164 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Blue Ridge Mountains surrounding Goshen, Virginia feature a diverse range of camping options within the George Washington National Forest and nearby state parks. Cold Sulphur Spring Campground, located directly in Goshen, provides tent and RV sites with electric hookups, showers, and toilets in a wooded setting. Within a 30-mile radius, campers can access highly-rated destinations like Douthat State Park in Millboro with its extensive trail system and lake recreation, or Bolar Mountain Recreation Area near Warm Springs, which operates from April through early December. The landscape transitions from mountain forests to riverside camping areas along the Maury River, with both primitive and developed sites available.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with some campgrounds accessible via paved roads while others require navigation on gravel forest roads. As one camper noted about visiting Goshen Pass along the Maury River, "It takes a little bit of driving to get there off the beaten path, but it is definitely worth the drive." Cell service is limited or non-existent at many campgrounds, particularly those deeper in the national forest. Bear activity is common throughout the area, requiring proper food storage. Most developed campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October, though some like Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA remain open year-round. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and fall foliage season.
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, particularly sites along rivers. Campers frequently mention falling asleep to the sound of flowing water as a highlight. As one reviewer of Crabtree Falls Campground described, "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." Many campgrounds feature wooded sites with good separation between neighbors, though privacy levels vary. Douthat State Park earns praise for its "level sites with or without hookups, well spaced apart, fairly private, and in the middle of a pretty good forest." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with fishing access available at many locations. The region's combination of mountain scenery, water recreation, and hiking trails makes it particularly appealing for extended stays.
"Kid and pet friendly, this park has a nice lake for Kayaking/canoeing, multiple hiking trails with views, excellent opportunities for wildlife watching, and great biking trails."
"General: There are four campgrounds in Douthat State Park - White Oak, Whispering Pines, Lakeside, and Beaver Dam (equestrian), each in a separate location. This review is for White Oak."
from $37 / night
Check Availability"This campground is open year round and is right off the highway. There is a gas station right next to it as well as a safari park. "
"Located in a beautiful part of central Virginia, this campground gives you lots of options for sightseeing. It is definitely worth a trip to the Natural Bridge."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"You can’t hear the highway, which is on the other side of the mountain in the back of the campground. Restrooms were older but clean during our stay and a short walk from the camp site."
"You can’t hear the highway, which is on the other side of the mountain in the back of the campground. Restrooms were older but clean during our stay and a short walk from the camp site."
"It also has a nice little lake to go kayaking or canoeing."
from $40 / night
Check Availability"You can fish in the lake though we didn't catch anything. Wifi is free and open so no password and therefore, not secure. Trash picked up each day."
"Good location close to I81 but little road noise. I did hear a train."
from $45 - $99 / night
Check Availability"It should be noted that the warning about water moccasins posted previously is inaccurate as there are no water moccasins in this part of Virginia."
"Only thing is that there’s a dog, we think from a property nearby, that acts aggressive towards campers."
"I stayed on campground 1 on a lake side site with access to the lake, the views from my tent were breathtaking! The campground is clean, it has shower and flushable toilets."
"This was our first camping trip to actually visit lake Moomaw in Warm Springs Virginia. We had been close before but never made it to the lake itself."
from $16 - $85 / night
Check Availability"Sherando Lake is a well-maintained, popular campground located in the George Washington National Forest near Lyndhurst, VA."
"The lakeside is wonderful for sitting, reading and swimming. The "upper lake" is great for fishing. "
from $25 - $47 / night
Check Availability"Car could be parked right next to us on site 2. Next to a creek, so good sounds and cool environment 3. Some walking trails 4."
"the pond has a great little trail you can walk around and at night the stars are gorgeous. the water is also stocked with fish!"
"Pool, lake fishing, hiking, picnic area. Large enough sites. Alot to see and do in nearby historical Lexington VA. A good place to just relax."
GuideStopped here on my trip from Cherokee NC to Front Royal VA on the Blue ridge parkway and skyline drive. As in most NPS campgrounds, there are no hookups but the campground was nice and the weather was great. No AC needed.
GuideThe campground is nice but needs a little upkeep. It is apparent from the algae and moss on the buildings that it's a very damp area. The restroom facilities were working but needed touched up All in all it was ok for a nights stay and the lake and sharp top mountain were incredible despite the little issues I wouldn't hesitate to come back.
ScoutIf youre looking for away from people. Away from most people youll be. Well taken care of.
RangerCool campground in a remote part of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As such, very little phone service and lots of narrow, winding roads. Plenty of hikes and several interesting little towns within 30 minutes. I thought it was an interesting mix! We had a power outage during our visit, which also eliminates water access at this site. I was grateful to have an inverter to keep us online since there is zero AT&T service. I had a pull-through site and I'm not certain that I could have made the exit if the campers ahead of me didn't leave.
