The Bluemont area sits at approximately a 680-foot elevation in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, creating moderate temperature variations between day and night even during summer months. Camping options range from developed sites with electrical hookups to primitive backcountry areas. The region's extensive trail systems connect many campgrounds to larger wilderness areas.
What to do
Shooting range activities: At The Cove Campground, visitors can enjoy target practice at the outdoor gun range. "On top of them having an outdoor gun range... they have a small beach, picnic tabels everywhere, a volleyball ball sand court, a dock, you can fish in the lake, rent non motorboats, ATVs welcome," notes camper Shanna B.
Disc golf courses: Bull Run Regional Park offers an 18-hole disc golf course just a short drive from Bluemont. "I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course," suggests Rachel L., who considers this park her "go-to weekend camping spot."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple ponds stocked with various fish species provide excellent angling opportunities. "The kids were able to fish for hours at the two fishing ponds, which both were stocked with bass and bluegill," reports Jason G. about his experience at Fort Valley Ranch.
Hiking to overlooks: Many trails lead to scenic vistas with views of the surrounding mountains. "There is an overlook (Lina Constable Overlook) to hike to right off the camp loop but it's 1 mile steep incline at times but worth every step. Gorgeous!" shares Laure D. about Trout Pond Recreation Area.
ATV trail riding: For off-road enthusiasts, dedicated trail systems accommodate various vehicle types. "This Campground had everything I wanted. Shooting range, ATV trails, fishing, hiking and great campsites," explains Ben M. about his visit to The Cove Campground.
What campers like
Crystal clear lakes: The water clarity at some locations allows for excellent swimming and fishing visibility. "Swimming is excellent with sand beach. Big catfish in clear water. Water was so clean that it was throbbing with anfreshwater jellyfish," notes Fred F. about Rockcliff Lake at Trout Pond Recreation Area.
Shade coverage: Many campsites feature ample tree coverage, providing natural cooling. "Also, another big one for me was that there was an abundance of shade throughout the site and the entire campground," reports Jason G. about Fort Valley Ranch.
Wildlife viewing: The area hosts diverse animal populations, including some unexpected residents. "One unique (and awesome) touch: there are goats casually roaming around the campground. It adds a fun, unexpected charm to the place," mentions Karl S. about The Cove Campground.
Clean shower facilities: Several campgrounds maintain exceptional bathroom amenities. "The best review I can give us of the bathrooms. They're with staying again alone. Locking doors, individual stalls. Hot dog. Best camping showers I've ever had," shares Yvonne B. about her stay at Bull Run Regional Park.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds have limited or no mobile connectivity. "At the end of the season last year, they were installing a pay phone, which is helpful because there is no cell service. In case of an emergency, you are a 20 minute drive to call for help," warns Chris J. about Trout Pond Recreation Area.
Alcohol policies vary: Some facilities prohibit alcohol consumption while others allow it. "Beautiful place, lots of options and activities. Not a quiet retreat with the ATVs and shooting range, but lots of fun. Only drawback is price, but it's not unreasonable," mentions Daniel G. about The Cove Campground's policies.
Road access challenges: Certain horse campgrounds near Bluemont, Virginia have challenging approach roads. "There are some pretty steep inclines to even get to the campgrounds. Unless you have a powerful vehicle pulling your camper, it would help to release your water supply and fill up when you get to the campground," suggests Chris J. about Trout Pond.
Site leveling requirements: Campsite terrain varies significantly across facilities. "Our site (site 3) was an easy level pull-through site, making the setup/breakdown very quick and painless. All the RV sites were impressively level, with only minimal leveling needed," notes Jason G. about Fort Valley Ranch.
Tips for camping with families
Water park options: Several campgrounds feature water recreation facilities specifically designed for children. "Our family stayed here in a cabin on a long weekend trip to DC. This campground was full of stuff to do and we didn't even get to do a lot of it. The campground had a climbing wall on one afternoon," shares Bridget H. about Bull Run Regional Park's family activities.
Scheduled activities: Many campgrounds organize regular recreational programs. "They informed us that they had a scavenger hunt for the kids going all weekend, they had an outdoor movie scheduled for Friday night, a campfire story time scheduled for Saturday night and crafts scheduled for Sunday morning," explains Ben G. about Pohick Bay Campground.
Playground accessibility: Consider proximity to play areas when selecting a site. "We got a site on thr inner loop and it backed to the playground and the bathhouse. The site was spacious," recommends Ben G. about Pohick Bay, though noting "Only draw back is that there's only one playground that's awkwardly located."
Nature scavenger hunts: Many local campgrounds offer educational activities. "There are miles of trails and my gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt. You even get a prize when you finish," mentions Bridget H. about Bull Run Regional Park's family programming.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variability: Electrical service levels differ between campgrounds in the Bluemont area. "It states online that it's only 15amp electric at 14 of their sites. Mid-August was a gamble as to weather," notes Laure D. about Trout Pond Recreation Area.
Site dimensions and leveling: RV site sizes vary considerably among equestrian campgrounds near Bluemont. "We were in site 12 which was small for our RV (22 ft total pulled by our F-150) but we worked it out. Site 11 and 13 both look nice and a bit more length to them and have electric (15 amp)," advises Laure D.
Road access for large rigs: Access roads present challenges for longer vehicles at some locations. "I was initially concerned about the road leading into the campground, as my rig is over 50 feet in total length. However, we were surprised that the winding roads presented no issues for us," shares Jason G. about Fort Valley Ranch.
