Best Campgrounds near Star Tannery, VA

The George Washington National Forest surrounds Star Tannery, Virginia, creating a hub for diverse camping experiences ranging from free primitive sites to developed campgrounds with modern amenities. Notable options include Hawk Recreation Area Campground, a free forest service campground with basic facilities, and The Cove Campground, which offers lake access, tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Campgrounds in this region typically accommodate a mix of tent and RV camping, with some locations like Elizabeth Furnace and Shenandoah River State Park also featuring cabins or glamping opportunities.

Road conditions can significantly impact access to many camping areas, particularly at Hawk Recreation Area. The dirt roads leading to primitive sites often become challenging after rain or in wet conditions. A visitor noted, "The road in is a single lane dirt road with parts of it partially washed away. I would not want to drive on this in the rain." Most campgrounds in the region remain open year-round, though services may be limited during winter months. Cell service varies considerably, with some remote forest locations having minimal to no coverage. Many primitive sites permit extended stays up to 21 days, while developed campgrounds typically enforce shorter limits and may require reservations during peak seasons.

Campers consistently mention the peaceful, secluded nature of sites throughout the region as a major draw. Several visitors highlight the forested settings and proximity to hiking trails as key benefits. The Cove Campground receives positive reviews for its lake access, fishing opportunities, and unique amenities. According to one camper, "On top of them having an outdoor gun range... they have a small beach, picnic tables everywhere, a volleyball sand court, a dock, you can fish in the lake." Wildlife sightings, including bears, are reported in more remote locations. Public facilities vary widely across sites, with developed campgrounds providing showers and flush toilets, while primitive areas typically offer only vault toilets and possibly hand-pump water sources that may be seasonal or unreliable.

Best Camping Sites Near Star Tannery, Virginia (165)

    1. Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Bentonville, VA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 622-6840

    $30 - $40 / night

    "Virginia has the best state park campgrounds. Water and electric. Large sites. The bathrooms are clean with separate shower rooms. Nice hiking in the park. Near SNP. Responsive and friendly rangers."

    "In my opinion it has the best location of the 3 Turks they have. It’s it the woods close to a boat landing you can see a bit of the river. In the fall or spring I’m sure the view is amazing."

    2. Hawk Recreation Area Campground

    15 Reviews
    Star Tannery, VA
    4 miles
    Website

    "Although it's not immediately convenient to the various hiking trails in the Lee Ranger district of Washington-Jefferson NF, this little site is tucked away atop a mountain far from any crowds."

    "Tent sites are rough, some outside ring sites have tent pads."

    3. The Cove Campground

    15 Reviews
    High View, WV
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 858-2882

    "Several rustic campsites with a large lake for the kids, and miles of off road trails for atvs, jeeps, and dirtbikes."

    "The road is gravel and could use some work, I’d recommend 4x4 drive. We really enjoyed it and will go back. The reason for 4 stars instead of 5, water situation and the roads could use some work."

    4. Candy Hill Campground

    22 Reviews
    Winchester, VA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 662-8010

    $38 - $77 / night

    "Unfortunately, it is located right on a major highway. This means there is easy access, but the traffic noise is less than ideal. But the gem of this place is the management and staff!"

    "No restaurant within walking range so have food on hand. There are a few places that will deliver but the food is a 5 out of 10 at best. Hwy 81 is right next door so you will hear road noise."

    5. Wolf Gap

    20 Reviews
    Basye, VA
    17 miles
    Website

    $20 / night

    "This campsite is by far one of my favorite free campsites that Virginia has to offer. what makes Wolf Gap so speacial is the the 4 mile hike that leads to a rocky overlook of the valley."

    "We made a spur of the moment one night trip up here from Virginia, and I do glad we stumbled upon it! There are only 8 or 9 camp spots, each with a leveled area for a tent and a designated fire pit."

    6. Mathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    45 Reviews
    Rileyville, VA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3132

    $30 - $75 / night

    "This is a nice and very large campground tucked away in the northern part of Shenandoah. The facilities and grounds were well kept and it’s a short car’s travel (but there’s also a trail!)"

    "There are a few trails encompassing and leading out from the campground, and it's nice to have a central location from which you can out on small hikes."

    7. Elizabeth Furnace Family Campground

    9 Reviews
    Strasburg, VA
    11 miles

    "Great spot right outside Shenandoah NP with quick access to the park or nearby trails. great fishing and hikes for kids, too!"

    "There are a couple of sites that have a path to the creek that flows behind the campground.There is also plenty of hiking trails to be completed around the campgrounds of various levels from beginner to"

    8. Elizabeth Furnace Campground

    9 Reviews
    Strasburg, VA
    12 miles
    Website

    $20 / night

    "In the valley outside of Shenandoah, it was a nice spot to return to at night. There are also some hiking trails across the street."

    "Campground Review: What a great find, so close to a town….though feels like you are deep in the forest!"

    9. Gooney Creek Campground

    16 Reviews
    Bentonville, VA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 635-4066

    "We are tent campers and we’re looking for a place close to Shenandoah to ride our motorcycles. This was 3 miles from the north entrance to the park, perfect."

    "Hike up a trail or up through the creek itself to a swimming hole only accessible to campers. Saw some decent sized fish swimming around in there."

    10. Creekside Campground

    17 Reviews
    Edinburg, VA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 984-4299

    $26 - $47 / night

    "We spent 2 nights at Creekside Campground in Edinburg, VA on our way to West Virginia—- and found a real gem.  We paid$50/night for Back-in Creekview FHU Site#20."

    "We had a large grass space with water and power on the edge of a beautiful creek and enjoyed the sounds of it both nights."

