Tent camping options and cabin rentals expand the overnight accommodations near Staunton. Located in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley at elevations ranging from 1,300 to 2,500 feet, the region experiences moderate summer temperatures that typically stay below 90°F. Fall camping attracts visitors with colorful foliage displays from late September through early November, with creek-side sites often booked months in advance during peak seasons.
What to do
Swimming and fishing lakes: Sherando Lake Campground offers a 25-acre lake with designated swimming areas and fishing opportunities. "The lake is beautiful! It's a decent walk from the campground but we usually walk down in the morning and spend all day there," notes one visitor to Sherando Lake Campground.
Cave exploration: Experience underground formations at Endless Caverns where campers receive discounted tour rates. "Their cavern tour (discounted for guests at the RV park) was lovely. Marked well, lighted, relaxed. Our tour guide, Haley, was a sweetheart," according to a reviewer at Endless Caverns RV Resort & Cottages.
Hiking trails: Access multiple difficulty levels of hiking paths directly from campsites at several parks. "There are great hiking! Beautiful views everywhere... They have activities during the summer like outdoor movies and live music," comments a camper about trails near Sherando Lake Campground.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Creek and lakeside camping spots provide natural cooling and ambient sound. At Crabtree Falls Campground, "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," according to a visitor at Crabtree Falls Campground.
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain well-serviced bathhouses and common areas. "The bathhouse was close and clean with laundry and dump site next to it," notes a visitor to Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park.
Recreation options: Many parks provide multiple activities beyond hiking. "Shenandoah Valley Campground offers year-round RV camping with water and electric hookups on riverfront sites," with one camper mentioning, "They have an awesome pool that was heated, hot tubs, mini golf and good playgrounds. My kids were in heaven," about their stay at Shenandoah Valley Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Fall brings heavier crowds and cooler temperatures. "Coming in the middle of the week is the best time if you like to have peace and quiet and the place all to yourself," advises a Sherando Lake camper about timing visits.
Wildlife awareness: Bear activity requires proper food storage at some campgrounds. "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," warns a solo camper at Sherando Lake.
Connectivity limitations: Cell service varies significantly across the region. One visitor to Stoney Creek Resort mentioned, "No phone signal and wifi was a joke but that's not a bad thing!" highlighting the digital disconnect many sites provide.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose sites near play areas for convenience with children. "The camp store and entrance to the caverns is a gorgeous, old stone building! Kids loved the playground and the swings (a few different swing sets on the property)," writes a family camper about Misty Mountain Camp Resort.
Fishing opportunities: Several parks maintain stocked fishing ponds for younger anglers. "Really cool set up clean campground. The people are nice and the so are the views. The fishing ponds are great, bring a fishing pole!" recommends a visitor to Walnut Hills Campground.
Swimming options: Natural water features provide chemical-free swimming alternatives. At Stoney Creek Resort, a camper notes "Great swimming lake. Family friendly," while another mentions "They have a very nice playground and a pet exercise area."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Review campground maps carefully to match rig requirements. "Be very particular with your site selection!" advises one RVer staying at Glen Maury Park, where "Full hookup only on upper campground. Lower campground only has water and sewage."
Dump station timing: Plan emptying tanks during off-peak hours to avoid congestion. "Overnight stay off I-81. Easy in and out. VERY well kept and super friendly staff. Larger rigs need to stay in the lower campground and there are no sewer connections, but the dump station is all good," reports an RVer at Glen Maury Park.
Leveling requirements: Bring extra leveling blocks for mountainous terrains. A camper at Misty Mountain Camp Resort found "site was close to level and felt we had plenty of room around us," while also noting the area's overall topography requires preparation.
