How to Camp Along the Shenandoah River

The Shenandoah River winds its way through Virginia and provides spectacular views and recreational activities. The North Fork and South Fork Shenandoah Rivers merge in Front Royal, Virginia to continue out to the Potomac River in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Camping along the Shenandoah is a rustic vacation. Camp in a state or national park or find a private RV campground to enjoy this scenic waterway. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Visit the Shenandoah River State Park website to reserve a tent campsite in the State Park. Camping accommodations are limited so contact the park to check availability. Reserve one of nine campsites in the Right River Campground, which has two river access points and bathroom facilities. Consider a more rustic setting for your next group outing and reserve the Cottonwood Primitive Group Camp which accommodates up to thirty campers. Call (800) 933-PARK or [phone] to reserve these camping sites.

2. Plan a multi-day canoe trip and include camping on the banks of the Shenandoah River. Schedule a canoe trip with a river outfitter like Shenandoah River Outfitters. Spend the night on the banks of the Shenandoah River in the George Washington National Forest. Look into a canoe trip with a group like the Front Royal Canoe Shenandoah River Trips. Reserve your own campsite if your trip camps at the Shenandoah River State Park.

3. Look into camping at the George Washington National Forest. The South Fork of the Shenandoah River winds through eight miles of the George Washington National Forest, which allows camping outside of developed campgrounds on Forest Service public lands. The Lee Ranger District of the George Washington National Forest has developed and dispersed campgrounds for public use. Visit the Forest Service's website for rules and regulations governing camping in National Forests.

4. Find more campgrounds within a twenty mile radius of the Shenandoah River by visiting the Hiker Central website and the Warren County Chamber of Commerce website, which serves Front Royal, Virginia and the surrounding areas. Explore camping in and around the Shenandoah River area to find RV campgrounds with waterfront campsites.

Tips & Warnings

• Respect private property signs when camping along the Shenandoah River. Trespassers are prosecuted.

Resources

• Visit the USDA Forest Service website for information on the George Washington National Forest.
• Visit the Virginia.gov website for more on the Shenandoah River State Park.
• Visit the Hiker Central website for camping information.
• Visit the Front Royal Canoe Shenandoah River Trips website for more on this topic.
• Visit the Shenandoah River Outfitters website to schedule a canoe and camping trip.
• Visit the Warren County Chamber of Commerce for more on this topic.