Shenandoah camping areas near Stanardsville, Virginia sit at elevations between 1,500-3,000 feet with temperature variations often 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding valleys. The region features both primitive and developed campsites, with many RV sites near Stanardsville offering mountain views alongside agricultural landscapes. Cell service varies significantly by carrier, with better coverage typically found at lower elevations.
What to do
Hike to scenic viewpoints: Several trails near Lewis Mountain Campground provide panoramic vistas. "Bearfence is just down the trail, you can walk out of camp and start hiking. Originally was opened in 1939 as 'Lewis Mountain Negro Area', not having all the amenities that whites only campgrounds had," notes one camper about this historically significant area.
Visit local farms and markets: Many campgrounds are adjacent to working farms. The HarmStead Campground allows visitors to interact with animals. "Farm animals to watch (emu, goats, hogs). Beautiful scenery. Lots of land to walk," reports one visitor. The nearby Amish market, Yoder's, offers "hot coffee, deli sandwiches (they have the best bread), biscuits and gravy, freshly baked items, bulk goods, a petting zoo and so much more."
Explore cave systems: The region contains multiple cave networks. Endless Caverns RV Resort includes cavern tours with your stay. A visitor mentioned, "Their 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."
What campers like
Level, spacious campsites: Walnut Hills Campground provides well-maintained sites with good spacing. "Our site 33 was full hookup and a very nice, mostly level, spacious, and had a covered picnic table on a deck," notes one reviewer. This feature contrasts with tighter spacing at some other facilities.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer chances to spot local wildlife. At Big Meadows Campground, "You will definitely see deer in the campground as they walk through and browse the understory. They are unafraid of humans unless directly approached." The fireflies are another highlight, as "at dusk, the ground shimmers, and then after they disperse, you will still see them flit by the tent throughout the night."
Private, wooded settings: Many campers value separation between sites. At Endless Caverns RV Resort, "Most sites are spaced enough to give some feeling of privacy, some are fairly close together. A few sites are nicely secluded for those of us that crave privacy." The campground is described as "simply beautiful. Wooded, stone borders, stone walls, and stone fire pits at every site."
What you should know
Terrain and weather considerations: Mountain campgrounds often require preparation for steep roads. At Big Meadows Campground, one camper noted, "It was an especially cold night hitting a low of 14F. Very happy for the nearby heated restrooms with hot running water." The elevation means temperatures can drop significantly after sunset.
Reservation systems vary: First-come, first-served campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. Lewis Mountain Campground has limited availability: "Out of the 31 sites (including host site), only 3 remained when we arrived at about 1:45 PM on a Friday afternoon, and those remaining filled up within the hour." For summer camping, arrive before 11:30 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Seasonal limitations: Some facilities operate on restricted schedules. Big Meadows Campground runs from May through November, while others stay open year-round. During shoulder seasons, limited services may be available: "Showers and laundry were closed for the season but are centrally located near entrance area of campground."
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly activities: Madison Vines RV Resort offers multiple recreation options. "There's also a pond for fishing, a pool, and playground which is nice for keeping everyone busy," one reviewer mentioned. Some campgrounds also organize weekend activities: "Great weekend programs gave everyone a chance to mingle if they wanted to."
Consider cabin options: For families new to camping, cabins provide comfort with outdoor access. The HarmStead Campground offers both RV sites and cabin accommodations. One family noted their kids particularly enjoyed "the playground and the fireflies at night." Many campgrounds provide cabins at varying price points, with Lewis Mountain offering them "if tents aren't your style."
Plan for noise regulations: Campgrounds enforce quiet hours to ensure family-friendly environments. Lewis Mountain Campground is known as "the quieter campground in the park, since it is primarily tent campers, and the quiet hours are enforced as a result." Endless Caverns RV Resort maintains "quiet hours from 11PM to 8AM. Definitely not a party campground."
Tips from RVers
Water connection placements: At Luray RV Resort, some RVers encounter challenges with utility connections. One camper observed: "The sewage connection was slightly higher than the black tank outlet on our Airstream." Always bring extension hoses and adapters to accommodate various hookup configurations.
Site selection for big rigs: For larger motorhomes, Madison Vines RV Resort provides "standard RV hook-up sites" with good accessibility. However, some visitors note that "the majority of camp sites are very close together, and the sites closer to the highway experience highway noise." Request sites away from main roads when possible.
Road access limitations: Some mountain campgrounds have restricted access. At Endless Caverns RV Resort, "Roads are gravel and can be a bit steep, 4-wheel drive is helpful." The campground accommodates big rigs but requires planning: "They cater nicely to big rigs, offering numerous pull-through sites as well as back-in sites, as your need exists."
