Shenandoah River State Park RV Campground

For Virginians seeking an exceptional outdoor experience that blends the tranquility of nature with the comforts of modern amenities, the Shenandoah River State Park RV Campground in Bentonville stands out as a premier destination. This highly regarded state park campground offers a fantastic setting for RV enthusiasts and campers who appreciate spacious sites, clean facilities, and direct access to the scenic Shenandoah River. It's a perfect choice for those who want to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Shenandoah Valley without sacrificing convenience or accessibility.

Shenandoah River State Park's developed campground, often referred to as the EW Campground (Electric and Water), boasts 32 sites designed to accommodate various camping setups, from tents and pop-ups to RVs up to 60 feet long. What truly sets this campground apart, as consistently highlighted by visitors, are the large, private, and often nearly level sites, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing stay. The emphasis on cleanliness, particularly in the bathhouses and laundry facilities, speaks to the high standards maintained by Virginia State Parks. This makes it an especially appealing option for families, couples, and individuals who prioritize a well-managed and enjoyable camping environment.

Beyond the excellent individual campsites, the campground offers immediate access to the diverse recreational opportunities within Shenandoah River State Park itself. Whether you're drawn to the river for fishing or paddling, or prefer to explore the extensive network of hiking trails, this campground serves as an ideal basecamp for adventure. For locals, it represents a convenient and highly recommended escape, providing a refreshing break from daily routines and a chance to truly connect with Virginia's stunning natural landscapes.

Shenandoah River State Park RV Campground is located on an unnamed road in Bentonville, VA 22610, USA. This places it along the South Fork of the Shenandoah River, offering scenic views of Massanutten Mountain to the west and Shenandoah National Park to the east. The park encompasses over 1,600 acres with 5.2 miles of river shoreline, ensuring plenty of natural beauty to explore.

The campground's location is highly accessible for Virginia residents. Bentonville is situated in Warren County, just south of Front Royal, which is often considered the northern gateway to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive. It's easily reachable via major routes, making it a convenient drive from various parts of the state, including Northern Virginia, Richmond, and points further west. The park's well-maintained internal roads ensure easy navigation to the campground and other park facilities.

Despite its state park setting, which can sometimes mean limited connectivity, cell phone service is generally good (e.g., Verizon users report good signal), allowing for a balance between disconnecting and staying in touch if needed. The park provides easy walk access to the river from the campground, along with multiple hiking options directly accessible from the camping area. The overall accessibility, combined with the natural beauty of its location, makes Shenandoah River State Park RV Campground a highly desirable and practical choice for local campers.

Services Offered:

• 31 RV/Tent Campsites with Hookups: The developed EW (Electric and Water) campground offers 31 sites equipped with both electric (30 and 50 amp available) and water hookups. These sites can accommodate RVs up to 60 feet long, as well as tents and pop-ups.
• Spacious and Private Sites: Campsites are noted for being large, private, and often nearly level, providing a comfortable setup for campers.
• Clean Bathhouse: A centrally located, large, and very clean bathhouse is available.
• Private Shower Stalls: The bathhouse includes four private shower stalls, ensuring privacy and comfort.
• Accessible Facilities: The bathhouse features handicapped accessible stalls in both men's and women's restrooms, and one handicapped accessible shower stall.
• Coin-Operated Laundry Facility: Convenient laundry services are available on-site, with reported low costs (e.g., 75 cents per wash & dry).
• Dump Station: A dedicated dump station is available on the grounds for RV waste disposal.
• Trash Dumpster: Centralized dumpster for waste disposal.
• Fire Rings: Each site includes a fire-ring for campfires.
• Picnic Tables: Every campsite is equipped with a picnic table.
• Lantern Holders: Sites also have lantern holders for convenience.
• Self-Service Firewood Sales: Firewood is available for purchase (self-service) at the host site, preventing the need to bring outside firewood (which is often restricted to prevent pest spread).
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are permitted in the campground and throughout the park, provided they are kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.
• Year-Round Operation: The campground is open year-round, making it a viable option for all seasons, particularly appealing in milder winter weather due to heated bathhouses.

