Often times, the national parks get the best territory and the states get leftovers. However, the…read moreShenandoah River State Park, down the mountain from well known Skyline Drive and its accompanying federal parkland, is by no means inferior. A rural drive leads to a visitor center, trails, an overlook, river access, and campgrounds. I had time for only a brief visit, but the views were majestic. It would be an excellent place to return for a hike. As with most of Virginia's state parks, there is a modest entrance fee, but I'm sure it's well worth it.

I travel and stay at a lot of parks during the course of the year, and I have only repeated a few…read moreof them. This location is incredible, rich with things to do, views to see, and adventures to have with enough time. The cabins are gorgeous, fair warning that there is no television, but honestly who cares?! I had great phone signal which almost never happens on these excursions, and I loved making a fire in my fireplace and sitting on the porch with coffee for sunrise, which I could see from Cabin 11. This cabin also was at the end and felt private, even though I could see my neighbors (who had set up Christmas lights! How fun!) There's also a wonderful hiking trail right by these cabins, 10 and 11, the Red Tail Ridge, that was semi-short (2.5 miles or so if desired to create a loop with Big Oak) and had views of the river and Shenandoah valley below!

Everything was amazing. My family ended up surprising me with a camping trip for my birthday and…read morethe staff really took care of setting us up for a great weekend. Definitely recommend!

We recently stayed at a cabin in Shenandoah National Park, and while the concept is appealing, the…read moreoverall experience was frustrating. The cabin itself is a neat idea--essentially a touch of luxury while camping in the forest. It's cozy and thoughtfully designed, and we liked the idea of being immersed in nature without fully roughing it. Unfortunately, the logistics around the stay were very challenging. We were told we would receive check-in details "on the day of the trip," which reasonably suggests sometime in the morning or early afternoon. By 2 p.m., we still hadn't received anything and had to call. We were then told the information would come at 3:30 p.m.--just 30 minutes before our 4 p.m. check-in. We explained that we were heading into an area with limited cell service and needed the information earlier so we would actually know where to go. That request was declined. The check-in details didn't arrive until 4:17 p.m.--after the check-in time--and even then, the message only included the cabin name and number, with no clear directions or usable address. When we asked for the address, we were sent a PDF with a map and a listed location. Entering that into GPS led us to a downtown area nowhere near the cabins. After reaching out again, we were given a different address by text. This inconsistency was extremely frustrating and resulted in wasted time driving around trying to find the place. We were told they were aware of the issue and working on fixing it, but it's hard to understand why clearer instructions weren't provided in the meantime. Once we finally arrived, the cabin was extremely overheated. We turned off the heat immediately, but the space never cooled down enough to be comfortable. Since it's in the woods, opening doors or windows wasn't really an option due to bugs, so it made for a very uncomfortable night. To make matters worse, there is a landline in the cabin intended for emergencies, but it rang at 4:20 a.m. We don't know who was calling. After we asked for the calls to stop, it rang again five minutes later. Needless to say, no one got much sleep. Overall, while the idea of the cabins is appealing, the execution--especially around communication and basic logistics--left a lot to be desired. For the price, this isn't an experience we would choose to repeat.

We stayed at one of the walk to campsites and could not have had a lovelier night. We went to watch…read morethe meteor shower and had a clear view from the field- it was spectacular. On top, we had a clean and HUGE campsite. I'd have loved more distance between sites but for a family campground, my two new campers were beyond happy!

I recently camped at Big Meadows Campground for a night to check out the fall foliage of…read moreShenandoah's skyline drive. I really enjoyed camping here. It was relaxing and it was close to the lodge, restaurants, and hikes. The campground was full, but it wasn't noisy. My campsite was in the B Loop, site 44. It's not a drive-in site. You need to walk about 50 meters, but the short trail to the campsite is well maintained and so was the campsite. It was very clean and flat for tent set-up. Each campsite has a table and a fire ring with a grill. There's also a locker to store food since the campground is in bear territory. Didn't see any bears, but some deer walked through my campsite. There are toilets walkable from the campsites. I don't like that the showers are elsewhere, next to the camp store. You will have to drive to the showers. It's $5 for 10 minutes. At the camp store, you can buy some fire starters, ice, wood, and a limited selection of snacks. Campsites are $30/night and get booked up months in advance. Each site fits one large tent and one medium tent and a max of two cars. There is no cell reception at the campsite. If you need cell service or wifi, you can go to the Big Meadows Lodge, which also has a bar and restaurant.

