152 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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 Availability"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 Availability"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 Availability"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 Availability"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 Availability"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 Availability"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 Availability"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!"
"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."
"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)."
GuideStopped here on my trip from Cherokee NC to Front Royal VA on the Blue ridge parkway and skyline drive. As in most NPS campgrounds, there are no hookups but the campground was nice and the weather was great. No AC needed.
RangerCool campground in a remote part of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As such, very little phone service and lots of narrow, winding roads. Plenty of hikes and several interesting little towns within 30 minutes. I thought it was an interesting mix! We had a power outage during our visit, which also eliminates water access at this site. I was grateful to have an inverter to keep us online since there is zero AT&T service. I had a pull-through site and I'm not certain that I could have made the exit if the campers ahead of me didn't leave.
ScoutThe wifi test was done with my starlink not the campground wifi bc it doesn't exist.
To begin with I came physically up here from SC to check availability for long term stay. I was told there was a list and I would be put on that list and if a spot became available I would be notified (8-3-26). I was called (8-23-26) with availability and request for payment I paid then on the phone. My card the next following 3 days was ran for an additional total of 2400.00 every single morning an 800.00 charge I luckily had my card locked bc if not I would have been screwed. I was not given a reason why my card was ran so many times and not even an apology. I checked in on September 1st and was put in a site completely covered with tree limbs which is a problem as the only requirement I had was a clear view of the sky for my starlink to work for my remote work. For 2 whole weeks I went back and forth with the new GM Peggy. For 2 whole weeks I could NOT work the campground wifi is non existent. I was given the run around and a disrespectful attitude saying it wasnt there fault when it was known to begin with this was an absolute NEED not a want. Fast forward to today (9-12-26) I had issues with my power pole showing a short to ground and I was told its bc the poles are grounded to themselves but finally moved. The only catch was if I was to move I HAD TO LEAVE on october 1st per PEGGY the nee GM. So because of a miscommunication between staff of mine and my families needs bc my kids homeschooling I am forced to scramble to find another campground in two weeks when we live in our camper and work OTR. Its been nothing but problems here. The water taps are full of rust the GM judges you based off how you apear and treats you like dirt under the door mat. I was hoping this would be a good fit for me and my family but it has been nothing but the worst camping experience I have had in the past 5 years. The staff themselfs are great they tried to remedy the issue day one but PEGGY wouldnt allow it. I highly recommend going somewhere else and spending your hard earned money bc this place does not respect you as a customer or tenant. I talked with many campers who have been coming here for years since the 90s and they even say and feel the same the campground has declined since a management company purchased it. Also the long term rentals will be al.ost non existent unless you've bene coming here for 4 years or more. Cable is also non existent here. Its been a very VERY bad regretful experience. The lies from management and corporate baseline excuses are disgusting. Will NEVER camp here again. Take this as your honest warning from a normal person and a combat veteran. It dont take much to please me but this place has fell well below the bar. The site is was moved to before I get kicked out because they couldnt properly meet the needs of my stay allowed my starlink to work so I will be able to work 2 weeks before I am essentially nomadic again. If your tent camping bring water boots bc the tent sites seem to hold water. ALSO DONT LEAVE HONEST REVIEWS THAT SHED LIGHT ON THE NEGATIVES AND DOWNFALLS OF THIS PLACE OR THEY WILL TELL YOU YOU HAVE TO LEAVE.
RangerThis KOA has cozy spots among the trees and off any major road. Shower houses are squeaky clean and spots are spaced out just right! Some extra amenities: playground, camper core signage, and many other things!
TravelerNice, clean, parking lot type campground. Great pool with lots of built in splash features for kids and a big slide. No real view from site 665 ~ just the top of some mountains. No river view at all. There is a golf cart trail to the river access with parking, but then there are big steps with no hand rail. Lucky a nice man let me hold onto him walking back up. My husband was carrying the gear and couldn’t help me. It seems everyone brought a golf cart. They had rentals, but too expensive. Again ~ great for young families.
GuideThe RV park is on a mountain side. Roads are fairly steep. Most sites are level, ours was a bit sloped but were able to level our trailer. Plenty to do here. Endless Caverns site is quite large. Huge rec room with large projection TV. Game room, large deck with public bbq equipment. Great pool. A catch n release fishing pond, pickle ball & volleyball courts and a great playground for the younger set sporting a large air filled bouncing pad. Kids in the camp loved it. The cavern tour is worth it once. Tour guides are young so not much geological knowledge. The New Market Civil War Battlefield is about 3 miles away, it and it's museum are well worth it. The Endless Caverns staff is super. Prices reasonable. A great find. I will stay again.
ScoutWe were there for a short time Arriving on Aug. 17th. Our trip plan was to see the steam engine trains.
Camp grounds was very clean and well kept. The sites were grass with gravel pads where the camper was placed. We plan to come back again and stay longer. There are a lot of places to visit and enjoy the area site seeing.
The manager was very accommodating. We had a problem with a water line. The manager came over and helped us find parts and repair the water line.
ScoutBeautiful area and lots of amenities but $95 a night for RV camper even if you’re in a van. The tent spots fill up fast if there are any
GuideNot far from the National park, we went the weekend before school started for the little ones so not as many campers as we have seen in the past. The brew pub is within walking distance. Great for family camping.
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.
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."
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."
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."
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.
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?
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?
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?
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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