The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Swoope, VA

1,088 Reviews

Camping areas around Swoope, Virginia include a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed camping opportunities within the Shenandoah Valley region. Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park in nearby Staunton provides 139 sites with a range of accommodations including tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and cabin rentals. Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area offers a more primitive experience with free camping and basic amenities like toilets and trash service. The region's mixed-use campgrounds typically accommodate both tent and RV campers, with several locations like North River Campground and Sherando Lake Campground providing access to water features.

Most campgrounds in the area operate year-round, though some like Sherando Lake operate seasonally from April through October. Primitive sites at Braley Pond provide an alternative to developed campgrounds for those seeking solitude. "I was the only one here on a Saturday night. Very quiet and it was great to have the place to myself. The stars were amazing!" noted one camper about their experience at Braley Pond. Road conditions vary throughout the region, with dispersed camping areas sometimes requiring appropriate footwear due to muddy conditions. Campground accessibility ranges from easy highway access at locations like Walnut Hills to more remote forest settings requiring additional navigation.

Established campgrounds in the area frequently feature amenities such as electric hookups, shower facilities, and designated picnic areas. Several visitors mentioned the cleanliness of facilities as a highlight, particularly at Walnut Hills Campground. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "Bathhouses were pristine" and "the campground was one of the cleanest parks I've been to." Water features are common attractions, with fishing ponds, creeks, and lakes complementing many camping areas. Dispersed camping options provide more rustic experiences with fewer amenities but greater privacy. Campers report enjoying the secluded nature of these sites despite occasionally needing to clean up after previous visitors. Cell service can be limited at more remote locations, particularly in the mountainous terrain that characterizes much of the region.

Map showing campgrounds near Swoope, VirginiaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Swoope, Virginia (151)

    1. Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park

    20 Reviews
    Stuarts Draft, VA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 337-3920

    $45 - $99 / night

    "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."

    2. Shenandoah Valley Campground

    25 Reviews
    Staunton, VA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 248-2267

    $36 - $132 / night

    "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."

    3. Braley Pond Dispersed Camping & Day Use Area

    13 Reviews
    West Augusta, VA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 432-0187

    "Car could be parked right next to us on site 2. Next to a creek, so good sounds and cool environment 3. Some walking trails 4."

    "the pond has a great little trail you can walk around and at night the stars are gorgeous. the water is also stocked with fish!"

    4. Sherando Lake Campground

    33 Reviews
    Tyro, VA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 291-2188

    $25 - $47 / night

    "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. "

    5. Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley

    12 Reviews
    Stuarts Draft, VA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 337-2267

    $29 - $45 / night

    "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."

    6. Devils Backbone Camp

    40 Reviews
    Nellysford, VA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 817-9708

    $25 - $140 / night

    "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."

    7. Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    65 Reviews
    Dyke, VA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 823-4675

    $30 - $75 / night

    "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."

    8. Stoney Creek Resort

    7 Reviews
    Stuarts Draft, VA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 337-1510

    "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."

    9. North River Campground

    6 Reviews
    Mount Solon, VA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 265-5100

    $5 / night

    "The roads are paved up to the last mile, which turns to a well maintained gravel road, so no need for an off roading vehicle."

    "Lots of bmx bikers, tucked far back in the woods so decent for privacy except that sites are basically in an open field."

    10. Misty Mountain Camp Resort

    39 Reviews
    Crozet, VA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 647-8900

    $35 - $75 / night

    "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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 151 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Swoope Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Swoope, VA

495 Photos of 151 Swoope Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Swoope, VA

1088 Reviews of 151 Swoope Campgrounds

  • C
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm

    Convenient location

    It s nice to have a camp option near Harrisonburg. I agree with others that the tall grass seems like a tick risk. The tall grass is too close in the more private fire circle for fire safety. It was nice to hear several owls nearby. There is road noise during the day. Orv is welcoming and accommodating.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Middle Creek Campground

    Beautiful and secluded

    Mostly seasonal campers, but an idyllic environment. I am parked alongside a babbling brook. Poor cell reception, no tv. A forced off the grid experience.

  • TangoRomeo 8.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Sherwood Lake WV

    Lake Sherwood Dispersed Camping

    Around a dozen sites with Rick fire rings, some are RV sized others are tent only. These are located along the road to Lake Sherwood in Neola WV off Rt. 92. First come first serve. Lake Sherwood Day use recreation area with seasonal pay sites is located at the end of the road. All within Monongahela National Forest

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Beware

    So the drive here is gorgeous. Deer everywhere and a nice drive. But campground wise wasn’t great. We stayed a Friday night and the group across from us yelled, laughed, partied the entire night til 5am. We didn’t sleep at all. Loud music and all. The bathrooms had one working toilet and one sink, however the one “working” toilet was stopped up and trash was everywhere around it. Such as dirty toilet paper and other sanitary things in the floors.

    Overall the loud party beside us ruined the entire experience and I really wish the campground hosts or rangers kept it clean and also upheld the quiet hours.

  • Sonder B.
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Dispersed camping at Mower Basin

    Clean, Remote, Pristine, off the beaten path = Mower Basin

    I chose for this trip to pay a visit to the Monongahela Nation Forest in West Virginia. I plan on dispersed camp in the Mower Basin for seven days. 

