5 Reasons Camping in the Shenandoah Valley is the Best Choice for Your Vacation

Camping is one of our nation’s oldest past times. Dating way, way back to when dad would overload the family station wagon with more gear than necessary, leaving precious little space in the back for the kids to squeeze into, camping is simply ingrained into our DNA. To this day, nature still calls out to us to disconnect and step away from the hustle & bustle.

With so many beautiful areas to enjoy the great outdoors, where is the best place to take the family and sleep out under the stars? For centuries now, the Shenandoah Valley has been a popular region going back to Native Americans hunting the land to Europeans settling here to begin farming to President Herbert Hoover building what was dubbed the first “Summer Whitehouse” in 1928. The valley offers scenic views of the amazing surrounding beauty of nature.

Here are five reasons why camping in the valley is a must-do getaway:

1. Peace & Quiet

Camping offers that opportunity to step away and slow down. With the remote location of the valley, the peace & quiet is overly abundant. Be sure to unplug during your trip, unwind and whether out in a tent or comfy RV, indulge in what campers often say is the best night’s sleep they have ever had in their life.

2. Caverns

Virginia is actually home to over 4,000 caves with the vast majority remaining largely untouched by human exploration. The valley itself is home to six “show caves” which serve as attractions for guest tours. Take in nature’s millions of years of work in progress as you and the family head underground for a unique experience. Whether you visit “Grand Caverns” to see the signatures of 200+ Civil War soldiers on the cave wall or attempt to find the yet to be discovered end to “Endless Caverns,” it is sure to be memorable.

3. Take a Hike

Hit the trail and take in the stunning views of the valley. There is a variety of trails available offering a hike for everyone. Blackrock is short, mile long hike (located in the Shenandoah National Park), culminating with conveniently located boulders to get up just a little bit higher to enjoy the scenery. Or for those ambitious hikers, be sure to take on Signal Knob. A more than 10 mile trip through the George Washington National Forest that provides views well-worth the investment. Whatever your style, your family will have pictures and memories for a lifetime!

4. Back to Family

A large reason we are so drawn to the camping experience is that it provides the opportunity to simply get back to family. That quality time that seems to be so evasive during our chaotic lifestyles is readily available when enjoying the great outdoors. So be sure to take in every second of this slow-paced time with your family after hitting the trails throughout the valley or heading underground to check out the caves, enjoy sitting around the campfire counting the stars in the amazing night sky.

5. Campfire S’mores

Speaking of campfires, the camping life is complete when you indulge in a s’more! But this treat in the valley is unlike anything you have ever had before and that is because it is a Shenandoah S’more. This tasty campfire treat is just gooier, chocolatier and just plain more delicious in the valley. Ok fine, a s’more in the valley tastes just as good as a s’more anywhere else. All that really matters is that you enjoy one, two or several during your outdoor getaway.