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)
98% (46 reviews)

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

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Community favorites near George Washington National Forest

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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

Top-rated campgrounds near George Washington National Forest

91%
(639)

Traveler's Meadow

26 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Broadway, VA
Enjoying 8 acres of the simpler life with our children and farm animals. OFF SEASON DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE. See us on Facebook!! The last 4 years of hosting have been an unforgettable adventure! (Including meeting with guests, listening to suggestions, and often working all night on property improvements.) All in all, we are grateful for the opportunity to introduce our farm and the Shenandoah Valley to travelers from around the world. We love animals, planting gardens, preserving quality food, and hiking in both of the world-famous national parks here. This year we put the final touches on a new all-season bathhouse with flush toilet, an A-frame cabin, bigger electrical service, wider road entrance for 30ft RVs, and Wi-Fi. We are located 45 minutes from the Shenandoah National Park. If you are a hiker or outdoor adventure seeker, or just want to experience local culture and history, please reach out to us and we will help you plan your trip. We want you to make many great memories while you are in the area! Find us on our website or send us a message. Broadway/Harrisonburg, Virginia area food and activities: ADORABLE animals and fun farm experiences: GRAMPY'S VILLAGE ZOO Back Home On the Farm Fajita Factory (BEST Mexican food!!) Bowl of Good Shenandoah Heritage Market, Harrisonburg Southern Kitchen, New Market Traditions Family Restaurant, Harrisonburg Ruby's Arcade (Wood fired pizza, 150 year old Duck Pin game) Valley Pike Farm Market Beards and Broads, Broadway. Pizza!! Axe throwing, line dancing, MORE!! BLUE RIBBON NURSERY (plants, gifts, wind chimes) DARK HOLLOW FALLS, Shenandoah National Park. ALPINE GOAT BREWERY (Weyers Cave) High Knob fire towers Fridley Gap/ Mountain Run Swimming Hole and Grubb Knob overlook. Pleasant pet friendly hike, option to complete 6 mile loop, rock scrambling. Take Mountain Valley Rd to Armentrout Path to Airey's Lane dead end (trailhead) Meem' Covered Bridge Wildflower Trail (see a real, lost millstone) Blue Ridge Tunnel, Afton Rockfish Gap Country Store Hone Quarry falls Reddish Knob Emerald Pond Yellow Rock Cliff (New Market) Frontier Cultural Museum STORYBOOK TRAIL OVERLOOK Tray foot Mountain to Blackrock Summit from Port Republic Rd Melrose Caverns
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$15.30
 / night
99%
(484)

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.
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$35
 / night
97%
(70)

Ultimate private camping

1 site · RV, Tent235 acres · Hot Springs, VA
Since Hipcamp called to clarify... we are indeed offering the entire property to only one group at a time. You read that right you can camp anywhere on the property, move around, and feel free to stay multiple nights. This 235.51 acre property has all of the most sought-after characteristics: close to the amenities of Hot Springs and The Homestead resort, total privacy and protection, beautiful trout stream, direct access to hiking and mountain bike trails on the adjoining 3000 acres of National Forest, and a 60-mile sunset view. It offers over 1,000 ft of vertical gain. The property includes a half mile of Cowardin Run. With generally mild winter weather, the property is perfect for experience the magic of the Allegheny Mountains. Significant improvements to the road with addition of culverts and a top coat of stone were done over the 2023-2024 winter. We offer the same low light level as the International Dark Sky Park in Millboro for excellent astronomy and night-sky viewing. *Note: Game trail cameras in use - they are not hidden and are not for the purpose of video surveillance* *Note: During business hours Environmental Specialist, VDOF or USDA may visit to check in on the forest/structures/habitat. *
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$43.20
 / night
93%
(37)

Love Ridge Mountain Lodging

24 sites · Lodging, Tents17 acres · Lyndhurst, VA
Love Ridge Mountain Lodging--NEAR SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARKExperience the beauty of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains and enjoy easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Shenandoah National Park and the Appalachian Trail. Take a dip at nearby Sherando Lake and stop in to some of the many local food and craft beverage hotspots. Then retreat to your own mountain cabin or campsite.Situated at 2,800 feet in the hamlet of Love, Virginia, Love Ridge Mountain Lodging borders the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 16. Whether you are seeking a peaceful retreat to the mountains or a jumping off point for exploring central Virginia, Love Ridge Mountain Lodging is the perfect choice.CABINSIndulge in a romantic getaway at one of our Blue Ridge Parkway Cabins, creating lasting memories with your loved one. 4 of our cabins are pet friendly.FAMILIESOur family cabins sleep 10+ and are the perfect place for kids to connect to nature and and an opportunity for busy parents to relax. PET FRIENDLYSelect from our four mountain cabins and campsites that offer a dog-friendly experience, ensuring a great space for both humans and their four-legged companions. View White Rock Cabin, Meadow Mountain Cabin, Sherando Cabin or Spy Rock Cabin for a pet-friendly cabins.HOT TUBSSome cabins offer a private hot tub, while a number of the smaller cabins offer jetted in-room tubs.GRILLS and FIREPITSGuests love the convenience of private outdoor grills for cooking and communal firepits.EXPERIENCES FOR YOUR STAY AND ONLINE STORERent an e-bike and cruise the parkway, take in the night skies around Love Ridge. Love Ridge has a variety of experiences to choose from. Our online store has a variety of food options. Advance notice may be needed for some items, so book early.
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$55
 / night
98%
(71)

