Stanley, Virginia offers RV campers access to the western slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains with elevations ranging from 700 to 3,500 feet. The Shenandoah Valley camping season typically runs April through November with average summer highs around 85°F. Lower-elevation RV campgrounds remain accessible during winter months when mountain facilities close.
What to do
**Cavern tours at campgrounds: Endless Caverns RV Resort & Cottages gives discounted cavern tours to camping 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 reviewer.
**Horseback riding trails: Fort Valley Ranch offers on-site stables with trail riding opportunities. "The availability of horseback trail riding was an added bonus. The kids were able to fish for hours at the two fishing ponds, which both were stocked with bass and bluegill," according to Jason G.
**Stargazing in dark skies: Smoke Hole Caverns and Log Cabin/RV Resort provides excellent stargazing conditions. "Dark sky and an open field for stargazing. There are cabins nearby, but no tents," notes Jean C. The rural location away from major cities creates exceptional night sky viewing.
What campers like
Riverside tubing options: At Luray RV Resort on Shenandoah River, guests appreciate the water activities. "This place is great for tubing. Everything you need for a great stay," says Kristen G. The campground features riverfront access with a tubing route that takes about 30 minutes from one end of the park to the other.
Hiking trails from campsites: Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA offers direct trail access. "One of the features I look for in campground is hiking trails right out of the campground. Most KOAs don't have that - but this one does! Great hiking trail into the hills and woods at the back of the property," writes Kathy L.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Big Meadows Campground visitors regularly encounter wildlife. "You will definitely see deer in the campground as they walk through and browse the understory. They are unafraid of humans unless directly approached," reports Veronica S. The campground's elevation creates ideal conditions for viewing both deer and fireflies at night.
What you should know
Cell service coverage: Connectivity varies significantly by location and carrier. At KOA Luray RV Resort, "The wifi was terrible and unusable, even with our antenna. AT&T worked well and Verizon was a bit spotty," according to Tina. Most campgrounds near Stanley report limited or no cell coverage at higher elevations.
Road conditions to campgrounds: Several RV campgrounds near Stanley require navigating mountain roads. One reviewer noted about Endless Caverns: "Roads are gravel and can be a bit steep, 4-wheel drive is helpful." Consider vehicle capabilities when selecting sites.
Reservation timing: Most Stanley area campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. Big Meadows Campground operates seasonally from "May 6 to November 13" and requires advance booking. Lower-elevation campgrounds like Madison Vines RV Resort remain open year-round.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm offers a unique camping experience for families. "The camp host Orv has a very unique campsite setup not too far from the house/mushroom farm area. We got a nice tour of the mushrooms currently growing at the farm," shares RALPH P.
Pool facilities: Several rv campgrounds near Stanley, Virginia offer swimming pools. Luray RV Resort on Shenandoah River provides "riverfront access for tubing" plus a swimming area. As one camper noted, "There is a small but nice swimmingpool" at KOA Luray RV Resort.
Recreation centers: Madison Vines RV Resort features organized weekend activities. "Great weekend programs gave everyone a chance to mingle if they wanted to," writes Steve M. Many campgrounds near Stanley schedule family-friendly events during peak season.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Endless Caverns RV Resort & Cottages receives high marks for site preparation. "Sites are mostly level, requiring only minor adjustments. Nestled in nature, lined by trees with a steam running behind us," notes David G. Most sites feature stone fire pits and full hookups.
RV site spacing: Madison Vines RV Resort offers efficient site layouts. "Space was maximized but that added to the community feeling most quickly embraced!" according to Steve M. Sites at this RV park near Stanley include full hookups with 50-amp service.
Specific site recommendations: For privacy at KOA locations, select sites carefully. At Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA, "Site 71 best for privacy" according to George H. At Luray KOA, a camper recommended, "We had a great back in site, that although a little unlevel, was really private and in the back corner."