ScoutThe wifi test was done with my starlink not the campground wifi bc it doesn't exist.
To begin with I came physically up here from SC to check availability for long term stay. I was told there was a list and I would be put on that list and if a spot became available I would be notified (8-3-26). I was called (8-23-26) with availability and request for payment I paid then on the phone. My card the next following 3 days was ran for an additional total of 2400.00 every single morning an 800.00 charge I luckily had my card locked bc if not I would have been screwed. I was not given a reason why my card was ran so many times and not even an apology. I checked in on September 1st and was put in a site completely covered with tree limbs which is a problem as the only requirement I had was a clear view of the sky for my starlink to work for my remote work. For 2 whole weeks I went back and forth with the new GM Peggy. For 2 whole weeks I could NOT work the campground wifi is non existent. I was given the run around and a disrespectful attitude saying it wasnt there fault when it was known to begin with this was an absolute NEED not a want. Fast forward to today (9-12-26) I had issues with my power pole showing a short to ground and I was told its bc the poles are grounded to themselves but finally moved. The only catch was if I was to move I HAD TO LEAVE on october 1st per PEGGY the nee GM. So because of a miscommunication between staff of mine and my families needs bc my kids homeschooling I am forced to scramble to find another campground in two weeks when we live in our camper and work OTR. Its been nothing but problems here. The water taps are full of rust the GM judges you based off how you apear and treats you like dirt under the door mat. I was hoping this would be a good fit for me and my family but it has been nothing but the worst camping experience I have had in the past 5 years. The staff themselfs are great they tried to remedy the issue day one but PEGGY wouldnt allow it. I highly recommend going somewhere else and spending your hard earned money bc this place does not respect you as a customer or tenant. I talked with many campers who have been coming here for years since the 90s and they even say and feel the same the campground has declined since a management company purchased it. Also the long term rentals will be al.ost non existent unless you've bene coming here for 4 years or more. Cable is also non existent here. Its been a very VERY bad regretful experience. The lies from management and corporate baseline excuses are disgusting. Will NEVER camp here again. Take this as your honest warning from a normal person and a combat veteran. It dont take much to please me but this place has fell well below the bar. The site is was moved to before I get kicked out because they couldnt properly meet the needs of my stay allowed my starlink to work so I will be able to work 2 weeks before I am essentially nomadic again. If your tent camping bring water boots bc the tent sites seem to hold water. ALSO DONT LEAVE HONEST REVIEWS THAT SHED LIGHT ON THE NEGATIVES AND DOWNFALLS OF THIS PLACE OR THEY WILL TELL YOU YOU HAVE TO LEAVE.
GuideNice camping here with great views of the river .
TravelerThis is a very accessible trail. We brought our 22ft Ember Overland Trailer down it with ease. While our trailer has high clearance and independent suspension.. you do not need that to get to some great sites!
We tried 3 different sites here and found campground 12 to be our favorite. It is secluded off the road, had amazing views, and tons of room for multiple cars or campers.
Hiking trails are also great and dog friendly!
ScoutWe were there for a short time Arriving on Aug. 17th. Our trip plan was to see the steam engine trains.
Camp grounds was very clean and well kept. The sites were grass with gravel pads where the camper was placed. We plan to come back again and stay longer. There are a lot of places to visit and enjoy the area site seeing.
The manager was very accommodating. We had a problem with a water line. The manager came over and helped us find parts and repair the water line.
ScoutBeautiful area and lots of amenities but $95 a night for RV camper even if you’re in a van. The tent spots fill up fast if there are any
Cold Sulphur Spring Campground offers a convenient base for exploring camping sites near Goshen, Virginia. The small campground sits at an elevation of 1,500 feet in the Shenandoah Valley, where summer temperatures average 10-15°F cooler than lowland areas. While most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, several sites maintain year-round accessibility with varying levels of service during winter months.
Fishing at multiple locations: Lake Moomaw at Bolar Mountain Recreation Area provides excellent fishing opportunities from April through early December. "This place is amazing. I could stay here every weekend and not get tired of it. Warm water, fresh air, no service," notes Blake B. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout and has boat rentals available.
Biking on forest roads: Douthat State Park offers both road and mountain biking options with varying difficulty levels. "We did a decent amount of biking here, the main road is nice for road biking, we rode out about 15 miles and back, saw a black bear. Beautiful country roads. And the trails are great for mountain biking. Bring your legs, lots of climbing!" reports Robyn S.
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds in the region provide opportunities to spot deer, birds, and occasionally bears. "We saw a black bear," mentions one Douthat State Park visitor, while others report regular deer sightings throughout the area, particularly at dawn and dusk when wildlife is most active.
