Jorrit G.
Scout
ScoutBig Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park
Nice flat spots
Good facilities for a NP campground
Camping near Staunton, VA
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
You'll find several good camping areas around Staunton, Virginia. Mathews Arm Campground in Shenandoah National Park has well-kept sites where most campers can access hiking trails without driving. The campground includes basic restrooms and drinking water - nothing fancy but it works for most people whether they're new to camping or have been doing it for years. Many people come to walk the trails throughout Shenandoah, which gets really colorful when leaves change in autumn. If you want something more remote, George Washington National Forest has spots where you can camp away from designated campgrounds. Just remember you'll need to carry out your trash from these areas. The weather gets pretty hot and sticky during summer, so most locals recommend camping in spring or fall instead. It's always smart to check if any areas are closed before you head out.
Best Campgrounds near Staunton (151)
1. Shenandoah Valley Campground
"We spent 2 weeks at SVC while our trunk was in the shop(our travel trailer got towed there- highly recommend Good Sam Roadside policy). Everyone on staff was accomodating, helpful and friendly."
"It was clean, but had a trail of ants get into my belongings. Sites are close to one another and the cabins are not near the water. They are near the bath house though."
from $36 - $132 / night
Check Availability2. Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park
"You can fish in the lake though we didn't catch anything. Wifi is free and open so no password and therefore, not secure. Trash picked up each day."
"Good location close to I81 but little road noise. I did hear a train."
from $45 - $99 / night
Check Availability3. Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park
"This campground is perfect for those looking to just get away from things for a couple of days."
"We got a walk in site, so our tent was way far away from cars and other people. The site included a fire pit w/grill grate, picnic table, and metal bear box."
from $30 - $75 / night
Check Availability4. Sherando Lake Campground
"Sherando Lake is a well-maintained, popular campground located in the George Washington National Forest near Lyndhurst, VA."
"The lakeside is wonderful for sitting, reading and swimming. The "upper lake" is great for fishing. "
from $25 - $47 / night
Check Availability5. Misty Mountain Camp Resort
"The winding layout allowed for more distance between other sites. The woods were beautiful with easy walking trails right from the site."
"Back in sites for smaller trailers such as our teardrop were plenty big enough but still on the outskirts of the field. Bath house was very clean and very well thought out."
from $35 - $75 / night
Check Availability6. Devils Backbone Camp
"First time camping in any part of Virginia, very nice and clean campground, not too much outside noise besides the random car driving on the one road near by."
"We set up camp then walked over to the brewery/ restaurant for some flights and dinner. I recommend grabbing some growlers to go. Showers and restrooms were clean."
from $25 - $140 / night
Check Availability7. Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley
"And of course their lake that has two jumping decks, water slide, snack bar , restaurant and off to the side a little store for floats with putt putt golf and Jenna,etc."
"Lots for them to do, great swimming lake, employees were a pleasure. Trash pick-up was awesome !! Our site was gorgeous. Not a full hook up(more on that later), but absolutely perfect."
from $29 - $45 / night
Check Availability8. Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area
"Car could be parked right next to us on site 2. Next to a creek, so good sounds and cool environment 3. Some walking trails 4."
"the pond has a great little trail you can walk around and at night the stars are gorgeous. the water is also stocked with fish!"
9. Kiss the Earth
"It’s super close (only an hour drive) to Shenandoah NP! Host is super responsive to questions/concerns that arise but it’s not necessary to communicate with them if you prefer the privacy."
10. Waynesboro North 340 Campground
"Good area close to hiking trails and historical sites. Dog friendly. Only negative was the closeness of the sites."
"It was easy to get into Shenandoah National Park via Skyline Drive, which we also enjoyed. It is not too far from Polyface Farms (a conference there was the purpose of our visit)."
Drive Time
- 21 min from Harrisonburg, VA
- 40 min from Charlottesville, VA
Recent Camping Photos near Staunton, VA
423 Photos of 151 Staunton Campgrounds
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Recent Reviews near Staunton, VA
1060 Reviews of 151 Staunton Campgrounds
L H.
TravelerSeneca State Forest
A quiet and peaceful little campground amongst the tall trees
What a delight to rest here for two nights! The park is small (10 campsites, I think) and blanketed by a lovely green canopy. Amenities are few, but the nearby showers are clean, with hot water and electricity, and fresh water is available on site by a hand pumped cistern. The office and maintenance headquarters are also nearby, and the folks in the office are friendly and welcoming. I’ll visit here again!
- GGreta S.Scout
Hidden Valley
Clean and quiet
Well maintained and very quiet. Plenty of room when I was there with 2 dogs. Fairly good privacy between sites. I chose a spot in the woods at the edge of a large field. Plenty of air moving through. No cell service.