Long weekend with hubby and our fur baby. We stayed at the Freida cabin in Shenandoah North,…read moreVirginia. It is less than 2 hours away so not far away for a quiet getaway from the hustle and bustle. Our cabin is super cute, cozy and clean. The cabin had a kitchenette with 2 burner stove, mini fridge, paper towel, dishwashing soap, and cooking supplies. The food we brought fit in the fridge. Bathroom was well stocked with plenty of towels, body soap, shampoo & conditioner. We also got 3 bundles of firewood to do some grilling and s'mores. The location was super quiet that you can actually relax. Our favorite part of this trip is definitely the Stroopies. Not your traditional graham cracker s'mores but a chocolate gooey marshmallow sandwiched between 2 caramel filled Stroopaffle. Genius and yummy. We plan on coming back next time and stay at another cabin or other locations in the US. Another positives - the staff are so so friendly and very responsive. They checked up on us every day and throughout the day by text. Not intrusive at all - replenished the stroopies and some of the snacks. One very minor downside, there's not enough plugs especially in the sleeping area for two people who uses medical equipment. The staff did suggest to book an ADA approved cabin & I actually got to check it out. Definitely something to keep in mind for future bookings. Overall a great stay and highly recommend!!!

The cabins are actually quite nice. You will have all the basic things you need: towel, washcloth,…read moreshower gel, shampoo, conditioner, TP in the bathroom and in the kitchen you will have sugar, creamer, utensils, plates, pot/pan, salt/pepper, kettle, paper products, garbage bag, foil and olive oil. You could purchase coffee bags/teabags, boxed water. Bring your own food to cook and lots of snacks and water. It was really chill, the bed was comfortable and great access to walking trails!

Our family came for a day visit so I can't vouch for the campsites. The lake itself, though, is…read moreincredibly gorgeous. I love the beach area where our kids happily played and dug streams and tunnels for hours. A little island that you can walk to or paddle out to on a float. Lots of space to spread out with a picnic or a bbq. Small park entrance fee (per vehicle) that is totally worth it.

3 stars due to the many fallen trees on the trail going around the lake! My buddy took his son…read moreyesterday on the trail walk and we were all surprised at the many trees lying across the pathway. They could all be cut and moved in a day easily. Otherwise - it is beautiful and wonderful swim area!

Nice campground outside of Luray. RV sites are spacious and fairly level. There are trails, a…read moresmall playground, and it is on the Shenandoah River. It's a little pricey, especially when the weather is bad and you can't enjoy the river for fishing, tubing, etc. It's rather quiet, although quite full at the same time. The cabins appear to be extremely nice and a good price if a group of 8 were meeting up for a weekend. They had a full kitchen and bath and even a hot tub. The camp store had the essentials and the staff was friendly. Outlanders would definitely be a good home base for those wanting to explore the Valley during the day and return to the campground for a peaceful evening.

Beautiful well kept clean campground. We are 1st time RVers and I was worried about camping on…read moregravel but our campsite is very level and we didn't even need to use our leveling blocks. We drove in late at night in the dark but it was very easy to find our site after downloading the campground map from their website. Site #15

Very nice site. Staff were friendly. Sites are well maintained…read more I have a couple of recommendations. The dog park is nice, but it would be great if you had a trash can to throw away the poop at the site. Hope to be back again

Beautiful campground Laundry room was clean…read more It was a rainy weekend but the kids enjoyed playing on the playground when it wasn't raining It's a small playground but enough for our little ones The wifi worked fine There are some toys in the shop for kids to play with on rainy days The owner makes custom tumblers; I bought two, one of which she made custom for me. They are all beautiful! We would've stayed longer but the following weekend was fully booked so we are on the road again

Real nice campground, will be back in warmer weather. Nice town plenty to do in the area.read more

