Find riverfront camping, yurts, and hike-in campsites off the Appalachian Trail near Winchester.
Saddled by the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, Winchester, VA hosts Shenandoah University and the Museum of Shenandoah Valley, complete with a historic house and gardens, detailing the history of Winchester. Campers might enjoy seeing the museum’s gallery of miniature furnished houses, or taking part in apple festivities at the annual Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival in May. After a tour around the city, travel into the wilderness at Shenandoah River State Park. Go fishing, boating, or horseback riding through the park before setting up at a riverfront campsite or yurt. Sky Meadows State Park and Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park also bring a wealth of camping opportunities centered around fishing, hiking, and colonial farming history that shaped the area from the American Revolution through the Civil War.
On the south fork of Shenandoah River, the state park with the same name sits along 1,600 acres and 5.2 miles of riverfront shoreline. Campers staying at one of 12 riverfront tent campsites or pet-friendly RV campsites complete with full hookups and firepits can enjoy scenic views right from the campground. Set out on 24 miles of hiking trails throughout the park. There are designated trails for biking and horseback riding, as well. On a hot day, launch a canoe or fishing boat downstream from Bentonville access area, where waders and anglers can fish for crappie and bluegill. Winter campers will find that lodging is available year-round in the park. Reserve an ADA-accessible glamping yurt or cabin rental with a fireplace and hot shower for colder months.
Sky Meadows State Park is an International Dark Sky Park full of history, especially about the colonial farming practices that formed the landscape. Take in scenic views of woodlands and pastures spread throughout the state park’s 1,860 acres and 22 miles of hiking trails. Sky Meadows is a popular stopover for hikers along the Appalachian Trail, and offers primitive hike-in campsites along Hadlow Trail—about a mile away from parking. Each campsite has pit toilets, bear-proof lockers, and tent pads. Fishing at Turner Pond is available for those with a VA state fishing license, which can be purchased in town from local vendors. For campers with kids, check out the Children’s Discovery Area rife with nature, especially on the well-marked .7-mile TRACK trail.
Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park encompasses two historically significant Shenandoah Valley locations: the Battle of Cedar Creek in the Civil War and the Belle Grove Plantation. The park offers interpretive historical ranger programs, alongside self-guided and ranger-led tours through battlefields, soldier camps, and the plantation house. The rest of the park is also based on the history of the area, with hiking trails following trenches built by Union soldiers in 1864. There’s no camping in the park, but many privately owned campgrounds nearby welcome tents and RVs to campsites with hot showers and potable water.
Winchester has a humid continental climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Lots of parks and campgrounds stay open year-round, though some areas may be more difficult to get to with snowfall. Campers love heading to Winchester in May to hit the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, where Winchester’s surrounding orchards have earned it the moniker “Apple Capital of the World.” In summer, campers can enjoy water activities in temperatures that range from 62°F to 83°F.