Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Steeles Tavern, VA

Sherando Lake Campground and Devils Backbone Camp welcome pets throughout their sites, enabling campers to bring their dogs while enjoying Virginia's scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. Both locations maintain standard leash requirements, and campers must clean up after their animals. Fully-equipped RV sites with water and electric hookups accommodate pet owners, and tent camping areas maintain sufficient spacing between sites for comfort with animals. Pets must remain attended at all times on campground property. The campground bathrooms receive consistent cleaning with good water pressure, important for longer stays with animals that may require bathing or cleaning of pet supplies.

Multiple hiking options surround these pet-friendly properties, with trails accessible directly from campgrounds or within short driving distance. Spy Rock provides a challenging 1.5-mile hike with steep terrain but rewards hikers and their leashed dogs with 360-degree mountain views. The nearby Montebello Resort includes a stocked fishing pond and lake where dogs can cool off during summer months, though all pets must remain leashed near water features. Sites located along the Blue Ridge Parkway offer convenient access to numerous dog-friendly hiking trails with minimal wildlife concerns. Campers with pets should note that summer weekends see higher occupancy levels, potentially increasing dog-to-dog interactions at campsites. The more wooded lower sections of campgrounds typically provide more privacy for pets that may be reactive to other animals.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Steeles Tavern, Virginia (85)

    1. Sherando Lake Campground

    33 Reviews
    Tyro, VA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2188

    $25 - $47 / night

    "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. "

    2. Devils Backbone Camp

    39 Reviews
    Nellysford, VA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 817-9708

    $25 - $140 / night

    "Pets welcome and camping can be made through site. Good for probably new campers or those looking to camp but have a more relaxed trip."

    "You are a quick walk to the brewery and café, where you can grab breakfast, lunch or dinner. It is nice and dark at the campground, so great for star watching. "

    3. Crabtree Falls Campground

    20 Reviews
    Montebello, VA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 377-2066

    $28 - $55 / night

    "My husband and I recently stayed overnight with our two dogs. The campsites run along a river, which provides great back drop for getting away from the city."

    "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."

    4. Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park

    20 Reviews
    Stuarts Draft, VA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 337-3920

    $45 - $99 / night

    "Dog park and playground centrally located. Quiet. Close to shopping, restaurants, etc.

    Bad (if they can be called “bad”): We were excited about cable and wi-fi as a new perk."

    "Dog park and playground were nice features. Overall, good value for the sites and amenities."

    5. Montebello Resort

    11 Reviews
    Montebello, VA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 377-2650

    $38 - $55 / night

    "We stayed in the mountain view cabin lower level with our two dogs."

    "This is one of Virginia’s best kept secrets for Cabins, RV or Tent camping.

    The location is awesome; close to some great hiking spots, very accessible & well laid out."

    6. Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley

    12 Reviews
    Stuarts Draft, VA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 337-2267

    $29 - $45 / night

    "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."

    "We were staying here with our two children and no dogs. As far as that’s concerned was a great place !! Lots for them to do, great swimming lake, employees were a pleasure."

    7. Oronoco Campground

    15 Reviews
    Buena Vista, VA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2188

    "Only thing is that there’s a dog, we think from a property nearby, that acts aggressive towards campers."

    "I love this campground, it’s 5 to 10 minutes from BV, right on the river, primitive with bathrooms, which is fine with me, I sleep in my forerunner with my two dogs, plenty of land and trails, it’s perfect"

    8. Stoney Creek Resort

    7 Reviews
    Stuarts Draft, VA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 337-1510

    "Beautiful surroundings. No phone signal and wifi was a joke but that's not a bad thing!"

    "Ate at their on-site restaurant while a local band played outside. Mostly used by local folks as a seasonal CG. Lots of semi-permanent fixtures attached to rigs. Did get a PassPort America discount."

    9. Spy Rock

    5 Reviews
    Montebello, VA
    8 miles
    Website

    "Spy Rock is this awesome hike about an hour away from Charlottesville, Va. It is a great hike with a small rock scramble at the top for an extra bit of fun."

    "The views from atop Spy Rock are some of the best in Virginia, and the campsite is one of my favorites. You hike in and there is a decent sized area to set up tents."

    10. Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA

    31 Reviews
    Natural Bridge, VA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2770

    $35 / night

    "This campground is open year round and is right off the highway.  There is a gas station right next to it as well as a safari park. "

    "Lots of pull thru sites, full hook up, even have dog park and laundry."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Steeles Tavern, VA

779 Reviews of 85 Steeles Tavern Campgrounds


  • Francelia A.
    Jul. 27, 2025

    Misty Mountain Camp Resort

    Mom and son new adventure

    Misty Mountain Camp Resort is located in Crozet, Virginia, off of 250 below Afton Mountain. I'm familiar with this resort. Many, many years ago, when it was Yogi Bear's park, a lot of updates since then. Great accommodations. I've not enjoyed camping as much as I have these last 2 weeks with my son Matthew, who is 30 years old down syndrome, autism and a leukemia survivor. I am 66 years old. I'm on the best adventure of my life. Just bought a new motorhome after my partner of 15 years passed away. I'm on a new journey. And taking care of my life with good health. I recommend this park to anyone. Friendly staff, accommodating, pet friendly dog parks, bathhouse, laundry, sun, and shade, with 30 and 50 amp hookups with sewage. I couldn't ask for a better place. Have a fun-loving life, I am!

