Escape the hustle and bustle by camping in the Shenandoah Valley. Waynesboro, VA—nestled at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and near Shenandoah National Park—is a haven for outdoor lovers. With its historic downtown and proximity to Skyline Drive, Waynesboro is a perfect base for camping.
This guide highlights the best spots around Waynesboro, from rugged tent campgrounds to full-service RV parks. You’ll find towering limestone chimneys and riverside hikes, sweeping mountain vistas, and family-friendly resorts with pools and playgrounds – all an hour or less away from Downtown Waynesboro. Whether you crave secluded tent sites or RV hookups, read on for the top campgrounds near Waynesboro, VA, and tips to plan your perfect adventure.
Top Campgrounds Near Waynesboro, VA:
Campgrounds Ideal for Tent Camping near Waynesboro, VA
Waynesboro North 340 Campground
📞 (540) 943-9573 📧 Email📍Distance from Downtown Waynesboro: 5.5 Miles
Waynesboro North 340 Campground has been welcoming campers to the Shenandoah Valley since 1968—and it’s easy to see why so many return year after year. This family-owned and operated campground offers a warm, welcoming environment with everything from full hook-up RV sites to shaded tent areas. Whether you’re looking for a weekend escape or a longer stay, this year-round campground is equipped for both daily and monthly rentals.
Amenities and Activities:
- Recreation: Basketball and volleyball courts, softball field, group games, bingo nights, and other social activities. An inground pool and a playground are also available.
- Campsites: Large, level RV sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Tent campers have access to a shared area with water and electricity.
- Facilities: Clean restrooms with hot showers, a laundry facility, and a pavilion.
- Convenience: Small on-site store stocked with essentials like ice and firewood.
- RV Specifics: 30-and 50-amp options with ample space for big rigs.
- Reservations: Tent sites are first-come, first-served. RV spots can be rented daily or monthly.
Hear from past visitors:
“Fantastic campground. Great clean pool, super clean bath houses. Fun events and also quiet setting if you want that too!” – Angela M.
Natural Chimneys Park & Campground
📞 (540) 245-5753 📧 Email 📍Distance from Downtown Waynesboro: 29.0 Miles
Natural Chimneys Campground offers a scenic and spacious home base for campers seeking a blend of natural beauty and thoughtful amenities. Located near the iconic limestone towers that give the park its name, it’s a favorite among families, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts exploring the Shenandoah Valley.
Amenities and Activities:
- Campsites: 165 well-maintained sites are available, many with water and electric hookups (30-amp standard, limited 50-amp and sewer options). Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table.
- Tent Camping: There is a dedicated tent-only section with large, primitive sites close to the river.
- Restroom Facilities: Two bathhouses with hot showers are available for all campers.
- RV Services: A convenient dump station is provided for RV users.
- Firewood: Firewood can be purchased on-site.
- Nature & Exploration: Enjoy nature walks and birdwatching throughout the larger Natural Chimneys Park.
- River Activities: The nearby river offers opportunities for fishing or wading.
- Events: Take part in seasonal events, including the popular jousting tournament.
- Reservations: Camping is available by reservation or on a first-come, first-served basis. Tent sites have a five-night limit, while RVs can stay up to two weeks.
- Important Information: Quiet hours and site guidelines are enforced by Augusta County Parks and Recreation to ensure a peaceful stay for all guests.
Hear from past visitors:
“Just take note (every campground in the world) this is how you run a campground! Beautiful, clean, super friendly staff, we keep coming back in the fall to do our foliage rides and would not even consider staying anywhere else! Keep up the good work!” – Hector A.
Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping
📞 (540) 291-2188 📍Distance from Downtown Waynesboro: 13.8 Miles
Tucked into the George Washington National Forest and just a few miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway, Sherando Lake Recreation Area offers mountain camping surrounded by two scenic lakes, wooded trails, and cool breezes. Often called the “Jewel of the Blue Ridge,” this campground is a favorite for families, hikers, and anglers looking for a peaceful outdoor getaway.
