Most wildfires are preventable. Learn to be fire safe
- Covington
Amazing views
Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
Rig suitability
Vehicles under 80 feet allowed
Allowed rigs: travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, pop-up campers, class A RVs, class B RVs, class C RVs, campervans, cars, truck campers, and rooftop tents
Pull-in site
Accommodates slideouts
Surface type: Grass or field
Surface levelness: Flat
Generators allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
No sewage hookup
No TV hookup
What to expect
RV/tent site
20 guests max
Campfires allowed
Toilet available
Pets allowed
Bins available
Picnic table present
Wifi available
No potable water
No showers
Cooking equipment absent
Laundry absent
Hot Tub absent
No playground
Things to know
Getting there
Check in: After 2:00 PM
Early or late check-in may be availableCheck out: Before 12:00 PM
Late check-out may be availableOn arrival: Meet with Host
Cancellation policy: Super Strict (no refunds)
Minimum nights: 1 night
Accepts bookings: 18 months out
Park at listing
No wheelchair access
Max 10 vehicles
2WD accessible
During your trip
Follow the
Leave it better
Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.
RV/tent sites
1 site
Shirleys' River Retreat site #1
100%
(24)Campfires allowed
Toilet
Pets allowed
Reviews
97% Recommend32 ratings · 29 reviews
River is nice. However, we never saw our host, which was noted as part of arrival. We paid $10.00 for wood we did not get. The campground was full of trash, such as ropes, socks, wrappers, tools, and other miscellaneous garbage. The trash area was literally a trash area. Meaning that it was a pile of garbage. Other than the river being nice, I would not recommend.
M
Matthew C.
2 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2026
Tent · With pets ·
Shirleys' River Retreat site #2
It was awesome camping here! Nice, peaceful, and quiet on the river. Mark was very responsive.
K
Keenan F.
2 years on Hipcamp
passing through with a travel trailer and there's just the right amount of sun to keep my solar panels charged and just the right amount of trees to enjoy the hammocks. host is great. hope to stay again.
Scott U.
9 reviews
Recommends
· February 2026
Marc is great! Communication with him is easy and prompt.
Joe B.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2025
Very private and quiet. The river is beautiful. Lots of recreation in the area the host was professional, courteous and attentive. I’d gladly return!
R
Rick W.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
communication, was exactly what the description said. wish could of stayed longer but lifes busy.
D
Daniel J.
2 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
12 ft travel trailer ·
Shirleys' River Retreat site #2
We loved camping on Mark‘s land!
He responded quickly and had all sorts of hiking tips and things to do in the area.
We saw Osprey Eagle Hawk, and Canada geese! The Jackson River is beautiful and right out your tent door. We enjoyed the Jackson River Trail and the mountains in the area are just beautiful Alleghany County rocks and so does Mark‘s camp spot!
D
Denise D.
6 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
12 ft travel trailer · With pets ·
Shirleys' River Retreat site #1
This place was PERFECT! Very accommodating, beautiful views of the Jackson, and tons to do! Mark was amazing as a host and we enjoyed every minute there. Will DEFINITELY be going back!
A
Adam Y.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Shirleys' River Retreat site #1
Great campsite right by the river! Fairly easy access to the water. The location is very close to Alleghany Outdoors. Mark, the host, had good recommendations for activities in the area as well.
R
Rebecca H.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2025
Tent · With kids ·
Shirleys' River Retreat site #1
Absolutely beautiful camp site! Very private and peaceful! River is gorgeous! Plenty of open space. Mark was accommodating and very responsive. We would definitely go back!
The bathroom is a little primitive-(aka a privacy tent and 5 gallon bucket.) This was the only down side to me.
E
Emily E.
11 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Shirleys' River Retreat site #1
We had an absolute BLAST on marks property. He was the best host, always checking on us and letting us borrow things like his bike pump. We got a bit of rain but it didn’t slow down the fun. We had 3 adults and 5 kids under 10 and they never ran out of fun things to do. Host really knows the area and gave us a list of things to do that are right around the corner. We saw lots of kayakers and tubers float by and everyone was so nice. The swing by the water was a huge hit. We will definitely be coming back!
J
Jessica S.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2025
18 ft fifth wheel · With pets ·
Shirleys' River Retreat site #1
Nice river access and the host came by to check us in and check on us during our two night stay.
R
Rebecca C.
2 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
18 ft campervan ·
Shirleys' River Retreat site #3
Beautiful, level grassy camping right on the Jackson River. The host was attentive and generous with his site, amenities and local knowledge. Afternoon shade is a little challenging and yes there are bugs. However, the river, wildlife, stars and lightening bug show made everything worth it. Great stay and will be back.
