Camping near Waynesboro, Virginia offers diverse experiences from mountainside tent sites to rustic yurt camping. The region sits at the eastern edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains with elevations ranging from 1,300 to 3,500 feet, creating distinct microclimates throughout the camping season. Summer temperatures typically reach 85°F during the day but drop to 60°F at night, making proper layering essential for comfortable camping.
What to do
Fishing at stocked ponds: At Montebello Resort, campers can enjoy fishing without a license at their trout pond. "The trout pond is a very small pond with zero shade at the entrance of the resort. It is not catch and release, it is catch and keep, whatever you catch, you pay for power pound," notes one visitor.
Hiking accessible trails: Near Dundo Group Campground, multiple trail options connect directly to your site. "We took a walk to the overlook in the middle of the night to stargaze," shares one camper, highlighting the accessibility of viewpoints even after dark.
Wildlife viewing: The region's varied ecosystems support diverse wildlife observation opportunities. "We saw many deer and bear while camping. Just being in Shenandoah is a soothing experience," reports a visitor to Big Meadows Campground, confirming the regular presence of larger mammals.
Watercraft adventures: Free watercraft use is available at select locations. "The campground provides kayaks and paddle boats as well, at no charge," according to a Montebello Resort reviewer, making water activities accessible without additional rental fees.
What campers like
Natural water features: Crabtree Falls Campground offers sites adjacent to moving water. "The tent sites we stayed in were 10 ft away from the Tye river, we literally fell asleep to the sound of the water every night," explains one camper, describing the immersive natural sound experience.
Clean facilities: Many visitors prioritize bathroom cleanliness. "Bath houses were pristine. Due to the COVID rules their pool may not be open 2020," notes a visitor to Walnut Hills, highlighting maintenance standards even during challenging operational periods.
Night sky viewing: The region's minimal light pollution creates exceptional stargazing. "At night you could see stars. We took a walk to the overlook in the middle of the night to stargaze," shares a Dundo Group Campground visitor, pointing to specific viewpoint access.
Shaded sites: During summer heat, tree cover becomes essential. "The sites in this area were pretty close together, some closer than others. We stayed at site 7, which was a little closer to some other campers than I would have liked. It was flat and grassy and the woods were very nice though," reports a Montebello Resort camper.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies dramatically between campgrounds. "This campground is remote with zero cell coverage or wifi, and other than the store on-site, there isn't much outside of a few hiking trails, within 30 minutes," warns a Stoney Creek Resort visitor.
Limited shower facilities: Some locations have restricted shower access. "The facilities were about a quarter mile walk away from our sites; this is something to consider if you are camping with older folks or children," notes a Crabtree Falls camper about distance considerations.
Trust-based systems: Some campgrounds operate with minimal supervision. "A lot of things are bought on the trust system (pay for what you use for firewood, put store items on a tab until check out)," explains a visitor to Crabtree Falls.
Seasonal operation: Many yurt camping options around Waynesboro operate with weather restrictions. "This KOA is one of our favorites. Open year round," shares a Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA camper, indicating that this location doesn't have the typical seasonal limitations.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley offers extensive play areas. "There are a lot of kiddos riding bicycles, hover boards, scooters, and skateboards around the loops, so the 5 MPH speed limit is important," advises a visitor, emphasizing safety considerations.
Wildlife education: Animal sightings provide learning opportunities. "Deer walking through and browse the understory. They are unafraid of humans unless directly approached (I did not do this, but I watched someone's child do it)," shares a Big Meadows camper.
Activity scheduling: Many locations offer structured programs. "Spent 3 months here and absolutely loved it! There's always tons of activities to do for everyone of age. Gold cart parades, crafts hours, poker run, corn hole tournaments," reports a Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley visitor.
Safety measures: Bear activity requires proper food handling. "Since our site had no sewer hook up (no regerts), we needed to dump before leaving. It's conveniently located on the way out, BUT was completely overflowed," warns a Sun Retreats visitor about facility limitations.
Tips from RVers
Site selection challenges: Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA requires careful booking. "Call ahead about RV lengths to make sure you are booking the correct site for your size. I noticed more than a few people struggling with their units and some of this could have been avoided with proper booking," advises an RVer.
Alternative yurt camping: For those without RVs, yurt camping near Waynesboro provides an alternative. "We stayed in the mountain view cabin lower level with our two dogs. The upstairs neighbors were probably as quiet as they could be but you could still hear them walking around and using the plumbing," notes a Montebello Resort visitor.
Leveling considerations: Some sites require significant adjustment. "The campground was busy and everything was clean and neat. The sites were a little tight. We were there for the local hiking so we didn't spend too much tie in the park. I parked a little goofy it seems so I needed a little extra footage for my electrical hookup," explains a Walnut Hills camper.
Road access warnings: Mountain roads present challenges. "VA56 is a very windy road not recommended for pulling a camper through. Use the blue ridge parkway," cautions a Montebello Resort camper, providing specific route guidance.
