Whether you are planning a peaceful weekend under the stars or a longer adventure in the Shenandoah Valley, Harrisonburg, VA, is the perfect home base for your next camping getaway. Surrounded by rolling farmland, forested mountains, and scenic byways, this area offers something for every type of camper—from cozy tent spots to full hook-up RV resorts.
In this guide, we’ve gathered some of the best campgrounds near Harrisonburg that combine natural beauty with comfort and convenience. Whether you are traveling with kids, pets, or a fifth-wheel in tow, you’ll find the right fit among these well-loved local spots. Let’s explore where to set up camp!
Top Campgrounds Near Harrisonburg, VA:
Traditional Campsites Suitable for Tents
Harrisonburg / Shenandoah Valley KOA Holiday
📍Distance from Downtown: 13.4 miles (25 minutes) Phone: (540) 896-8929 Social Media: Facebook, TripAdvisor
A family-friendly campground in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, this KOA offers scenic countryside charm with easy access to major attractions like national parks, Massanutten Resort, caverns, and more. Guests are welcomed with a winding country road entrance and personal escort to their site, plus friendly staff ready to help make your stay memorable.
Amenities:
- Free high-speed Wi-Fi
- Pool (Memorial Day–Labor Day)
- KampK9® fenced dog area
- Deluxe and one-room cabins, full hookup RV sites
- Cable TV (most sites)
- Laundry, bathhouses, showers
- Kamp Store, firewood, pavilion, snack bar
- Disc golf, ladder golf, and motorcycle-friendly
Hear From Past Visitors:
“I love everything about this KOA. The location is perfect for any size family to enjoy all that [Shenandoah] has to offer while keeping you comfortable as you enjoy the fresh outdoors. [Whether] you want to venture off, or stay at base – there’s no shortage of fun things to do… We will definitely be back.”
Natural Chimneys Park & Campground
📍Distance from Downtown: 15.7 miles (30 minutes) Phone: (540) 245-5753 Social Media: Facebook, TripAdvisor
Located in the Shenandoah Valley, Natural Chimneys Campground is nestled among towering limestone rock formations that rise to 120 feet high, creating a dramatic and awe-inspiring backdrop. This family-friendly campground features a mix of shaded and spacious sites with a blend of RV and tent-only areas. With scenic trails, a peaceful riverfront, and unique historic events like jousting tournaments, it offers a balance of quiet nature and engaging outdoor recreation for all ages.
Amenities:
- 30/50-amp water and electric hookups
- Free dump station, fire rings, picnic tables
- Clean restrooms, hot showers
- Playground
- Pet-friendly (leashed, with proof of vaccination)
- Golf carts are allowed (with insurance)
- Alcohol not permitted
Hear From Past Visitors:
“This is a gorgeous place just full of nature. The information about how the Chimneys were created was wonderful and informative. We also hiked a couple of the nature walks which were beautiful to see. The camping area is large and spacious, the rest rooms were clean and nice. The office personnel were friendly and helpful…”
– Bud J.
Swift Run Campground
📍Distance from Downtown: 34 min (20.8 miles) Phone: (540) 298-8086 Social Media: Facebook, HipCamp
Swift Run Campground offers a peaceful, wooded environment with campsites nestled in nature and quick access to the Appalachian Trail. Whether you’re a thru-hiker looking for a resupply point or a family seeking a relaxing outdoor stay, this campground provides a welcoming atmosphere and essential comforts.
Site Options and Amenities:
- 58 total sites (RVs and tents)
- Back-in RV sites up to 44 ft (20/30/50 AMP)
- Heated shower house
- Two seasonal pools
- Concessions (food, drinks, SnoShack)
- Designated resupply-friendly address for hikers
Hear From Past Visitors:
“This place is amazing great selection of foods to chose from. Love coming here the campground is beautiful with a pond.”
Riverside Camping LLC
📍Distance from Downtown: 39 min (30.4 miles) Phone: (540) 652-1075 Social Media: HipCamp
Located on the banks of the South Fork Shenandoah River and surrounded by the Blue Ridge and Massanutten Mountains, Riverside Camping LLC has been family-owned and operated since 1970. This peaceful riverside retreat isn’t a resort—it’s a simple, down-to-earth campground with deep roots in the Shenandoah Valley. Most of the 60 campsites are seasonal, but a few are reserved for short-term campers looking to experience the natural beauty of the river, trees, and local charm.