C
Charles J.
51 reviews
Recommends
· June 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Shirleys' River Retreat site #1
Great campsite on a beautiful bend in the river. Mark was a great host and has spent a lot of time making the campsite inviting. Would recommend to anyone
Chad Z.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2025
40 ft travel trailer · With pets ·
Shirleys' River Retreat site #2
Mark is a friendly, attentive, helpful, and laid back host. His property is a spectacular location with direct, private access to an amazing cold water river. Highly recommend this spot!
M
Mark S.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2025
16 ft car ·
Shirleys' River Retreat site #1
We didn't get to stay here this time, but I can tell you Mark is very responsive and attentive. This is a beautiful area and I will be looking to book here again when I get back to the area.
J
Joe B.
3 reviews
This was one of the most amazing finds I’ve ever had! Beautiful river view, and peaceful and quiet.
Mark was absolutely the best, he is by far the best host I have had, I can’t wait to go back again. This place is off beaten path. It takes you into a little oasis.
Joel R.
5 years on Hipcamp
This is a very nice camping spot right on the river!
Mary P.
5 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
20 ft pop-up camper ·
Shirleys' River Retreat site #2
Great location along Mid-Atlantic Backcountry Discovery Route. It’s built for dual-sport motorcycles but trucks can run the route too.
We ended up sharing the camp with another overlander couple and had a very enjoyable evening.
S
Stephen P.
6 reviews
Site was perfect, beautiful and quiet! Mark is amazing host! Mark thanks for a great weekend location!
G
Gar E.
3 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
Really enjoyed camping on the river. Mark has a servants heart and drive of the Energizer Bunny. He brought firewood and has the site looking great with all kinds of extra amenities. Would stay again.
I'm John C.
4 reviews
Had a great time in the open field and right by the river very peaceful and quiet and at night it’s very very dark. We enjoyed ourselves and the house. Mark was wonderful. He came over introduced himself and asked if we needed anything. We would definitely stay there again.
Rhonda D.
2 reviews
Recommends
· November 2024
A diamond in the rough - Worth it!
33 ft Class A ·
Shirleys' River Retreat site #1
What a great spot! The host Mark put so much thought into making the spot by the river extra special. Mark provided a picnic table, a hammock by the river, yard games & a fire pit full of wood ready to be lit. We have a 2024 class A 33’ motor home and we navigated from the driveway, over grass down to the river with no issue. The house on the property is humble, but don’t let that deter you. The RV spot is right on the river with lots of privacy and great views. Mark’s dog was such a sweetheart and played with our dog off leash for a good 45 minutes. In the morning as we were packing up to leave I saw 2 men fly fishing up river. It looked like a perfect spot to fish. Best of luck Mark!
J
Jeff S.
2 reviews
Absolutely beautiful view! Wonderful host! We arrived in the dark much later than planned and our host had a fire already going for us! We could’ve stayed for weeks if we didn’t have work! There’s plenty of room to choose a spot, the river is right there. River access was less than 100 steps away! The rocky beach had a hammock, table and a rock fire pit should you choose. There is a great bike trail that runs parallel to the river and a trail head is right at the corner store. The host’s dog, Ghost, is a super sweet energetic puppy who is well socialized.
We absolutely recommend this spot!
S
S W.
3 reviews
Great spot and nice host. Plenty of added amenities were there as well.
T
Tanner R.
1 year on Hipcamp
Mark was very kind and made sure the camp site was kempt, clean, and had other amenities available at the site. A restroom was available as well as games, fire pit, wood, and many more I didn't expect to have. Great overall experience.
T
Tanner R.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2024
Sweet spot on the river
16 ft travel trailer ·
Shirleys' River Retreat site #1
If you need a spot in this area, this place fits the bill! It’s very private, right on the river, and there is space to spread out. Mark is super friendly and offered lawn games and firewood. We enjoyed a campfire under the stars, and a ride on the Jackson River Trail. Did not find much to see in Covington, and did not explore other towns nearby, as we were headed home.
K
Kate F.
3 reviews
Very nice camp spot. Would recommend to anyone looking to get away from crowded campgrounds. Access to the river as well. Great spot! Host is super cool!
Eric C.
2 reviews
This was one of my favorite Hipcamp spots! Mark the host was very helpful and generous, brought us firewood, gave us recommendations, etc. The campsite was nice and flat, and right on the water. The water was beautiful and clear, and my kids caught crawfish for hours before ending the night with a campfire and s’mores. I’ll come back to this area strictly for this Hipcamp spot alone!
Charles T.
5 years on Hipcamp
Location
Covington, Alleghany, Virginia, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Mark M.
Joined in May 2024Response rate: 100%
Things to do nearby
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