Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Staunton, VA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Staunton, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Staunton. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
Secluded in the thick trees and rolling hills of Shenandoah National Park, the Big Meadows Campground is the ideal spot for an outdoor family getaway.
Shenandoah National Park has over 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Some trails lead to a waterfall or viewpoint while others wind deep into the forest and wilderness. Big Meadows is near many of the major facilities and popular hiking trails in the park. Three waterfalls are within walking distance, and the Meadow, with its abundant plant growth and wildlife, is an ideal nearby attraction.Wildlife viewing is also a popular pastime, with black bears, wild turkey, deer, birds and countless other animals thriving in the park.The campground is also located right off the famous Skyline Drive, which runs 105 miles north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Stunning views are visible from any of the 75 scenic overlooks.
Shenandoah National Park has over 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Some trails lead to a waterfall or viewpoint while others wind deep into the forest and wilderness. Big Meadows is near many of the major facilities and popular hiking trails in the park. Three waterfalls are within walking distance, and the Meadow, with its abundant plant growth and wildlife, is an ideal nearby attraction.Wildlife viewing is also a popular pastime, with black bears, wild turkey, deer, birds and countless other animals thriving in the park.The campground is also located right off the famous Skyline Drive, which runs 105 miles north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Stunning views are visible from any of the 75 scenic overlooks.
Shenandoah National Park spans 300 square miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the southern Appalachians. The park rises above the Virginia Piedmont to its east and the Shenandoah Valley to its west. The scenery at Big Meadows Campground never disappoints, with a stunning array of colors in the fall and a blanket of bright wildflowers in the spring. This green and shady campground is a wilderness paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
For facility specific information, please call (540) 999-3231.
Two visitor centers with bookstores and exhibits are located in the park (milepost 5 and milepost 51). Byrd Visitor Center is a short one mile walk by either trail or sidewalk if you choose not to drive. There are concession managed restaurants, gift shops and lodging facilities scattered throughout the park. Big Meadows Lodge and Restaurant is a 5 minute walk from the campground and Big Meadows Wayside is located beside Byrd Visitor Center.
Changing Reservations:____ There is no change fee if a visitor extends or shortens a reservation, as long as the change includes dates from the original reservation. Additionally, there is no change fee if the visitor wants to switch sites that are the same price with the same reservation dates in the same facility.____ If a visitor wants to switch dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates, there is a $10 change fee.____ If a reservation is made that includes dates beyond the maximum booking window, that reservation cannot be changed until 18 days have passed from the original booking date.____ Once a reservation date has begun, visitors cannot change a reservation using the online system or through the Call Center. Onsite staff will assist with changes or cancellations.______ Cancellations:____ Visitors may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation.____ A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's approved rate including tax and applicable add-on. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.____ Visitors who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days prior to arrival date will pay a $10 service fee AND forfeit the first night___s rate.______ No-Shows:____ A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date.____ No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite.______ Early Departures:____ Visitors are requested to notify staff at the facility if they depart early to allow others to use the site.____ If the visitor chooses to depart early, they may forfeit the approved rate and applicable tax and applicable add-on for the day of departure. If a visitor departs prior to the scheduled check-out date, they may be eligible for a partial refund. Visitors may notify the Recreation.gov call center to request a refund of remaining unused nights. If a visitor requests a refund for an early departure after the facility check-out time (10 am) has passed, the visitor will not be refunded for that night and is eligible for a refund on any additional nights that will not be used.______ Refunds:__ Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Visitors may also initiate a refund request through the call center at any time after their reservation has ended.____ Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay.____ For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive.____ In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.__
$75 / night
This place is incredibly special. Walnut Hills is beautiful and a place to make memories for years to come!
