Best Tent Camping near Strasburg, VA

Dispersed tent camping options near Strasburg, Virginia, include several primitive sites within George Washington National Forest. Little Fort Campground provides basic tent campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, and tent pads without reservation requirements. Veach Gap offers more remote backcountry tent camping accessed via a 4-mile hike with ridge-top views of the Shenandoah River. South Fork Shenandoah River features drive-in and walk-in tent camping along the riverfront, while Wolf Gap Recreation Area contains secluded wooded tent sites.

Most tent campgrounds in this region operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. Little Fort Campground uses a simple washer-on-hook system to indicate occupied sites. Vault toilets are available at several locations including Little Fort and Wolf Gap, but running water is not provided at most primitive sites. Campers should pack in all water needs, especially at higher elevation sites like Veach Gap where a visitor commented, "There is no water after the first mile. Pack up all the water you will need for day/evening/morning." Fire rings are common at established sites, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply during dry periods.

The tent camping experience around Strasburg offers significant variety based on accessibility preferences. Walk-in tent locations like Veach Gap provide greater solitude and scenic vistas. A camper noted, "Breathtaking views of the Shenandoah River and surrounding mountains. Very much worth the 4 mile hike up to the site." For those preferring drive-in access, South Fork Shenandoah River campground features riverside tent sites with fire pits, though sites can become unusable after heavy rains when river levels rise. Wolf Gap Recreation Area offers larger, wooded backcountry tent camping sites with picnic tables and fire rings set among hills that create natural privacy barriers between campsites. Many sites throughout the region provide good tree cover for shade and hammock options, with access to hiking trails directly from the campgrounds.

Best Tent Sites Near Strasburg, Virginia (37)

    1. Little Fort Campground

    6 Reviews
    Woodstock, VA
    10 miles

    "The campsites have a fire ring, a picnic table, and a flat area to pitch a tent. They have parking spots next to them. There are permanent structure Vault toilets/ out houses."

    "There are 9 campsites, each with at least one fire ring, a tent pad and a picnic table, and there is a vault toilet in the middle."

    2. Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site

    2 Reviews
    Bentonville, VA
    8 miles
    Website

    "I've both day hiked this and backpacked here several times."

    "Breathtaking views of the Shenandoah River and surrounding mountains. Very much worth the 4 mile hike up to the site. 1,200ft elevation difference from the trailhead to the site."

    3. South Fork Shenandoah River

    6 Reviews
    Rileyville, VA
    15 miles

    "Not too many spaces so it can fill up quick. There is a launch in the middle, so there is a bit of come and go."

    "There were plenty of walk in sites beyond ours. Unfortunately there was a decent bit of trash we cleaned up. The road was a little rough, but our 92 ford camper made it, just go slow"

    4. Peters Mill Run/Taskers Gap OHV System

    1 Review
    Woodstock, VA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 984-4101

    "Great place to camp at if your car can handle it, if you like to offroad this place is for you or if you like hiking this is also for you"

    5. Little Crease Shelter

    1 Review
    Bentonville, VA
    9 miles
    +1 (888) 265-0019

    "First, don't be confused by the drive down to the parking area. You'll go from asphalt to gravel road alongside private property. You're in the right place."

    6. Sky Meadows State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Paris, VA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 592-3556

    "It was a pretty flat walk from the overnight parking area to the campground."

    "Came here for the first time in February 2017 to do a shakedown on some new backpacking and camping gear. Super friendly staff and easy check in process."

    7. Hawk Campground

    1 Review
    Star Tannery, VA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 984-4101

    "I would not want to drive on this in the rain. There are minimal turning points so if someone is coming in while you're coming out or vice versa, someone would have to reverse."

    8. The Retreat at Shenandoah Meadows

    1 Review
    Rileyville, VA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 325-2870

    $23 - $33 / night

    "Every building in the campground is open you can walk literally anywhere you would like. Nobody is there to enforce anything. We had such a good time, that I still give it four stars."

    9. Twin Rivers Campground

    2 Reviews
    Front Royal, VA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 636-6192

    $40 - $45 / night

    10. Squirrel Hollow Road Camping

    2 Reviews
    Wardensville, WV
    16 miles

    "Sites are located less than a mile from the paved highway. We found 5 spots just off the road. All were easily accessible by cat or with a small teardrop trailer."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Strasburg, VA

977 Reviews of 37 Strasburg Campgrounds


  • RL
    Apr. 13, 2021

    Sky Meadows State Park Campground

    Great views, primitive camping

    We hiked the one mile into the campground and stayed for a night. It was a pretty flat walk from the overnight parking area to the campground. In the campground there is one bathroom facility with two vault toilets (although one of the doors was locked while we were there, which was unpleasant with a full campground). No running water or showers in the bathhouses. Non-potable water pump is near the restroom. Boil water at least three minutes before consuming. There are two areas with firewood (purchase when you check in or pay $6 cash at the kiosk - honor system). Each site has a bear box, fire ring, picnic table, tent pad with pea gravel, and a lantern pole. Definitely will be back!

