Pet friendly camping near Stuarts Draft, Virginia offers diverse terrain from rolling valleys to mountain forests with elevations ranging from 1,300 to over 3,000 feet. The area's mild climate allows for camping from April through October, with July and August temperatures typically reaching the mid-80s and evenings cooling to the 60s. Campgrounds in this region provide varied hiking experiences from gentle riverside paths to challenging mountain trails.
What to do
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Access points near Loft Mountain Campground provide excellent day hiking options. "The AT runs right through the campground. The rangers and the host were super friendly and very helpful," reports Katrin M., who recommends checking out the visitor center at Big Meadow for "very cool programs and really good food."
Fishing opportunities: The stocked fishing pond at Montebello Resort offers license-free fishing. "The trout pond is not catch and release, it is catch and keep, whatever you catch, you pay for per pound," explains Adrian K. Michelle W. adds that "the pond at front has stocked trout and a small lake in the back has bass and crappie. Suitable for paddle boats or kayak."
Water recreation: Several campgrounds feature lakes and rivers for swimming and paddling. "There is a very nice swimming lake with a large swimming area roped off. Canoeing is available at the lake," shares Stephanie J. about Sherando Lake. The water features provide cooling relief during summer months when temperatures typically reach the mid-80s.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise the well-maintained bathhouses at Walnut Hills Campground. Kate A. notes the park was "one of the cleanest parks I've been to. The bath houses were pristine." This attention to cleanliness extends to the grounds, which Ralph P. describes as "clean and neat," adding that staff were "kind enough to loan us a 25' extension" when needed.
Campfire amenities: Many sites include well-designed fire rings with cooking capabilities. At Crabtree Falls Campground, Emily R. appreciated that "the site backed up to a creek that created natural flowing water that we enjoyed wading through," while noting "the bath house was well maintained and super clean."
Natural surroundings: Campsites positioned along water features are particularly popular. Britt S. shares that at tent sites near the Tye river, "we literally fell asleep to the sound of the water every night." Wildlife sightings are common throughout the region, adding to the camping experience.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day). At Sherando Lake Campground, Linda C. advises that "half the sites are first come-first serve and half can be reserved. The only drawback is that many people love this park and it is difficult to get reservations. The window opens six months out and are usually booked for the high season summer months."
Weather considerations: The mountain location can bring unpredictable weather patterns including afternoon thunderstorms in summer months. Morning fog is common, especially at higher elevations, but typically burns off by mid-morning.
Cell service limitations: Several campgrounds have limited or no connectivity. At Montebello Resort, Anthony I. mentions there is "zero cell coverage or wifi," while at Shenandoah Valley Campground, Karen notes that "no wifi, no cable and cell service is limited - definitely not good for Verizon."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water activities: Shenandoah Valley Campground offers multiple water features suitable for children. "My kids loved all the bunnies, the river, pool and putt-putt," shares Ryan Z. The campground also has "a store, a grill, a game room, and a big swimming pool," according to Joy A., making it ideal for families with varied interests.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. At Montebello Resort, Michelle W. noted "there was also a playground for children," while camping facilities throughout the region typically include open spaces for games and activities.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region's diverse habitats support abundant wildlife. Sam M. recommends the area around Montebello Resort, noting "Crab tree falls and spy rock are both really nice hikes right in the area," which offer opportunities for wildlife spotting along maintained trails suitable for various ages.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: At Devils Backbone Camp, Erika S. advises that "if you stay at a full hook up site and are parked in an odd number spot, you will need an extra long sewer hose to reach the connection. For example, we have a small travel trailer and we needed a 30 foot hose. The sewer connection for the odd number sites is on the opposite side of the RV than the electricity and water."
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require additional equipment for leveling. Robert M. notes that at Devils Backbone Camp, "some of the pads (#9 in our case) had a septic cap that was too high. We didn't have those things to raise the hose up, so I had to manually lift and empty the hose for the duration of our emptying."
Access road awareness: Mountain roads can present challenges for larger rigs. At Montebello Resort, Quinn G. advises: "FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS ON THE CAMPGROUND WEBSITE. VA56 is a very windy road not recommended for pulling a camper through. Use the blue ridge parkway."
