Rustic camping near Washington, Virginia offers diverse terrain options within and surrounding Shenandoah National Park. Spanning elevations from 500 to 4,000 feet, the area experiences temperature variations that can differ by 10°F between ridge tops and valley floors. Winter camping requires careful preparation, as nighttime temperatures often drop below freezing from November through March.
What to do
Hiking at Mathews Arm: Located in Shenandoah National Park, this area serves as an excellent base camp for day hiking. "We had a lovely hike to a nearby waterfall that was gorgeous. We even took a group out hiking across the AT and did some backcountry camping. I was impressed by how well-maintained the trails were!" shares Amanda D.
Swimming opportunities: The South Fork Shenandoah River provides excellent water access. "Our site was amazing! The very last car camping site on the road. We were right on the river, we swam and fished. There were plenty of walk in sites beyond ours," notes Justine I.
Ridge hikes with views: For panoramic vistas, consider the 4-mile hike to Veach Gap. "Breathtaking views of the Shenandoah River and surrounding mountains. Very much worth the 4 mile hike up to the site. 1,200ft elevation difference from the trailhead to the site," writes TJ W.
What campers like
Seasonal transitions: The region's elevation changes create distinct microclimates. "As we descended from the highest elevation in late April, you would have guessed by the state of the trees that it was still winter. As we hiked down through the life zones to our first camp along Overall Run, a nearly 2000+ foot elevation change, the seasons changed from winter to spring!" explains Shari G.
Secluded forest sites: The surrounding national forest offers quiet camping options. "It's a quiet area with many spots on right on the water. There was one really nice hiking trail by the bridge," comments Waseem H. about Crisman Hollow Road Camp.
Wildlife sightings: The region hosts diverse wildlife populations. "2 deers came to visit us at night. Killed a cottonmouth buried it since I didnt know how to properly cook and eat it. Saw Momma and two baby black bears," reports Ashley F. about her experience camping near the South Fork Shenandoah River.
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: Black bears are active throughout the region. "There are so many trails to hike throughout the park and with a backcountry permit, you can find countless campsites. I stayed in the area of overall run falls. Make sure to hang your food. There are plenty of black bears in the area," advises Matt P.
Seasonal pests: Be prepared for insects during warmer months. "Ticks are out. While we didn't see any deer ticks, we saw plenty of dog ticks. It's a good idea to do regular tick checks before heading to bed and/or first thing in the morning. Gnats are hatching and abundant. While they don't seem to bite, they are annoying and will find you whenever you stop moving," warns Shari G.
Weekend crowding: Little Fort Campground can fill quickly on holidays. "Awesome spot! Got the last site at 6PM on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend. Very respectful neighbors so it was very quiet," reports Matthew M.
Tips for camping with families
Campsite selection: Choose sites with reliable access. "Great established free campground! We got the last spot around 7pm. Site had a fire pit, table, parking spot, and tent platform. We used one of the sign in slips but many of the other campers did not. Bathrooms and beer proof trash was provided. Nice trails/creek behind site," recommends Sawyer B. about Little Fort Campground.
Trail difficulty grading: When hiking with children, verify trail difficulty. "Old Rag Mountain. It is a pretty decent hike that requires a good amount of climbing and has great views at the top. There is a bathroom on the back end of the trail but it was a little dirty. Parking is a struggle sometimes as it is a good 1 miles hike to the trail head," notes Anthony S.
Water play options: Look for safe water access points. "Only a few spots around, but beautiful spot right on the river with fire pits. No other amenities but it was exactly what we were looking for," shares Jack W. about South Fork Shenandoah River.
Tips from RVers
Road access limitations: Many primitive sites have challenging access. "The road to get to the campsite was well maintained and easy to get to. Campsites themselves were a tad overgrown but it was the beginning of the season," notes Sumner C.
Site size considerations: Wolf Gap Recreation Area offers larger sites for vehicles. "Most sites have a paved parking platform and then a second tier for the camp site. All sites are quite large and include picnic tables, fire rings and large tent platforms," explains Kevin C.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven parking. "The first reviewer's comments are correct. I would differentiate in that not all the sites are large. Some are on the small side. But there are picnic tables and fire pits and a vault toilet for sure. Many of the car parking pads are not level. But the tent pads appear to be," advises VanRumschpringa V.
