Glamping experiences near Stuarts Draft, Virginia offer unique accommodations at elevations ranging from 1,200-3,000 feet in the Shenandoah Valley. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 85°F during peak camping months. Fall brings vibrant foliage colors while spring offers wildflower displays along nearby hiking paths, creating varied seasonal camping conditions throughout the year.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Crabtree Falls Campground provides easy access to one of the area's most impressive waterfalls. "The falls are a great hike and there are lots of services nearby. A great Parkway stop," notes Anna R. The waterfall trail is just a mile from the campground, making it accessible for most fitness levels.
Fishing at multiple locations: Montebello Resort offers both a stocked trout pond and a fishing lake. "The trout pond is not catch and release, it is catch and keep, whatever you catch, you pay for power pound," explains Adrian K. The resort provides fishing equipment rentals for those who arrive unprepared.
Night sky viewing: The limited light pollution at Big Meadows Campground creates excellent stargazing conditions. "At night the you could see stars. We took a walk to the overlook in the middle of the night to stargaze," shares Kate. Rangers often conduct astronomy programs during summer months at the amphitheater.
Wildlife observation: Big Meadows Campground offers frequent deer sightings. "You will definitely see deer in the campground as they walk through and browse the understory. They are unafraid of humans unless directly approached," reports Veronica S. Early morning and dusk provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park consistently receives praise for its maintenance. "Staff was very friendly and the park was one of the cleanest parks I've been to. The bath houses were pristine," remarks Kate A. The campground's cleanliness extends to all common areas.
Spacious sites: Natural Chimneys County Park offers roomier camping spaces than many area options. "The sites are large, though fairly open to each other," notes Ford S. This extra space allows for better campsite setup and more privacy between neighboring campers.
Water activities: Stoney Creek Resort features a swimming lake that draws campers during summer months. "Great swimming lake. Family friendly," says Steven S. The lake includes designated swimming areas and rental options for water equipment.
Private wooded sites: Crabtree Falls Campground provides more secluded camping spots. "Sites are right on the river, we had a walk to which gave us some extra privacy. Beautiful area for hiking, lots leading off of the AT," explains Heather L. These sites typically require reservation well in advance during peak season.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA has spotty internet access. "Cell signal and camp wifi are bad. I was just able to get a decent signal with Starlink by carefully pointing at a small gap between trees," warns Dale Y. Plan accordingly if you need reliable communications during your stay.
Weather preparedness: Temperature variations can be significant near Stuarts Draft. "It was an especially cold night hitting a low of 14F. Very happy for the nearby heated restrooms with hot running water," shares Carol B. about Big Meadows Campground. Pack clothing layers even during summer months.
Site selection considerations: At Walnut Hills Campground, site placement matters. "The campsites are very close to each other and the roads are very narrow. We can't even extend our awning due to through traffic," notes Jennifer A. Research specific site locations before booking.
Seasonal crowds: Summer weekends bring significantly more visitors to the area. "On Saturday the public picnic area next to the group camp ground was over flowing. People kept coming into our campsites," reports Kate about Dundo Group Campground. Consider midweek visits during peak season for a quieter experience.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playgrounds: Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA provides various kid-friendly activities. "The campground itself has a pool, open seasonally, a game room, and a playground. It's an old school playground but the gkids love it," shares Bridget H. Most activities are included with your camping fee.
Wildlife encounters: Children particularly enjoy the deer sightings at Shenandoah National Park campgrounds. "We saw many deer and bear while camping. Just being in Shenandoah is a soothing experience," says Rachel M. about Big Meadows Campground. Keep a respectful distance from wildlife and store food properly.
Guided programs: Weekend ranger activities offer educational opportunities for children. "Nice amphitheater with interesting ranger programs," mentions Kim L. regarding Big Meadows. Most programs run 30-60 minutes and are suitable for elementary-aged children.
Water-based fun: For families seeking glamping close to Stuarts Draft, Virginia, lake activities provide entertainment options. "The swimming 'lake' cools ya off but is pretty dirty—had to wash my suit twice to get it clean," advises Heather about Shenandoah Acres Campground. Consider bringing water toys and flotation devices.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Crabtree Falls Campground presents some terrain difficulties. "Access was easy. The campground was busy and everything was clean and neat. The sites were a little tight. We needed a little extra footage for my electrical hookup," explains Ralph P. Bring extra leveling blocks and extension cords.
Dump station planning: Some campgrounds have limited facilities. "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," warns Christa C. about Shenandoah Acres Campground. Consider alternatives or plan to dump early.
Pull-through accessibility: Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA offers easier site access. "Lots of pull thru sites, full hook up, even have dog park and laundry," mentions Jody O. Most pull-through sites accommodate rigs up to 40 feet in length.
Seasonal operation differences: Not all facilities remain open year-round. "The showers are $5 for 10 minutes... Make sure you test that it works BEFORE you get set up," advises Veronica S. about Big Meadows Campground. Winter camping options are more limited with fewer amenities available.
