135 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campers visiting Stuarts Draft in Virginia will find several good camping areas within driving distance. Big Meadows Campground sits inside Shenandoah National Park, where the sites have enough room for gear and connect to many hiking paths. The Sherando Lake Campground has a lake where people can swim and fish, plus a beach section for relaxing. If you want fewer neighbors, Lewis Mountain Campground is smaller and tends to be less crowded than the others. You can drive to all these places without much trouble since the roads are kept in good shape. Watch for deer and birds around your camp, and store your food properly so animals don't come looking for a meal. Fire rules change depending on how dry it's been, so check what's allowed before you go. During busy times like summer weekends, you should book ahead since these places fill up fast. The Stuarts Draft area features quality campgrounds that provide excellent basecamp options for exploring Virginia's mountains, with sites available for different camping preferences and group sizes. The weather around Stuarts Draft can change quickly, and it's often cooler at higher spots in the mountains, so bring layers even in summer.
"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. "
from $25 - $47 / night
Check Availability"First time camping in any part of Virginia, very nice and clean campground, not too much outside noise besides the random car driving on the one road near by."
"We set up camp then walked over to the brewery/ restaurant for some flights and dinner. I recommend grabbing some growlers to go. Showers and restrooms were clean."
from $25 - $140 / night
Check Availability"You can fish in the lake though we didn't catch anything. Wifi is free and open so no password and therefore, not secure. Trash picked up each day."
"Good location close to I81 but little road noise. I did hear a train."
from $45 - $99 / night
Check Availability"The winding layout allowed for more distance between other sites. The woods were beautiful with easy walking trails right from the site."
"Back in sites for smaller trailers such as our teardrop were plenty big enough but still on the outskirts of the field. Bath house was very clean and very well thought out."
from $35 - $75 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Lots for them to do, great swimming lake, employees were a pleasure. Trash pick-up was awesome !! Our site was gorgeous. Not a full hook up(more on that later), but absolutely perfect."
from $29 - $45 / night
Check Availability"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."
"I’ve camped at a completely different part of this place before which was a site without access to bathrooms and showers."
from $28 - $55 / night
Check Availability"We spent 2 weeks at SVC while our trunk was in the shop(our travel trailer got towed there- highly recommend Good Sam Roadside policy). Everyone on staff was accomodating, helpful and friendly."
"It was clean, but had a trail of ants get into my belongings. Sites are close to one another and the cabins are not near the water. They are near the bath house though."
from $36 - $132 / night
Check Availability"This campground is perfect for those looking to just get away from things for a couple of days."
"We got a walk in site, so our tent was way far away from cars and other people. The site included a fire pit w/grill grate, picnic table, and metal bear box."
from $30 - $75 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"The upstairs neighbors were probably as quiet as they could be but you could still hear them walking around and using the plumbing. The trout pond is not what they make it out to be on the website."
from $38 - $55 / night
Check Availability
ScoutWe were on our way to Arizona and needed to stop for the night the staff were very kind in holding a pull through spot for us with no more than my name on arrival the campground is awesome for the money.
GuideNo other available sites, so used tent site 35 parking spot to stay in campervan. Worked fine. Nice campground. Saw at least 10 deer along sides of road from entrance to campsite.
ScoutFirst camping trip in VA and honestly the only time we’ll come here. Noisy, plots are on the main road people speed down, loud music at all times. Plus the bathroom was great, taken care of but this isn’t camping. Great if you need people around you.
GuideStopped here on my trip from Cherokee NC to Front Royal VA on the Blue ridge parkway and skyline drive. As in most NPS campgrounds, there are no hookups but the campground was nice and the weather was great. No AC needed.
RangerCool campground in a remote part of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As such, very little phone service and lots of narrow, winding roads. Plenty of hikes and several interesting little towns within 30 minutes. I thought it was an interesting mix! We had a power outage during our visit, which also eliminates water access at this site. I was grateful to have an inverter to keep us online since there is zero AT&T service. I had a pull-through site and I'm not certain that I could have made the exit if the campers ahead of me didn't leave.
ScoutThe wifi test was done with my starlink not the campground wifi bc it doesn't exist.
