Quick Facts

820 ft

Price

$10 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Open from May 6, 202...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens George Washington & Jefferson National Forests site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
Elizabeth Furnace
$10.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$10 during non-peak season, $20 during peak season when water systems are operational. Cash or checks are required.
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
(540) 984-4101
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What Campers Say

4.63

Top-Rated

Based on 112 reviews

120 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciousfriendlysites

Some mention

noise

"Overall, Elizabeth Furnace Family Campground is praised for its cleanliness, family-friendly environment, and accessibility. While some reviewers noted the lack of cell service as a downside, others appreciated the opportunity to disconnect."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Elizabeth Furnace

38.9247, -78.3311

Driving directionsFrom I-81: Take exit 296 and turn east, on VA 55 for 1.4 miles. In center of Strasburg (traffic light), turn left to remain on VA 55. After 5.0 miles, turn right onto SR 678 in small community of Waterlick. The recreation area will be on your left in about 3.5 miles. There are three entrances, about a half mile apart: Entrance to the group campground appears first, followed by the entrance to the day use area, and finally the entrance to the campground. From I-66: Take Exit 6 (Front Royal) and proceed south on SR 340/522 for 1.3 miles until you come to a stoplight. Turn right onto VA 55 West for 5 miles to the small community of Waterlick. Turn left onto SR 678 and go approximately 6 miles. Elizabeth Furnace Family Campground will be on your left.
The campground is easily accessible from paved roads. However, nearby areas such as Bear Wallow require dirt road access.
Nearby places
Strasburg (approximately 6.5 miles away), Front Royal (approximately 11 miles away), Riverton (15 miles away).
Nearby supplies
Riverton (15 miles away) offers stores such as Walmart, Target, and Lowes for camping and outdoor supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Elizabeth Furnace

From May through October, campers wake to crisp mountain mornings that give way to pleasantly warm afternoons perfect for outdoor exploration. Evening temperatures drop just enough to make campfire gatherings cozy and sleeping bags inviting. While gentle rains occasionally sweep through the valley, bringing the fresh scent of pine and earth, they typically pass quickly, leaving behind glistening forests and fuller creeks. The camping season stays comfortably snow-free, with nature putting on spectacular shows of spring wildflowers and autumn foliage.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season with warm afternoons, active family-friendly programming and swimming/fishing.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Busy in fall with scenic Shenandoah views and foliage; popular season.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Campground opens May 6; late spring offers crisp mornings and pleasant days but limited early-spring access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Quieter in winter but lacks showers/flush toilets and has reduced services.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 6, 2025 to October 31, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 6, 2025 to October 31, 2025 for peak season. First-come, first-served season operates November 1 to December 31.

About Elizabeth Furnace

Nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, Elizabeth Furnace Family Campground invites outdoor enthusiasts to experience Virginia's natural splendor along the banks of Passage Creek. This beloved family destination combines modern comfort with rustic charm, featuring essential amenities like vault toilets, seasonal hot showers, and fresh water from a traditional hand pump. Whether you're casting a line into the crystal-clear creek, exploring scenic hiking trails, or taking a refreshing dip in natural swimming holes, this campground serves as your gateway to unforgettable mountain adventures.
Elizabeth Furnace Family Campground caters to a variety of camping preferences, including tent camping, RV camping, and group camping. It does not offer cabins or glamping options.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in allowed from arrival on site.
Check-out
Not stated
Stay Limit
Not explicitly stated

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Elizabeth Furnace offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities including hiking, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing. The campground is family-friendly and features both relaxing and educational opportunities.
HikingThe campground connects to trails such as the Pig Iron and Charcoal Trail, which educates hikers about the area's iron production history. Another notable trail leads to Buzzard Rock, providing picturesque views. Hiking opportunities range from easy walks to more challenging climbs.
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
FishingPassage Creek flows near the campground and is stocked seasonally with trout, making it a popular spot for anglers.
SwimmingThere is a beach area along Passage Creek for sunning and swimming. This area is family-friendly, allowing kids to explore and play safely.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is located in a biodiverse area with 60 species of mammals and 200 species of birds. Campers often report sightings of small animals and birds, making it a great spot for wildlife enthusiasts.
Beach activitiesBeach activities are centered around the creek, which provides opportunities for sunbathing and enjoying the water.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife and the lack of cell service. Passage Creek may pose water safety risks.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Elizabeth Furnace

Reviews

4.6
112 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Elizabeth Furnace is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Elizabeth Furnace Family Campground is praised for its cleanliness, family-friendly environment, and accessibility. While some reviewers noted the lack of cell service as a downside, others appreciated the opportunity to disconnect.
Review Summaries
Based on 112 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, friendly hosts, family-oriented atmosphere, spacious campsites, and access to a variety of outdoor activities were commonly mentioned positive aspects.
Based on 112 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users criticized the lack of cell service, noise levels during busy periods, and occasional enforcement of rules by campground hosts as overly strict.
Based on 112 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring cash or checks for payment as credit cards are not accepted. Firewood must be brought from outside the campground. Consider visiting during off-peak seasons for a quieter experience.
Based on 112 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during summer and fall, with more crowds and family activities. In winter, the campground is quieter but lacks flush toilets and showers.
Based on 112 reviews

Camper Quotes

"EF is super nice - right on Passage Creek - there is a beach area for sunning/swimming." "The Volunteer Hosts @ EF, Mark and Cathy, are SUPER AWESOME." "Great place to take the family camping."
Based on 112 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #7 was criticized for being muddy during wet weather, while sites near the creek, like lot 6, received praise for their scenic location.
Based on 112 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground's accessible campsites and restrooms have been appreciated, but no further in-depth reviews from disabled users are available.
Based on 112 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but no specific details about pet-friendly features were provided.
Based on 112 reviews

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Last updated February 17, 2026
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