The Warren County Planning Commission discussed a proposal from Southfork Riverside Campground, LLC, requesting a conditional use permit for a 142-acre property along Rivermont Drive.
The project aims to develop 100 campsites for motorized recreational vehicles, campers, and tents along the Shenandoah River. The campground’s plans include renovating an existing barn into a management office and general store while constructing two sanitary facilities and a drain field.
“The applicant is requesting a conditional use permit for a commercial campground for one hundred campsites for motorized recreational vehicles, campers, and tent camping…The majority of the land will continue to be farmed and used for agricultural purposes such as making hay and forest management areas,” a summary of request indicated, as reported by Royal Examiner on September 12.
The proposal also emphasized preserving the land’s natural landscape, maintaining much of it for agricultural use, such as hay production and forest management. “The property owner states in their statement of justification that they intend to preserve as much natural landscape as possible and implement sustainable practices for waste management and water conservation,” the summary indicated.
Access to the campground will also be via a dust-free road, and the campsites will be located within a “Special Flood Hazard Area,” allowing for free-flow traffic in and around the site.
The developers intend to offer canoe, kayak, and tubing rentals as an accessory service to the campground, and a concept plan has already been submitted to the planning commission.
Throughout the meeting, Planning Director Matt Wendling provided updates on the county’s comprehensive plan, expected to be ready for public review by October. The commission also reviewed other applications for conditional use permits before concluding the session.
“A concept plan has been submitted and will be subject to revision based on comments from agencies and the Planning Commission,” the summary explained.