West Augusta sits at the edge of the George Washington National Forest where elevations range from 1,600 to over 4,000 feet, creating varied camping environments with dramatic temperature changes between seasons. Summer highs rarely exceed 85°F while fall brings frost by mid-October. Several campgrounds offer alternate accommodations including yurts and canvas-walled structures for campers seeking shelter options beyond traditional tents.
What to Do
Hiking to waterfalls: Crabtree Falls Campground provides access to its namesake waterfall, with one camper noting, "The site backed up to a creek that created natural flowing water that we enjoyed wading through." The falls trail is approximately one mile from the campground entrance.
Mountain biking: Stokesville Campground offers extensive trail access with "four miles of flow mountain bike trails inside the campground with endless miles of trails just outside. Stokesville is a mountain bike destination that cyclists travel from all around."
Trout fishing: Montebello Resort maintains a stocked trout pond where licenses aren't required. According to one visitor: "The trout pond is not catch and release, it is catch and keep, whatever you catch, you pay for power pound." The campground also provides kayaks and paddle boats at no additional cost.
Wildlife viewing: Seneca State Forest campsites offer opportunities to see diverse wildlife. One camper documented: "Encountered 19 deer, 1 bear, and several other small creatures" during a three-night stay in July when temperatures averaged 89°F during the day and 78°F at night.
What Campers Like
Tent sites by water features: At Crabtree Falls Campground, tent sites border the Tye River. A camper described the experience: "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." The sites require a quarter-mile walk to bathroom facilities.
Yurt camping options: Douthat State Park Campground offers yurt accommodations near West Augusta with lake views. The yurts provide a middle ground between tent and cabin camping. One visitor mentioned the park's diverse options: "All types of sites and hookups plus cabins. Fishing, lake swimming, hiking, educational opportunities galore."
Off-grid location: Montebello Resort provides a technology break with "zero cell service at the campground. To get decent service it's a bit of a drive." Many campers appreciate this disconnection, with one noting: "Didn't even miss it. Tons of great hiking around. Right off the Blue Ridge Parkway."
Clean facilities: Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA maintains well-kept facilities. A camper reported: "Bathrooms were clean and well stocked. Try their fried pies. Thanks so much for a great 2 night stay." Another mentioned the "24 hr laundry, big camp store, office stays open later than other KOA's."
What You Should Know
No-frills camping: Seneca State Forest offers rustic experiences with limited amenities. A camper warned: "There is no cell service within 30 miles... There are no grocery stores anywhere near the campsite and we didn't have any food with us. The firewood is unbundled and there are no showers."
Drive access considerations: When accessing Montebello Resort, one camper advises: "VA56 is a very windy road not recommended for pulling a camper through. Use the blue ridge parkway." Following the directions on the campground website prevents navigation issues.
Varying site privacy: At Stoney Creek Resort, "despite having so many sites, they are rather spacious. All are back in and some can be difficult due to some trees but all are manageable." The resort divides camping areas between upper (more open) and lower (more wooded) sections.
Weather preparedness: Summer storms develop quickly in this mountainous region. At Walnut Hills Campground, a camper reported: "First arrived weary of storm headed our way only to find out our campsite was the only in our section that wasn't a flood zone." Sites near water features may experience flooding during heavy rainfall.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Natural Chimneys County Park offers recreation areas for children. A visitor shared: "Staff was friendly, sites were well maintained and great location. Bath houses were clean and the chimneys were cool!" The distinctive limestone formations provide educational opportunities.
Swimming options: Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley features multiple water activities. A family camper mentioned: "There's always tons of activities to do for everyone of age. Gold cart parades, crafts hours, poker run, corn hole tournaments. And of course their lake that has two jumping decks, water slide, snack bar."
Educational programming: Douthat State Park includes ranger-led activities throughout summer. A visitor praised the combination of recreation and learning: "Security is good but not overwhelming. Virginia is for lovers and camping lovers!" The park's diverse offerings accommodate multiple age groups.
Yurt camping for families: Several campgrounds near West Augusta, Virginia offer yurt accommodations that provide weather protection for camping with small children. The solid floors and sturdy walls create a comfortable environment while maintaining a camping experience.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Stoney Creek Resort, RVers should know that "it is divided into upper and lower sections. The lower is much more wooded and gives off more of a camping feel while the upper is much more open." Sites accommodate various RV sizes but require careful positioning.
Hookup locations: At Walnut Hills Campground, the placement of utilities requires planning. One RVer noted: "Our site 33 was full hookup and a very nice, mostly level, spacious, and had a covered picnic table on a deck. Not all sites have full hookup." Some campers need electrical extensions for proper hookups.
Winter camping considerations: Several campgrounds maintain year-round operations with varying levels of winter services. At Harrisonburg KOA, facilities remain open with heated bathrooms. A winter camper mentioned: "The bathhouse was clean and blissfully warm. There's great hiking nearby. Would definitely return."
