Swimming, fishing, and kayaking are all accessible from Brandywine Lake Campground, a Forest Service site set within George Washington National Forest near the Virginia border. The campground sits at the base of a mountain on mostly level ground, which makes walking between sites and the lake straightforward. The lake has a small beach area, a fishing dock, and enough water for floating, though water levels can run low in summer. Several hiking trails begin directly at the campground.
Sites vary in privacy and proximity to the bathhouse. Some include bear boxes; most have a fire ring, a grill grate, and a nearby drinking water spigot. The bathhouse draws consistent praise for cleanliness, and the showers run hot. Midweek visits tend to see light occupancy, with reviewers noting only a handful of other groups on Monday and early June stays. Cell service is unreliable to nonexistent throughout the campground, and heavy tree cover makes satellite internet difficult as well.
Denis P. calls it a "quiet offline stay in nature," which fits the experience reviewers consistently describe. Payment is self-serve at $20 per night, with discounts available for certain groups. An on-site host keeps the grounds well-maintained. The village of Brandywine is a short drive away with a general store and a Family Dollar for resupply. Campers looking at campgrounds near George Washington National Forest will find this one among the more developed options in the area. Note that pets are not permitted. Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping across the Virginia line offers a more rustic alternative for those who want fewer amenities and more solitude.
Description
Overview
This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBrandywine Lake Campground is located in West Virginia near Brandywine
Coordinates
38.595278 N
79.199722 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 user
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 user
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
Drive Time
- 38 min from Harrisonburg, VA
- 1 hr 27 min from Charlottesville, VA
- 1 hr 32 min from Winchester, VA














