The best camping near George Washington National Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next George Washington National Forest adventure.

98% (46 reviews)

Come and experience the magic of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachia

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near George Washington National Forest

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in George Washington National Forest

Morris Hill Campground

36 sites · RVs, Tents In George Washington National Forest

Blowing Springs Campground

40 sites · RVs, Tents In George Washington National Forest

Hidden Valley Recreation Area

31 sites · RVs, Tents In George Washington National Forest

from

$10

/ night

McClintic Point Campground

24 sites · RVs, Tents In George Washington National Forest

Hone Quarry Campground

10 sites · RVs, Tents In George Washington National Forest

from

/ night

North River Campground

16 sites · RVs, Tents In George Washington National Forest

Bolar Mountain Recreation Area and Campground

122 sites · RVs, Tents In George Washington National Forest

100%

(8)

Sherando Lake Recreation Area and Campground

37 sites · RVs, Tents In George Washington National Forest

100%

(7)

Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area

35 sites · RVs, Tents In George Washington National Forest

Brandywine Recreation Area

46 sites · RVs, Tents In George Washington National Forest

from

$16

/ night

Camp Run Campground

9 sites · RVs, Tents In George Washington National Forest

100%

(4)

Todd Lake Recreation Area

36 sites · RVs, Tents In George Washington National Forest

from

$16

/ night

Greenwood Point Campground

5 sites In George Washington National Forest

100%

(3)

Old Virginia Group Horse Campground

1 site In George Washington National Forest

100%

(3)

Camp Roosevelt Recreation Area

10 sites · RVs, Tents In George Washington National Forest

Wolf Gap Recreation Area

9 sites · RVs, Tents In George Washington National Forest

Shaws Fork Equestrian Campground

5 sites · RVs, Tents In George Washington National Forest

100%

(1)

Hawk Recreation Area

15 sites · RVs, Tents In George Washington National Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near George Washington National Forest

99%

(421)

Thunder Bridge

24 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Natural Bridge Station, VA

Situated at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains and bordering the Jefferson National Forest, Thunder BRidge has scenic, large, private tent sites and cabins in the woods for those who want to experience camping at its finest. Many of the sites border Elk Creek. Our RV sites are large, flat and at the edge of the forest in a well kept open green space. Our 100 acres was originally a camp built by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the "30s and early '40s, then a boys' juvenile detention center and Big Brothers'/Big Sisters' camp, which closed in 2009. The tent sites and cabins are in the forest, away from the buildings out front, but you're free to walk around and check out the historic site. We'd like to share the camp with others and see it come back to life. All within a short driving distance are the Natural Bridge, wineries, breweries, Natural Bridge Zoo, Safari Park, Dinosaur Kingdom, Appalachian Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, James River, historic Lexington, Devil's Marbleyard, Glenwood Horse Trail, swimming holes, etc. We have river access 2 miles up the road if you'd like to fish or put your kayak or canoe in. Truly, there is something nearby for everyone. We'd be happy to give you recommendations of things to see and do. If you are a star gazer you won't be disappointed by our dark sky.

99%

(650)

James River Depot

6 sites · Tents30 acres · Glasgow, VA

An active hay field nestled between the river and the railroad. A great place to enjoy some R and R. We love to float the James and there is easy access to the river on our property. A beautiful field as well as some trees for added shade. Fun to hear the trains and the water as you get amazing views of the night sky.

91%

(615)

Traveler's Meadow

26 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Broadway, VA

Enjoying 8 acres of the simpler life with Renee and our children, 15 minutes north of Harrisonburg, Virginia. We love animals, planting gardens, preserving quality food, and hiking and camping in both of the world-famous national parks here. We are 4th year hosts, and immensely gratified to share all we can from this amazing Shenandoah Valley. For many adventure seekers, we have been a gateway to nearby attractions, while many of our guests come here specifically to enjoy a humble get-away in the woods with electricity, great Wi-Fi and a hot shower. There are several petting zoos near us, in case you want a little close-up exposure to some cute farm animals. We are located 45 minutes from the Shenandoah National Park. Nathan is an avid hiker and familiar with many fun outdoor attractions in the area. Please reach out to us, should you need any help planning your trip. Some great hikes: Trayfoot Mountain to Blackrock Summit from Port Republic Rd Elliot Knob and High Knob fire towers Fridley's gap swimming hole & overlook. Meems Covered Bridge in Mt. Jackson Wildflower Trail (see a long lost, 500-pound millstone) Blue Ridge Tunnel Hone Quarry falls Reddish Knob Emerald Pond Yellow Rock Cliff and Storybook Trail (Great overlooks!!) Please ask about scheduled group hikes as well, we would love to help you have a good time. Other fun things: Frontier Cultural Museum Back Home on the Farm Melrose Caverns Ruby's Arcade (awesome wood fired pizza, 150 year old Duck Pin game)

