How much does camping cost at Elizabeth Furnace?

Camping fees at Elizabeth Furnace range from $10-$20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Elizabeth Furnace first-come first-served or reservation?

Elizabeth Furnace accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Elizabeth Furnace?

Elizabeth Furnace is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Elizabeth Furnace?

Yes, Elizabeth Furnace has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Elizabeth Furnace have?

Elizabeth Furnace has 50 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Elizabeth Furnace?

Yes, pets are allowed at Elizabeth Furnace. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Elizabeth Furnace?

Elizabeth Furnace offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Elizabeth Furnace

4.55

112 reviews

Top 21% in VASummer

Family Friendly

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Virginia#1 Camping Near Shenandoah#3 Summer Camping Virginia#3 +11 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on George Washington & Jefferson National Forests Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on George Washington & Jefferson National Forests Official Website

Get Directions

Elizabeth Furnace

$10.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Off Season: $10.00; Peak Fee: $20.00; Winter Season: $10.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$20.00

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Provider

N/AN/A

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Elizabeth Furnace

38.9247, -78.3311

Nearby places

Strasburg (approximately 6.5 miles away), Front Royal (approximately 11 miles away), Riverton (15 miles away).

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.

Weather at Elizabeth Furnace

Best Time to Camp at Elizabeth Furnace

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of warm weather, open facilities, and creek recreation — expect daytime highs generally in the mid-70s to upper-80s °F (24–31 °C) with cool nights in the 50s–60s °F (10–18 °C). Passage Creek is at its most inviting for swimming and family wading, fishing is productive in early morning and evening, and most trails and campground amenities (seasonal showers and water pump) are fully available. Expect moderate to busy weekends in July and August, so plan weekday,早 Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: January, February, March, April

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 21% in VA

Peak season for swimming, warm creek temps, and busiest time per seasonal notes and reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. 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

Elizabeth Furnace sits in Fort Valley within George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, offering tent, RV, and group camping near Passage Creek. This mid-sized campground operated by the Forest Service provides flush toilets, showers, and a dump station in a wooded setting popular with families. Campers fish and wade in the creek, hike nearby trails, and enjoy spacious sites with fire rings and picnic tables.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of warm weather, open facilities, and creek recreation — expect daytime highs generally in the mid-70s to upper-80s °F (24–31 °C) with cool nights in the 50s–60s °F (10–18 °C). Passage Creek is at its most inviting for swimming and family wading, fishing is productive in early morning and evening, and most trails and campground amenities (seasonal showers and water pump) are fully available. Expect moderate to busy weekends in July and August, so plan weekday,早 Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: January, February, March, April

Elevation820 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPassage Creek runs through the campground at 820 feet elevation, joining the North Fork Shenandoah River nearby. Appalachian hardwoods and mixed pine-hardwood forests surround the sites, creating shade and a buffer from the road in most areas. The creek offers swimming holes and fishing spots. Limestone formations shape the surrounding ridges and valleys, a result of tectonic activity that built these mountains. Spring brings wildflowers to the forest floor, and bird activity picks up at dawn and dusk.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available within the campground; camping is limited to tents, RVs, and group sites.

Programs & ActivitiesThe Pig Iron and Charcoal Trail serves as an educational resource, teaching visitors about the historic iron-making industry in the Shenandoah Valley.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Not explicitly stated

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not mentioned

Groups

Group sites can accommodate up to 50 people and feature 13 tent pads, a large fire pit with built-in benches, and smaller fire pits. These sites lack running water but have access to a pit toilet. Reviews recommend bringing adequate water for drinking and washing.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov and the Recreation.gov mobile app.

AccessibilityThe campground offers accessible campsites and restrooms, with paved roads and pathways for ease of movement. Accessible vault and flush toilets enhance usability for individuals with disabilities.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious, featuring large tent pads and ample room for parking. One user mentioned, "Large sites with a large clean bath house," adding to the convenience.

PrivacyThe campsites are described as mostly secluded and surrounded by trees, offering a decent level of privacy. However, some users noted that the sites near the road experience minor noise from passing cars.

Total Campsites50 campsites

Recommended SitesCampsites near Passage Creek are ideal for families and those looking for scenic views. Site #6 is mentioned as being next to the river.

Best CampsitesSites near Passage Creek get recommended in reviews for creek access and views. Reviewers describe most sites as spacious with large tent pads, though some near the road pick up car noise.

Need help booking Elizabeth Furnace?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Elizabeth Furnace is a charming family campground located in the Shenandoah Valley along Passage Creek. The campground offers various amenities including vault toilets available year-round, seasonal showers and flush toilets (from May to October), and a hand pump for drinking water at the entrance. A dump station is also available for RV users, though individual sites lack hookups. Firewood is not sold on-site, so campers must bring their own. Campsites feature tent pads, fire rings, and picnic tables. Roads within the campground are paved, making it accessible for vehicles, and several pathways are also paved for easy navigation. Accessibility features include both accessible campsites and restrooms. There are also picnic areas and an amphitheater.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.6

112 reviews

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

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

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