Crimora, Virginia provides access to several camping destinations throughout the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains. Mixed-use campgrounds like Misty Mountain Camp Resort, Waynesboro North 340 Campground, and Loft Mountain Campground offer varied accommodations including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. The proximity to Shenandoah National Park creates opportunities for both developed camping experiences with amenities and more rustic options. Campgrounds in this region typically feature fire rings, picnic tables, and drinking water, with many offering electric hookups for RVs and access to sanitary dump stations.
Seasonal availability varies significantly across the area's campgrounds. Many Shenandoah National Park locations, including Loft Mountain Campground, operate from mid-May through late October, while valley locations like Waynesboro North 340 and Misty Mountain Camp Resort remain open year-round. Road access to higher elevation sites can become difficult during winter months, particularly along Skyline Drive within Shenandoah National Park. Most developed campgrounds require reservations, especially during fall foliage season when visitation peaks. Several campgrounds feature gravel sites that accommodate larger RVs, though some reviews note limitations. "Sites were a good size. We had five cars parked right in front of our site and that was super nice," mentioned one camper about the Dundo Group Campground in Shenandoah National Park.
Campground experiences near Crimora often highlight the region's natural features and proximity to recreational opportunities. Sites positioned along creeks or with mountain views tend to receive higher ratings from visitors. As noted in feedback on The Dyrt, "Our new spot was next to a babbling creek and was very desirable! Spots that are near the creek are very nice!" The area's campgrounds serve as convenient bases for exploring nearby hiking trails, historical sites, and scenic drives along Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors appreciate campgrounds that balance natural settings with basic amenities, though some note that sites can become crowded during peak seasons, particularly holiday weekends. Public picnic areas adjacent to some campgrounds occasionally create overflow issues, as reported by campers at Dundo Group Campground.
$30 - $75 / night
"This campground is perfect for those looking to just get away from things for a couple of days."
"We got a walk in site, so our tent was way far away from cars and other people. The site included a fire pit w/grill grate, picnic table, and metal bear box."
$35 - $75 / night
"Back in sites for smaller trailers such as our teardrop were plenty big enough but still on the outskirts of the field. Bath house was very clean and very well thought out."
"The winding layout allowed for more distance between other sites. The woods were beautiful with easy walking trails right from the site."
$36 - $132 / night
"We spent 2 weeks at SVC while our trunk was in the shop(our travel trailer got towed there- highly recommend Good Sam Roadside policy). Everyone on staff was accomodating, helpful and friendly."
"It was clean, but had a trail of ants get into my belongings. Sites are close to one another and the cabins are not near the water. They are near the bath house though."
$25 - $47 / night
"Sherando Lake is a well-maintained, popular campground located in the George Washington National Forest near Lyndhurst, VA."
"The lakeside is wonderful for sitting, reading and swimming. The "upper lake" is great for fishing. "
$25 - $140 / night
"First time camping in any part of Virginia, very nice and clean campground, not too much outside noise besides the random car driving on the one road near by."
"We set up camp then walked over to the brewery/ restaurant for some flights and dinner. I recommend grabbing some growlers to go. Showers and restrooms were clean."
$45 - $99 / night
"You can fish in the lake though we didn't catch anything. Wifi is free and open so no password and therefore, not secure. Trash picked up each day."
"Good location close to I81 but little road noise. I did hear a train."
"Good area close to hiking trails and historical sites. Dog friendly. Only negative was the closeness of the sites."
$30 - $75 / night
"While the campground is very nice, with clean conveniently located bathrooms, the site itself is probably not suited for a large group of people."
"Our site had the AT running right behind it. The was plenty of access to trails, and pretty central to the park. The campground is near showers, laundry, campstore, and visitor center."
$29 - $45 / night
"And of course their lake that has two jumping decks, water slide, snack bar , restaurant and off to the side a little store for floats with putt putt golf and Jenna,etc."
"Lots for them to do, great swimming lake, employees were a pleasure. Trash pick-up was awesome !! Our site was gorgeous. Not a full hook up(more on that later), but absolutely perfect."
