Shenandoah River State Park offers various accommodation options along the Shenandoah River at elevations ranging from 500-1,400 feet. The park encompasses over 1,600 acres with 5.2 miles of shoreline, providing river access for paddlers and anglers. Seasonal weather varies significantly, with summer highs averaging in the mid-80s and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing at night.
What to do
Riverside primitive camping: At Low Water Bridge Campground, campers can select waterfront sites with direct river access. "The river sites are worth the few extra bucks, but they book up fast. You have to call in your reservations - can't book online," notes one camper at Low Water Bridge Campground.
Mountain hiking trails: Big Meadows Campground offers access to numerous hiking trails within Shenandoah National Park. "There are several campsites available at this National Park. I like this campsite particularly because its close to one of my favorite waterfall hikes in VA," shares a visitor at Big Meadows Campground.
Seasonal wildlife viewing: Observe deer, bears and other wildlife throughout the seasons. "We saw many deer and bear while camping. Just being in Shenandoah is a soothing experience. With so many hiking trails and waterfalls nearby we love to camp in Big Meadows - and for the star watching at night," reports one Big Meadows camper.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained campgrounds and bathhouses. "Virginia has the best state park campgrounds. Water and electric. Large sites. The bathrooms are clean with separate shower rooms," notes a visitor at Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground.
Private waterfront sites: Sites with river access rank highly among reviews. "There are several rustic campsites located on the Southfork of the Shenandoah River, as well as modern electric sites, RV sites, and cabins. Park and campgrounds are clean and well maintained," states a Shenandoah River State Park visitor.
Winter camping options: Several campgrounds remain open year-round. "We stayed here on the night of December 11, 2020. No problem finding a spot, campground was about half full when we got there around 4pm. Water and electrical available at all the spots even though it was winter," reports a winter camper at Shenandoah River State Park.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly 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," warns a visitor at Low Water Bridge Campground.
Bear safety requirements: Bear activity requires proper food storage. "Big Meadows Campground was wonderful. Facilities were clean and well maintained. Bear box for food storage. Loved seeing the deer so close and other wildlife," mentions a Big Meadows camper.
Seasonal bugs: Insect activity can be intense during warmer months. "The bugs when we got here were kinda crazy. They don't bite but they swarm your head and try to enter every orifice for some reason. A head net was helpful to get the tent and screen room set up," cautions a Big Meadows visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: For glamping close to Washington, Virginia with children, consider campgrounds with structured activities. "This isn't my idea of camping, but I brought my 11 year old nephew. He was able to run around and make friends with his aunt always looking over his shoulder. He had lots of fun at pool, movie night, making s'mores, and jumping on bouncy mound," shares a visitor at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Luray.
Beginner-friendly trails: Look for campgrounds with easy hiking trails. "One of my favorite campgrounds - particularly when I bring first time campers. Clean grounds and importantly clean facilities. Park offers very doable hiking and mountain biking options for beginners," notes a Shenandoah River State Park visitor.
Transport assistance: Some campgrounds offer helpful shuttles for river activities. "Took my 8yr old there this past weekend. His 1st time camping and he loved it. The staff was great from beginning to end. They took us up river and dropped us so we could kayak back," explains a Low Water Bridge Campground visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose sites based on privacy and view preferences. "We stayed in a level back-in site(#39) with picnic table on a concrete patio, Adirondack chairs under a pergola on a second concrete patio, clean gravel surface, and fire pit. The site was big enough for our motor home and Jeep," reports a camper at Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views.
Seasonal considerations: RV sites may have different services available seasonally. "We camped here the last night of the season (Nov30) and shared the campground with a mix of tent campers, car/van campers, and a few larger units. Showers and laundry were closed for the season but are centrally located near entrance area of campground," notes a visitor at Big Meadows.
Mountain driving awareness: The mountain terrain presents specific challenges. "The drive in requires about 25-miles through the roller coaster of steep grade(7+%) hills. There's no way around that, you're in the mountains. Just be aware and be prepared," cautions a visitor at Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views.