Amenities:
- 6 short-term sites (water + 30-amp electric)
- Restrooms, hot showers, dump station
- Firewood included
- Shaded, grassy sites with river views
- Pet-friendly (leash required)
- Noon check-in/out (flexible)
Hear From Past Visitors:
“Definitely coming back! Free firewood, bathrooms cleaned/maintained regularly with hot showers, campsites right on the river! Real mom & pop place. Hope it stays around a long time!”
– Alex R.
RV Parks Near Harrisonburg, VA, RV & Camper-Friendly
Shenandoah Valley Campground
📍Distance from Downtown: 31 min (21.3 miles) Phone: (540) 248-2267 Social Media: Facebook, TripAdvisor
Nestled along a peaceful stretch of river, the campground offers a mix of wooded and open sites just minutes from Shenandoah National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and historic Civil War sites. Big rigs are welcome, and there are a variety of pull-through and back-in RV sites with water, sewer, and 30/50 amp hookups. Guests can also enjoy riverfront access, a private waterfall, and level gravel pads perfect for stable RV parking or tent camping.
Amenities:
- Full hookup (30/50 amp) RV sites
- Heated pool, river access
- Mini-golf, arcade, playground
- On-site café
- Laundry, golf cart rentals
- Pet-friendly
Hear From Past Visitors:
“This is a great rv park. This was our first time staying at this park. It was a great surprise. The staff was very friendly. The park was very clean and well maintained. Short distance off the highway. We will certainly make this a regular stop!”
– Barry K.
Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park
📍Distance from Downtown: 38 min (33.6 miles) Phone: (540) 337-3920 Social Media: Facebook, TripAdvisor
Walnut Hills Campground blends historic charm with modern RV accommodations. Set on a scenic 44-acre property once part of a colonial-era estate, this campground offers a range of full-service and water/electric-only RV sites to suit every style of travel. From shady creekside retreats to sunny pull-through pads perfect for big rigs, Walnut Hills makes it easy to relax, recharge, and explore the Blue Ridge region.
Site Options and Amenities:
- Full hookups: lakefront, patio-equipped, shaded hilltop
- Water/electric only: creekside or meadow
- Buddy sites for groups
- Swimming pool and kiddie pool
- Fishing lake, duck feeding
- 2 playgrounds, basketball, disc golf
- Dog park, GaGa Ball pit
- Friday movie nights and seasonal foam parties
- Camp store, clean bathhouses
Hear From Past Visitors:
“We had a wonderful stay over Memorial Day weekend!!! The grounds were clean. The atmosphere was great! The staff were helpful and friendly! The bathrooms were clean! Plenty of room at our site and most importantly the site was pretty level which makes set up so much faster!!! We will be back!!!!”
Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley
📍Distance from Downtown: 44 min (37.3 miles) Phone: (540) 337-2267 Social Media: Facebook, TripAdvisor
A family-friendly resort campground, Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley blends natural beauty with resort-style amenities. Whether you’re bringing your RV or staying for the season, this destination offers something for every type of camper, plus access to fun attractions, lakeside leisure, and all the comforts of home.
Amenities:
- Full hookup 30/50 amp RV sites
- Fire rings, picnic tables, Wi-Fi
- Game room, basketball, GaGa Ball, jump pad
- Dog park, pool, pavilion
- The Eatery & Snack Bar
- Camp store (firewood, propane, duck food)
Hear From Past Visitors:
“Wonderful!!! The staff are very helpful as well as friendly. The site was immaculate. The playground, jump pad, swimming pool, and beach were a hit. Very clean. Booking for next year :-)”
Misty Mountain Camp Resort
📍Distance from Downtown: 47 min (47.1 miles) Phone: (540) 456-6409 Social Media: Facebook, TripAdvisor
Tucked between rolling vineyards and scenic foothills, Misty Mountain offers a peaceful and relaxing setting. Large trees, mountain views, and the sounds of a nearby creek make this a year-round destination. Fall brings vibrant foliage, and summer evenings are perfect for gathering around the fire.
