The Winchester area offers camping locations along the Shenandoah River at elevations ranging from 500-1,000 feet. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during the day and 55-65°F at night, with humidity often exceeding 70%. Fall brings cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage changes along the Blue Ridge Mountains, making September through October prime camping season in this region.
What to do
Hiking the Appalachian Trail segments: Access parts of the AT from Sky Meadows State Park, a 1-mile hike-in campground with primitive tent sites. "There are many thoughtful details throughout the design of the campground facilities. Firewood is $8 (honor system), but there was some leftover at my site already. My firepit had a quality grill gate too," notes one camper at Sky Meadows State Park Campground.
Mountain biking on maintained trails: Shenandoah River State Park offers both easy and moderate mountain biking trails suitable for beginners. A visitor reports, "Virginia has the best state park campgrounds. Water and electric. Large sites. The bathrooms are clean with separate shower rooms. Nice hiking in the park. Near SNP. Responsive and friendly rangers," according to a review at Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground.
ATV and off-road adventures: The Cove Campground provides extensive off-road trail systems for motorized recreation. "The Cove is by far one of my favorite places to escape the DC suburbs. With great trails, a lake, and outdoor shooting range we can easily spend the whole weekend or longer. Mostly primitive camping, some smelly holes in the ground to do your business, if that's your preference," says one regular visitor at The Cove Campground.
What campers like
Secluded creekside camping: Berryville Berries offers private camping spots along a flowing stream. "My family and I (three boys and three dogs) love camping here! It's within an hour and a half of DC, and you feel like you're out in the middle of nowhere, totally unplugged from all of the hassles of life. The camping spots are spacious, and the Stream is wonderful!" remarks a frequent visitor at Berryville Berries.
River access for swimming and fishing: Many campgrounds provide direct water access, with Gooney Creek Campground offering both. "We landed the prime spot all the way at the back of the campsite, nearest to the swimming hole. The site is located near a highway, so getting a spot in the back is ideal. It is minutes from the Shenandoah State Park and multiple canoeing and tubing companies," notes a camper at Gooney Creek Campground.
Historical sites and battlefield proximity: Several campgrounds serve as convenient bases for exploring the region's Civil War history. "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. Harpers Ferry Lower Town and Bolivar Heights are a few minutes by car(or shuttle from the Visitor Center)," mentions a visitor to Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA.
What you should know
Campsite reservation requirements: During peak season (May-October), reservations are essential at most established campgrounds. Mathews Arm Campground in Shenandoah National Park offers both reservable and first-come sites. "Non-reservable sites! This makes it easier to travel without a plan other than arriving early at a campground. The entire A section (A1-A116) and a small part of C (C143-C145) cannot be reserved," explains a camper at Mathews Arm Campground.
Train noise at riverside campgrounds: Several campgrounds along the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers experience regular train activity. "The trains that come through here almost hourly range from quick commuter MARC or Amtrak trains to long freight trains. The proximity to the tracks means that if the sound doesn't wake you up, the rumbling ground will. Every hour through the night," cautions a camper at Harpers Ferry Campground.
RV certification requirements: Some campgrounds restrict non-commercially manufactured RVs. "My bride & I roll in a DIY Class B (2017 For Transit High Top & Extended Length). It is VERY WELLL MAINTAINED inside & out. It is 100% Self Contained. Stayed at over 100 Campsites. Made online Reservations without any problem. Walked into the campground office to get my spot & the first question was 'Do you have an RVIA Number'. That is when I was told I could not stay at Candy Hill," warns a traveler about Candy Hill Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming holes for children: Look for campgrounds with shallow water access points for safer water play. "We got a spot right by the creek and couldn't have asked for more! Thank you!" says a parent about their son's first camping trip at Berryville Berries.
Playgrounds and recreational facilities: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "The beach is large and clean. The staff was very friendly. Camp one had flush toilets on one end, a pit toilet on the other. Campsites were spacious and mostly level," notes a family that visited The Cove Campground over Memorial Day weekend.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds provide chances to see deer, birds, and other wildlife. "The wildlife here is great. Many deers, frogs, snakes, moths, flies, birds, turtles, bears. But genuinely it's a pleasant relaxing campground," reports a visitor to Mathews Arm Campground in Shenandoah National Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: RVers should inquire about site grade before booking. "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," warns an RVer about Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA.
Access road limitations: Several pet-friendly camping areas near Winchester, Virginia have narrow access roads. "The road in off of US 7 is pretty narrow," cautions a visitor to Watermelon Park Campground.
Full-hookup availability: Limited campgrounds offer complete hookups. "The price is a little high considering there is no sewer hookup (dump station is on site). A few things I'm disappointed in 1) no fire rings but you can use an above ground pit, 2) not all sites have picnic tables," notes a camper reviewing Watermelon Park Campground.
