Shenandoah Valley camping options near Warrenton, Virginia range from riverside campsites to mountain retreats within 30-60 minutes of town. The area sits at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with elevations from 500 to 3,500 feet, creating distinct temperature zones where campsites can be 10-15 degrees cooler than town. Most campgrounds in this region operate year-round, though water amenities typically close from November through March.
What to do
Tube down the Shenandoah River: Low Water Bridge Campground offers direct river access for water activities. "Great spot right next to the Rappahannock River, plenty of place to set up camp. Had water on site with a fire pit and picnic table too! It was super easy to get down to the water and there was plenty of spots to explore," notes one visitor.
Explore historic sites: Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA places you near significant historical attractions. "Location, Location, Location! Close proximity to plenty of historic and tourist places to visit. The Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Visitor Center is literally next door," shares a camper. The nearby historic town is walkable from the campground with shuttle options available.
Hike mountain trails: Multiple trail systems connect throughout the region with varying difficulty levels. A visitor at Shenandoah River State Park Campground reports, "We stayed here on the night of December 11, 2020... Lots of hiking and mtb trails, although we only did a bit of walking. Campground is maybe 100 yds from the Shenandoah River and it's beautiful down there."
What campers like
River proximity: Access to water ranks high among campers' priorities. "The river sites are worth the few extra bucks, but they book up fast," mentions a Low Water Bridge Campground visitor. "We got a site right on the river bank so we just hopped out and were at our site!"
Mountain views: The surrounding landscape provides scenic backdrops at many campsites. A camper at Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views raved about "The best view from a campsite we've ever experienced" and noted that "Sunset over the mountains from our campsite each evening" was a highlight of their stay.
Wildlife sightings: Many campgrounds offer opportunities to observe local fauna. At Big Meadows Campground, "You will definitely see deer in the campground as they walk through and browse the understory. They are unafraid of humans unless directly approached," according to a recent visitor who also mentioned, "the fireflies are spectacular. At dusk, the ground shimmers, and then after they disperse, you will still see them flit by the tent throughout the night."
What you should know
Variable weather conditions: Mountain elevations create distinct climate zones. A camper at Big Meadows noted, "Elevation above 3000 feet and plenty of deer! It was an especially cold night hitting a low of 14F. Very happy for the nearby heated restrooms with hot running water."
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies widely throughout the region. "There is absolutely no Verizon service here (ATT seems to work pretty well). You'll have to drive 10-15 in either direction on Rt. 211 before you can catch a signal," reports a visitor to Low Water Bridge Campground.
Reservation requirements: Prime sites book quickly, especially during peak seasons. At Bull Run Regional Park, a camper noted, "There are occupancy AND transaction fees that really add up if you're only there a few nights. But the real kicker is a 2-night minimum stay. Even mid-week. In APRIL for gosh sakes!"
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated kid activities: Some campgrounds offer structured programs. "We had a great time here over a long weekend in August. The check in is a breeze and the staff is super nice and helpful. 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," shares a visitor to Pohick Bay Campground.
Consider glamping near Warrenton, Virginia for beginners: For families new to camping, cabins provide comfort with outdoor access. "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. They had a climbing wall on one afternoon. There are miles of trails and my gkids enjoyed the nature scavenger hunt. You even get a prize when you finish," notes a Bull Run Regional Park visitor.
Check bath facilities: Clean, accessible restrooms make family camping more comfortable. "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," reports a camper at Bull Run Regional Park.
Tips from RVers
Check site leveling: Many mountain campgrounds have sloped sites. A visitor to Harpers Ferry KOA warns, "Heads up, big rig owners! Our Pull-thru FHU Patio site(#199) had a serious slope. It was impossible to level my 45' motorhome without elevating the front wheels dangerously in the air."
Verify hookup availability: Water and electric access varies by campground and season. "Water and electric. Large sites. The bathrooms are clean with separate shower rooms," notes a Shenandoah River State Park camper who appreciated the reliable utilities.
Know dump station locations: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. At Low Water Bridge Campground, "You can fill your water tanks as you enter the campground... There's a dump station for RVs and non-potable water."