- BBob B.
GuideLewis Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park
Wow!
This campground is awesome! It's quiet, cool (temperature), great camp neighbors. The general store has ice, firewood, showers and any other necessities you may need.
- JJohn G.Scout
Red Oak Campground — James River State Park
Nice but remote
Very clean and quiet. Good services, including firewood availability. Drawback is that it’s 7.5 miles down a dead end road. Closet gas is at least 10 miles and groceries are a half hour away. Go prepared.
Benji H.ScoutSmoke Hole Canyon
Very remote and beautiful place
This campground is very basic. The area is very remote. Make sure you bring supplies. Going out to eat is at least a 30-minute drive. Floating the loop at Big Bend is one of the best things you can do without traveling away from the camping area. Seneca Rocks, Smoke Hole Caverns, and Seneca Caverns are all within an hour drive.
Hayley S.TravelerNatural Chimneys County Park
Fun Time
Enjoyed the campground, even during the storm. Disappointed the river was dry, but we enjoyed the pool! I wish there were more activities for children when the river is dry.
Cari E.
RangerBig Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park
A classic for good reason
This is a classic National Park campground, and it’s important to keep in mind that it opened in 1937–the sites are small as travelers weren’t equipped with large vehicles, as such, it may not be the best option for large rigs but my van fit comfortably though the neighbors were rather close. If you’re expecting that, you’ll be more than happy. Walking distance via a connector trail to Dark Hollow Falls trail. Sustainable T-Mobile service for remote work, but Zoom may lag. No shore power or water hookups, but drinking water spread throughout the park and modernized bathroom and showers. There was also a circular, shaded tent area as part of D155, behind the drive. I’d stay again in a heartbeat.
- TTroli R.Guide
Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park
Beautiful as always (despite re-paving project)
Great summer destination to escape the heat! Weather in late June was amazing - highs in the 70s; lows in the 60s; and crystal clear skies. Not too buggy either. Pulled ONE tick off of me before it bit me, but otherwise not much to speak of in the way of mosquitos or biting gnats/flies.
This particular site was smaller (RV back in) but private and level near the bath house. There IS a bear box present, and you'll want to use it for any unattended food outside an RV. The mini-bears are beggars. We saw several chipmunks in our site and a particularly clever bird successfully stole from our neighbors.
If you are RV-ing, fill your tanks at the dump station before heading to the ranger station for check-in. You don't want to carry all that water up the mountain, and they don't like you to block the campground road trying to fill along the loop. The dump station is located on the right prior to arrival at the ranger station.
Also, there are no dumpsters at the dump station (weird). So upon departure, pull your trash prior to leaving the site.
As always, there is virtually no cell signal in this site and no electric hookups anywhere in the campsite. So bring a generator or a lot of solar if you want to run your electrical. (Though this site being so shady doesn't provide a lot of solar power.) There IS wifi at the visitor's center if you want to call home or do a daily socials check. ;-)
We DID have one day there that was a pretty noisy from paving equipment re-doing the road. But I think they're almost done with their project, and honestly it wasn't that big a deal because we were on trails most of the time anyway.
There are great ranger programs here - it's one of the larger hubs for programming, and they're listed at the visitor's center because they change seasonally. Don't miss out on the chance to explore the meadow. What may LOOK like a vast, boring expanse of grass is actually a fascinating variety of foliage when you're out in it. Many, many wildflowers that can't be seen from the visitor center's overlook.
Also, many of the park's most popular hikes can be easily accessed from here, including Dark Hollow Falls and Bearfence Rock Scramble.
Guide to Staunton
Dispersed camping options surround Staunton, Virginia throughout the George Washington National Forest. Unlike crowded park settings, these sites offer more solitude with varying access from easy drive-in spots to hike-only clearings. While most sites lack facilities, Braley Pond provides vault toilets and stream access in a location that sits at approximately 1,500 feet elevation.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: Sherando Lake Campground connects to multiple trail systems, from easy lakeside paths to challenging mountain routes. As one camper notes, "The tent pads are large and flat. There are family friendly hiking paths around the lake and upper fishing pond. There are also some kickass trails that climb to the Blue Ridge Parkway and intersect with the AT."
Water activities: At Shenandoah Valley Campground, visitors enjoy a creek for tubing with a waterfall for cooling off. "There is a big swimming pool, hot tubs, store, cafe with limited items. Tent sites by the river," according to one visitor who appreciated the variety of water options.
