Harrisonburg / Shenandoah Valley KOA Holiday: Your Perfect Shenandoah Basecamp for Active Seniors!
Are you an active senior looking for the ideal home base to explore the breathtaking beauty of the Shenandoah Valley? Look no longer! As a fellow senior who loves to travel and explore, I recently had the pleasure of staying at the Harrisonburg / Shenandoah Valley KOA Holiday, and I’m excited to share my detailed review to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your next adventure.
I stayed for two nights at this fantastic campground on my way back to Florida after visiting family in New York, and it proved to be a tranquil and convenient stop.
My Rating System for Active Seniors
I rate my lodging and campgrounds based on what matters most to active seniors, ensuring you have all the information you need to make an informed decision. Here’s what we consider:
- Pricing: Value for money.
- Location: Accessibility to attractions and ease of travel.
- Amenities: On-site facilities and conveniences.
- Handicap Friendly: Accessibility for those with mobility considerations.
- Cleanliness: Overall upkeep and hygiene.
- Internet Availability: Reliability of Wi-Fi and cell signal.
- Employee Attitudes: Friendliness and helpfulness of staff.
A Detailed Review
Pricing: RV Sites range from $69 per night up to $138 for a deluxe site with a patio. A basic cabin (no bathroom) runs about $102, while a deluxe cabin (bathroom with a shower) will set you back $230 per night. A tent site will run you about $47 per night for a primitive site and $57 per night for a gravel site with water & electric. That is the one I took. If you are a KOA rewards member, you will save 10%, which usually covers the tax.
Location: This KOA Holiday campground is perfectly situated in Harrisonburg, Virginia, offering easy access to the stunning Shenandoah Valley. Its location makes it an excellent base for exploring the area’s natural wonders, historic sites, and charming towns. It’s not near any main roads, so road noise was not an issue. During my visit, I easily accessed Skyline Drive for a scenic drive and discovered 2 charming covered bridges nearby – both fantastic, senior-friendly excursions.
Amenities: This campground truly shines when it comes to amenities, offering something for every type of traveler.
- Site Variety: They cater to all preferences with multiple RV sites featuring back-ins and pull-throughs with various hook-up options. For those who prefer a more rustic experience, there are 15 tent sites, with 9 being particularly nice-sized and conveniently located near the front bathrooms/showers. My wife and I stayed in one of these sites. If cabins are more your style, they offer 4 basic cabins and 3 deluxe cabins.
- Unique Features: One of the coolest and most practical things I observed was a pet wash station near the laundry room! If you are a senior with a furry companion, finding a campground with this amenity is a rare and welcome sight. They also have a dedicated K9 Park for your four-legged friends to stretch their legs.
- Recreation & Relaxation: For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s a covered pavilion, frisbee golf, a serene nature walk, and a catch-and-release fishing pond. They even have an area for kids or grandkids to mine, which is a fun, interactive activity if you’re traveling with grandchildren.
- Conveniences: The campground offers propane for sale and a dump station for RVers. The store was decently stocked with basic necessities, which is always a plus.
- Seasonal Pool: They have a pool, which is typically open seasonally, I believe, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It was not open during my stay in April, but it’s a great feature for warmer months.
- Playground: A playground is also on-site, perfect for visiting grandchildren.
Handicap Friendly: As with most campgrounds, handicap accessibility on the grounds was average. The bathrooms would be a challenge for anyone in a wheelchair. I would recommend anyone with mobility challenges stay in either your own RV, a cabin, or grab a local motel.
Cleanliness: I can confidently say the bathrooms were clean, a top priority for any camper! The grounds were also meticulously well-kept, contributing to a pleasant and enjoyable stay.
Internet Availability: In today’s connected world, reliable internet is key. I was pleased to find that the Verizon signal was good throughout the campground, and the campground Wi-Fi was also good, allowing me to stay connected and even do some planning for my continued journey.
Employee Attitudes: The employees were super friendly and helpful, which always enhances the overall camping experience. Their welcoming demeanor made check-in and any inquiries a breeze.
My Personal Experience & Observations
As mentioned, I stayed in a tent site near the front of the park and had absolutely no complaints. The campground was wonderfully quiet, which was fantastic for getting a good night’s sleep after a long drive. This tranquility is a huge bonus for active seniors looking for a peaceful retreat.
Nearby Area Attractions for Active Seniors
The Harrisonburg / Shenandoah Valley area is brimming with attractions perfect for seniors.
- Shenandoah National Park / Skyline Drive: A must-visit! Enjoy breathtaking scenic overlooks, gentle hikes, and wildlife viewing along the famous Skyline Drive.
- State Parks & Preserves: Explore nearby state parks like Shenandoah River State Park for river activities or explore natural preserves for birdwatching and peaceful walks.
- Historic Harrisonburg: Discover charming downtown Harrisonburg with its unique shops, art galleries, and historic architecture.
- Eateries: The area boasts a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to more upscale restaurants, offering local flavors and comfortable atmospheres. Don’t forget to check out local wineries and breweries for tastings (many are senior-friendly!). There are about 6 local breweries in the area.
- Covered Bridges: Keep an eye out for historic covered bridges, like the two I found, which offer fantastic photo opportunities and a glimpse into the past. Historic Meem’s Bottom Bridge was nearby and is a working bridge that only allows one car at a time to pass. It also featured a small picnic area. You could walk under the bridge to access the North Fork Shenandoah River. When we walked under the bridge, there were some kids running through the water, keeping cool. The other bridge was Biedler Farm Covered Bridge, which spans across Smith Creek.
- Museums & Cultural Sites: Depending on your interests, explore local museums or historical markers that tell the story of the Shenandoah Valley. The Virginia Museum of the Civil War, for example, is only 15 minutes away. Others include the Virginia Quilt Museum, James Madison University Mineral Museum, and the Harrisonburg Fire Department Museum.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent location for exploring Shenandoah Valley attractions.
- Wide variety of site types (tent, RV, cabins).
- Clean bathrooms and well-kept grounds.
- Good Verizon signal and reliable campground Wi-Fi.
- Friendly and helpful employees.
- Quiet atmosphere conducive to good sleep.
- Unique amenities like the pet wash and K9 park.
- On-site recreational activities (nature walk, frisbee golf, fishing pond).
- Well-stocked store and propane sales.
- Free Coffee in the office every morning
- 24-hour laundry room access
Cons:
- Pool is seasonal (not a con if you’re visiting during warmer months, but good to know for off-season travel).
- We ran into numerous flies while trying to cook at night. None during the morning or afternoon but tons at night.
- Sites are a little pricy
- Deluxe cabins cost more then hotel rooms
- Office Opens at 9 AM
Final Thoughts
The Harrisonburg / Shenandoah Valley KOA Holiday campground is an absolute gem and an ideal choice for active seniors seeking a comfortable, well-equipped, and conveniently located home base for their Shenandoah Valley adventures. Whether you prefer tent camping, an RV hookup, or a cozy cabin, you’ll find excellent facilities and a welcoming atmosphere. I would absolutely, without hesitation, recommend this campground for its cleanliness, quietude, impressive amenities, and friendly staff. It truly enhances the travel experience, allowing you to focus on exploring and enjoying all the beauty the region has to offer. Make sure to add this one to your list!
***I try to be as accurate as I possibly can with the details of any post I write. Keep in mind that things change due to storms, pricing, and maintenance issues. I always recommend checking the official website for updated announcements, closures, and fees before heading out on any trip. I have included a link to their website below for your convenience.***
Harrisonburg Shenandoah Valley KOA Holiday Website
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