$45 - $99 / night
$28 - $55 / night
Tucked away in the quiet Virginia town of Stuarts Draft, Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley, formerly known as Shenandoah Acres Family Campground, provides over 130 acres of beautiful wooded grounds. Bring the family to experience our outstanding location in the Shenandoah Valley, near many unique and historic attractions in Charlottesville. You can also have an outdoor adventure at Shenandoah National Park or a scenic journey along the famous Skyline Drive.
Families can create their perfect stay from our great selection of RV sites or furnished vacation rentals. We also have a full amenity package that includes favorites like the swimming lake and beach area, four playgrounds, an arcade, and a fishing pond.
Experience a vacation surrounded by the breathtaking beauty and historical attractions of Shenandoah Valley at our beautiful resort. Treat yourself, your significant other, or the whole family to an amazing getaway in Virginia.
$29 - $45 / night
Ready to truly get away from it all? We welcome you to unplug, unwind, and relax at Montebello Resort. Rental Cabins, Camping, Fishing, and a Country Store are all available at our mountain top resort.
We are nestled high in the Blue Ridge Mountains, just three miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway, in Nelson County VA. Montebello means “beautiful mountain” and is a pristine hamlet tucked into the folds of Appalachia. Steeped in history and rich in charm, hearts are warmed and memories are made for all those who come to visit.
Route 56, which winds and climbs up to the top of the Blue Ridge Mountains at Montebello, was once an old Indian trail that connected present-day Nelson County with Steele’s Tavern in Augusta County two hundred years ago.
Atop the Blue Ridge Mountains, and near the Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail, Montebello is a beautiful gem that attracts visitors from around the world.
Whether it’s camping, a cozy cabin retreat, apple and berry picking, wine tasting, trout fishing, hiking, biking, hunting, wildlife viewing, or just exploring, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.
$38 - $55 / night
$35 / night
$22 - $38 / night
Cabins
To camp at Douthat State Park you must have with you either your reservation number(s) or confirmation letter at check-in. If you've arranged for someone else to check in for you, make sure that person has your reservation number as the number is needed to enter the cabin. All cabins are pet-friendly; there is a fee per pet per night. Camping and cabin guests should be prepared to show a valid ID if requested. Check-in is 4 p.m. and checkout is 10 a.m.
Camping
Douthat is known for delightful, inviting campsites and makes great camping near Richmond. Some offer a splendid view of Douthat Lake. Camping is available year-round in Whispering Pines campground. (Note: Water is unavailable at individual campsites from November through March because of freezing weather. As hot water is still available in the bathhouse, camping fees are not reduced.) The campgrounds are pet-friendly. Generators may not be used in any campgrounds.
Lodges
Please note that the cancellation fee for Douthat Main Lodge, Creasey Lodge and Beard's Mountain Lodge is higher than it is for cabins.
Douthat Lodge (atop mountain): Six-bedroom, rents Saturday - Saturday
This log lodge overlooks the park. It was built by the CCC. It sleeps 13 and allows 15. There are six bedrooms: one queen bed, one queen bed, one queen bed, four twin beds, two twin beds and one twin bed. It has a fireplace, two bathrooms, a washer and a dryer.
Creasey Lodge (behind park's main office). Five-bedroom. Weekly rentals start on Friday when a week-long stay is required. Fully universally accessible.
This one story wood-frame lodge is next to the park office. It accommodates up to 18 guests. There are five bedrooms: one queen bed, two sets of bunk beds, two sets of bunk beds, two sets of bunk beds, two sets of bunk beds. It has a fireplace and three bathrooms.
Beards Mountain Lodge: Six-bedroom, maximum occupancy is 16. Weekly rentals start on Sunday when a week-long stay is required.
This frame-built facility is midway up the mountain and is universally accessible. It accommodates up to 16 guests. There are three bathrooms and six-bedrooms; queen, queen, two twins, two twins, two bunk beds, two bunk beds.
