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

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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

Top-rated campgrounds near George Washington National Forest

99%

(675)

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.

99%

(475)

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.

90%

(631)

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)

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.

98%

(317)

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.

96%

(868)

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.

98%

(65)

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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(199)

Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Linville, VA

Hilltop with views of the mountains facing east and west. Close to Harrisonburg. Several areas to camp in, take your pick. Nice shady wooded area overlooking Joes Creek. Be happy to give you a tour of the mushroom farm. Learn more about this land: The wooded area is next to my house. There's about 4 acres to explore and a gravel road rarely traveled for a nice walk to a view for a great sunset. Harrisonburg is 5 minutes from here and has lots of night life, micro breweries etc. I have long power cords if you need electric at the campsite. You may hear owls hooting at night. The campsite is under white pines with a thick bed of pine needles. There are several campsites under the red cedar trees that are naturally bug and mosquito resistant. Shenandoah National Park is about 45 minutes away if you go to the 33 entrance and 45 minutes away to go to the Luray entrance. Lots of bears there and hikes to waterfalls. No hunting there. Solar panels provide half of my energy needs. GW National forest has lots of hiking and mt biking and is half an hour away. Great views of the mountains from the campsite area. I'm dedicated to having lots of native plants and trees. I do not spray any pesticides. Plenty of free firewood. Not too far off interstate 81. I give tours of the mushroom farm whenever the weather isn't below freezing. I don't recommend anything larger than a conversion van. Very small pull behind campers are OK . All campers are required to leave every day from 1 to 5. Belongings may be kept here.

99%

(285)

Magic at Galleywinter

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Afton, VA

Galleywinter Farm is a 20-acre working horse farm with an organic garden and views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.Our whole farm fosters a sense of connection with nature, deep restfulness and relaxation. Explore our woods trails, beautiful spots to sit, or observe the horses. Our yoga and mediation studio with its gorgeous smooth wood floors offers serenity, a space to sit, stretch, or practice yoga.Galleywinter is a perfect place for a quiet getaway, great hiking trails just 4 miles away - guests have easy access to Shenandoah National Forest, George Washington National Forest, Skyline Drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Appalachian Trail. The Blue Ridge Tunnel is also a famous, historic site just minutes away. We are nearby many local breweries, restaurants, good grocery stores, art & antique shops. Great for folks wanting a quiet and restorative getaway.Our check-in window is between 3:00- 7:00, if you need to check in later message us and we'll try to accommodate. If it is significantly later, you can purchase this as an extra. We do observe quiet hours after 9:00 pm to ensure peace and quiet for everyone on the property.

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(234)

Mane Gait Equestrian Center

2 sites · RVs, Tents140 acres · Natural Bridge, VA

Mane Gait is conveniently located right off route 81 and can accommodate large rigs. You won't find better views of the blue ridge mountains on this gorgeous working horse farm. We have hiking trails through beautiful private scenery for beginners to advanced hikers. Pets are welcome if leashed! Picnic area on site as well as laundry machine. We are 10 minutes from downtown historic Lexington Virginia that provides great restaurants and lots of history in the charming town of Lexington. Site 2 should be booked for smaller campers around 25 feet. Site 1 is better for larger campers.

100%

(69)

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.

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(17)

Snowshoe Valley Camping & Glaming

9 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Slatyfork, WV

Close to Snowshoe Mountain, at only 1 mile drive from the entrance to Snowshoe Mountain Resort. This is a great spot for mountain bikers and river lovers. So close to snowshoe and affordable makes this an easy decision. Also the wildlife, flowers, and river on the property make this a truly powerful place. There is some traffic and noise from the road but it quiets down through the night and all you can hear is the trickle of the stream. We have a lovely 20 acre are that has easy to pull up to camp sites and some that take a short walk but are able to camp right near the river bed. We offer camping for all ranges of groups and travelers. We have campsites for tents, cars and vans, big RV's and Trailers, and then group sized sites. Please contact us and we can accommodate you in any size or style. We have cheap options for the solo and travelers on budgets and we have some nice options to get furnished tents and private fireplaces, with private river views and beach/play areas. Contact us with any questions or comments. You can google us anytime and Snowshoe Valley Camping.

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.