    The park has wide open rolling hills and mountain views. Lots of families picnicking and flying kites πŸͺπŸ’™

  • Nick C.
    Jul. 25, 2022

    Big Meadows Campground β€” Shenandoah National Park

    Centralized spot in Shenandoah - hot showers!

    I stayed in the tent only / non generator sites which is definitely the way to go. My site was actually a walk in. So I had to park and lug my gear up some steps about 200 feet. The site was shaded with a nice spot for a hammock. Including a fire ring and grill grate, picnic table and a bear box. You are close to the road, so you get noise and headlights in your tent sometimes. Deer and skunk walk through camp all the time. Heard some owls at night. Whooooooo

  • Corey B.
    Jun. 15, 2018

    Little Fort Campground

    Great Stay

    Small and simple campground with a handle full of sites. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Sites are semi secluded from each other. Some sites have direct access to the Peter's Mill Run OHV complex. Vault toilet for all sites to share. No water, no electricity. Have to pack trash out. Sites were first come first serve. Free to camp.

    We camped so we could spend two days on the OHV Trails with the Jeep. Had an incredible time. We'll be back.

  • Terri S.
    Sep. 23, 2019

    Big Meadows Campground β€” Shenandoah National Park

    Beautiful , well maintained

    Big Meadows Campground was wonderful. Facilities were clean and well maintained. Bear box for food storage. Loved seeing the deer so close and other wildlife. Fire ring with grate was available. Large site size. We had site 23. Highly recommend!

  • Carol B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 19, 2025

    Big Meadows Campground β€” Shenandoah National Park

    Full campground, but a happy overnight

    I tent camped for one night at the start of Easter weekend. Lots and lots of folks about, but still enough space to NOT feel encroached upon. Level grass spot for a tent, fairly level paved parking area if car camping, picnic table, fire ring with grill grate. I was on the no generator loop, but in a non electric site (vs tent walk in type). Warm bathrooms, utility sinks in several, pay hot showers, lots of greenery. I will visit again! NO Verizon cell service at all!

  • Lucas B.
    Jul. 2, 2017

    Sky Meadows State Park Campground

    Awesome foray into backpacking

    Came here for the first time in February 2017 to do a shakedown on some new backpacking and camping gear. Super friendly staff and easy check in process. Parking is in a locked lot steps away from trail head which leads to campsites about a mile away. Campsites are in a wooded area of park well away from other park attractions so it's very quiet. Sites are spaced far apart and come with tent pad, picnic table, fire pit and lantern pole. Non potable water is available via hand pump near rest rooms. Rest rooms are very nice and clean. No showers. This was one of my favorite camping experiences ever and I will definitely be back!

  • Jon N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 2, 2022

    Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site

    My favorite Hike in the area

    I've both day hiked this and backpacked here several times. You will want to drive in and park at the Veach Gap Trailhead which is listed on Google Maps, then follow the trail and make the left when it comes to the intersection. It is about 4 miles up, so not too bad, but there is no water after the first mile. I have seen a small trickle part way up the mountain, but don't count on it. Pack up all the water you will need for the day/evening/morning. Once you get to the top there are several sites with little fire rings, and since it is on the ridgeline, the views are breathtaking. I've had good luck finding wood from dead trees at the top, but just make sure you're being safe and treating nature kindly. Follow the Leave no Trace rules so the next campers can enjoy this spot too.

  • M J.
    Jun. 15, 2021

    Mathews Arm Campground β€” Shenandoah National Park

    Wonderful location in Shenandoah

    More quiet than the Big Meadows area (less people for sure!). Simple campground, with all you need to experience a wonderful time in Shenandoah. In the more northern area of the park, and we found that with a Thursday-Sunday time frame there was so many less people. Bathrooms are simple, and no showers. Our site B125 was not huge (are any sites here huge? I didn't see one!), but we had space for our larger North Face tent on the tent pad (just barely!). Our site had a fire ring and picnic table, though no bear box. Seems like some sites had the boxes, and others did not. Be sure to lock up your food and anything questionable here. Policy was pretty strict about that. B125 was tucked against a hill and woods (and man those woods are right at the edge of your site). Across from us was a handicap site, and next to us was a handicap site as well. It meant we had basically no neighbors for our early June weekend camping. Saturday night was quite full all around (still no neighbors for that spot). Some spots at Matthews Arm are reservable, others are first come first serve. It's cheap! You can park some trailers here, but it probably depends on your set up which spots would be best for that. There are a number of trails that you can get to either from campground, or sorta close. We hiked out near the group site and could get to Overall Run Falls (which I believe is the tallest in the park). As with all Shenandoah hikes, a good amount of up and down on this one. We really enjoyed our visit here and will definitely be back!Β 

    Don't forget to wait for full dark, and then look up. Breathtaking.Β 

    So. Many. Stars.

  • Michelle N.
    Aug. 13, 2020

    Antietam Creek Campground β€” Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

    Great Site Along the Potomac River

    Stayed one night on 8/9.