    The first three I would be solo and on that Friday my partner in crime would come to camp. I went to the primary camp site, and it was occupied. 

    I had four other camp sites chosen and continued to the other four. I found that other campers were on the other spots. I went to the last one and found it to be open. In setting up camp I found two piles of bear scat. 

    One pile was clearly fresher than the other, but still two piles! The attached photo is the last dispersed camp site. It was a little over a mile from the other site. I was dispersed camping in the Mower Basin. You can drive right up to your camp site, but don’t be fooled, this is primitive camping. 

    You need to bring everything with you and take it all out with you.

    Nearest Cell tower is here 38.688719,-79.979097

    Fuel &  small gocery store can be found here 38.710707,-79.979095

    Minor Automotive shop and tire repair here 38.713085,-79.979352

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Quiet, lots of room

    This is a National Park campground so there are no hookups! Generators are allowed during designated hours. (Please don’t bring one.) Hot shower, bathrooms and laundry are available. Camp store with basics. The sites are large, some are not level but are workable. Lots of wildlife. Near trails.

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Perfect Shenandoah stopover

    Good amount of first come first serve spots. We visited during a weekday and there was more than enough availability. Nice small trail that runs around the campground. The campstore offers more than enough! We bought a smores-kit, very handy. I dont know if there are (enough) full hook ups?

  • madison F.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park

    WALNUT

    first arrived weary of storm headed our way only to find out our campsite was the only in our section that wasn’t a flood zone.

    saw some liquid being pumped into naturally flowing creek water??! also if you want to see ducks… stay close to the pond.

    super honorable mention - lower bathhouses did not have warm water and had to hike up the hill to use, extremely nicer, bathhouse.

    POOL had a “tlc makeover” only to have a surmount of chemicals still not diluted by 5pm - MURKYYYYYYY

    also had a campsite that was placed between three trees - super tight but made it work.

    only stayed in passing - get what you get

  • madison F.
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Endless Caverns RV Resort & Cottages

    Tracy Knows What’s Up

    This resort has EVERYTHING!! clean showers/bathrooms, pool, pickleball, volleyball, playgrounds, hiking trails, full hookup with water pumps at EACH site, laundry (paid), arcade, and a rec center. so cool staying on top of the caverns

Guide to Swoope

Camping near Swoope, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Loft Mountain Campground. One camper mentioned, "Easy access to the Blackrock Summit and Doyles River Falls trails!" This makes it a great spot for those who love to hike.
  • Swimming: At Sherando Lake Campground, you can enjoy swimming in the lake. A reviewer said, "The lake is beautiful and refreshing. You can swim out to an Island if you want to."
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Douthat State Park Campground, offer fishing opportunities. One visitor noted, "You can rent John boats or kayaks here as well, and the lake is stocked with plenty of Rainbow trout."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Misty Mountain Camp Resort said, "Great shower and laundry facilities as well."
  • Family-friendly activities: Many campgrounds have activities for kids. A family at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA mentioned, "The kids were enjoying a short trail and a small swimming pool."
  • Scenic views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. One reviewer at Sherando Lake Campground said, "We had a great view of sunset. Nice stars at night."

What you should know:

  • Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Sherando Lake Campground pointed out, "No Verizon or ATT cell service I could find and no WiFi."
  • Crowded on weekends: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during holidays. A visitor at Shenandoah Valley Campground noted, "Weekends were packed, but much quieter during the week."
  • Costs can add up: Campers have mentioned that some campgrounds charge for amenities. A reviewer at Loft Mountain Campground said, "Showers were pretty expensive at $5 for 10 minutes."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Look for family activities: Choose campgrounds that offer fun for kids. One family at Misty Mountain Camp Resort said, "Our kids had a blast on the inflatable jump pad."
  • Check site sizes: Some sites can be small and crowded. A camper at Loft Mountain Campground mentioned, "The campsites are small and crowded."
  • Bring cash for amenities: Some campgrounds may not accept cards. A visitor at Douthat State Park Campground noted, "There’s an old-fashioned pay phone available."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site accessibility: Make sure your RV can fit in the site. A camper at Devil’s Backbone Camp said, "The water, electric and sewer hookups are on the wrong side for half of the RV sites."
  • Look for level sites: Some campgrounds have uneven ground. A reviewer at Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA mentioned, "The site was not level but OK."
  • Be prepared for noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially with kids around. A visitor at Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park noted, "There was some construction going on, but I’m sure it’ll be ready for summer."

Camping near Swoope, Virginia, has something for everyone. Whether you're hiking, swimming, or just enjoying the great outdoors, you'll find plenty of options to make your trip memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Swoope, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Swoope, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 151 campgrounds and RV parks near Swoope, VA and 23 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Swoope, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Swoope, VA is Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park with a 4.3-star rating from 20 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Swoope, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 free dispersed camping spots near Swoope, VA.

What parks are near Swoope, VA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 parks near Swoope, VA that allow camping, notably George Washington & Jefferson National Forests and Monongahela National Forest.

Keep Exploring