Amenities and Activities:
- Campsites: The campground is divided into three loops:
- White Oak Loop (Loop A): Non-electric, tent-friendly sites for units under 20 feet.
- River Bend (Loop B) & Meadow Loop (Loop C): Electric hookup sites for RVs and larger camping units.
- Each campsite includes a picnic table, grill, lantern post, and food storage locker. Tent pads are made of fine gravel.
- Restroom Facilities: Each loop has flush toilets, drinking water (non-threaded), and seasonal showers.
- RV Services: A dump station and potable water fill-up with a threaded hose are available on site.
- Swimming: Allowed in the designated beach area of the lower lake, with an accessible entry ramp and a nearby bathhouse. No lifeguards are present, so swim at your own risk.
- Fishing: Permitted at both lakes in stocked trout waters during spring and fall. Visitors must have a valid Virginia fishing license, National Forest stamp, and trout stamp.
- Boating: Canoeing, kayaking, and boats with electric trolling motors are welcome (no gasoline engines).
- Hiking: Enjoy easy loops like the Lakeside and Cliff Trails or take on more challenging climbs along the White Rock or Torry Ridge Trails.
- Other Amenities: A playground, amphitheater, picnic areas, and paved roads.
- Reservations: All campsites require reservations in advance. There are no first-come, first-served sites. Be sure to note your gate code from your confirmation email, as it’s required for entry, and cell service is limited.
Hear from past visitors:
“Our favorite summer spot! Swimming/ splashing/ sand play/ fields to run around/ camping / trails ! The best!” – Annie H.
RV and Camper-Friendly Campgrounds Near Waynesboro, VA
If you’re traveling with an RV or camper van, the Waynesboro, VA area offers a variety of well-equipped parks to meet your needs. From full hook-up sites and pull-through pads to family-friendly amenities and scenic views, these RV campgrounds combine convenience with comfort, perfect for both quick getaways and extended stays.
Misty Mountain Camp Resort
📞 (540) 456-6409 📧 Email 📍Distance from Downtown Waynesboro: 11.2 Miles
Located in Greenwood, VA, at the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Misty Mountain Camp Resort is a family-friendly destination packed with amenities and entertainment. With full-service RV sites and resort-style perks, it’s a great option for travelers looking to relax without sacrificing comfort or community.
Amenities and Activities:
- Water Fun: Seasonal pool and sun deck. (Note: No swimming is allowed in the fishing pond.)
- Games & Sports: Two playgrounds, basketball and volleyball courts, cornhole and horseshoes, and a large jump pad for kids.
- Fishing: Stocked catch-and-release fishing pond.
- Planned Events: Karaoke, tournaments, costume contests, water games, live music from local artists, food truck weekends, and themed family-friendly activities.
- Unique Experience: Misty Mountain Mining Company for gemstone and fossil panning.
- Campsites: Spacious pull-through and back-in RV sites accommodating rigs of any size. Site options include full hookup (50/30 amp), water and electric only (50/30 amp), gravel pads, picnic tables, fire rings, and free Wi-Fi.
- Facilities: Two modern bathhouses with heat/AC and hot showers; Laundry facilities with coin washers and dryers.
- Convenience: On-site Country Store stocked with groceries, firewood, LP gas, beer & wine.
- Fitness & Events: Fitness center (reopening Spring 2024); Event spaces for group gatherings (indoor capacity: 120 / outdoor: 1,000).
- Reservations: Reservations can be made online or by calling the campground directly. This resort fills quickly during peak seasons, so booking in advance is highly recommended. Rates and minimum stays may vary depending on event weekends or holidays.
Hear from past visitors:
“We love Misty Mountain Camp Resort. The people that work there are so very nice and helpful. It’s a great campground for family. It’s always on our list to go to for the camping seasoning. See y’all next time.” – Beth G.
Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park
📞 (540) 337-3920 📧 Email 📍Distance from Downtown Waynesboro: 13.4 Miles
Walnut Hills Campground offers a unique blend of family fun, historical charm, and modern amenities. With 137 RV and tent sites—including lakefront and premium patio options—this award-winning campground caters to everyone from weekend wanderers to seasoned rally groups.