To begin with I came physically up here from SC to check availability for long term stay. I was told there was a list and I would be put on that list and if a spot became available I would be notified (8-3-26). I was called (8-23-26) with availability and request for payment I paid then on the phone. My card the next following 3 days was ran for an additional total of 2400.00 every single morning an 800.00 charge I luckily had my card locked bc if not I would have been screwed. I was not given a reason why my card was ran so many times and not even an apology. I checked in on September 1st and was put in a site completely covered with tree limbs which is a problem as the only requirement I had was a clear view of the sky for my starlink to work for my remote work. For 2 whole weeks I went back and forth with the new GM Peggy. For 2 whole weeks I could NOT work the campground wifi is non existent. I was given the run around and a disrespectful attitude saying it wasnt there fault when it was known to begin with this was an absolute NEED not a want. Fast forward to today (9-12-26) I had issues with my power pole showing a short to ground and I was told its bc the poles are grounded to themselves but finally moved. The only catch was if I was to move I HAD TO LEAVE on october 1st per PEGGY the nee GM. So because of a miscommunication between staff of mine and my families needs bc my kids homeschooling I am forced to scramble to find another campground in two weeks when we live in our camper and work OTR. Its been nothing but problems here. The water taps are full of rust the GM judges you based off how you apear and treats you like dirt under the door mat. I was hoping this would be a good fit for me and my family but it has been nothing but the worst camping experience I have had in the past 5 years. The staff themselfs are great they tried to remedy the issue day one but PEGGY wouldnt allow it. I highly recommend going somewhere else and spending your hard earned money bc this place does not respect you as a customer or tenant. I talked with many campers who have been coming here for years since the 90s and they even say and feel the same the campground has declined since a management company purchased it. Also the long term rentals will be al.ost non existent unless you've bene coming here for 4 years or more. Cable is also non existent here. Its been a very VERY bad regretful experience. The lies from management and corporate baseline excuses are disgusting. Will NEVER camp here again. Take this as your honest warning from a normal person and a combat veteran. It dont take much to please me but this place has fell well below the bar. The site is was moved to before I get kicked out because they couldnt properly meet the needs of my stay allowed my starlink to work so I will be able to work 2 weeks before I am essentially nomadic again. If your tent camping bring water boots bc the tent sites seem to hold water. ALSO DONT LEAVE HONEST REVIEWS THAT SHED LIGHT ON THE NEGATIVES AND DOWNFALLS OF THIS PLACE OR THEY WILL TELL YOU YOU HAVE TO LEAVE.
RangerThis KOA has cozy spots among the trees and off any major road. Shower houses are squeaky clean and spots are spaced out just right! Some extra amenities: playground, camper core signage, and many other things!
GuideThe RV park is on a mountain side. Roads are fairly steep. Most sites are level, ours was a bit sloped but were able to level our trailer. Plenty to do here. Endless Caverns site is quite large. Huge rec room with large projection TV. Game room, large deck with public bbq equipment. Great pool. A catch n release fishing pond, pickle ball & volleyball courts and a great playground for the younger set sporting a large air filled bouncing pad. Kids in the camp loved it. The cavern tour is worth it once. Tour guides are young so not much geological knowledge. The New Market Civil War Battlefield is about 3 miles away, it and it's museum are well worth it. The Endless Caverns staff is super. Prices reasonable. A great find. I will stay again.
ScoutBeautiful area and lots of amenities but $95 a night for RV camper even if you’re in a van. The tent spots fill up fast if there are any
Camping near Stuarts Draft, Virginia offers several options for outdoor enthusiasts in the Blue Ridge Mountain region. At approximately 1,400 feet elevation, the area experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer temperatures averaging 10-15 degrees cooler than nearby cities. Fall camping is particularly popular when the surrounding forest displays vivid color changes, typically peaking in mid-October.
Fishing opportunities: Montebello Resort offers both a stocked trout pond and a small lake for fishing. "The trout pond is not what they make it out to be on the website. It's a very small pond with zero shade at the entrance of the resort. It is not catch and release, it is catch and keep, whatever you catch, you pay for power pound," notes Adrian K.
Waterfall hiking trails: The Crabtree Falls trail, located near Crabtree Falls Campground, provides access to one of Virginia's tallest waterfalls. "The falls are a great hike and there are lots of services nearby. A great Parkway stop," explains Anna R., while another camper mentions you can "walk 15 min up the road to the waterfall hike - parking can be crazy up there but you can walk!"
Brewery visits: Several campgrounds provide access to local breweries. At Devils Backbone Camp, "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," according to Erika S.
