RV parks near Somerset, Virginia provide camping options within driving distance of Shenandoah National Park's scenic trails and historic sites. The region sits at elevations between 400-900 feet above sea level with rolling terrain typical of the Virginia Piedmont. Summer temperatures average 78-85°F during peak camping season, while fall brings cooler conditions and vibrant foliage displays that attract seasonal visitors.
What to do
**Horseback riding trails: Fort Valley Ranch offers guided trail riding opportunities for campers who want to explore the Virginia countryside. "Within a 10-minute drive, there are opportunities for hiking and river activities. We found a river access point perfect for swimming and wading," noted Jason G.
Explore caverns: Visitors can tour natural underground formations at Endless Caverns adjacent to the Endless Caverns RV Resort. One camper remarked, "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."
Skyline Drive access: The nearby Big Meadows Campground provides a central location for exploring the scenic highway. A camper mentioned, "So many trails to explore, walk to the Lodge, Wayside, Visitor Center and more." Another visitor added, "My favorite sites are the ones on the edge overlooking the mountain."
What campers like
Quiet, dark skies: Campers appreciate the night sky viewing opportunities at several RV parks in Somerset. At Endless Caverns, a visitor commented, "This is a quiet campground, with no street lights, and quiet hours from 11PM to 8AM. Definitely not a party campground, which totally endeared this place to us."
Wildlife viewing: Shenandoah Crossing offers opportunities to observe local wildlife in a natural setting. "Beautiful sunsets over the stables and horse pastures," wrote one reviewer, while others mentioned deer sightings throughout the campgrounds in the region.
Clean facilities: Campground bathhouses receive high marks for cleanliness at several RV parks. At Walnut Hills Campground, a visitor noted, "The bathhouse is nice as is the pool. The store was sparse but adequate. The lawns were kept up and looking good." Another camper stated, "The park was one of the cleanest parks I've been to. The bath houses were pristine."
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Terrain variations can make site leveling tricky at some RV parks near Somerset. At Madison Vines RV Resort & Cottages, one visitor observed, "Our site was a very nice back in site, that although a little unlevel, was really private and in the back corner."
Connectivity issues: Cell service and Wi-Fi reliability varies significantly across the region. One camper at KOA Luray RV Resort reported, "The wifi was terrible and unusable, even with our antenna. AT&T worked well and Verizon was a bit spotty."
Seasonal considerations: Fall foliage season brings larger crowds to Somerset area RV parks. A camper at Big Meadows mentioned, "Big Meadow has many amenities which make it popular and oftentimes crowded during weekends and holidays." Planning advance reservations during peak seasons is essential.
Tips for camping with families
Fishing opportunities: Multiple ponds and lakes at Walnut Hills Campground provide fishing access. "The fishing ponds are great, bring a fishing pole!" advised one visitor. Some campgrounds stock their ponds with bass and bluegill.
Playground access: Family-friendly facilities include play structures for children. A camper at Madison Vines noted, "There is a huge dog park that my dog loved. They also had multiple dog bag stations throughout the campground." Another visitor mentioned, "There is also a very nice playground and a pet exercise area."
Animal interactions: Some campgrounds offer unique wildlife experiences. At The HarmStead Campground, a visitor shared, "The hosts provided our kids with a cup of animal food to feed the goats and the emu. The spot had a fire ring and a picknick table. Highlight for the kids were the playground and the fireflies at night."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on privacy preferences. At Endless Caverns RV Resort, a reviewer advised, "Sites in section C usually back up into a wooded or naturally landscaped area that allow a nice sense of woodsy privacy. Sites are mostly level. Sites in section E appear tighter with less shelter."
Utility placement: Pay attention to hookup locations when setting up. One RVer noted the importance of checking connections: "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."
Weekend planning: Book well in advance for weekends, particularly at CHAMPS Camp RV Park where visitors noted the park "can get a little crowded" during peak periods. One visitor advised, "Side note - after hiking to top, we found that there is even 1 camping spot at the top under the sign with a CRAZY view of the valley below."