Features / Highlights:

• Direct River Access: Easy walk to the Shenandoah River from the campground, perfect for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming. The park features 5.2 miles of river frontage.
• Extensive Trail Network: Over 25 miles of very well-marked trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, catering to various skill levels. Popular trails include Wildcat Ledge Trail (for views), Bluebell Trail (flat riverside path, great for wildflowers in spring), Allen's Mountain Trail, and Bear Bottom Trail.
• Scenic Views: Offers beautiful views of Massanutten Mountain and overlooks the Shenandoah River, with vistas of Shenandoah National Park to the east.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: Consistently praised by visitors for its clean and well-managed camp areas, bathhouses, and grounds.
• Spacious and Private Campsites: Sites are generally large, offering a good sense of privacy, especially for an RV campground within a state park.
• Affordable Rates: Prices are noted as very reasonable for the quality of amenities and location.
• Online Reservation System: Easy and convenient online booking is available through Virginia State Parks' reservation system, often with photos of individual sites to aid selection.
• Proximity to Local Attractions: Close to Luray Caverns, Skyline Drive, Skyline Caverns, and Front Royal, providing numerous off-site exploration opportunities.
• All-Terrain Wheelchair Availability: The park offers a free, reservable all-terrain wheelchair (track technology) to make trails accessible for individuals with mobility challenges (requires 48-hour advance reservation).
• Ranger-Led Programs: Inquire about ranger-led kayaking trips or other educational programs offered seasonally.

Promotions or Special Offers:

As a Virginia State Park, the Shenandoah River State Park RV Campground operates on a standard, transparent fee structure rather than offering frequent, fluctuating commercial promotions. However, its pricing is considered very reasonable for the quality and amenities provided.

The standard nightly rate for an Electric and Water site at Shenandoah River State Park is $43 for Virginia Residents and $49 for non-residents (as of May 2025). This pricing reflects the excellent value, considering the included amenities like water and electric hookups, and access to clean bathhouses and laundry.

Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak seasons (spring and fall) and weekends, and can be easily made online through the Virginia State Parks reservation system (reservevaparks.com) or by calling 1-800-933-PARK (7275). This online system often allows campers to view photos of individual sites, aiding in their selection. While there are no explicit "special offers" beyond these standard rates and the value they represent, guests are encouraged to check the Virginia State Parks website for any seasonal promotions or package deals that might arise.

Contact Information:

Address: Unnamed Road, Bentonville, VA 22610, USA (within Shenandoah River State Park)

Park Office Phone: (540) 622-6840

Reservations Phone: 1-800-933-PARK (7275)

Online Reservations: reservevaparks.com

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For Virginians, the Shenandoah River State Park RV Campground offers an outstanding and highly suitable option for their next outdoor adventure. Its prime location in Bentonville, with direct access to the Shenandoah River and stunning mountain views, makes it an easily accessible escape for residents across the state, particularly those in Northern Virginia. The convenience of electric and water hookups, coupled with spacious and private sites, ensures a comfortable experience for RVers and tent campers alike, eliminating much of the "roughing it" aspect while still being immersed in nature.

The consistently praised clean bathhouses with hot showers and the affordable coin-operated laundry facilities significantly enhance the camping experience, making longer stays more practical and enjoyable. Beyond the campsite, the park's extensive network of well-maintained hiking, biking, and equestrian trails offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, catering to a wide range of interests and fitness levels. The ability to easily walk to the river for fishing or paddling further cements its appeal.

Furthermore, its proximity to other major attractions like Luray Caverns and Skyline Drive means that a camping trip here can be easily expanded into a broader exploration of the Shenandoah Valley. The year-round operation and accessible amenities, including the all-terrain wheelchair program, underscore the park's commitment to welcoming all visitors. For local Virginians seeking a high-quality, amenity-rich, and activity-packed state park camping experience that combines natural beauty with convenience, Shenandoah River State Park RV Campground is an unequivocally recommended choice for creating memorable outdoor adventures close to home.