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Recent Reviews near Star Tannery, VA

1111 Reviews of 165 Star Tannery Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 26, 2025

    Middle Ridge Campground

    Quite and comfortable in the woods.

    Hosts are great.  Bathhouse was very clean.  Fall folliage was perfect.  The campgound is really 1.6 mi from rte 50 but feels longer the first time due to narrow roads and hills.  For being on the side of a mountain, the sites were suprisining level.  Only needed a few blocks under the wheels.  We chose one of the pull throughs.

    Don't forget to plug in well pump or you won't have water!

    30' TT

  • E
    Oct. 26, 2025

    Middle Ridge Campground

    Terrific

    Just got home from a lovely week in Romney.  We found the perfect campground, a mile or so off route 50, deep in the woods.  Each campsite surrounded by trees.  Since we have a popup, Shelly recommended a site not far from the bathhouse.  Perfect.  We were in Romney to ride the Potomac Eagle, but Shelly also recommended other experiences in Romney (Fort Mill Ridge, Indian Mound Cemetery, historic David House).  A very nice autumn week.

  • Gina T.
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Middle Ridge Campground

    Loved it!

    This was our first experience camping.  We just retired and rented a camper for a trial run and we just loved it.  It was quiet there and I slept like a baby.  Very positive experience.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Mathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Love this Campground

    I love camping in Matthews Arm, it has a flush toilet restroom. The site A7 has a hug parking, can fit RVs and spacious area for tent, table, fire pit. Only downside is that the tent pad is kind of connected to site A09, so privacy is not the best.

  • Zach L.
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA

    Fall Leaf Peeping Trip

    We stayed here for 3 nights. Perfect campground with everything you need. Bathrooms are very clean. Ice, propane, and other items are available on site at the store. Halloween was in full effect including a haunted walk. Sites are spacious and have natural stone in ground fire pits instead of rusted metal rims which adds character. Dog park, pool, and plenty of games are available on site. Harrisonburg is down the road if you to need to stop in town.

  • Jack W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    South Fork Shenandoah River

    Great dispersed spot

    Only a few spots around, but beautiful spot right on the river with fire pits. No other amenities but it was exactly what we were looking for

  • Spencer W.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Cedar Creek Trail dispersed campsite

    Cedar Creek Trail Dispersed Campsite

    Went to Stultz gap and was a little unimpressed. Drove about 10 minutes further north on the same road.

    Location is approximate. After the intersection, the road will turn into a trail (marked by a metal gate) and there is a campsite right there.

    Was very peaceful and clean. Had an established fire ring.

  • Spencer W.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Stultz Gap Dispersed Campsite

    Stultz Gap Dispersed Camping

    The spot itself is right next to the road. The map seems to indicate trails connected but they appear very overgrown.

    Appears some may use this with horses as some small amount of waste was left behind.

    We ended up driving about 10-15 minutes further north along the same road and found a nicer spot with an established fire ring.

  • Brian B.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    The Retreat at Shenandoah Meadows

    Great place, zero oversight…

    First, let me say that the viewers at this campground are incredible. We stayed there this September and my family had a fantastic time in their cabins. When we got there, we found our cabin and these had codes to be able to enter. All was fine till we started looking at bathrooms.

    None of the bathroom facilities are labeled, male or female, but it was just our family there so it wasn’t a really big deal. Later on in the weekend, another group showed up, and then we felt as though we needed to try and find or figure out another way to ensure that the girls were safe.

    Every building in the campground is open you can walk literally anywhere you would like. Nobody is there to enforce anything. We had such a good time, that I still give it four stars. We had such good views that I would still give it four stars. But I would be aware of what you’re going to.


Guide to Star Tannery

Camping near Star Tannery, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground praised, "The bath house is super clean and they have separate private showers!"
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. One camper at Gooney Creek Campground mentioned, "The creek flowing along the campsite was gorgeous and it was great listening to the running water at night."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A visitor at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Luray noted, "The staff were friendly and great and only stepped in when absolutely necessary."

What you should know:

  • Site Size: Some campgrounds have small sites that may not accommodate larger RVs. A camper at Mathews Arm Campground remarked, "The sites were a little close together, but it was quiet."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A reviewer at Wolf Gap mentioned, "There is no Wi-Fi and I had no cell service with Verizon."
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially near play areas. A visitor at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Luray shared, "If you are looking for a peaceful experience, do not book near any of the play areas."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Site: Look for sites that are away from playgrounds if you want peace. A camper at Candy Hill Campground advised, "If you care for camping or your family, DO NOT GO TO CANDY HILL CAMPGROUND."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities for kids. One family at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Luray enjoyed "tons of fun things to do, including visits with Yogi Bear and Boo Boo."
  • Pack Essentials: Bring along games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. A reviewer at Endless Caverns RV Resort & Cottages mentioned, "The kids loved the playground and the swings."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Dimensions: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Mathews Arm Campground noted, "Rigs longer than 25 feet, most likely will not fit."
  • Be Prepared for Terrain: Some campgrounds have steep or narrow roads. A visitor at Wolf Gap warned, "The road to get here was a little bit treacherous for a vehicle so big."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on firewood and other essentials, as some campgrounds may not sell them. A camper at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Luray mentioned, "You should also know we spent quite a bit more cash for this site."

Camping near Star Tannery, Virginia, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for you in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Star Tannery, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Star Tannery, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 165 campgrounds and RV parks near Star Tannery, VA and 19 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Star Tannery, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Star Tannery, VA is Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 56 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Star Tannery, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 free dispersed camping spots near Star Tannery, VA.

What parks are near Star Tannery, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 parks near Star Tannery, VA that allow camping, notably Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park and Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park.