![]() ![]() A word of caution: Backcountry camping in Shenandoah National Park is not for beginners. Very few areas in the park are off-limits to overnight stays, and park campers get a front-row seat for discovering Virginia’s amazing scenery and wildlife. Backcountry Camping-Shenandoah National Parkįor the avid outdoors enthusiast, it doesn’t get any more primitive than backcountry camping while hiking the Appalachian Trail. There is power at the sites but no water from November-March, and also no bathrooms or showers, so be prepared to really rough it while camping. And don’t be surprised if you come across some interesting wildlife while venturing through the region wild ponies roam the park freely. You can hike, bike, and even ride a horse along the trails. The park is the gateway to the state’s highest peak, Mount Rogers, and also an entry to the Appalachian Trail. Grayson Highlands State Park Camping -Mouth of Wilson Photo Credit: Kyle LaFerriere, Highlands State Park Campground offers basic campgrounds with beautiful views, but that is just the beginning. Get directions to the closest entrance point. There are many entrances to this park, as it winds through Grayson, Carroll, Wythe, Pulaski, and Galax along the New River for 39 miles. With no vehicular access to campsites and no showers or bathhouses, this Virginia campground is not for the faint of heart. These sites may not have any frills, but they allow the serious campers to focus on the surrounding natural landscape. The Double Shoals and Baker Island sites are for the truly rugged camper. You can even rent canoes and bikes if you do not have your own equipment. If you are looking a little more comfort, the Cliffview and Millrace sites have fire pits, lantern posts, and picnic tables. There are primitive campsites located all along the trail for escalating levels of experience. Hiking, biking, fishing, and horseback riding keep the New River Trail State Park busy during the day, but many outdoor enthusiasts stick around to stay at the park’s campground. ![]() New River Trail State Park -Foster Falls Photo Credit: Keith Lanpher ![]() Campers should read all the details about the sites before arriving, as the area can be difficult for beginners and unprepared campers. Camping reservations cannot be made on the same day, so make sure you call ahead of time. Pets are allowed in the campgrounds, but since the access trails through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge don’t permit pets, the only way to arrive with dogs is by boat. Reachable only by foot, bicycle, or boat, the campgrounds have no public vehicular access. The park is popular for primitive camping (no showers, electricity, or stall bathrooms) but offers extensive activities for visitors, including guided kayak trips, biking trails, and six miles of untouched beachfront for swimming and sunbathing. OUTDOOR RECREATION/PRIMITIVE CAMPING False Cape State Park -Virginia Beach PHOTO CREDIT: SAM DEAN, of the only underdeveloped areas along the Virginia Atlantic coast, False Cape State Park is a beautiful oasis of untouched shoreline that is perfect for coastal camping. ![]() Whether you are planning a trip to camp close to wineries in Virginia, want a quick escape from the city, or are looking for a weekend getaway with your four-legged friend, these campsites offer a scenic stay in some of Virginia’s most interesting areas. A rough, more primitive campground can teach you survival basics necessary to live off the surrounding landscape, but even the most luxurious camping trip has the power to create a bond with the Virginia outdoors that is unforgettable. With a sky full of bright stars overhead and the soothing sounds of crickets chirping, the experience of camping connects you to nature in a way that is hard to describe. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |