Primitive camping near Charles Town, West Virginia offers several options for those seeking to experience the natural landscape of the Shenandoah Valley region. The area sits at the junction of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley, with elevations ranging from 500 to 1,200 feet above sea level. Seasonal camping conditions vary dramatically, with summer temperatures averaging 80-90°F during the day and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: South Fork Shenandoah River provides excellent fishing access with riverside campsites. "We were right on the river, we swam and fished," notes a camper. "The sites were a tad overgrown but it was the beginning of the season."
Day hiking: The Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site area offers trails with significant elevation changes. A camper reports, "I've both day hiked this and backpacked here several times. You will want to drive in and park at the Veach Gap Trailhead which is listed on Google Maps, then follow the trail and make the left when it comes to the intersection."
Wildlife viewing: The forested areas provide opportunities to spot native wildlife. At Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area, campers can "teach the kids the basics of fishing," while at other sites visitors report seeing "two deers came to visit us at night" and even black bears in some locations.
What campers like
Ridge views: Elevated campsites offer memorable vistas of the surrounding landscape. At Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site, one camper shared, "Once you get to the top there are several sites with little fire rings, and since it is on the ridgeline, the views are breathtaking."
Solitude: Many dispersed sites provide isolation from crowds. At Squirrel Hollow Road Camping, campers found "sites were quiet at night. Some traffic related to logging activity. Looks like a popular weekend camp spot for locals. We camped during the week and had nobody else camping on weekdays."
River access: Waterfront camping is available at several locations. A visitor to South Fork Shenandoah River described their experience: "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."
What you should know
Site claim systems: Different campgrounds have unique ways to claim sites. At Little Fort Campground, "You select a campsite by flipping a washer on a hook on the board from green to red. Flip it back when you leave."
Water availability: Most backcountry sites lack reliable water sources. For Veach Gap, one camper advises, "It is about 4 miles up, so not too bad, but there is no water after the first mile. I have seen a small trickle part way up the mountain, but don't count on it. Pack up all the water you will need."
Seasonal considerations: Weather and conditions vary throughout the year. A backpacker in Shenandoah National Park notes, "We needed every layer we brought, including winter hats, puffy jackets, and gloves. During the 6 days we were in the backcountry, we experienced everything from warm summer-like weather to chilly winter winds."
Payment confusion: At Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area, a camper observed, "As I pulled in there was a kiosk with a sign that said $10 camping fee but no info on how or where to pay. I tried to look at the WVDNR website but couldn't find it there either."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner fishing spots: Wildlife management areas provide accessible fishing for children. At Edwards Run, it's "a fun place to teach the kids the basics of fishing, but the campground area leaves a little to be desired."
Accessible sites for children: Look for drive-in sites with minimal hiking requirements. Squirrel Gap Rd Dispersed offers sites that are "right off the road" with a "decent sized area, stone fire ring, plenty of firewood."
Bug preparation: Insect activity can be significant in warmer months. Campers at multiple sites report issues with "gnats hatching and abundant" and "yellow flies and mosquitos are bad out there," requiring appropriate repellent and protective clothing.
Wildlife safety education: The area has active wildlife including bears. Teach children proper food storage and wildlife interaction rules. One camper advises, "The black bears are awake and active! Be sure to hang your food or bring bear canisters."
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Access roads to primitive camping near Charles Town vary widely in quality. At Cedar Creek Trail dispersed campsite, "After the intersection, the road will turn into a trail (marked by a metal gate) and there is a campsite right there."
RV size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate only smaller RVs. A visitor to South Fork Shenandoah River notes, "The road was a little rough, but our 92 ford camper made it, just go slow."
Limited hookups: All dispersed camping options lack traditional RV amenities. Squirrel Hollow Road Camping sites "are located less than a mile from the paved highway. We found 5 spots just off the road. All were easily accessible by car or with a small teardrop trailer."