"It’s super close (only an hour drive) to Shenandoah NP! Host is super responsive to questions/concerns that arise but it’s not necessary to communicate with them if you prefer the privacy."
ScoutI loved this camp spot, easily accessible with any vehicle (no need for 4 wheel drive). There are a couple trails near the campground that you could take and do an early morning sunrise hike which was beautiful. I tent camped, there was plenty of flat space to set up the tent. Quiet area overall with a nice creek running nearby.
TravelerThis place charges $100 a night after fees and taxes. Decent enough place but definitely not worth the money. Not one working toilet or shower and if you want some firewood it costs $1 per piece. You can do so much better than this place.
TravelerIt was a great public spot to disperse camp as there are plenty of areas to set up camp on the way to the summit, but none beat the view of this one. The view from both sunset and sunrise are immaculate, with an unobstructed stunning sunset view from the camp site, and a gorgeous golden glow coming from just across the trail. There is plenty of room to find the perfect spot to set up camp and truly find your best view. While you would want to bring everything for a good time, pack light for the hike if there are not many hands. The somewhat steep hike seems to be 1.0 mile from the Booten’s Gap Parking Lot to the summit (Booten’s being the base of the hike).
TravelerThe road to drive down to the lake is really rocky and not paved, make sure you have a good car (we did not)! There are multiple campsites that are all beautiful, the forest is really fun to explore. You can see lots of stars if the night sky is clear, which to me is always such a plus! Overall a great low-key campsite with great nature and easy set up! Also if you go camping bring a trash bag from home and collect your trash littering is not okay. There was lots of litter around the campground but we had brought a trash bag and collected the litter that had been left there. Be kind to nature!!
LegendThis is the first of 10 sites on Hercules Road, Route 812. This Forest Service Road #36 runs along Rocky Row Run Creek and is open all year long. This site is on the right and sits along the creek. There is a fire ring behind the barrier rocks and flat areas for tents both inside and outside of the rocks. There is also two more fire rings and tent areas as you walk along the creek.
Check out site 1 and all the others on this road in our video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjBE-ASivns&t=36s
LegendThis is the largest site on the road. Plenty of room for a large group to spread out. There are even three walk in sites around the main site if you want a little more privacy.
Check out site 5 and all the others in our video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjBE-ASivns&t=640s
LegendWe have camped here a couple times when it was empty and had a really peaceful experience. It’s a simple, no-frills national forest campground with a nice open grassy area and a small creek running next to it. Plenty of room to spread out.
We didn’t have any issues during our stay. It was quiet, clean, and easy to access. I can see how it might feel different depending on timing, though, during the hunting season there are usually a lot more people around. Most of the time when we’re in the area, we actually camp about 2 miles up the road where there are 5 dispersed campsites that offer a bit more separation.
LegendWe have camped here a couple of times. Nothing special but access to the river makes it great if you are fishing or kayaking. You will need a fishing license or access pass and must register that you are camping here. Other then the needed pass or license there is no camping fee.
LegendWe have camped here a couple of times. Nothing special but access to the river makes it great if you are fishing or kayaking. You will need a fishing license or access pass and must register that you are camping here. Other then the needed pass or license there is no camping fee.
Camping near Crimora, Virginia offers direct access to the Blue Ridge Mountains at elevations ranging from 1,300 to 3,500 feet, creating distinct seasonal conditions for campers. The area experiences significant temperature drops during evenings, with 15-20°F differences between daytime and nighttime temperatures even in summer months. Water sources throughout local campgrounds frequently come from mountain springs or wells, creating cold drinking water regardless of season.
Hiking from camp: At Loft Mountain Campground, the Appalachian Trail runs directly through the grounds. "If you wanna hike somewhere, the AT runs right through the campground. The rangers and the host were super friendly and very helpful," notes Katrin M. about the accessible trail options.
Fishing in stocked ponds: Shenandoah Valley Campground maintains fishing areas for campers. Jerry G. reports, "Nice wooded campground, pretty cool water fall, lots of colorful bunnies, decent fishing in the pond."
