat launch as well.
Guide to Shenandoah
Tent camping near Shenandoah, Virginia offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, making it an ideal getaway for nature enthusiasts.
Tent campers appreciate these amenities
- At Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm, campers can enjoy electric hookups, drinking water, and a cozy atmosphere under cedar trees.
- Shenandoah River Outfitters Camp Outback provides essential amenities like showers, toilets, and picnic tables, ensuring a comfortable stay.
- #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp features well-maintained facilities, including fire pits and access to the scenic Shenandoah River.
Activities to enjoy while tent camping
- Campers at Emerald Pond Primitive Campground can hike nearby trails and enjoy swimming in the refreshing pond.
- South Fork Shenandoah River offers opportunities for kayaking and fishing, making it a great spot for water activities.
- At Laurel Prong Trail Dispersed, hikers can explore beautiful trails and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $50
- Camping at Emerald Pond Primitive Campground is free, making it a budget-friendly option for those looking to escape into nature.
- Rates at Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm are reasonable, providing a unique camping experience with modern amenities.
- #1 Rock Tavern River Kamp offers a range of accommodations, including tent sites, at competitive prices for a memorable stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Shenandoah, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Shenandoah, VA is Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm with a 5-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Shenandoah, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 30 tent camping locations near Shenandoah, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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