Outdoor adventures: The area around Devils Backbone Camp features excellent access to local outdoor activities. "Being at the base of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, there are many outdoor activities to take advantage of. We hiked to Humpback Rocks which is a decent climb, so be prepared, but once you summit, the views are amazing."
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Braley Pond Dispersed Camping provides primitive sites with surprising privacy. "Car could be parked right next to us on site. Next to a creek, so good sounds and cool environment. Some walking trails. A pit toilet is located at the picnic site."
Riverside camping: Crabtree Falls Campground sites line the Tye River, creating a peaceful setting. "The tent sites we stayed in were 10 ft away from the Tye river, we literally fell asleep to the sound of the water every night," shared one camper who enjoyed the natural soundscape.
On-site breweries: Many campers appreciate Devils Backbone Camp's proximity to craft beverages. One visitor noted, "From start to finish excellent. Family's first RV experience and it was great. 5 minute trail walk to the Devil's Backbone brewery. You can have several great beers with your meal and safely walk back to the camp site."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Temperatures and conditions vary significantly by season and elevation. Summers can be hot at lower elevations, while spring and fall bring more moderate conditions.
Bear activity: Loft Mountain Campground in Shenandoah National Park requires proper food storage. A visitor warned: "Each site has its own food locker which is really important because bears actually frequent the area. A young bear was repeatedly visiting site A9 up the road from me and I had to chase him off when he came near my site!"
Site availability: The best places to camp near Staunton often fill quickly during peak season. As one camper at Sherando Lake noted, "Half the sites are first come-first serve and half can be reserved. The only drawback is that many people love this park and it is difficult to get reservations. The window opens six months out."
Cell service limitations: Many camping areas have limited connectivity. At Devils Backbone Camp, visitors report: "Cell service and wi-fi are spotty at best, but what do you expect? You are in the middle of the mountains."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Walnut Hills Campground offers a fishing pond and swimming pool. A visitor mentioned, "Looks like a fun place with lots of activities to come back to over the summer. The bathhouse was close and clean with laundry and dump site next to it."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature kid-friendly areas. At Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley, "There is a huge playground with volleyball and basket ball court near the pavilion. Along with a small arcade room and a huge fire pit ring to hang out at."
Wildlife viewing: Children often enjoy observing local animals at Shenandoah Valley Campground, where "Wild but tame bunnies are everywhere," according to multiple reviewers who mentioned their children's fascination with the campground's resident rabbit population.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: At Devils Backbone Camp, RVers should note the unusual utilities arrangement. "The sewer connection for the odd number sites is on the opposite side of the RV than the electricity and water. The good news is that in a pinch, and your sewer hose does not fit, they do have a dump station on site."
Site selection: Walnut Hills Campground offers varying levels of shade. "The sites along the lower area near the lake were shaded mostly, some more than others, while the sites up the hill at the top and near the front entrance (pull through sites) were not shaded much."
Bathroom access: Sherando Lake Campground layout matters for RVers. A visitor advised, "There is a single bathhouse in the camp area that is near the tent area and a good walk from both the RV areas. The bathhouse was clean and functional."
Frequently Asked Questions
What tent camping options are available near Staunton Virginia?
What tent camping options are available near Staunton Virginia?
Tent campers near Staunton have several excellent options within a reasonable drive. North River Campground offers basic tent sites in a circular layout with beautiful riverside trails and access to Staunton Dam. The campground is accessible via well-maintained roads (mostly paved with some gravel) and provides a primitive camping experience with no cell service, water, or electric hookups. For those seeking more amenities, Sherando Lake Campground in George Washington National Forest offers tent camping with lake access and is well-maintained with multiple camping loops, including standard non-electric options.
What are the best campgrounds in Staunton VA?
What are the best campgrounds in Staunton VA?
While Staunton itself has limited campground options within city limits, the surrounding area offers excellent choices. Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park provides a convenient base near Staunton with full hookups and amenities for RVers. For a more natural setting, Crabtree Falls Campground is popular among visitors to Staunton, offering proximity to both the Blue Ridge Parkway and the historic downtown. This campground serves as an excellent home base for exploring Staunton's attractions, including the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, while providing access to scenic hiking at the falls.
Are there cabins available for camping near Staunton VA?
Are there cabins available for camping near Staunton VA?
Yes, several campgrounds near Staunton offer cabin accommodations. Thunder Bridge provides a variety of cabin options including screen cabins, log cabins, and fully furnished rental cabins. This unique property, once a CCC camp, is tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Natural Bridge State Park. For those wanting more amenities, Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA offers cabin rentals year-round with convenient highway access, plus amenities like a seasonal pool, playground, and game room. The property is situated near attractions like the Safari Park, making it ideal for families.
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