Visit local breweries: Multiple breweries surround Crimora. "Walking distance to devils backbone brewery. Clean bathrooms. Close distance to hiking trails and other breweries and cideries. Close to humback rock, spy rock, crabtreefalls and many more trails to explore," shares Chyna K. about the convenient location of Devils Backbone Camp.
Clean facilities: Sherando Lake receives consistent praise for maintenance. Stephanie J. reports, "The bathrooms are well-lit, the road is paved, and the sites are so well-maintained. This is where we typically chose to take friends if they were new to camping."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Big Meadows Campground offers frequent wildlife sightings. "You will definitely see deer in the campground as they walk through and browse the understory. They are unafraid of humans unless directly approached," notes Veronica S. about the regular animal encounters.
Swimming options: Natural water features provide cooling spots during summer. One camper at Shenandoah Valley Campground shares, "Great 4 days on the Middle River. Quiet and relaxing," highlighting the waterfront recreation options.
Night sky viewing: Dark skies create stargazing opportunities. Cindy M. describes her experience: "The mountain remained fogged in for most of our stay, but hikes on the AT and Doyles Falls were stunning."
Seasonal operation limitations: Many campgrounds close during winter. "This campground is small and well-kept. It has an incredibly chill and laid-back vibe... It is very dark at the campground, so great for star watching," explains Erika S. about Devils Backbone Camp, which remains operational when others close.
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly by location and carrier. "Cell service and wi-fi are spotty at best, but what do you expect? You are in the middle of the mountains," notes one Devils Backbone camper about the common communication challenges.
Weekend crowding: Expect significant population increases Friday through Sunday. Aly E. warns about Loft Mountain: "We stayed a Friday night and the group across from us yelled, laughed, partied the entire night til 5am. We didn't sleep at all."
Bear safety requirements: Food storage regulations are strictly enforced. Lisa M. cautions, "Bears actually frequent the area. A young bear was repeatedly visiting site A9 up the road from me and I had to chase him off when he came near my site!"
Look for campgrounds with play facilities: Walnut Hills Campground offers dedicated family spaces. John D. notes, "Really cool set up clean campground. The people are nice and the so are the views. The fishing ponds are great, bring a fishing pole!"
Choose sites with good separation: Privacy matters with children. At Sherando Lake Campground, Katie M. explains, "The site is pretty secluded with trees, so you can't see your neighbors. The campground itself is very well maintained and clean."
Plan for variable weather: Mountain elevations cause rapid temperature changes. "It was a bit of a walk through lush greenery from the car to the tent site, but once there, you really feel like you are the only humans on the mountain," describes Cindy M. about finding sheltered camping spots.
Consider lake-adjacent sites: Water access entertains children. "We had a great site on the river. Spaces were small but big enough for all our equipment. They had an awesome pool that was heated, hot tubs, mini golf and good playgrounds. My kids were in heaven," reports Lo H.
Check hookup locations before setting up: Waynesboro North 340 Campground offers full hookups with specific layouts. Mike G. notes, "RV section is typical style in a large field. Back in sites for smaller trailers such as our teardrop were plenty big enough but still on the outskirts of the field. Bath house was very clean and very well thought out."
Prepare for uneven sites: Leveling equipment is essential at some locations. "Some sites are really close to the main office were check-in is, and can come quickly, as ours was. No big deal, and we should of looked at the site map closer, but heads up anyway," advises Ryan D. about navigating campground layouts.
Consider water hose length needs: Some sites have unusual utility placement. Robert explains about Devils Backbone Camp, "The power station was on the opposite side of the septic, so make sure you have a 30ft power cord at least!"
Check road conditions before large rig arrival: Mountain access roads have limitations. Gabe noted at Misty Mountain Camp Resort, "Great access, 30, 50, primitive, pull in, back in, cabin, pretty much full gamut. Quickly becoming a favorite."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Crimora, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Crimora, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 127 campgrounds and RV parks near Crimora, VA and 15 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Crimora, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Crimora, VA is Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park with a 4.3-star rating from 68 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Crimora, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 free dispersed camping spots near Crimora, VA.
What parks are near Crimora, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 parks near Crimora, VA that allow camping, notably Shenandoah National Park and George Washington & Jefferson National Forests.
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