Camping options around Stuarts Draft, Virginia range from riverside settings to full-service campgrounds in the Shenandoah Valley. The area sits at elevations between 1,300-1,500 feet, creating cooler summer temperatures than nearby lowlands. Many campgrounds feature creek or river access, with sites positioned for both shade and sun exposure depending on seasonal needs.
What to do
Hiking at Crabtree Falls: Take a short trip to nearby Crabtree Falls for excellent trail access. "The falls are a great hike and there are lots of services nearby. A great Parkway stop," notes a visitor to Crabtree Falls Campground.
Water activities: Fishing ponds and creeks provide cooling options during summer months. At Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park, visitors appreciate the "fishing ponds are great, bring a fishing pole!" Several campgrounds offer waterfront sites with varying degrees of privacy.
Cavern exploration: Schedule time to visit underground attractions near camping areas. "The cavern tour (discounted for guests at the RV park) was lovely. Marked well, lighted, relaxed," reports a guest at Endless Caverns RV Resort & Cottages.
Local breweries: Many campgrounds provide easy access to the region's craft beverage scene. "A short walk through the tent area brought you to the large brewery area. This area includes a brewpub, large outdoor seating area with fire pits and an outdoor stage," explains a camper who stayed at Devils Backbone Camp.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Sites along creeks and rivers rank highly among visitors. A Crabtree Falls Campground guest shared, "The site backed up to a creek that created natural flowing water that we enjoyed wading through. The bath house was well maintained and super clean."
Family entertainment: Campgrounds offer numerous activities for children. At Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley, "There's always tons of activities to do for everyone of age. Golf cart parades, crafts hours, poker run, corn hole tournaments. And of course their lake that has two jumping decks, water slide, snack bar."
Clean facilities: Many visitors highlight well-maintained restrooms. "Bathrooms were very clean! Very nice customer service. Grounds were very well kept," noted a reviewer at Walnut Hills Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds feature resident wildlife. At Shenandoah Valley Campground, visitors enjoy "wild but tame bunnies are everywhere," making for unique camping experiences.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. "No wifi, no cable and cell service is limited - definitely not good for Verizon. There were no fewer than half a dozen people walking around with their phones held high trying to get a signal," reports a camper at Shenandoah Valley Campground.
Site spacing and privacy: Some RV parks near Stuarts Draft offer more separation than others. "The sites were a little tight," mentions one visitor about certain areas. Others note "very close to each other" at busier locations, particularly during summer weekends.
Flooding potential: Low-lying sites require weather awareness. At Misty Mountain Camp Resort, "T-1 though T-6 sites flood often because they are low and next to the river. We camped at T2 and had to tear down as soon as we set it up."
Seasonal considerations: Several campgrounds operate with limited services in off-season. A visitor to Glen Maury Park noted, "Overnight stay off I-81. Easy in and out. VERY well kept and super friendly staff. Larger rigs need to stay in the lower campground and there are no sewer connections."
Tips for camping with families
Look for water features: Swimming areas provide summer entertainment. "Great swimming lake. Family friendly," shares a visitor about Stoney Creek Resort, ideal for cooling off during hot months.
Consider cabin options: Many campgrounds offer alternative accommodations. "Located within minutes of I81. We stopped for 2 nights to see the Shenandoah National Park on our way to NC," explains a visitor to Walnut Hills who appreciated the convenient location.
Check playground facilities: Most family-oriented campgrounds include play areas. "There is a playground that is very nice! They offer entertainment on weekends and some other times of the year," mentions a Glen Maury Park visitor.
Ask about organized activities: Scheduled events enhance family experiences. "We had a great Halloween weekend, our family had a fantastic time!" reports a camper at Endless Caverns RV Resort where seasonal programming adds value to the camping experience.
Tips from RVers
Extension cords recommended: Some sites have unusual hookup placements. "The power station was on the opposite side of the septic, so make sure you have a 30ft power cord at least!" advises a visitor to Devils Backbone Camp.
Check leveling requirements: Site terrain varies across the region. "Sites are mostly level," mentions a reviewer at Endless Caverns, while others recommend wheel blocks for certain areas within the same campground.
Confirm dump station conditions: Waste disposal facilities require maintenance checks. "The dump station is all good," notes one RVer at Glen Maury Park, highlighting the importance of functional facilities for self-contained camping.
Consider site location carefully: Some campgrounds have distinct areas with different amenities. "Sites are right on the river, we had a walk to which gave us some extra privacy," explains a camper at Crabtree Falls Campground, emphasizing the importance of selecting sites that match specific needs.
