Shenandoah National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. But with its popularity, finding a place to stay near the park can be challenging. Luckily, a variety of campgrounds near Shenandoah National Park, offer a range of experiences for every camper. This guide from nationalparkshops.com highlights ten of the best campgrounds near Shenandoah National Park, catering to various needs and preferences. Please refer to the following article for more details.
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Watercress Inn at Landon Farm
- 1 lodging site
- 4 RV/tent sites
- 2 tent sites
Watercress Inn, nestled at Landon Farm amidst the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, offers a serene retreat for guests seeking tranquility and natural beauty. This charming inn provides a range of accommodation options, including thoughtfully designed cottages that blend seamlessly with the surroundings, creating a cozy and peaceful atmosphere.
For those who prefer a more outdoorsy experience, Watercress Inn also features private campsites on their working farm. These campsites are equipped with convenient amenities such as firepits and hammock spots, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in nature. Some campsites require a short walk from the main area, adding a sense of adventure to the camping experience, while others are easily accessible and can accommodate multiple vehicles.
It’s important to note that RVs or trailers are not permitted on the main farm area, but they are welcome at Wisteria Camp, a designated area for smaller recreational vehicles. This ensures that all guests can enjoy a tranquil and undisturbed stay at Watercress Inn, making it one of the appealing campgrounds near Shenandoah National Park. Whether you choose to stay in a cozy cottage or camp under the starry skies, Watercress Inn promises a memorable and relaxing escape in the heart of Virginia.
Private Paradise on Rivers Bend
- 4 RV/tent sites
- Price: $55/ night
Private Paradise campsite offers a range of amenities including a firepit, picnic table, river frontage with a beach, and a fishing hole. Campers can enjoy hiking in the area and visit the many breweries and wine vineyards in the Shenandoah region. It’s also a great access point for kayaking, with firewood available at reasonable rates.
The campsite is conveniently located near the scenic Skyline Drive entrances, with Thornton Gap entrance being 33 miles away and Swift Run Gap entrance just 29 miles away. Additionally, Shenandoah National Park is only 50 miles from the campsite.
Private Farm Minutes to Cville
- 5 RV/tent sites
- Price: $35 – $60/ night
Private Farm Minutes to Cville is a unique and tranquil retreat located near Shenandoah National Park. Once a sprawling 55-acre property, half of it was taken for a bypass in Charlottesville, prompting the previous owners to move the house to the remaining half and build a land bridge to access it.
In early 2017, the current owner transformed the property into a private horse farm, adding pastures, a riding ring and a 6-stall barn. Today, the farm is home to around 21 horses, creating a serene and picturesque environment for visitors.
What sets this property apart is its remarkable seclusion; despite being just 2 miles from Barracks Rd. Shopping Center and 4 miles from the University of Virginia, you can hardly spot another house from any point on the land. This makes it an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful getaway, with the added convenience of being close to urban amenities. Its unique charm and proximity to the park make it one of the appealing campgrounds near Shenandoah National Park.
Camp Shenandoah Meadows
- 3 lodging sites
- 6 tent sites
- Price: $40 for sites and $50 – $90 for Lodging
Camp Shenandoah Meadows is just a 30-minute drive from the famous Skyline Drive entrance in Shenandoah National Park. There are plenty of hiking trails, restaurants, breweries, and wineries within a half-hour radius. Guests at the campsite can enjoy amenities such as a stocked fishing pond, a large swimming pool, a basketball court, and a soccer field.
Devils Backbone Camp
- 5 RV/tent sites
- Price: $80/ night
Located in the Rockfish Valley in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Devils Backbone Camp is one of the prime campgrounds near Shenandoah National Park. Just five miles from the Appalachian Trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway, this beautiful campground spans 71 acres and is open year-round.
It offers a range of camping options, including 25 full RV hookup sites, 22 standard non-electric sites, and 24 primitive tent sites. For added convenience, there’s a 24/7 bath house available to all campers, ensuring a comfortable stay amidst the stunning natural surroundings.