    This is such a nice little spot right along the Potomac River. All sites are walk-in only, which means you park on the street, cross the bridge over the C&O and towpath, and then down a little hill to your site. When my dog and I arrived, someone was still there, but after letting them know I had this spot reserved, they promptly packed out.Β There were no camp hosts on-site and nowhere to check in.Β 

    There isn't much privacy between you and your neighbors (or the C&O towpath so be prepared to see bikers, walkers, and runners). Each site has a grill, fire pit, and picnic table. I stayed at Site 11 which had its own path down to the Potomac River. It was quite steep for my bum knees and ankles, but I saw kids easily run up and down it. The Potomac is mostly flat with some "swirlies" for experienced paddlers. I also saw some people tubing.Β 

    There's one bathroom area- 2 pit toilets and 2 portapotties. There is nowhere to leave trash, so be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles and pack everything out with you. The sites are fully or mostly shaded. Be prepared to make friends with bugs, but they shouldn't bother you. Also great news- no mosquitoes!Β 

    I have Verizon and had better service by my car on the road than at the actual campsite. At the site I could make calls but couldn't check the internet. Other than a few check-in calls to family, I was looking to unplug for the night.Β 

    I ended up not sleeping overnight due to a personal health issue, but I am looking forward to coming back when it's a little cooler.


Guide to Strasburg

Dispersed tent camping around Strasburg, Virginia provides access to the George Washington National Forest with camping sites at elevations between 800-2,800 feet. The region's forest terrain features oak-hickory woodlands and pine stands with summer temperatures averaging 75-85Β°F during peak camping season. Many sites lack potable water sources, requiring campers to bring sufficient water supplies for their stay.

What to do

Hike the Massanutten Trail: At Little Crease Shelter, campers can access this historic trail system. One visitor explained, "Once you've parked, the trail begins off of the left side of the parking lot. As you begin walking, you'll quickly find your first yellow-dotted i. This indicator marks the trail."

Navigate OHV trails: The Peters Mill Run/Taskers Gap OHV System offers designated off-road vehicle routes within 20 minutes of Strasburg. A camper noted, "Great place to camp at if your car can handle it, if you like to offroad this place is for you or if you like hiking this is also for you."

Fish in the Shenandoah: Riverfront sites at South Fork Shenandoah River provide direct water access. A camper reported, "The site at the end of the road is beautiful. We stayed right at the end of the road, since we have a 30 foot RV, but there are sites you can walk to all the way down the river."

What campers like

Natural site separation: The terrain at Wolf Gap Recreation Area creates secluded camping spots. A reviewer described, "The campsite itself is beautifully wooded. Each campsite is mostly secluded from the rest of the park."

Established amenities in primitive settings: At Little Fort Campground, campers appreciate the balance of wilderness with basic facilities. A visitor noted, "Site had a fire pit, table, parking spot, and tent platform. We used one of the sign in slips but many of the other campers did not. Bathrooms and beer proof trash was provided."

Stargazing opportunities: The distance from major urban centers creates excellent night sky viewing conditions. A camper at South Fork Shenandoah River commented, "It's quiet and dark and a bit buggy. Many of the car parking pads are not level. But the tent pads appear to be."

What you should know

Cell service limitations: Tent camping near Strasburg often means limited connectivity. A camper at Little Fort warned, "This page says that Verizon has limited service but I have a Verizon prepaid plan and I had no service at all starting from about 20 minutes away from the site, so I wouldn't count on having any reception."

Road access challenges: Many dispersed sites require navigating unpaved roads. At Squirrel Hollow Road Camping, a camper observed, "Sites are located less than a mile from the paved highway. We found 5 spots just off the road. All were easily accessible by car or with a small teardrop trailer."

Water planning: Most primitive sites lack running water. A South Fork Shenandoah River camper advised, "True boondocking, haul it in, pack it out. Evidence of a cat hole in the site we picked."

Tips for camping with families

Beginner-friendly backpacking: Sky Meadows State Park Campground offers a gentle introduction to backcountry camping with a 1-mile hike-in. A visitor explained, "It's about a mile hike in to the campground, which sits in the woods in the park. Each site has a bear box, fire ring, picnic table, tent pad with pea gravel, and a lantern pole."

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children can observe deer and other wildlife around dawn and dusk. A Sky Meadows camper shared, "We had a family of deer pay us a visit each morning - didn't come across any bears."

Noise considerations: Some sites experience unexpected noise issues. A South Fork Shenandoah River camper warned, "Dont disregard the warnings about noise like i did, constant speakers all the time until 4am. i think its out of jurisdiction for park rangers so they wont do anything either."

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Most dispersed camping areas near Strasburg accommodate smaller RVs only. At South Fork Shenandoah River, a camper with a larger RV noted, "We stayed right at the end of the road, since we have a 30 foot RV, but there are sites you can walk to all the way down the river."

Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven parking surfaces. A Wolf Gap Recreation Area visitor observed, "Many of the car parking pads are not level. But the tent pads appear to be."

Weather impacts: River sites can become unusable after heavy precipitation. A South Fork Shenandoah River camper warned, "I went back early October to possibly camp again, shortly after the hurricane rains had passed. The sites were underwater or filled with river mud, making them completely un-campable."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Strasburg, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Strasburg, VA is Little Fort Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 6 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Strasburg, VA?

TheDyrt.com has all 37 tent camping locations near Strasburg, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.