98%

(299)

Arcadia Sanctuary

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents83 acres · Buena Vista, VA

Arcadia is the name we gave to our 83-acre mountainside retreat center for Earth-Based Spirituality. It’s nestled on the south-eastern slope of 4000-foot Mount Pleasant in Central Virginia, convenient to I81. (Note, there is a town called Arcadia off I81, but that is not us. Not to confuse.) We have a mountain creek with waterfalls, towering Beech and Sycamore trees, Witch Hazels leaning over the water, trout, crayfish, snakes, salamanders, and all the rest. We have about 2000 feet of the vertical mountainside with trails to explore. (But the stage and most of the camping is down closer to creek-level.) There are more sites higher up the mountain if you like more isolated camping. More of a trek to the bathrooms/showers/freshwater. We have one of the finest private stages on the East Coast with a top-notch sound system and a natural amphitheater which is like a single pie wedge of a Stadium that has regular live performances throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Our yurt is regularly booked as a unique glamping experience. There are chickens, ducks, turkeys, and guinea fowl free-roaming. Two dogs, nine cats, and several humans are blessed to call this home.

100%

(23)

Swedish Lilac Campground & Events

14 sites · RVs, Tents16 acres · Vesuvius, VA

With 15 campsites, over 1,000 feet of river frontage. Swedish Lilac Campground is the perfect getaway to reconnect with nature and relax with loved ones. Campsites accommodate RVs and Pop-ups up, access to showers and dumpsite, pavilion, and picnic areas, and is only a 20-minute drive to beautiful historic Lexington Virginia. Hiking, fishing, and swimming are all close by with restaurants and shopping a short distance away means there is something for everyone at Swedish Lilac Campground. Remote workers welcome! Fiber optic internet with Wi-Fi access points that cover the entire campground.

100%

(69)

The Batesville Sweet Spot

2 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Afton, VA

Enjoy 100 acres of mature hardwoods, meadows, ponds, and a small stream, the headwaters of the Mechums River. We recognize it as the ancestral lands of the Monacan Indian Nation, a Siouan-speaking tribe of Virginia's Piedmont and mountain regions. We welcome all people to enjoy the land we have been privileged to inhabit for the past fifty years. The property is under a conservation easement with The Nature Conservancy and has a recently installed 5-acre wildflower meadow and 1,000 newly planted trees. Fifty acres are mature hardwood forests. Our two Hipcamp sites offer absolute privacy and quiet on 100 acres of open meadows, forests, a small stream, and two ponds. The barn has water and electricity so that you can recharge your phone. Enjoy bird watching, fire-gazing, bicycling, and hiking our many trails. Firewood is provided at no extra charge. Fires are allowed, weather permitting. HIpcampers will be notified if there is a no-burn policy. One pond features a sandy beach, a mud kitchen for the little ones, a dock, two kayaks, two canoes, and an island complete with a hammock! On starry nights, paddle to the floating dock for excellent stargazing. Both ponds are stocked. LOCATION: DETAILS OF TWO CAMPING SITES The two sites are separate from one another, located at different ends of the property. If you are deciding which campsite to choose, here are a few things to consider: Both sites are private, quiet, and within walking distance of a pond or swimming hole, but offer different advantages. WIFI is unreliable at either site but available at the barn, closest to the RIDGE. THE RIDGE CAMPSITE This is a true gem of a campground, with a mature hardwood forest on an incredibly situated ridgeline running north-south. The walking paths around the property are splendid, with signs of native wildlife, including turkey, deer, beaver, piliated woodpecker, and much more. It offers an easy drive right into. The outhouse is a close walk from your campsite—an open meadow on a ridge surrounded by forest and a 5-minute walk to the pond. It is best for groups of 10 and under. It has a fire pit, a picnic table, and a hammock. We welcome families but no large groups. THE RIVER CAMPSITE is a larger open meadow beside a small stream, suited for small and larger groups (up to 10). We welcome several families but no larger groups. A refreshing swimming hole is a short walk away; the pond is a longer walk. CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT DETAILS - Check-in is available after 4 pm; Exceptions can often be made. Please inquire. - Check-out time is 4:00 pm. GENERAL LOCATION To find We are located off a country gravel road at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, two miles from The Batesville Market, where you can pick up gourmet fare and hear live music most Saturday nights. NEARBY SIGHTSEEING AND RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES We are within half an hour's driving distance of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Crozet Tunnel, the Shenandoah National Park, Charlottesville, Waynesboro, and Staunton (and its famous Blackfriar Theater). Numerous vineyards, breweries, and distilleries dot the countryside in this area. We would love to share it with you!

