Best Campgrounds near Strasburg, VA
Nestled within Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, the area surrounding Strasburg provides a mixture of established campgrounds and primitive sites across national forest and park lands. Notable options include Elizabeth Furnace Campground in George Washington National Forest, located about 8 miles southwest of Strasburg, and several Shenandoah National Park sites within a 30-minute drive. The region includes campgrounds that accommodate diverse camping styles from tent-only areas to full-hookup RV sites, with several facilities like Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park offering cabin rentals and glamping opportunities alongside traditional camping areas.
Many campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with Shenandoah National Park sites like Mathews Arm typically open from May through October. Elizabeth Furnace maintains year-round operation but with limited facilities during winter months when water systems are winterized. First-come, first-served sites at Elizabeth Furnace and similar forest service campgrounds fill quickly on summer weekends and during peak fall foliage season. Road access varies significantly by location, with some areas requiring navigation of winding mountain roads that may challenge larger recreational vehicles. Cell service remains limited or nonexistent throughout much of the surrounding forest and park lands. A review noted, "There is no cell service in this area. The sites are very close together. Do not think of this as a secluded camping experience."
The proximity to Passage Creek and the Shenandoah River represents a significant draw for many campgrounds in the area. Several visitors highlighted the combination of water access and hiking opportunities as key attractions, particularly at Elizabeth Furnace where multiple trail networks connect directly to the campground. Public lands throughout the region support both developed campgrounds and more primitive options, with varying levels of amenities from basic vault toilets to sites with full shower facilities. Campers report mixed experiences with site privacy, with Elizabeth Furnace receiving both praise for its wooded setting and criticism for closely-spaced sites. According to one camper, "It has wooded camping sites. There are spaces for RV and tents which is nice. There is also plenty of hiking trails to be completed around the campgrounds of various levels from beginner to more strenuous."












