RV camping near Strasburg, Virginia offers access to the Shenandoah Valley's terrain at elevations ranging from 500 to 3,000 feet depending on location. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-90°F with cooler nights in the mountain campgrounds. Winter campers should prepare for overnight temperatures that can drop below freezing between November and March, with occasional snow at higher elevations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Riverside Cabins and RV Park provides direct access to the South Branch of the Potomac River. "Nice family campground with cabins, tent sights and RV slots. We tent camped and Steve (owner) took us down to the bank of the south branch of the Potomac. Perfect!" according to a reviewer who visited in October.
Horseback riding: Campers at Fort Valley Ranch can enjoy trail riding from the on-site stables. "The availability of horseback trail riding was an added bonus," notes one camper who visited with family. The ranch maintains dedicated horse trails suitable for beginners and experienced riders.
Cave exploration: Multiple campgrounds offer cave tours within minutes of camping sites. "Trail head to Chimney Rock is 2 minutes from camp site and Seneca Rock is about 20 minutes away," mentions a visitor to Smoke Hole Caverns, highlighting the convenient access to natural attractions beyond just the caverns themselves.
What campers like
Natural water features: Harpers Ferry Campground receives high marks for its riverside location. "Gorgeous spot on the river. As well as the people," writes one reviewer. Another adds, "It is right on the river so you can go swimming right from your campsite!"
Dark skies: Several campgrounds offer minimal light pollution for stargazing. One camper at Smoke Hole Caverns and Log Cabin/RV Resort highlighted the "Dark sky and an open field for stargazing" as a standout feature of their camping experience.
Quiet atmosphere: Campers frequently mention the peaceful setting. "Endless Caverns RV resort is a quiet campground, with no street lights, and quiet hours from 11PM to 8AM. Definitely not a party campground," notes a visitor who appreciated the tranquil environment during their July stay.
What you should know
Mountain road access: Several campgrounds require navigating steep terrain. "I was initially concerned about the road leading into the campground, as my rig is over 50 feet in total length. However, we were surprised that the winding roads presented no issues for us," reports a Fort Valley Ranch visitor, providing reassurance for those with larger setups.
Site leveling challenges: Endless Caverns RV Resort sites require attention to positioning. "Sites are mostly level, requiring only minor adjustments," notes a recent visitor, contrasting with more challenging terrain at other locations.
Pet policies vary: While most campgrounds welcome pets, there are exceptions. "We read signs about 'no pets', but they didn't ask when making the reservation, so we had no idea until a few days after being here," cautions a visitor to Smoke Hole Caverns, highlighting the importance of checking pet policies before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: When booking at Luray RV Resort on Shenandoah River, position yourself strategically. "If you have kids definitely get closer to the play ground, you won't regret it!" advises a camper who appreciated the convenience of nearby recreation areas.
Fishing ponds: Fort Valley Ranch offers dedicated fishing spots for younger anglers. "The kids were able to fish for hours at the two fishing ponds, which both were stocked with bass and bluegill," notes a family who found this activity particularly engaging for children.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer weekend programming. At Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park, "the children's programs offered on the weekends were great too," mentions a visitor who appreciated the structured activities available to supplement outdoor exploration.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At KOA Luray RV Resort, "We had a great back in site, that although a little unlevel, was really private and in the back corner," shares one RVer, highlighting how careful site selection can enhance privacy despite close quarters.
WiFi reliability: Internet access varies significantly between campgrounds. "The wifi was terrible and unusable, even with our antenna. AT&T worked well and Verizon was a bit spotty," reports a KOA Luray visitor, suggesting campers should plan alternative connectivity options if needed.
Laundry facilities: Limited working machines can cause inconvenience. "I used the laundry facility and the machines were the worst I've come across... with most of the machines broken and them unable to fix them, we had to go into town to the laundromat," warns a long-term camper, suggesting bringing extra clothes or planning for off-site laundry.