100%

(29)

Fourth Moon Camp

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents130 acres · Seneca Rocks, WV

Don't miss our incredibly unique experiences and extras, and be sure to check out our YouTube page for campsite walkthroughs, overviews, and tours. Fourth Moon Camp is an incredibly unique accommodation located directly behind Seneca Rocks. Your 130 acre camp site is less than a five minute walk to the rocks and features unique, mountain/valley views from the eastern aspect of the iconic rock formations. There are private trails leading directly to both Roy Gap Road as well as the North Peak of Seneca Rocks. Local attractions include Spruce Knob - Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, Monongahela National Forest, Germany Valley, Seneca Caverns, Nelson Rocks, Smoke Hole, North Fork Mountain, North Fork South Branch of the Potomac River, and so many more. The extras and attractions we offer on the property are also incredibly unique. Please feel free to message us with any questions about any of these add-ons and options. Fourth Moon Camp may be accessed by reservation only, via Roy Gap Road. This road is a gravel, state road. It is single-vehicle-width in many places, uphill, and without any easy turnouts. This road is advised for experienced drivers and capable vehicles only.

99%

(117)

River Trail Hollow

19 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Hillsboro, WV

-This Campground can only accept vehicle heights less than 10 feet (In order to fit under the Greenbrier River Trail bridge at Stamping Creek) GREENBRIER RIVER and TRAIL (GBRT) steps from your campsite -PEACEFUL, quiet, NO big rigs, NO generators, limited occupancy -DARK, no unnecessary lighting, fireflies are spectacular -COUNTRY STORE with rentals, beer, food, supplies - 0.5 mi -PET FRIENDLY -MARLINTON restaurants, shopping, tavern - 12 mi by road, 10 mi by trail -WATOGA STATE PARK, lake and pool - 5 mi -THE BEACH in Seebert yards away -Active MAPLE FARM on premises - https://hillsboromaple.com/ -TENT, VAN, POP-UP, tear drops, small trailers 10 FEET in height or less (must clear GBRT bridge to access) LOCATION: At junction of the Greenbrier River, Greenbrier River Trail and Stamping Creek, sits on approximately 40 wooded acres. Convenient to all Pocahontas County Attractions - Highland Scenic Hwy, Cass Scenic Railroad, Greenbank Telescope, Beartown SP, Falls of Hills Creek, Snowshoe Mountain Resort and more - https://pocahontascountywv.com/ AMENITIES: Primitive sites Porta-john Bath House Tables and fire rings at each site Firewood - 1st crate FREE, $5 per additional crate. COUNTRY STORE: Jack Horner's Corner - 0.5 miles downriver along Greenbrier River Trail. Open 7 days a week, 9am-9pm, Apr-Oct. Tubes, bicycle & kayak rentals. Fast food, soft-serve, craft beer, grocery, supply & souvenir sales. (304) 653-4515 CELL SERVICE LIMITED: 1-2 bars (good enough to text) at the beach; 2-3 bars (maybe a call) at store; Full signal at 219 (2 miles away)

96%

(63)

Boondock on the Farm

5 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · Staunton, VA

Learn more about this land: 21 acres, a mix pasture and woodlands. An old barn residence provides a swimming pool and patio. Cattle freely graze the pasture, chickens run in the yard. Wildlife sightings include whitetail deer, turkeys, rabbits, and foxes. Stargaze, bird watch, hike or bike the hilly landscape, picnic or camp in the secluded clearing at the back of the property. Minutes from bustling downtown Staunton, VA, enjoy the best of both worlds on your trip to Loganberry Hill Farm. Eggs and seasonal fresh produce available for purchase.