Lake activities: The swimming areas at Sherando Lake appeal to many campers. "Sherando Lake campground was clean and easy to access just off of the BRP. The sites were level and everything looked recently upgraded. We didn't get in the water, but we saw the beach and it looked perfect for kids," according to Mike G.
Privacy options: Some campgrounds offer more secluded sites. A camper at Loft Mountain Campground shares, "My daughter picked site A33g since it was secluded and we were unlikely to have neighbors during our midweek visit. It was a bit of a walk through lush greenery from the car to the tent site, but once there, you really feel like you are the only humans on the mountain."
Riverside camping: Multiple campgrounds feature sites alongside waterways. 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," says Britt S., highlighting the natural sound barrier these sites provide.
Cell service limitations: Many campsites have limited connectivity. At Montebello Resort, a camper notes, "The location of the campground is remote with zero cell coverage or wifi, and other than the store on-site, there isn't much outside of a few hiking trails, within 30 minutes."
Road access considerations: Mountain roads can be challenging for larger vehicles. "Be aware; VA56 is a very windy road not recommended for pulling a camper through. Use the blue ridge parkway," advises Quinn G. about accessing Montebello Resort.
Wildlife precautions: Bears are active in the region. A camper at Sherando Lake Campground reports, "A young bear was repeatedly visiting site A9 up the road from me and I had to chase him off when he came near my site!" All sites in this area provide bear boxes for food storage.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds provide child-friendly water activities. At Shenandoah Valley Campground, "We had a great site on the river. Spaces were small but big enough for all our equipment. They had an awesome pool that was heated, hot tubs, mini golf and good playgrounds. My kids were in heaven," shares Lo H.
Multiple activities: Some campgrounds offer various entertainment options. "There are a lot of kiddos riding bicycles, hover boards, scooters, and skateboards around the loops, so the 5 MPH speed limit is important," reports a camper about Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley.
Campsite selection: Families should consider bathroom proximity. At Sherando Lake Campground, one camper shares, "We always get campsite A13, which is right across from the bathrooms. Very convenient with kids. The site is pretty secluded with trees, so you can't see your neighbors."
Hookup positioning: At some campgrounds, utility connections may require planning. At Devils Backbone Camp, "The hookups in this area were different than I have ever experienced as the hookups were shared between two sites. If you were on an even number site, this was no problem. However, if you were on an odd number site, you either had to hope you had the length on your water and power lines to run to the opposite side of your rig," notes Steve V.
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven sites. "The one problem is the camper section is very tight, whereas the tent sites look more roomy," says Ryan Z. about Shenandoah Valley Campground, while another camper at Walnut Hills Campground noted, "Access was easy. The campground was busy and everything was clean and neat. The sites were a little tight."
Dump station maintenance: Check the condition of dump facilities. A camper at Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley cautions, "Since our site had no sewer hook up, we needed to dump before leaving. It's conveniently located on the way out, BUT was completely overflowed. Toilet paper everywhere, and oh the stench."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the campgrounds in Stuarts Draft, Virginia?
While there aren't campgrounds directly in Stuarts Draft itself, several excellent options surround the area. Devils Backbone Camp is a popular private campground nearby, known for its clean facilities and proximity to the brewery while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere. To the east, Loft Mountain Campground in Shenandoah National Park offers a perfect getaway from everyday life with curvy roads that create a secluded feel despite easy access from the park entrances. Most campgrounds in the region are situated within the surrounding mountains and forests that encircle the Stuarts Draft area.
What camping options are available near Stuarts Draft, VA?
The Stuarts Draft area offers diverse camping experiences to suit different preferences. For an exceptional wilderness experience, Cave Mountain Lake Group Camp in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest is highly rated for its personality and well-maintained facilities with potable water. Families might enjoy Thunder Bridge, a unique property tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains that was once a CCC camp, now offering tent sites, screen cabins, log cabins, and fully furnished rentals. Additional options include private RV resorts, state park campgrounds, and national forest campsites, providing everything from primitive tent camping to full-hookup RV sites with amenities.
How far are the nearest campgrounds from Stuarts Draft?
The closest campgrounds to Stuarts Draft are within 20-30 minutes driving distance. Sherando Lake Campground is approximately 15 miles away near Lyndhurst, offering well-maintained facilities in the George Washington National Forest. Another nearby option is Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park near Staunton, about 12 miles from Stuarts Draft. For those willing to drive a bit further, campgrounds in the Shenandoah National Park are within 45-60 minutes, offering more remote camping experiences with beautiful mountain views and hiking access.
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