Misty Mountain Camp Resort

127 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents50 acres · Greenwood, VA
Welcome to Misty Mountain Misty Mountain Camp Resort offers a delightful, relaxing vacation at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains near historic Charlottesville, Virginia. Whether you're looking for a private getaway, a group gathering, or fun with the kids, Misty Mountain Camp Resort is sure to meet your needs. Our scenic 50-acre park provides private sites nestled in the trees and a large recreational building with banquet seating to accommodate any large group. Explore nature trails, splash in our pool, sit by the creek, fish in our pond, play at several playgrounds, climb our hills, shoot hoops and spike the volleyball or pitch horseshoes, take a hayride, enjoy live music and dances, shop at our General Store, shoot pool and play video games, relax in solitude or join with new friends - the choice is yours and it's all at Misty Mountain Camp Resort! OUR ACCOMMODATIONS • Cabins We offer a wide range of cabins to fit any need, from a single room to 3 bedrooms. All cabins have A/C, heat, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, fire ring, and picnic table. Cabins 1-4, 6, 8 & 13-16 are pet friendly. Bring your own linens, blankets, pillows, or towels as we do not provide those. • RV Sites Our RV sites can accommodate any size of camper. We offer full hookup 50/30 amp, water, and electric 50/30 amp, pull-through, and back-in sites. All sites have gravel pads, picnic tables, a fire ring, and Wifi. Most sites have complimentary digital cable TV. • Tent Sites We have several tenting options for small to large groups. Creekside sites for up to 8 people and backcountry sites for up to 100. All sites have a picnic table, fire ring, lantern hook, bench, and table. OUR AMENITIES We provide a wide range of accommodations and event facilities. We take pride in providing every service with a smile, and to your highest level of satisfaction. • Jump pad • Playground • Misty Mountain Mining Company • Stocked fishing pod • Cornhole & horseshoes • Outdoor sports • Pool • Country Store • Fitness Room • Live Music • Planned Activities • Food trucks • Bathhouse and laundry • Community & Club Rooms FEATURED ATTRACTIONS • Pro Re Nata Brewery • Nature Trails • Long Distance Trails • Grand Caverns • Hill Top Winery • Monticello
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$35
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98%
(318)

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. There are two bridges that cross Thrashers Creek to get to Arcadia. The first is not suitable for large vehicles and trailers. The second bridge is our recommended entry way. Be aware we live on side of Mount pleasant and the roads on site are graveled and somewhat windy.
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$22.50
 / night
99%
(129)

River Trail Hollow

19 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Hillsboro, WV
CLOSED FOR THE SEASON Re-opening in the spring! -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)
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$31.50
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100%
(30)

MountainTop

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents32 acres · Sugar Grove, WV
Closed for the Season. Open May 1 thru September 1. We plan to add more sites for the 2025 season. Live sustainably, enjoy life. Enjoy our family's 32 acre eco-wonder property that features forested mountain walking trails, two small ponds, seasonal waterfall, and the Potomac River that runs through it. Perfect private retreat for nature enthusiasts, writers, artists, musicians, contemplatives, and small families. MountainTop got its namesake over 30 years ago for the small mountain plateau that resides at the top of the property, just a short hike from the cabins and campsites. One can easily find the soothing voice of water nearby at the seasonal waterfall or alongside the flowing river. Rejuvenate with friends, families, nature lovers, and contemplatives. Mountaintop offers superb stargazing, swimming, fishing, hiking, strenuous mountain biking, camping, serenity, peace, and connective nature immersion. There are currently three sites: the MountainTop Cabin (sleeps up to 4); the Retreat Cabin (sleeps up to 4): and the Fern Grove campsite (sleeps up to 4). You can book a cabin or the campsite for your family, or the whole place for a small group by booking each site--that will ensure privacy. Last year we hosted wellness retreats for small groups at this little oasis tucked in the mountains of gorgeous West Virginia. "When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe." John Muir Note: All wheel drive or 4-wheel drive needed to cross river. 1 hour from downtown Harrisonburg, Virginia. 1 hour 40 minutes from Charlottesville. 3 hours from Washington, D.C.
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$37.80
 / night

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.

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