How to Plan the Perfect Shenandoah Summer RV Getaway

There’s something magical about packing up your RV and heading off on a summer adventure—especially when your destination offers a balance of scenic beauty, outdoor activities, and the comforts of home. At Luray RV Resort & Campground, we’re here to help make your summer escape easy, fun, and unforgettable. Whether you’re a seasoned RVer or a first-time road tripper, here’s how to plan the ultimate summer getaway in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley.

1. Choose the Right Destination

Not all RV trips are created equal, and your destination can make or break the experience. Look for places that offer a variety of things to do, peaceful surroundings, and amenities that match your camping style.

Luray RV Resort is a top choice for summer travel thanks to:

• Scenic riverfront access to the South Fork of the Shenandoah River
• Spacious RV sites with full hookups and shaded spots
• Proximity to Luray Caverns, Skyline Drive, and Shenandoah National Park
• Pet-friendly sites, on-site fishing ponds, and family-friendly activities

Whether you want to spend your days hiking and tubing or simply unwind with a view, Luray offers something for everyone.

Pro Tip: Summer weekends and holidays fill up quickly, so  book early to lock in your preferred site—especially if you want a premium riverfront view.

2. Know What to Pack

One of the biggest perks of RV travel is that you can bring the comforts of home with you—but you still want to be strategic with your packing. Weather in the Shenandoah Valley can be warm and sunny during the day but cool in the evenings, so plan for layers.

Packing Essentials:

• Lightweight clothing, breathable fabrics, and rain gear
• Swimsuits, water shoes, and towels for the river. (Tubes are available for purchase in our camp store!)
• Hiking boots and trail snacks for nearby adventures
• Bug spray, sunscreen, and citronella candles
• Fishing gear (or grab bait and tackle from our on-site camp store)
• Reusable water bottles and coolers for picnics or tubing trips
• Firewood, s’mores supplies, and campfire cooking tools
• Outdoor games, camping chairs, and a hammock

Bonus:  Before you go, do a quick walkthrough of your RV to double-check overlooked items - like charging cords, matches, and your favorite coffee mug. It's the little things that make your stay feel like home!



3. Plan for Activities (Or Don’t!)

The best summer getaways strike a balance between doing and relaxing. At Luray RV Resort, you’ll have access to both—so you can customize your trip to your mood each day.

Top Activities to Enjoy On-Site or Nearby:

• Fishing: Cast a line from our riverfront access or in one of our stocked fishing ponds
• Tubing & kayaking: Float the South Fork with local outfitters or launch from the campground
• Hiking: Explore miles of scenic trails in Shenandoah National Park or along nearby Greenways
• Sightseeing: Don’t miss Luray Caverns, just 10 minutes away, or take a scenic drive along Skyline Drive
• Relaxing: Lounge by the river, read under the trees, or watch the sunset from your site
• Evening fun: Enjoy a classic campfire, outdoor movie night, or one of our themed summer weekends

Pro Tip: Check our Event Calendar for scheduled on-site activities like family games, crafts, and live music.

4. Make Mealtime Easy

Cooking on the road should be part of the fun—not a hassle. Keep meals simple, prep ahead, and embrace campground classics.

Easy Meal Ideas:

• Pre-marinated meats for grilling
• Veggie foil packs or kebabs
• Pasta salad and sandwich fixings
• Cast iron skillet breakfast or pancakes on the griddle
• Campfire s’mores, of course!

Consider bringing a portable table or picnic blanket so you can dine riverside or by the fire.

Pro Tip: When the temps rise, skip the stove and let the fire do the work. Try low-effort campfire meals like breakfast burritos, skillet nachos, or s'mores cones. Download our favorite campfire cooking recipes here.

5. Stay Cool and Comfortable

Summer in Virginia brings beautiful blue skies—but it can also bring the heat. Luckily, there are easy ways to keep cool while still enjoying every moment of your trip.

Cool-Down Tips:

• Take advantage of our tree-shaded sites—or upgrade to a Pull-Thru Super Site with a private gazebo for the ultimate summer comfort.
• Bring or borrow a pop-up canopy or use your RV’s awning
• Enjoy water-based activities like fishing, floating, or dipping your toes in the river
• Keep cold drinks on hand and stay hydrated
• Use fans inside your RV and plan breaks during peak afternoon heat
• Rent a vacation cottage for an A/C break with all the comforts of home

Pro Tip: Early mornings and late evenings are the best times for hiking, fishing, or outdoor games—midday is perfect for a nap, a shaded hammock, or a swim.

6. Reserve Your Spot Early

This can’t be overstated: summer sites fill up fast. If you have preferred dates, specific site types, or want to camp with friends, the best thing you can do is reserve in advance.

Whether you're planning a weeklong family vacation, a holiday weekend escape, or a short two-night getaway, we make it easy to find the right site for your setup.

 Book Your Summer Stay at Luray RV Resort

Bonus Tip: Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop on seasonal specials and early booking promos!

7. Thinking About a Longer Stay?

There’s something special about spending the entire summer surrounded by river views, mountain air, and the peaceful rhythm of campground life. Whether you’re looking to stay for a month or the whole season, Luray RV Resort has options for guests who want to settle in and truly unwind.

• NEW: 2025 Mid-Summer Monthly Deal
• Looking for a flexible, affordable long-term option this year? Our Mid-Summer Monthly special is perfect for guests who want to enjoy multiple months at a discounted rate.
• Details:
• Stay in June for $699 and get July for $699 too!
• Prefer August? Book August for $799 and get July for the same $799 rate
• Site Type: Skyline Back-In Sites
• To book this deal, call our reservations team directly. This offer is not available online. Terms & Conditions may Apply.

• Seasonal Sites
• Our 2025 seasonal sites are fully sold out, but it’s never too early to start planning ahead. If you’re dreaming of making Luray your summer home base in 2026,  sign up  for our interest list to be the first to hear about availability when booking opens!

Ready to Hit the Road?

With peaceful river views, nearby mountain trails, and everything you need for a memorable RV adventure, Luray RV Resort & Campground is the perfect destination for your summer escape. Start planning today, and let the Shenandoah Valley do the rest.