$20 - $40 / night
Dundo Group Campground is a beautiful campground located at milepost 83.7 along the Skyline Drive with the Appalachian Trail passing through the site. The southern end is a picnic area and the northern end is the campground with three reservable group campsites. All Dundo check-ins are at Loft Mountain Campground, mile 79.5. Check out or re-register by noon. Group camping fees are non-refundable and there are no discounts. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive nights per year.
Dundo provides a great base camp for group activities with easy access to the Appalachian Trail, Doyles River and many other popular hikes in the South District.
Dundo provides a great base camp for group activities with easy access to the Appalachian Trail, Doyles River and many other popular hikes in the South District.
Dundo offers three large, grassy group tent sites shaded by native oaks and mature pines. It is illegal to approach, feed, frighten, or disturb wildlife. Hunting is prohibited. The laws in our national parks protect all resources such as wildflowers, plants, animals, and artifacts.
Dundo is located at milepost 83.7 along the scenic Skyline Drive. The Loft Mountain Camp Store is located 3.7 miles north, at the Loft Mountain Campground (turn up the hill across from the Loft Mountain Wayside, the store is on the left). There are over 500 miles of trails located throughout the park. The closest visitor center is Byrd Visitor Center located at Milepost 51. On Friday and Saturday during the summer, park Interpretative staff schedules Ranger programs at the Loft Mountain Amphitheater.
Cancellations more than 14 days in advance of arrival date only incur a $10 transaction fee. Within 14 days, $10 and the first night's fee are charged.
$75 / night
Staff were friendly campground was nice with shade pull throughs and fairly level.
Douthat is really four separate campgrounds. Three of them (i.e. not Whispering Pines) are located near the lake. Each one had a campground host (volunteer) and wood for sale.
White Oak Campground is larger, wooded, and has a significant elevation change between different sites. Caution should be used with large rigs as the low-water bridge to White Oak has steep approach and departure angles.
Beaver Dam Campground is relatively flat and similarly wooded while also providing equestrian facilities.
Lakeside Campground is smaller but the front row sites provide great lake views. Unfortunately swimming is only allowed in the Beach area which is not directly connected to this campground.
Whispering Pines is a few miles away along the entry road and has a different character. It’s a very flat and wide-open campground perfect for big RVs with much larger sites.
The Lakeside Camp Store is nice and has a to-go counter for food. The facilities, overall, were well maintained and clean. Firewood is for sale for $6 per bundle.
Reservations are made through the National parks service "recreation.gov" website. Arrived for tent camping for 2 nights and found that my original planned site wasn't very hospitable to tent camping due to the slope, Conferred with park ranger who easily changed my site to a better one with no fee. My stay was quiet and the bathrooms were clean and well stocked. This is a great base camp for getting out to hike the Appalachian trail and the local water falls in the area. Firewood and some camping supplies can be obtained onsite and there is a park wayside store and cafeteria a short distance away (i highly recommend the honey breaded chicken).
Thunder BRidge is a unique property tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Near Natural Bridge State Park in Virginia, the campground was once a CCC camp. Now it is home to many quiet tent sites, screen cabins, log cabins, and even some fully furnished rental cabins.
The campground is about 60% wooded, the rest is open ground with buildings from the camp's earlier days. The open area includes several artists' studios. At one edge is a forest creek, great for wading.
The campground is mostly tenting sites and rustic cabins, but there are RV sites in the open area.
This is not a "resort" but you won't find a more beautiful, quiet campground!
We loved our 4-night stay in Big Meadows. I definitely recommend booking a site on the outer part of the loop, or one of the walk-in sites, if you are tent camping. A lot of the interior sites seemed very close together, but the farther out you get, the more spaced out they seemed to be, we could see a couple of other campsites from ours but generally felt we had plenty of space and privacy.
Campsite facilities seemed pretty clean and well-maintained, and there is the campstore at the front of the campground with necessities, laundry and shower (for a fee). And if you need more the Big Meadow visitor center, and Wayside souvenir store/snack bar are just a mile or so from the campground where it meets Skyline Drive. They even have a gas station there. We went and did several hikes, including Dark Hollow Falls, and spent a late evening in the Big Meadow on a picnic blanket stargazing, all very close to the campground.