100%

(59)

Wild Phlox Farm

2 sites · Lodging, Tents6 acres · Keezletown, VA

Located at the base of the western Massanutten Ridge in the Shenandoah Valley, our six-acre property is nestled in the hamlet of Keezletown. Our campsite is located along a gurgling stream (Cub Run), perfect for wading in on hot summer days or falling asleep to as the evenings cool. Across the stream horses pasture, and in the field next to the campsite several goats graze. We are in a fantastic biking location: the winding back country roads make for wonderful road bike excursions. We are also just minutes down the road from the Western Slopes trails, over 25 miles of mountain bike and hiking trails. Other great hiking trails are nearby as well, and the Blue Ridge Mountains (Appalachian Trail) are an easy half-hour drive away. Our area abounds with wineries and breweries, both in bucolic settings with gorgeous views or in downtown Harrisonburg, which is a 10-minute drive away, and also home to a variety of great dining options. Other options include the water park at the Massanutten Resort, just around the mountain from us, or kayaking on the Shenandoah River. Or spending a quiet day on the property in the shade of the sycamores, listening to the water flow by.

96%

(856)

Devils Backbone Camp

5 sites · RVs, Tents90 acres · Roseland, VA

Beer and nature come together here at Devils Backbones Camp. We’re tucked in the Rockfish Valley in the Blue Ridge Mountains, five miles from the Appalachian Trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Our forested paradise is open year round. Here you’ll find 71-acres of campground, including 25 full RV hookup sites, 22 standard non-electric sites, and 24 primitive tent sites (and yes, there’s a 24/7 bath house, too). Our Basecamp Brewpub is open 7 days a week. Please visit our website for up-to-date hours and events.

96%

(24)

Rob's Land

7 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Massanetta Springs, VA

Enjoy the peaceful sound of a swift running creek, from each of our campsites. Nearby, you'll find the Massanutten Resort, as well as the stunning Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive. The Swift Run entrance to Shenandoah National Park is only 15 miles away on Virginia Route 33. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for your convenience. Hawks and other wildlife can be spotted on the property, including deer - we counted 15 at one time in April. Ducks and geese also call the creek home. Our camping area is limited to 5 acres, but you're welcome to canoe on the Shenandoah or Rivanna Rivers. Additionally, there are plenty of nearby hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park or the George Washington National Forest. For a fun day trip, head West to Seneca Rocks. The surrounding farming area of Rockingham County offers plenty of scenic country roads for cycling. All campers must be self-sufficient with their own camp toilet and take all waste with them when they depart. This is a primitive campground. Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring. There is no electric, no water, no bathroom or shower facitlty.

The best camping near George Washington National Forest guide

Overview

About

Home to a chunk of the Appalachian Trail and miles of streams, this national recreation area is a mecca for outdoor activities. Kayaking of bass fishing in nearby Sherando Lake is popular among local anglers who frequent the Blue Ridge Mountains. But for those of would rather lace-up their hiking shoes, take advantage of the miles of trails that comb through the area’s million acres wilderness. Camping couldn’t be easier, as well, with many primitive and all-inclusive campgrounds in and around the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. For a clear view of the area’s greenspaces, hike up to Mount Rogers to get a nearly 6,000-foot-view of the surrounding terrain

Camping at this park couldn't be any easier (or plentiful). The area’s over 40 campgrounds are split up into eight distinct camping districts. RV and car camping exists at the vast majority of these campgrounds, with full hookups and drinking water available at each.

Primitive and dispersed camping opportunities can be had anywhere outside the designated campground. There’s no cost to setup primitive sites in the area but take not that services and facilities are not provided. And given how notoriously treacherous off-trail camping is in Appalachia, prepare well. Also, black bears frequent the area—so be mindful of how you store your trash. That, and bring some bear spray along with you for peace of mind.

The fall and winter months in the area can get downright chilly, which is when you should take respite in one of the park’s rentable cabins. Single bedroom cabins like the one at Stony Fork are perfect for the solo campers. Larger, more group-friendly cabins can be had, too. Regardless, just outside the doors of these well-furnished cabins, outdoorsmen (and women) can find trailheads to the Appalachian Trail, Seven Sisters Trail, and more.

While year-round camping is possible, we’d recommend hitting this park up Summer and Spring. But, for postcard-worthy fall vibes, hike the two-mile trail that leads to the Cascade Fall come early October.