Site Options and Amenities:
- Full hookup 30/50 amp
- Water/electric-only sites
- Gravel pads, picnic tables, Wi-Fi
- 100 campsites
- 16 cabins
- Event venues for up to 1,000 people
- Two heated/cooled bathhouses
- Laundry room
- Camp store, fitness room
- Swimming pool
- Pet-friendly (leashed)
Hear From Past Visitors:
“Rented a camp site in the back country area with some friends. At check in the ladies working in the office/store were super friendly. The items in the store were not over priced like you would find with most other places. The facilities were clean and the camp ground itself was clean. Everything was perfect from the staff to the vacation itself.”
– Nikki R.
Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views
📍Distance from Downtown: 54 min (37.7 miles) Phone: (540) 743-7222 Social Media: Facebook, TripAdvisor
Located on a serene hilltop overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains, Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views lives up to its name. This year-round campground near Luray offers big open skies, full hook-up RV sites, and sweeping views of the Shenandoah Valley. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or settling in for the season, this campground blends comfort, convenience, and classic Virginia scenery.
Site Options and Amenities:
- Full hookup (30/50 amp), pull-through, and back-in
- Deluxe patio/pergola sites
- Tent and glamping sitesare available
- Seasonal/monthly/winter-long options
- Swimming and wading pools
- Dog park, playground, jumping pillow
- Gem mining, group yurt
- Camp store, laundry, bathhouses
- Starlink-ready Wi-Fi
- Golf cart rentals
Hear From Past Visitors:
“My family and I stayed at the tent sites here and they were great. Grounds are clean and well kept. The camp store is well stocked and fairly priced. The campground lies a short drive from Luray, Shenandoah and anything else you would like to check out in this part of the country. The staff were all helpful, polite, and positive. If you want to get away from the business of camping in the Shenandoah National Park then Spacious Skies is the solution you are looking for.”
Essential Camping Tips for Camping in Harrisonburg
Book Ahead: Summer weekends fill up fast. Shenandoah National Park campgrounds and popular parks often require reservations months in advance, especially for holidays. Check each campground’s season (most open late spring through fall) and reserve early to secure your spot.
Follow Leave No Trace: Help protect the Blue Ridge. Camp on durable surfaces (established sites), pack out all trash, and avoid disturbing plants or wildlife. Keep campsites tidy! Trash or food scraps attract animals. Observe quiet hours and respect other campers. Note that in Shenandoah backcountry, no campfires are allowed, and fires elsewhere should only be in fire rings.
Store Food Safely: Black bears are common here. Keep all food (and scented items like toothpaste or trash) locked in your vehicle or bear locker. Do not leave food or coolers out overnight. As Virginia’s “Be Bear Wise” program advises: keep camp clean and store food away from your sleeping area. This greatly reduces bear encounters.
Weather Prep: Mountain weather can change rapidly. Even in summer, expect cool nights (40s–50s°F) and possible afternoon thunderstorms. Bring layered clothing and rain gear. Check the forecast for higher elevations, even lower elevations can quickly change.
Check Regulations: Each site has its own rules. Some parks limit stay length, others ban generators or have pet restrictions. Read campground info beforehand. In national parks, for example, familiarize yourself with specific rules on food storage, firewood use, and wildlife.
Wildlife Awareness: Keep a safe distance from all wildlife. Never feed deer, bears, or other animals. Bring binoculars for safe wildlife viewing, and make noise on trails to avoid startling bears. If you do encounter a bear, remain calm, back away slowly (see Virginia’s bear safety tips).
By following these tips, you’ll help preserve the natural beauty of the Shenandoah Valley and ensure a safe, enjoyable trip.
Find More in Harrisonburg, VA
Camping near Harrisonburg, VA, offers everything from rustic riverside retreats to full-service RV resorts. Whether you pitch a tent under the stars or pull into a grassy RV pad with hookups, the surrounding Blue Ridge scenery won’t disappoint.
After a few nights under the stars, you might just fall in love with the area. If so, we invite you to discover Colonnade Apartments in Harrisonburg, VA. Colonnade Apartments offers modern comfort with scenic views and easy access to the region’s natural beauty. Plan ahead, pack appropriately, and head out – the forests and mountains around Harrisonburg are waiting to welcome you. Happy camping!
Check out our other local guides for a list of State Parks near Harrisonburg, Local Parks in Harrisonburg, The Best Coffee in Harrisonburg, Local Harrisonburg Farmers Markets, and so much more!