Bear boxes are big and sturdy, fire pits are on the smallish side but fine. Honestly this place is pretty tough to beat in terms of facilities, value, and proximity to a lot of beautiful and fun national park hikes and sights.
This was our first KOA experience. I liked the pool, camp shop, and proximity to Massanutten water park. I also liked the size of site.
My wife didn’t care for the lack of grass (mostly gravel) or the guy who took us to site that worked there talking over her when she was helping me back in.
Most people know this but if a couple is backing in just let them figure it out.
Other than price and backing in annoyance, I thought it was good place and would go back.
Campground with tables, fire rings, running water bathrooms, utility sinks. Store has showers and laundry for $1.
Shenandoah is such a beautiful park. Hiking trails leave right from the campground. If you're lazy and don't feel like cooking there's a nice restaurant in the lodge. There are bears so make sure you don't leave any food out.
Swimming in this beautiful and very swimmable and safe lake is limited to a kiddie area - useless if you're looking for exercise. Count on a ranger yelling if you go elsewhere despite the absence of "no-swimming" signs. (Lots of signs about not feeding the wildlife). Tennessee state parks, for example, allow swimming in huge lakes swamped with jet-skis and speed boats. Lake Norris, Harrison Bay... What's wrong with "swim at your own risk?" No cellular signal which can be a plus. Old fashioned pay phone available for the generation that knows how to operate those.
Surprisingly, recreation.gov had excellent campsite descriptions and photos for this campground(very unusual in our experience), which made it possible for us to choose the perfect site for our 30' travel trailer. We would not have been satisfied with the slope of more than a few of the sites here, so be sure to do your due diligence before choosing your site.
This is a large campground with lots of sites, many of which(like C129) are quite large. The entire campground was clean and well-kept, including the bathrooms and showers. Keep in mind that showers are$5 for 10 minutes but we noticed that shower#4 worked on just$4. Shh! Don't tell anyone!;-)
This is boondocking(no water, sewer, or electric hookups), but there are plenty of potable water spigots and there is a dump station nearby that is convenient, in good working order, and also has potable water. One complaint about the dump would be that there is no threaded hose to flush out a black tank.
Generator hours are 08:00- 10:00 and 16:00- 19:00 but are extended to 21:00 from opening until April 14 and again from October 15 through closing. Quiet hours are 22:00- 06:00.
The campground has a good laundry facility and a small store. A short walk takes you to Big Meadows Lodge with a full-service restaurant, pub, coffee bar, and gift shop. Take in the sunset from the great room, the deck, or a short hike along the Black Rock trail. A little longer walk takes you to the Wayside where you will find a well-stocked store with food, beverages (adult and otherwise), camping supplies, a quick service restaurant, and a nice gift shop. Definitely try the blackberry cobbler at either Big Meadows Lodge or the Wayside!
Ticks are a big issue here(at least they were when we visited in mid-October). Be sure to check your pups constantly for ticks, and make sure you take preventive measures such as sprays and chews to make sure your pups stay safe. Check yourselves, your kiddos, and your bedding too!
We had mixed feelings about the staff here, many of whom were quite nice and helpful. We did feel that the person who checked us in seemed a bit haggard and, perhaps as a result, was relatively short with us when we asked reasonable questions. We also felt the campground hosts were more than a bit inconsistent in rules enforcement. For instance, they are adamant about not having even a millimeter of tire off the pavement(even when trying to keep the tow vehicle off the roadway) but didn't care at all about campers who ran their generators all day long outside of generator hours.
Verizon was nonexistent.
T-Mobile was good.
Starlink was great for us, but keep in mind that many sites have a canopy of trees that will obstruct Starlink.
Solar was so-so, partially because of the tree cover and partially because of clouds and fog.
