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Dispersed Camping

South Fork Shenandoah River

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

South Fork Shenandoah River offers dispersed camping near the Shenandoah River in Virginia. The area features riverbanks and forested terrain, providing a natural setting for campers. Nearby attractions include Shenandoah National Park and Luray Caverns, with temperatures ranging from 30°F in winter to 85°F in summer.

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Location

South Fork Shenandoah River is located in Virginia

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

38.7702685 N
78.39260555 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
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    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if South Fork Shenandoah River needs a permit.


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Reviews

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 18, 2025

Beautiful spot!

Our site was amazing! The very last car camping site on the road. We were right on the river, we swam and fished. There were plenty of walk in sites beyond ours. Unfortunately there was a decent bit of trash we cleaned up. The road was a little rough, but our 92 ford camper made it, just go slow

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of South Fork Shenandoah River by Justine I., September 18, 2025
  • Review photo of South Fork Shenandoah River by Justine I., September 18, 2025
  • Review photo of South Fork Shenandoah River by Justine I., September 18, 2025
Reviewed Sep. 13, 2025

Horrie Neighbors

dont disregard the warnings about noise like i did, constant speakers all the time until 4am. i think its out of jurisdiction for park rangers so they wont do anything either

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Sep. 12, 2025

Riverside site

The site at the end of the road is beautiful. We stayed right at the end of the road, since we have a 30 foot RV, but there are sites you can walk to all the way down the river. I saw one other site before ours. So limited, but we saw very few people. Got buggy at night, but that happens. Also wish people picked up their trash, but we helped. Absolutely recommend

Sitesite at the end of the road. next to the river
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of South Fork Shenandoah River by Justine I., September 12, 2025
  • Review photo of South Fork Shenandoah River by Justine I., September 12, 2025
  • Review photo of South Fork Shenandoah River by Justine I., September 12, 2025
Reviewed Sep. 9, 2024

Great site, bad timing?

The site was wonderful! Not too many spaces so it can fill up quick. There is a launch in the middle, so there is a bit of come and go. The real issue was the land directly across the river that had 20+ people playing loud music at almost all hours. Docked one star for that but everything else was great. Bathrooms had no TP so bring your own, and please remember to pack out your trash! Plenty of firewood from downed trees, sites are dirt which makes staking down easy, but I can imagine it would be muddy if it rains.

EDIT: I went back early October to possibly camp again, shortly after the hurricane rains had passed. The sites were underwater or filled with river mud, making them completely un-campable. Just keep this in mind when you go out.

Sitemiddle
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of South Fork Shenandoah River by heather , September 9, 2024
  • Review photo of South Fork Shenandoah River by heather , September 9, 2024
  • Review photo of South Fork Shenandoah River by heather , September 9, 2024
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Apr. 21, 2024

Great view on the river

The road to get to the campsite was well maintained and easy to get to. Campsites themselves were a tad overgrown but it was the beginning of the season. Seemed to be about a dozen spots to camp. Each site had its own fire pit. Quiet and peaceful.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of South Fork Shenandoah River by Sumner C., April 21, 2024
  • Review photo of South Fork Shenandoah River by Sumner C., April 21, 2024
  • Review photo of South Fork Shenandoah River by Sumner C., April 21, 2024
  • (6) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is South Fork Shenandoah River camping located?

South Fork Shenandoah River camping is located along the banks of the Shenandoah River, accessible via a well-maintained road. The campground sits directly on the riverfront, providing beautiful water views and access. It's a relatively secluded area with only about a dozen camping spots available, offering a peaceful retreat in Virginia's scenic Shenandoah region. The location combines natural beauty with accessibility, making it ideal for those seeking a riverside camping experience.

What activities can you do while camping on the Shenandoah River?

While camping on the Shenandoah River, you can enjoy water-based activities like kayaking, canoeing, and fishing directly from the campground, which has a boat launch area. The riverside location is perfect for swimming during warmer months. Campers can also enjoy hiking along the river, wildlife watching, photography, and stargazing at night. Each campsite has its own fire pit for evening campfires and cooking. The peaceful setting is ideal for relaxation, though it can occasionally get noisy from other river users during peak periods.

Are there any campgrounds directly on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River?

Yes, South Fork Shenandoah River campground sits directly on the riverbank, offering immediate water access. The campground features multiple riverside sites, including spots at the end of the access road that accommodate larger vehicles up to 30-foot RVs, plus walk-in sites further along the river. A boat launch is located in the middle of the camping area, making it convenient for paddlers and anglers. The limited number of sites (approximately a dozen) provides an intimate camping experience with direct river access, though this means the campground can fill up quickly during popular periods.