June is 'National Camping Month'! Where to Camp and Find Cabins in the Front Royal Area

​Camping. It’s the crackling of the campfire, and the stickiness of the s’mores. It’s the renewal that comes from totally unplugging.  It’s a chance to connect with loved ones, or to enjoy some alone time. It’s the unparalleled taste of breakfast cooked on a camp stove (or better yet, an open fire).

Outdoors, family, smores, and more!

Camping offers a host of benefits for your physical and mental health. As the Memorial Day weekend approaches, it’s time to start looking forward to warm weather activities, and camping should definitely be on the list. If you’re a veteran camper, don’t forget to make time for this special activity, and if you’re a newbie, don’t worry. It’s never too late to go on your first camping trip. 
 

Of course, camping can mean different things to different people. But Front Royal has a camping option to suit just about anybody. Whether you’re looking for a wilderness adventure, a comfortable cabin in the woods, or a riverside camping vacation, you can find it in the Front Royal area. Here’s our guide to the camping opportunities in the Front Royal area. Read on to find the perfect setting for your next camping adventure. 
 

Note: Please check carefully to ensure you are fully updated with the most recent COVID policies at these campsites. Some facilities (such as bathhouses) may be temporarily closed. As these restrictions change frequently, it is best to check directly with the campsite, and to do so close to the time of your stay.
 

Camping by the Shenandoah River
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Camping by the side of a river is a great recipe for a fun getaway that the whole family can enjoy. As the picturesque Shenandoah River wends its way through Front Royal, there are several campgrounds right on its banks. It’s a great river for recreation, so pick one of these campgrounds, and you can add swimming, fishing, or boating to your “camp-out to-do list!”

Camping by the Shenandoah River

Low Water Bridge Campground is a riverside campground in Bentonville (just south of Front Royal). This campground makes it easy for campers to enjoy the river by offering a river rental service. You choose: tube, kayak, or canoe. They’ll shuttle you to an upriver drop off location. Take your boat or tube down the river, and you can land right back at the campground (just in time to cook up some burgers on the campfire!). 

Low Water Bridge Campgrounds. Photo Credit: Scott Turnmeyer

North Fork Resort is a Front Royal riverside option that offers RV and tent camping in a resort-style setting. The resort hosts a variety of family friendly events and programs, and has activities including tennis, mini golf, horseshoes, shuffleboard, volleyball, and more. There’s river access for fishing, and an outdoor stage for programs such as live bands and dancing. 

North Fork Resort

Finally, Twin Rivers RV Campground in Front Royal lies close to where the two forks of the Shenandoah River meet. All the sites have river frontage, and full RV hookup, so no matter where you are in the campsite, you can enjoy watching the river go by. 
 

Twin Rivers RV Campground

Elizabeth’s Furnace Campground
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If exploring woods and mountains is more to your taste than swimming in the river, Elizabeth’s Furnace Campground might be your perfect match. Located in the George Washington National Forest, this campground features RV and tent sites. It’s first come first served, so with no reservations necessary, it’s a great pick for a spontaneous camping trip (although on a busy weekend, you’ll want to get there early). It’s surrounded by some fantastic hiking and it’s right on the banks of picturesque Passage Creek, a stocked trout stream. The fishing is great here too. Fun, hiking, peace and quiet, this campsite has it all. 

Camping and Fishing

Embrace the Adventure: Rent a PATC Cabin
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For a unique and adventurous experience, consider renting one of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) cabins. You can find them dotted along the Appalachian Trail as it winds down from Maryland through Northern Virginia (including the Shenandoah National Park). Some are primitive, with woodstove heat, spring water, and outdoor privies, while others are more modern, closer to small houses or cottages. Many of the primitive cabins require a significant hike from the nearest parking area, so they’re a great choice if you’re looking for a rugged, backwoods adventure. 
 

Vining Front - Photo Credit: M. Reynolds

Explore the Parks of the Front Royal Area
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Last but not least, the fantastic parks that surround Front Royal are also a great option for camping and cabin-type accommodation. 
 
The Shenandoah National Park has several tent and RV campgrounds. Cabin accommodations are also available in throughout the park. This park draws crowds from all over the nation, so reservations well in advance are a must.
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Camping, cabins, RVs, oh my!

Shenandoah River State Park also has a range of camping and cabin options to suit every camping style. Tent campers will find river front sites available here. At the opposite extreme, there’s a six bedroom lodge, perfect for a big family reunion. Additionally are small cabins, yurts, and RV sites.