Bears Den Campground
- 5 tent sites
- Price: $12/ night
Come and set up your tent at Bears Den Campground, one of the most charming campgrounds near Shenandoah National Park, just a short 100 yards away from the Appalachian Trail. Picture yourself roasting marshmallows by the crackling fire pit as you witness the breathtaking sunset over the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley.
Each campsite has its own unique capacity, so make sure to choose the one that suits your group size when booking. Site #1 is nestled on a hilly slope and can accommodate up to 4 campers, while Site #2 is perfect for larger groups of 8-10 campers. Site #3 and Site #4 both cater to 4 campers each, and Site #5 is ideal for groups of 6-8 campers.
Bears Den Campground is just a short distance from the Shenandoah River, offering easy access to hiking trails and outdoor adventures. Despite the remote location, civilization is not too far away, with Bear Chase Brewery just a half-mile stroll down the road and Purcellville a mere 15 miles away.
Magic at Galleywinter
- 2 lodging sites
- 3 RV/tent sites
- Price: $75 – $150/ night
Magic at Galleywinter spans 20 acres and operates as a working horse farm, featuring an organic garden and offering views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Galleywinter is an ideal destination for a peaceful retreat, with excellent hiking trails just 4 miles away. Visitors have convenient access to Shenandoah National Forest, George Washington National Forest, Skyline Drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Appalachian Trail. The nearby historic Blue Ridge Tunnel is a popular site worth visiting.
Traveler’s Meadow
- 2 lodging sites
- 11 RV/tent sites
- 1 RV site
- 1 tent site
- Price: $15 – $99/ night
Traveler’s Meadow is often viewed by many tourists as a convenient base for exploring the surrounding attractions, while some individuals choose to visit this location specifically to enjoy a serene getaway amidst nature. As one of the campgrounds near Shenandoah National Park, the site offers modern conveniences such as electricity, reliable Wi-Fi connection, and hot showers, ensuring that visitors can still enjoy some comforts while being immersed in the wilderness.
For those looking for more activities, there are petting zoos nearby where visitors can interact with charming farm animals, adding a fun and memorable experience to their trip. Additionally, Traveler’s Meadow is conveniently located just a 45-minute drive away from the stunning Shenandoah National Park, providing easy access to further outdoor adventures and breathtaking natural landscapes.
Big Dipper Ranch Camping – Glamping
- 4 lodging sites
- Price: $120/ night
At Big Dipper Ranch, guests can enjoy a unique experience of glamorous camping, also known as glamping, while being able to easily indulge in stargazing. The ranch provides accommodation in four luxurious tents, allowing visitors to unwind and rejuvenate in style.
Located at the base of the Shenandoah Mountains, Big Dipper Ranch offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. Its proximity to Old Rag, a popular hiking destination, just a short 15-minute drive away, makes it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the area. Additionally, the ranch is conveniently situated near numerous hiking trails, spots for canoeing, apple orchards for picking fresh fruit, and wineries for wine tasting, providing guests with a variety of activities to choose from during their stay.
Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Camp
- 6 lodging sites
- 10 RV/tent sites
- 15 tent sites
- Price: $25 – $80/ night
Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground is a natural paradise near Monongahela National Forest, with 35 acres of wilderness and 2100 feet of riverfront. This place offers various accommodations for outdoor enthusiasts, including camping sites, primitive shelter cabins, and RV spots.
Thrill-seekers and nature lovers will find plenty to do, from waterfall explorations to fishing and tubing. Bring your gear for an unforgettable outdoor adventure!
Conclusion
Shenandoah National Park and the areas around it provide numerous camping options, each with its own special features and facilities. When organizing your visit to Shenandoah National Park, take into account these outstanding campgrounds and select the one that aligns best with what you are looking for. Prepare yourself to enjoy the beauty of nature in a comfortable and stylish manner, and get ready for a remarkable camping experience close to one of the most stunning natural attractions on the East Coast. Whether you prefer modern amenities, serene natural settings, or convenient access to hiking trails, you’ll find the perfect campgrounds near Shenandoah National Park to suit your needs.
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