The George Washington National Forest surrounds Woodstock, Virginia with elevations ranging from 500 to 4,000 feet, creating diverse camping environments with temperature variations of 10-15 degrees between valleys and ridges. Campsites in this region often feature gravel pads that may require alternative tent securing methods since standard tent stakes don't penetrate well. Most primitive campgrounds remain open year-round while established sites with amenities typically close from November through April.
What to do
Hiking to mountain views: At Wolf Gap, campers can access the popular Big Schloss trail directly from the campground. "Wolf Gap is great—the campsites are high quality and well-maintained. The hiking around here is first rate—Big Schloss offers one of the most unique views in the region!" reports Andrew M.
Wildlife viewing: Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground offers excellent wildlife observation opportunities. "Beautiful views, tons of hiking & biking trails. Wild life is visible everywhere you go. The children's programs offered on the weekends were great too," notes Melissa T. The park features over 24 miles of multi-use trails.
Fishing and stream recreation: Multiple campgrounds provide water access for fishing and wading. At Elizabeth Furnace Campground, "There is a pretty creek running through the campground" that provides ambient sounds and fishing opportunities. Gooney Creek Campground positions campers right beside water. "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," shares Deanna S.
What campers like
Stargazing opportunities: Clear mountain air and distance from urban areas create excellent night sky viewing conditions. One camper at Wolf Gap noted, "I loved my stay at Campsite 4! I even surprisingly got one bar of 4G, too." The campground's 2,300-foot elevation provides expansive sky views after sunset.
Creek-side camping: Gooney Creek Campground receives praise for its water-adjacent sites. "We landed the prime spot all the way at the back of the campsite, nearest to the swimming hole... each site came with a fire pit and cooking grates, as well as trash bins," notes one reviewer. The sound of running water enhances sleep quality.
Rustic accommodations: Many campers appreciate the simplicity of Elizabeth Furnace Campground. "This is a very nice little campground offering several types of non-hook up sites. The sites are quite private and are mostly flat. Some of the sites are best for tent camping as the parking pad is either very short or is blocked off from the rest of the camp site," explains Chris C.
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: Some of the best places to camp near Woodstock operate on different reservation systems. "This campground is by far one of my favorite free campsites that Virginia has to offer," notes Casey about Wolf Gap, where sites work on a first-come, first-served basis with a reservation board on site.
Bathroom facilities: Campground bathrooms range from basic to well-maintained. At Mathews Arm Campground, "Bathrooms are adequate. There is potable water and a utility sink near the bathrooms, but there are no showers. The closest (coin-operated) showers are about 30 miles south at Big Meadows Campground."
Water availability: Many primitive sites lack drinking water. One Wolf Gap camper advises, "Highly recommended you bring your own water or container to fill at the spring down the road." Elizabeth Furnace provides water pumps during off-season: "arriving in April meant pulling out the pocket shower and using water from the handpump."
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds require careful navigation. At Little Fort Campground, a reviewer noted it's "Not easy if you are pulling a trailer (I would not recommend that for any large trailers) but it was a nice place with awesome atv trails."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water features: Creekside camping offers natural entertainment for children. At Creekside Campground in Edinburg, "Ducks are there and you hear the water which is very soothing to us." However, the same reviewer cautions, "Due to the creek it isn't a good place for kids to run around without supervision, there isn't a playground or pool."
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer ranger-led programs. Shenandoah River State Park features "very doable hiking and mountain biking options for beginners," making it accessible for families with various skill levels.
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather can change rapidly, with significant temperature drops after sunset. At Big Meadows Campground, one camper experienced "an especially cold night hitting a low of 14F. Very happy for the nearby heated restrooms with hot running water."
Wildlife encounters: Wildlife viewing opportunities double as teaching moments. "We even had a doe and fawn right in our campsite!" shares a Mathews Arm camper. Another notes, "You will definitely see deer in the campground as they walk through and browse the understory. They are unafraid of humans unless directly approached."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger units: Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views offers dedicated RV accommodations. "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. Full hook-ups with 50-amp service," reports Matt S.
Mountain driving considerations: The mountainous terrain requires preparation. "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," advises an RVer about the roads to Spacious Skies.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, one camper noted, "Our only real drawback was our site was not even close to level. It probably shouldn't have been available for a 40'+ RV."
Seasonal availability: Most RV sites with full hookups are operational only during warmer months. Big Meadows Campground operates from "May 6 to November 13," while Mathews Arm is open from "May 6 to October 30." Winter camping usually requires dry camping preparation.
