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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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."
Tips from RVers
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."
