How much does camping cost at Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp?

Camping fees at Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp range from $30-$55/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp 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.

Can I see photos of campsites at Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp before I book?

Yes! Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp?

Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp 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 Group Camp?

Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp have?

Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp has 6 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 Group Camp?

Pets are not allowed at Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp?

Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp?

Popular activities at Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp include Hiking, Fishing, Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp

4.44

24 reviews

15618 Fort Valley Road

Featured in:Camping Near Shenandoah

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

804 ft

Price

$30 - $55/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on George Washington & Jefferson National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

804 ft

Price

$30 - $55/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on George Washington & Jefferson National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp

$30.00 - $55.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD AREA NONELECTRIC-SITE A: $55.00; GROUP STANDARD AREA NONELECTRIC-SITE B: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8...

Group Site Fee$55.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

540-984-4101

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp

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Campground Map

15618 Fort Valley Road

Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp

15618 Fort Valley Road

Driving directionsFrom I-81: Take exit 296 off I-81. Turn east on VA 55 and continue 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 the small community of Waterlick. The recreation area will be on your left in about 3.5 miles. Entrance to the Elizabeth Furnace Group Campground is on your left. From I-66: Take Exit 6 (Front Royal) off I-66. Take SR 340/522 South for 1.3 miles until you come to a stoplight. Turn right onto VA 55 west and continue for 5 miles to the small community of Waterlick. Turn left onto SR 678 and the recreation area will be on your left in about 3.5 miles. Entrance to the Elizabeth Furnace Group Campground is on your left.

Weather at Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp

Best Time to Camp at Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp

Best season: fall. Fall offers crisp, comfortable weather (daytime highs typically 50–65°F, nights 30–45°F) and spectacular hardwood color along the Passage Creek corridor and surrounding ridges, making it ideal for hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic group dinners. Leaf-peeping is at its peak in October, trout fishing stays productive, and lower summer bugs make evenings around the campfire especially pleasant. Weekdays and early/late October weekends are moderately busy — expect more visitors on prime weekend(s Peak months: October, September, May, April

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall is the standout season: hardwood color show, cool temps, lower bugs; reviews praise autumn visits.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp

Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp sits in Fort Valley within George Washington & Jefferson National Forest, designed exclusively for group reservations. The campground offers vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables alongside access to hiking trails, Passage Creek fishing, and mountain biking routes. Operated by the National Forest Service, it accommodates groups seeking a primitive basecamp in the Shenandoah Valley foothills.

Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp specializes in group camping accommodations, with tent pads and picnic areas supporting larger visitor groups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers crisp, comfortable weather (daytime highs typically 50–65°F, nights 30–45°F) and spectacular hardwood color along the Passage Creek corridor and surrounding ridges, making it ideal for hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic group dinners. Leaf-peeping is at its peak in October, trout fishing stays productive, and lower summer bugs make evenings around the campfire especially pleasant. Weekdays and early/late October weekends are moderately busy — expect more visitors on prime weekend(s Peak months: October, September, May, April

Elevation804 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPassage Creek flows through the campground, a tributary of the North Fork Shenandoah River. The area sits at 804 feet elevation in a landscape of hardwood forests mixed with pine groves. The forests here support 40 species of Appalachian hardwoods, 60 mammal species (black bears and flying squirrels among them), and over 200 bird species. Fall brings peak color to the hardwoods along the creek corridor and surrounding ridges, especially vivid in October.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges or similar accommodations available at the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThe Pig Iron and Charcoal Trail offers educational insights into historical iron smelting techniques.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Group sites offer accommodations for larger groups.

Groups

Six separate campsite areas, each with its own fire ring, picnic table, and large tent pads. The group picnic area includes a large fire ring, four picnic tables, and benches.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or the mobile app.

AccessibilityBear-proof dumpsters provided for trash disposal; some reviews mention a short walking distance to the restrooms and parking area.

Site SizeSix campsite areas with large tent pads, accommodating group camping scenarios.

PrivacyModerate privacy; users praised the serene and secluded environment but noted clustered camping areas.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesPay attention to tent pad flooding risks during rain and ensure gate access issues are resolved prior to arrival.

Best CampsitesCampsite A and Campsite B come up most often in reviews as the best spots for groups, scouts, and families.

Need help booking Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

No water onsite; please bring your own or visit the nearby family campground for water access. No electric hookups available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp offers activities ranging from hiking and fishing to cultural exploration of historic sites. The campground's proximity to trails and Passage Creek enhances recreational opportunities.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; vault toilets are the primary restroom facility.

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

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

24 reviews

Recommended

Elizabeth Furnace Group Camp is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, reviews describe the campground as well-suited for group gatherings, offering spacious campsites and a serene environment. Criticism mainly revolves around issues with gate access and flooding during heavy rain.

Review Summaries

Based on 24 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include its spacious design for group camping, clean facilities, engaging trails for hiking, and the opportunity for fishing. Many users appreciated its secluded yet accessible...

Based on 24 reviews

Common Concerns

Access issues were frequently mentioned, such as locked gates and lack of combination codes. Complaints also noted tent pad flooding during rain and limited cell phone service.

Based on 24 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site A: Praised for its cleanliness and proximity to trails. Site B: Noted for flooding issues and gate access challenges. Group facilities received high marks from organizations like Scout Troops.

Based on 24 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend checking weather forecasts for rain, planning for gate access, and bringing sufficient water due to the lack of on-site supply.

Based on 24 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall were favorable seasons for group activities, while heavy rains and flooding affected usability during other periods. Summer brings opportunities for fishing and hiking but may lack...

Based on 24 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Great campground location and facilities. Toilets are well maintained and stocked.' - Christopher K 2. 'The site was awesome but the gate was locked and the support line was unreachable.' -...

Based on 24 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features include close proximity to parking and restroom facilities. However, the need to hike gear into the campsite may be challenging for users with mobility concerns.

Based on 24 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You're booking for a group that wants National Forest access, hiking and fishing opportunities, and doesn't mind vault toilets.

Skip if

You need individual sites, want guaranteed dry tent pads during rain, or require unrestricted gate access.

Nearby Campgrounds

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Elizabeth Furnace

George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

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.