  • Carey R.
    Aug. 4, 2022

    Natural Bridge KOA

    Perfect for Visiting Natural Bridge with Kids

    We stayed in a Pull Through, Full Hookup site on the hillside. It was surprisingly very level. We just used this as a base for visiting Natural Bridge State Park, so it was only an overnighter. The bathrooms & private showers were amazing & clean. The laundry room looked just as nice, but we didn’t use it.
    We didn’t use the pool, but the kids enjoyed the Gameroom! Of everything we used there, the only thing to mention that was dirty was the game room. But I’ll take that, we were very impressed with the playground, dog park & they even had chickens & a petting farm upon entry.
    This KOA seriously restored my faith in KOA’s. I will renew our membership, (which is about to expire), based on this visit. There are great ones out there!

  • Bridget H.
    Nov. 17, 2020

    Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA

    Right off highway with great amenities

    This campground is open year round and is right off the highway.  There is a gas station right next to it as well as a safari park.  The campground itself has a pool, open seasonally, a game room, and a playground.  It's an old school playground but the gkids love it.  They also have a couple of walking trails and a small dog park.  It is roadside so expect just that for this campground.  It has plenty of trees and sites for all different sized vehicles and tents.  The cabins and bathrooms are nice and clean.  The employees are always nice and helpful.  We have stayed here several times and have always had a good time.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2025

    Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA

    Convenient and easy

    Lots of pull thru sites, full hook up, even have dog park and laundry.

  • A
    Nov. 28, 2021

    Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park

    Will definitely return!

    Pros outweighed the cons.

    Good: Staff was amazing! Trash pickup daily. Level sites. Nice little general store. 9-hole disc golf course. Dog park and playground centrally located. Quiet. Close to shopping, restaurants, etc.

    Bad (if they can be called “bad”): We were excited about cable and wi-fi as a new perk. Could not get cable to work and wi-fi was spotty at our site. Had great signal in other parts of the campground though, and cell reception was strong. Roads were narrow to navigate and some sites quite short in length.

  • Mimi B.
    Sep. 25, 2020

    Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park

    Very nice clean rv park

    Located within minutes of I81. We stopped for 2 nights to see the Shenandoah National Park on our way to NC. Called last minute and got a site. Very nice customer service. Grounds were very well kept. Our site 112 had water, 50amp and cable. Dump station on premises. Nice dog park for our fur babies and doggie duty stations with bags in several locations throughout the park. Also had a cute playground for kiddos. Didn't use the pool so can't comment. A little highway noise but when windows and door were closed couldn't hear a thing. We'd stay here again. They honor Good Sam discount. Paid $38 with discount.

  • G
    Oct. 14, 2021

    Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park

    Scenic clean campground

    Enjoyed our stay at this campground! Office is open until 8pm which is rare. Sites are clean and flat. Pull thru and back in slots available. There is a lovely creek running through portions of the campground. Showers and bathrooms were relatively clean. Didn't use the pool. Dog park and playground were nice features. Overall, good value for the sites and amenities.

  • Gary G.
    Aug. 29, 2020

    Douthat State Park Campground

    Outstanding State Park!

    Douthat (Doubt-that) State Park is a campers dream!  Level sites with or with out hook ups, well spaced apart, fairly private, and in the middle of a pretty good forest!

    Kid and pet friendly, this park has a nice lake for Kayaking/canoeing, multiple hiking trails with views, excellent opportunities for wildlife watching, and great biking trails.

    It is off the beaten path so it appears to be less visited than other Virginia State Parks.

  • Mike C.
    Sep. 24, 2020

    Morris Hill Campground

    Tucked Away

    Site 034 Loop Morr Dates of Stay: August 30-Sept 1 Average Daily Temp: 78 Average Nighlty Tem: 64 Pet friendly spot with access to firewood on site for small fee. Tent pad, fire pit, one picnic table, and lamp post on site. Close access to Lake area with a 100 yard walk through pathway off the site. Great shade for those hot sunny days. Plenty of room on the site for tents and vehicle parking. Neighboring sites offer fair amount of privacy. Site had some trash scattered around by previous visitors. Needed to do some checking for broken flashlight pieces and glass before I allowed my dog free roam.


Guide to Steeles Tavern

Discover the best spots for pets-allowed camping near Steeles Tavern, Virginia, where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.

Dog owners appreciate spacious sites and amenities

  • At Devil’s Backbone Camp, campers enjoy large sites that accommodate multiple tents and vehicles, perfect for families traveling with pets.
  • Sherando Lake Campground offers well-maintained facilities, including picnic tables and fire pits, making it a great choice for pet owners looking for comfort.
  • Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA features pull-through sites that are easy to navigate, ensuring a hassle-free experience for those traveling with pets.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include fun activities

  • At Shenandoah Valley Campground, families can enjoy a stocked fishing pond and a swimming pool, providing plenty of entertainment for both kids and pets.
  • Crabtree Falls Campground is located near scenic hiking trails, allowing you to explore nature with your dog by your side.
  • Montebello Resort offers fishing opportunities and a peaceful environment, ideal for relaxing with your pet after a day of adventure.

Pet owners like the welcoming atmosphere

  • Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park is known for its friendly staff and community vibe, making it a great place for pet owners to connect with fellow campers.
  • Glen Maury Park hosts various events and activities, ensuring a lively atmosphere where pets are welcome.
  • Oronoco Campground provides a serene setting along the river, perfect for a peaceful getaway with your furry companion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Steeles Tavern, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Steeles Tavern, VA is Sherando Lake Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 33 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Steeles Tavern, VA?

TheDyrt.com has all 85 dog-friendly camping locations near Steeles Tavern, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.