Waterfront camping options: Crabtree Falls Campground offers sites directly on the Tye River. "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," notes Britt S. The campground serves as a convenient base for exploring the nearby waterfall and accessing the Appalachian Trail.
Clean facilities: Sherando Lake Campground maintains exceptionally clean bathrooms and showers. "The shower houses are at the center of each loop and have been rebuilt to ACA standard with in the last five years," Linda C. explains. The campground features three distinct loops with varying amenities and site types.
Privacy between sites: Most campgrounds in the region provide adequate space between sites, though privacy levels vary significantly. At Sherando Lake, "the sites are well spaced, essentially level and have large pads with better than average fire pits and tables that can seat a family reunion," according to Linda C.
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds in the George Washington National Forest have limited or no cell reception. At Oronoco Campground, visitors report "No cell service for AT&T or T-mobile" (Connor S.). Prepare for offline navigation and communication while camping in this region.
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. For Sherando Lake, "the window opens six months out and are usually booked for the high season summer months," notes Linda C. Weekday reservations are generally easier to secure than weekends.
Wildlife precautions: Bear activity requires proper food storage. "A young bear was repeatedly visiting site A9 up the road from me and I had to chase him off when he came near my site!" reports Lisa M. about her experience at Sherando Lake. Many established campgrounds provide bear boxes or lockers for secure food storage.
Easy access recreation: Lake Robertson offers family-friendly amenities close to campsites. "We family of 3 thought this was the perfect quite secluded campground. My 7 year old thought it was the coolest adventure ever. Fire pits and water at each site and very clean," shares Elizabeth B.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature designated swimming areas, though not all have lifeguards. Douthat State Park includes "lake swimming" among its amenities, and as Wilfredo D. notes, "You have all you want if you love outdoors: lake, hiking trails, horseback riding trails, RV's site, tent site, cabins... the rest is pure fun."
Educational opportunities: Many campgrounds in the region offer ranger-led programs during summer months. At Douthat State Park, visitors appreciate the "educational opportunities galore" (Cathy L.) that help children learn about local ecology and wildlife.
Hookup availability: Walnut Hills Campground provides various hookup options for RVs. "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," notes Laure D. Some campsites feature unique amenities like covered picnic areas.
Site selection considerations: At Walnut Hills, "The sites along the lower area near the lake were shaded mostly, some more than others, while the sites up the hill at the top and near the front entrance (pull through sites) were not shaded much" (Laure D.). Site location can significantly impact comfort during summer months.
Overnight stopover options: For travelers passing through the area, several campgrounds accommodate single-night stays. At Lee Hi Campground, one visitor notes, "We stopped here for a rest on a long trip. Arrived late, had reserved a pull through site with FHU, so we didn't have to unhitch. Perfect" (Laure D.).
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping areas in Goshen, Virginia?
Goshen, Virginia offers several camping options in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains region. Cold Sulphur Spring Campground is located near Goshen and provides drive-in access with reservable sites, water, and toilet facilities. For a beautiful lakeside experience, Lake Sherwood is situated just across the Virginia-West Virginia border, offering sites directly on the water with excellent fishing opportunities. Other nearby options include Bolar Mountain Recreation Area, Cave Mountain Lake, and Thunder Bridge, all within a short drive of Goshen. The area's proximity to the George Washington National Forest provides numerous camping opportunities for both tent and RV campers seeking mountain scenery and outdoor recreation.
Are there RV rentals available in Goshen, VA?
While Goshen itself doesn't have dedicated RV rental facilities, several nearby campgrounds accommodate RVs and some may offer rental options. Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA is open year-round with good highway access and is RV-friendly. Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park near Staunton is another option that welcomes big rigs. For RV rentals specifically, check with these campgrounds directly or look into rental companies in larger nearby towns like Lexington, Staunton, or Charlottesville. These businesses often deliver RVs to your chosen campsite for an additional fee, providing convenience for those who don't want to drive the RV themselves.
What amenities are available at Goshen campgrounds?
Campgrounds near Goshen offer a range of amenities to enhance your camping experience. Devils Backbone Camp provides clean facilities in a quiet setting with proximity to a brewery for dining and entertainment. Sherando Lake Campground features multiple camping loops including standard non-electric sites and offers swimming in a beautiful mountain lake. Many area campgrounds provide basic amenities like potable water, clean restrooms, and fire rings. Some of the more developed campgrounds include additional facilities such as camp stores, swimming pools, playgrounds, and game rooms. For a more primitive experience, the campgrounds in George Washington National Forest offer a back-to-nature setting with fewer amenities but beautiful surroundings and tranquility.
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