A little late in posting our review. My husband and I booked over the Fourth of July holiday…read moreweekend. We traveled over 24 hours straight through from Austin, Texas. Needless to say, we were exhausted. Luckily, my husband I took turns driving to ensure the we get some rest. Upon arrival, we were greeted by Camp host and fellow team members. It was refreshing to receive such welcoming smiles. She gave us our directions and camp map and informed us of some of the festivities going on. Entering the park, I would say was a bit confusing with the routes since golf carts were all over the place entering and exiting all the roads although it stated one way. We were tired so we didn't think nothing of it. We just wanted to unhook and get some much needed rest and sleep. Service: Impeccable! Very friendly, ensured we were greeted and taken care of. It was amazing to see how much they got together to ensure everyone stayed cooled after the electricity went down. Our neighbors ensure they contacted the office so that we can get informed because our pets were in the RV. They immediately contacted us so that we can get home to take care of our pets. We were grateful because we were an hour out of the way to get home quickly. By the time we got to our site, it wasn't too hot in the RV and the electric came back on. Thanks to our neighbors and the quick response to notify us. Amenities: clean Location: We were there to see our seventh grandchild. They lived about 35-45 minutes further from the Shenandoah Retreats. It was what we could get on availability due to the July 4th holiday. But it was easy to get to once we figured out the back roads. Sites: Were pretty tight, over populated but we understood since it is a destination retreat. We are long term residents in another Sun Communities location and you can say it is about the same as far as site space is concerned. It is fair to say we were right on top of our neighbors. I felt bad because they were cooking outside and my sewer hose is right there. We didn't get a room so I cannot comment on them, I stay natural. Bright Spots: I give the activities director kudos for the highlights of having festivities. They had golf cart and bicycle parades, golf cart water gun shoot outs. Lookout you must have a sign on your person or site that says "No water zone." It looked fun. Overall, we enjoyed our stay. We hope to may another trip to see our families and we hope to stay there a little longer to enjoy the amenities we couldn't get to because of time. Way to go Shenandoah Retreats. Keep up the great work and smiles.

Came here with family to camp and celebrate my bday. Really cool camp ground. Site has bathrooms…read morewith areas to wash dishes. Like a utility sink. No showers which kinda sucks. But toilets and sinks. Trash and recycling area. The camp site security goes around and apparently gives warnings or strikes to people not following rules. Put ur food away and don't leave it out even if it's like bread or chips or even beer in plastic bin on table bench. It's a good idea to just put everything in vehicles when not eating or drinking or keep it in your tent. Very strict on that. They talked to my relative about the beer. Hiking trails with some water falls and a beautiful view too! You can purchase firewood from the facility shack. Really fun cool place. Dog friendly. Spent 2 days and a half here. Sept. 24,25,26 and left at 12pm on Sunday. Cool fun camping experience.

Matthew's Arm is considered the better campground in this Park because it has:…read more More shade and tree cover Fewer crowds en masse But still has flush toilets Electrical outlets in the restroom Spigot and dish sink and spout for pups Your usual fire ring and picnic table There is cell signal near camp entrance Helpful maps and guides at welcome station Spotlessly clean Reservation and first come/ serve options

This was my family's second time staying at Crabtree Falls Campground. The owner, AJ, is super…read morefriendly, responsive, and helpful in reserving by phone and email. We stayed at campsites 30, 31, and 32, which are at one end of the campground and feel more secluded, farther away from the other campsites. This means your car is not right next to your site, but we didn't mind walking back and forth (slightly uphill, along a path); we recently bought a collapsible utility wagon that was super helpful in carrying big things to and from the site. The sites sit higher above the river, so it's a bit steep if you want to go down and enjoy the water, but you can do so carefully and it's well worth it. You will love sitting by your fire, listening to the rushing river and feeling like you're in the middle of nowhere, even though many luxuries like flush toilets, hot showers, and even a camp store are just steps away. No need to bring ice or firewood; the camp provides them at an added reasonable cost (but bring an axe to help break up the logs in case the wood is damp or fresh). Bring a grill-top for the firepit if you plan to cook. Keep in mind that the campsites are not very large; ask AJ when you book if your tent will fit. There's plenty to do in the area: Hike Crabtree Falls, taste beers at Devil's Backbone or Blue Mountain Breweries, enjoy ciders at Bold Rock, and next time we'll try the distilleries. Crabtree Falls is definitely my favorite campground in all of Virginia!

My husband & I have been staying here since our first anniversary in 2015. It's so quiet and the…read moreowners AJ (& Sue this time around) are so incredibly nice! We always stay in the cabins (which is dog friendly) and they are always clean and super cozy. We have only stayed during the fall since there is no A/C but I can tell you that during the cooler nights the base board heat keeps you very warm. The constant sound of the creek right outside your window is soothing and a great change from a busy life. There is absolutely NO cell service so be prepared for that. Some super sweet camp cats! We will be back for many many years to come! Thanks AJ and Family!!