Shaws Fork Campground
01 reviewnull
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
1 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
1 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
Shaws Fork Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are required for this site. "No Fee" is explicitly stated in official sources.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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USFS
Provider540-432-0187null
What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 1 reviews
1 Google reviews
Most mentioned
location
"User reviews emphasize the campground's basic facilities and natural setting. Some campers appreciate its peaceful atmosphere, while others feel the site is poorly maintained. One user remarked, 'the place needs some TLC,' citing worn-out picnic tables and missing fire grates."
Fees & Passes at Shaws Fork Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: null
Cancellation: null
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Forest Service - George Washington & Jefferson National Forest website.
Best Time to Camp at Shaws Fork Campground
From early April through mid-December, Shaws Fork welcomes visitors through three distinct seasons of Appalachian beauty. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms and mild temperatures, summer brings warm days perfect for hiking, and autumn paints the forest in brilliant golds and crimsons. While winter's approach in December can bring crisp, cold conditions, the shoulder seasons often deliver those perfect camping days—dry, comfortable, and filled with mountain sunshine.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open year-round, but operational hours indicate open season from early April to mid-December.
- Current Alerts: null
About Shaws Fork Campground
Nestled in the heart of Virginia's backcountry, Shaws Fork Campground serves as a gateway to wilderness adventures and a haven for hunters seeking solitude. This rustic, no-frills campground embraces simplicity—offering wide-open camping beneath a cathedral of towering white pines. While amenities are minimal, the authentic outdoor experience is maximized, with direct access to pristine trailheads and the whispers of Civil War history echoing through the nearby battlefields of McDowell.
Shaws Fork Campground is categorized as an equestrian and primitive camping destination. It also provides access for tent camping.
Historical SignificanceHistory buffs will discover they're camping on storied ground, just moments from the McDowell battlefield where Civil War soldiers once clashed in 1862. This proximity to one of Virginia's significant historical sites adds a profound dimension to your camping experience, where evening campfires might inspire conversations about the events that shaped our nation while the same stars that witnessed history shine overhead.
Weather and SeasonsFrom early April through mid-December, Shaws Fork welcomes visitors through three distinct seasons of Appalachian beauty. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms and mild temperatures, summer brings warm days perfect for hiking, and autumn paints the forest in brilliant golds and crimsons. While winter's approach in December can bring crisp, cold conditions, the shoulder seasons often deliver those perfect camping days—dry, comfortable, and filled with mountain sunshine.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryA magnificent grove of white pines creates a natural amphitheater around the camping area, with these gentle giants stretching nearly 50 feet skyward. Their evergreen canopy provides dappled shade and fills the air with the distinctive scent of pine resin. While these majestic trees create an enchanting atmosphere, campers should exercise caution during storms and consider positioning tents and RVs thoughtfully, as Mother Nature occasionally reminds us of her power through fallen branches.
Geological RegionShaws Fork Campground sits within the sprawling 1.8-million-acre wonderland of the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest, where the ancient Appalachian Mountains create a landscape of rolling ridges and hidden valleys. This protected wilderness near McDowell represents millions of years of geological history, offering campers a chance to connect with one of the East Coast's most biodiverse and historically rich forest ecosystems.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were mentioned in the source materials.
Sites SizeUser reviews describe the campground as a 'field,' indicating spacious but basic camping conditions.
Sites PrivacyThe campground layout was not explicitly described for privacy; however, the area is surrounded by 50-foot tall white pines, as mentioned in user reviews.
Total Campsites1 campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
No group site information was disclosed.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground layout is described as a field surrounded by tall white pines.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, but operational hours indicate open season from early April to mid-December.
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in Availabilitynull
Cancellation Policynull
Activities you can enjoy
Shaws Fork Campground offers a limited range of activities, primarily catering to horseback riders and hikers. Its proximity to a Civil War battlefield may attract history enthusiasts.
Hiking
The campground provides access to trailheads suitable for day hikes. Specific trail details such as difficulty or length are not mentioned.Winter Activities
No winter-specific recreational activities are listed.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports activities are specified.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- null
- Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include falling tree limbs during wind and rain storms, as highlighted by user reviews. Absence of potable water may also pose challenges.
Active alertsnull
Weather at Shaws Fork Campground
45
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 57%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
Weather History
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Emergency Services
North River Ranger District Office, Address: 401 Oakwood Drive Harrisonburg, VA 22801. Phone: 540-432-0187. Hours: Monday - Friday; 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Closed on federal holidays).
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingNo information about trash or recycling facilities was provided.
Proximity to water featuresnull
Common complaintsUser reviews highlight the campground's lack of maintenance: "The picnic tables are in bad shape and fire grates are missing or worn out. The place needs some TLC."
Hostnull
Campground Map
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Driving directionsFrom Staunton, VA: Follow U.S. 250 west to Churchville. Continue west on U.S. 250 for 20 miles past Churchville and turn left onto State Route (S.R.) 616. Shaws Fork Equestrian Campground is located 1.0 miles on the left.
The campground is accessible via paved roads. However, user reviews mention that "underbrush usually overhangs the road," making driving conditions potentially challenging.Nearby places
Staunton, VA (approximately 27 miles away)
Nearby supplies
null
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
1 reviews
Shaws Fork Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews emphasize the campground's basic facilities and natural setting. Some campers appreciate its peaceful atmosphere, while others feel the site is poorly maintained. One user remarked, 'the place needs some TLC,' citing worn-out picnic tables and missing fire grates.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
The campground's location near trailheads and a historic Civil War battlefield was noted as an advantage. Campers interested in horseback riding or hunting found it convenient.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
A recurring complaint is the lack of maintenance, with mentions of overgrown underbrush, dangerous tree limbs, and deteriorating picnic tables.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring their own potable water since it is unavailable on-site. Keeping pets on a leash is mandatory as per the rules.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Seasonal experiences are not explicitly detailed in user reviews, although weather data could offer insights into conditions throughout the year.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Just a field and a toilet.' 2. 'The place needs some TLC.' 3. 'Scary night during wind and rain storms due to the 50-foot tall pines.'
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific site reviews or recommendations are available.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews address accessibility features.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific feedback regarding pet policies or facilities for pets was provided.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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0 review
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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