Amenities and Activities:
- RV Sites: A variety of full hookup sites are available, including:
- Patio Premium Pull-Throughs: Feature buddy hookups, propane grills, porch lights, and swing seating.
- Lakeside Back-In Sites: Allow direct fishing from your spot.
- Deck Super Sites: Include picnic tables, grills, and direct lake views.
- All RV sites offer Wi-Fi, fire rings, picnic tables, and a mix of 30/50-amp electric service.
- Water Fun: In-ground pool with a kiddie section.
- Family & Kids’ Entertainment: Foam parties, barrel train rides, outdoor movie nights, GaGa Ball pit, and a battleship-style playground.
- Games & Sports: 9-hole disc golf course and a game room (available for casual use and private parties).
- Pet Amenities: Fully fenced off-leash dog park and pet-friendly sites throughout.
- Convenience: Bathhouses and laundry facilities; Camp store stocked with essentials and duck feed.
- Wildlife Interaction: Feed the resident ducks with food from the camp store.
- Group Friendly: Infrastructure for group rallies, with discounts for 10+ site reservations.
- Reservations: You can book directly on their website or by calling the reservations team. Large groups and rally clubs should call in advance to access discount packages and buddy site arrangements.
Hear from past visitors:
“Such an awesome experience! Staff was super friendly! Campground was clean & well maintained. The sites were spacious. The location of campground was in a beautiful country setting but very close to town. Highly recommended!” – Shaun R.
Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley Campground
📞 (540) 337-2267 📍Distance from Downtown Waynesboro: 11.8 Miles
Tucked away in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, this family-friendly campground offers a vibrant mix of relaxation and recreation. With a wide range of RV site types and resort-style amenities, Sun Retreats Shenandoah Valley is ideal for weekend getaways, extended stays, or seasonal camping.
Amenities and Activities:
- RV Sites: Multiple options are available, all pet-friendly with fire rings, picnic tables, and Wi-Fi:
- Pull-Through Full Hookups: Spacious gravel pads with 30/50-amp electric, sewer, water, Wi-Fi, picnic table, and fire pit. Fits up to 60 ft rigs with slide-outs.
- Back-In Full Hookups: Accommodates up to 36 ft; includes patio options on select sites.
- Water/Electric Sites: Choose between 30-amp or 30/50-amp service; back-in only with standard amenities.
- Aquatic Fun: Heated swimming pool with splash pad (open Memorial Day–October); Private lake with beach access (day fee for public visitors).
- Recreation: Jump pad, 18-hole mini-golf, multiple playgrounds, half-court basketball area, fishing, dog park, volleyball, and cornhole.
- Indoor Fun: Game room with claw machines, pool tables, and card-operated arcade games.
- Dining: The Eatery and Snack Bar ($).
- Convenience: On-site store with camping goods and essentials; Restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities.
- Planned Activities: Many planned activities are available, fostering a lively atmosphere.
- Reservations: Book online through the Sun Retreats website or call the office to reserve your stay. Daily, weekly, and monthly rates are available, with seasonal and long-term options during peak camping months.
What Visitors Say:
“I cannot say enough about this campground… The staff members are extremely helpful in getting you to your site and set up… The lake is sanded throughout the bottom and the beach is very well kept. They also recently added a mini-golf course. Thanks for such a wonderful stay, we will be back as often as possible.” – Lexi P.
Essential Camping Tips for Waynesboro, VA
- 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 Waynesboro, VA
Camping near Waynesboro, 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. Plan ahead, pack appropriately, and head out – the forests and mountains around Waynesboro are waiting to welcome you.
After a few nights under the stars, you might just fall in love with the area. If so, we invite you to discover Windigrove Apartments in Waynesboro, VA. Windigrove Apartments offers modern comfort with scenic views and easy access to the region’s natural beauty. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to Tour our beautiful apartments. Happy camping!
Check out our other local guides for a list of State Parks near Waynesboro, Local Parks in Waynesboro, The Best Coffee in Waynesboro, Local Waynesboro Farmers Markets, and so much more!