Campground recomendations

[jerseydave]

I just found out that I may be able to take off to SNP are for a few days on very short notice.

Any good ideas on a campground to use between Luray and Elkton area along the South Fork.

I'd be tenting it if I do go.

Thanks

[jerseydave]

recomend....... I need the edit feature..... I is a tareible spelar
recommend

[Cookerhiker]

I'm a little confused - when you say along the South Fork, do you want to camp in the Valley i.e. along Rt. 340? Wouldn't you rather camp on top of the Blue Ridge along the Skyline Drive?

Re edit feature: become a WhiteBlaze Donating Member and you can edit.

[jerseydave]

Join the club..... confusion is a hobby for me!

I'll likely be doing a little fishing as well, and am just a bit more familiar with the river area...... thats the only reason I stated it that way.

I've never stayed in a campground in the area however.

Open to all suggestions..... watta ya got in mind?

Dave

[Cookerhiker]

As much as I've been in SNP over the last 40 years, I can't tell you much about camping in the Valley. I will note that much of the west side of the river lies in George Washington National Forest; camping rules are much more flexible in national forests. Here's the camping section of their website which I recommend you peruse. It would help if you had a map - perhaps your local outfitter stocks them.

Re. the Park, you'll note from this schedule that Big Meadows Campground is open until the 28th. I suspect it won't be too crowded but you'll still have to pay to get in the Park (unless you pass through the entrance off-hours) and pay to camp in the CG. If you want to back-country camp in the Park, you'll need a permit.

You could send a WhiteBlaze PM to Skyline who lives in Luray and provides a shuttle service. He's likely more familiar with the Valley. Good luck - hope things work out.

[RevLee]

A little to the north of that area is the Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area, part of the GW national forest. It has a trout stream right near the campground, plus lots of trails. Signal Knob is a very popular hike there and has great views.

[Cookerhiker]

From what I understand looking at the GWNF website, Elizabeth Furnace is open for camping but without facilities, meaning bring all your own water.

[jerseydave]

A little to the north of that area is the Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area, part of the GW national forest. It has a trout stream right near the campground, plus lots of trails. Signal Knob is a very popular hike there and has great views.

Thanks for the input but on the site there is an news and alert heading that states it closed......... only open to groups in that designated section only.

http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fs...s&pname=George Washington & Jefferson National Forests- Alerts & Notices

[Wise Old Owl]

You will need to take your alcohol with you its a dry county and here is a second vote for big meadow.

When you look up at the check mark with ABC you can install a spell check from cnet and its free. Best stuff on Earth.

[jerseydave]

Cookerhiker

Thanks for doing all the "leg work".........

Looks like Big Meadow may be a nice option

Dave

[jerseydave]

You will need to take your alcohol with you its a dry county and here is a second vote for big meadow.

When you look up at the check mark with ABC you can install a spell check from cnet and its free. Best stuff on Earth.

I'm an EX drinker so the alcohol isn't a factor for me, unless you'd like to swing by and say hello....... I'll be sure and have a refreshment for you....

[Wise Old Owl]

ahh just thought I would warn you ..proabition still exists.

Poplar Grove Youth Group Campground

• Map
• Details
• Location: Thurmont, Maryland (9.4 miles from Waynesboro)

• 
  
  Read more: http://lodging.uptake.com/camping/pe...#ixzz15ecw2Qs7

Mountain Farm Campground

• Map
• Details
• Location: Smithsburg, Maryland (8.5 miles from Waynesboro)
  Read more: http://lodging.uptake.com/camping/pe...#ixzz15edkoL7W

[jlb2012]

I've passed by this place many times on US 340 but have never stopped to check it out:

http://www.riversidecampingcanoeing.com/

seams to fit your interests

[Blissful]

My hubby says there is camping along the Shenandoah River in public areas. A map of the Shenandoah would give that info.
SNP has nothing to do with the river.

check this link

[tenbeer]

I have stayed at Big Meadows twice recently, I was up there in early October. If youre main purpose is to fish you would be better off fishing in the valley. All the upper headwaters are very dry. I fished the Rapidan and it was completely devoid of water on some stretches. I did catch a couple of trout but the water situation made the fishing not fun. I highly recommend Big Meadows campground. They have a store, restaurant, gasoline, a lodge, firewood and showers for tenting. you can stay there and drive into the valley to fish.I think it is fifteen dollars for a weeks pass to the park and $10.00 per night to camp. There is a local fly shop in Harrisonburg that is very helpful with stream conditions. Usually this is a wonderful place to fish for natives, good luck.

[tenbeer]

I just read your post again didn,t know you meant the south fork of the shenandoah, Looks like your smallmouth fishing, if so you would be better off staying in the valley

[jerseydave]

I have stayed at Big Meadows twice recently, I was up there in early October. >>>>>They have a store, restaurant, gasoline, a lodge, firewood and showers for tenting. you can stay there and drive into the valley to fish.

Might not be a bad idea...... Shenandoah river state park doesn't have any sites available till after Thanksgiving and if I have the chance to go I'll probably be there this weekend. It's a beautiful drive so "commuting" might be an option to fish.

[Cookerhiker]

I dug out my GWNF maps which included one of just the Lee District, the part over the Massanuten ridge which also abuts the west side of the river. Caveat: the maps are over 20 years old.

It looks like there's national forest land when you cross the river on the Bentonville bridge (where the Tuscarora Trail goes) - at least the map has the green shading. So perhaps you can stealth-camp there. The link from Blissful's post says "Primitive camping is permitted on USFS property along the river. In addition, several private campgrounds are located along the South Fork Shenandoah"

You could also contact Downriver Canoe Company. Their place is on the east side and they probably can give you an idea where to camp along the river.

[jerseydave]

CH - thanks for the endless assistance, much appreciated.

I checked out Down Rivers site and that led me to Low Water Bridge CG..... I've actually been past that place a while ago..... forgot all about it.

Bentonville used to be known for some of the best SMB fishing in the East.... it's definitely a possibility.

Thanks once again,
Dave

[Cookerhiker]

You're welcome - anything (within reason) for a fellow Jerseyite although I haven't lived there full time since leaving high school in 1966.