Stopped at Corbin cabin on a longer backpacking trip. Great little cabin with some more luxurious camping facilities than we were used to (Stayed across the river at a more primitive spot as well). Good spot for families and we had a great time . Need to book in advance to make sure you can book it. Bears and wildlife is expected by the river.
We love staying right on the creek, the view and sound of it is the best. The ones down by the creek don’t have an electric or water but they’re so worth it. The bathroom is at the top of the hill so that’s kind of a pain but the the only downfall for us. Everyone has always been kind and friendly, our dogs love it here too!
Beautiful place. Lots of deer! No hookups but you can run a generator if needed. Large sites. Great weather!
In the description of the Big Meadows camping on The dyrt it says the campground is currently closed.
Actually, it only closes in the winter. According to the Website it closes NOVEMBER 26–MARCH 23
Check khttps://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/big-meadows-campground.htm
Well kept campsites and good bathrooms and water. We arrived after the information center closed, and it was easy to check in and find our site. Overall, I would stay here again. Be prepared to see a ton of deer!
I loved the seclusion. But you have to walk to the site
Excellent KOA! Nice people at the camp shop and camp sites were well kept. Layout is nice to navigate with a camper. Hope to come back soon!
Level spots right on pond. Nice playground and pool. Friendly environment.
Big Meadows ( Shenandoah NP): (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer) Overall Rating: in the generator loop: 3.5. Most sites are pretty on top of each other. Non generator sites have more sites that are private ( Our site in the generator loop E is spectacular 4.5). Pics included of the absolute best sites in the generator area.
Price: $15 per night w senior pass
Usage during visit: high
Site Privacy: ours good . Most in the generator area have nonne
Site Spacing: close
Site surface: Black top
Reservations: You better for peak season. First come first serve campgrounds nearby. Lewis Mnt is nice
Campground Noise: Not bad for so many people
Road Noise: None
Through Traffic: Minimal
Electricity: No
Water: Most restrooms have a water source for filling. Fill at the dump station when you enter
Bathrooms: Flush toilets and clean. They are a bit awkward to get to from the sites in our area
Sewer: No
Dump: Yes
Generators: Allowed. Quiet hours are 10pm to 6:00 AM
Showers: $5 for about 10 mins. Clean and nice
Laundry: Available and reasonably priced.
Pull Throughs: Some
Cell Service (Verizon): Available from our area most of the time.
Setting: Open forest. Looks to be more underbrush in tent and non generator areas.
Weather: Clear and 10 degrees cooler than the valley below.
Bugs: Not bad. No mosquitoes, at least yet!
Solar: Fixed panels will not work.
Host and Rangers: FRIENDLY
Rig size: Site specific. 45’ RVs work in some sites.
Sites: E175, 177, 178, 180,183,185, and 187 are along forest edge with a valley below, though through the trees. These are the sites to have in the generator area. (During our stay, generators were used sparingly.)
Very nice small campground I stayed in Site 42 E/W with a view of the Lake. It has one Bath House but it was a 9 out of 10 for cleanliness. No Cell service or Internet but that was what I was looking for. Campground well maintained and fishing was nice that have a couple of Courtesy watercraft for the campers use.
Parking space is nice and even if car camping. Tent pad had several tree roots so a sleeping pad is recommended. Site is very shaded. Sites are quite close together so the privacy isn't great. Short 2 minute walk to showers and toilets. Shower location has laundry, ice and wood for sale. Showers are coin operated and it costs $5 for 10 minutes but the water was very hot. There are no sinks for washing dishes, rinsing, etc. Cell reception with ATT & Verizon was non existent at the campground. You could get reception at the lodge, amphitheater or on the overlooks. Out stay was the weekend of 5/26 & it was cold and windy; 43 in morning warming to 70 by 3pm. The Wayside was great. It had supplies, food, drinks, ice cream, gift shop and restaurant. We didn't cook at all. There are recycling receptacles everywhere, including for propane. Pretty sure a bear visited one night but can't say for sure. Deer would walk right through our site un-bothered by us drinking our coffee. Relatively quiet. Would definitely stay again.
This is a very typical KOA and, with one exception, it provides the services one expects from a KOA. However, it is rather small and it has some sites that are not level but can be leveled with some effort by the camper.
The office staff was very professional while still being country-friendly and helpful. Also, the KOA is just a few miles from Natural Bridge State Park. I found it to be worth the $9 admission fee.
I had excellent cell service on Verizon. Although the KOA offers WiFi, I was never able to get a strong enough signal to connect to the internet even though I tried several times during the afternoon, early evening, and late at night.
My biggest disappointment was that although the showers, sinks and toilets were very clean and well maintained, they did not meet my ADA expectations.
I was there on Tuesday, May2, 2023.
There are many seasonal campers but not many were at their campers. We had a quiet pull through on the top of the hill which was actually a buddy site with two hookups along the length. Great if camping with friends.
Loved camping here for a week with my husband and our small child. We were only 2 hours from DC. The night views are amazing. There is no electricity or water at most sites!
General: There are four campgrounds in Douthat State Park - White Oak, Whispering Pines, Lakeside, and Beaver Dam (equestrian), each in a separate location. This review is for White Oak. White Oak has 31 sites and It was full when we were there on a Tuesday in mid-October.
Site Quality: All sites (except 17 and possibly 18) appeared level and were very generous in size with long driveways. Many trees separate the sites. A picnic table, lantern hook, and fire ring complete the site. Sites 22-29 are tucked further away from the others and the bathhouse.
Bathhouse: Clean and modern. Showers were available but I did not use them so I cannot comment on how well they worked.
Activities/Amenities: A dishwashing sink, fish cleaning area, and many hiking trails throughout the park, including one (to Blue Suck Falls) that has access directly from the campground. We hiked this but the waterfall was just a trickle when we were there!
We met friends here, so it was nice to have adjoining sites. Bear warnings were posted throughout the campground, but we didn’t see any!
Great mix of full hook up, water and electric, and tent sites. A wooded campground with beautiful ponds, and a trout fishing pond. Big enough for small and medium size campers but not being surrounded by giant RV’s and fifth wheels. Just off the blue ridge parkway. GreAt access to all the hiking. Stayed here twice. The little country store is great.
We camped here with a group of nine of us (4 tents) and we had plenty of extra room. There was a fire ring with a adjustable grill rack and 6 picnic tables. We had five cars parked right in front of our site and that was super nice.
There were two vault toilets right across where we parked our cars. The bathrooms were super clean with stainless steel toilet seats. We were very happy with the cleanliness of the bathroom. There were also an area for trash disposal. It was nice not having to drive our trash out!
We stayed at campsite 3 which is right next to campsite 2. We could hear the conversation from campsite 2 and see them. Campsite two and one had a water pump. Campsite 1 was right next to the bathrooms and the public picnic area. I would not recommend booking campsite 1. Campsite 1 was also smaller than 2 and 3. On Saturday the public picnic area next to the group camp ground was over flowing. People kept coming into our campsites to use our picnic benches and set up picnic blankets around our campsite. This was very annoying.
We enjoyed making the short trip to the Loft Mountain Camp Store which had souvenirs, food, wood, milk shakes, ice cream, coffee, camping equipment, showers, flushing toilets , and laundry.
We also enjoyed making the short trip to the Loft Mountain Wayside to eat in the restaurant there.
At night the you could see stars. We took a walk to the overlook in the middle of the night to stargaze.
We loved our time here.
Camping near Staunton, Virginia, offers a fantastic mix of natural beauty and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping around Staunton, Virginia, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Staunton, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Staunton, VA is Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 113 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Staunton, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 20 glamping camping locations near Staunton, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
