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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 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

99%
(518)

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.
from 
$20
 / night
96%
(28)

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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$44
 / night
100%
(300)

Thunder Bridge

23 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.
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$30
 / night
100%
(7)

Riverwood

3 sites ¡ RVs, Tents275 acres ¡ Monterey, VA
Located on the Jackson River with views of Alleghany Mountains up and down valley. Great catch and release fly fishing, star gazing, bird and other nature watching. Located 15 minutes South of Monterey VA and 20 North of Hot Springs VA (where historic hot springs and Homestead resort are located). Come visit and enjoy the beauty. Note, no cell phone service on property. Service available mile south of property on 220 and 5 miles north of property on 220.
from 
$40
 / night
96%
(778)

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.
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$50
 / night
91%
(32)

The Trout Camp

18 sites ¡ RVs, Tents30 acres ¡ Circleville, WV
Welcome to The Trout Camp, aka Fontinalis Farms, a small, family-owned campground nestled beside the Monongahela National Forest on the banks of Big Run and The North Fork River. Our spacious site offers 30 acres to explore, with 15 tent sites and annual RV sites available for reservation. Kids under 16 are free! (just don't count them in your booking) Our campground features a convenient shower house with well water and flush toilets, but we do ask that you bring your own drinking water. Take a dip in the river, cast a line and fish, or simply relax in the serene surroundings. You can find a video tour at this location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJ5DSMTfP0A , or search The Trout Camp on Youtube. As you arrive, we kindly ask that you respect the privacy and posted speed limit of our neighbors. Please practice Catch and Release while visiting.
from 
$20
 / night
96%
(47)

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.
from 
$30
 / night
97%
(19)

Longview Yurt Retreat

1 site ¡ Lodging1 acre ¡ Raphine, VA
Welcome to Longview Yurt nestled in the Shenandoah mountains! This is our family retreat we use to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. It's a wonderful opportunity to disconnect from screens and reconnect with those around you. The yurt has been such a beautiful opportunity for us to simply relax that we decided to share it with like-minded nature-lovers! It is surrounded by nature with a gravel road running along one side of the property and a stream running along the other. The stream is technically on our neighbor's property but you can hear the calming sounds of the water running over the rocks as you relax near the picnic table or further down the property near the tree swing. The yurt is the perfect balance between comfort and camping. There's electricity, mini-frig and coffee maker, actual beds for sleeping, and plenty of space indoors to spread out for a meal or play a board game. However, please note there's NO running water so bring your own for drinking and washing dishes used. Fans are used for cooling the yurt in the summer months; there is no AC. There are plenty of outdoor adventures to be had nearby including Saint Mary's Wilderness (personal favorite!), Crabtree Falls, White Rock Falls, and Goshen Pass Natural Area Preserve. Also worth noting is Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery is just 3 miles away!
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$90
 / night
99%
(60)

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
 / night
97%
(178)

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.
from 
$35
 / night
99%
(70)

Camping in the shade on the river

1 site ¡ RV, Tent60 acres ¡ Eagle Rock, VA
Learn more about this land:Very secluded spot right on the river. Large fire pit. 12by40 pavilion. Great area for wade fishing. Right between to state boat ramps one 20 min upstream is the Iron gate ramp one an hour down stream is the Glen Wilton boat ramp. Picknick tables on site.
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$40
 / night
100%
(13)

MountainTop

3 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents32 acres ¡ Sugar Grove, WV
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.
from 
$42
 / 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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