Everything You Need to Know About Camping in Shenandoah National Park

There's just something magical about gathering up your crew around a glowing campfire, getting tucked into sleeping bags under the stars, and leaving your cares behind on a camping adventure in Virginia.

Shenandoah National Park is just the place to go too, thanks in large part to four quality family campgrounds along Skyline Drive.

Bookmark this guide so you can embark on your first camping trip in Shenandoah National Park like a pro. 
 

JUMP TO: 
Mathews Arm Campground
Big Meadows Campground
Lewis Mountain Campground
Loft Mountain Campground

How do you camp at Shenandoah National Park?

All four campgrounds operate from spring to fall. Some spots can book up to six months in advance. Many sites are also available on a first-come, first-served basis. As they say, the early bird gets the worm — and that's especially true at Shenandoah National Park.

If you're wondering whether first-come, first-served sites are available, sign up for the park's alert system to get updates on availability. 

There is backcountry camping, too. To catch some zzz's out in the wild, you'll need a free permit.

What makes Shenandoah National Park great for camping? 

Every campground at Shenandoah National Park has its own appeal. For example, Lewis Mountain is small and intimate, while Big Meadows is large and packed with amenities, like a large picnic area and one of the park's two visitor centers. 

All of the campgrounds allow visitors to experience nature, including black bears, which are known to wander across each of the campgrounds from time to time. That noted, store your food (anything with a scent really, even toothpaste) in an on-site storage canister or in your vehicle to keep the bears from patrolling the campground.

For a look at each of the four family campgrounds at Shenandoah National Park, read on to choose the best one for you and your squad as you plan out your first or next national park camping adventure.

Campsites at Shenandoah National Park

Mathews Arm Campground (Milepost 22.1)

Reservations: Some first-come, first-served

Total Sites: 165, including 3 group sites

Fees: $30 per night, $75 per night for groups 

Mathews Arm is the northernmost campground in the park, located on the west side of Skyline Drive at milepost 22.1. This campground is open from May to October and is a snap to reach from both the Front Royal and Thornton Gap entrances. Sites are open to both tents and RVs. All campsites are non-electric with no hook-ups.

Mathews Arm is clean and quiet, but also more primitive than the other park campgrounds. As in — there are no showers at Mathews Arm. You will, however, find flush toilets and cold running water. The closest showers are coin-operated and are located at Big Meadows Campground at milepost 51.2.

For grab-and-go snacks, groceries and camping supplies, including firewood, it's a short, two mile drive south along Skyline Drive to Elkwallow Wayside at milepost 24.1 (open mid-June to mid-November). You'll also find a gift shop for park souvenirs.

Things to Do Near Mathews Arm Campground

• Several family-friendly hiking trails are accessible from Matthews Arm, including the Tuscarora-Overall Run Trail, which leads to Overall Run Falls. At 93-feet-tall, this is the tallest waterfall at Shenandoah National Park. It's a real must-see.
• Traces Trail can also be reached from Mathews Arm. This easy-going nature trail casually loops around the wooded campground. This leisurely path makes for a pleasant after-dinner walk with the kids or your pup.
• The closest visitor center is the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center at milepost 4.7, a stone's throw from the Front Royal entrance. Here you can check into ranger-led programs, pick up a Junior Ranger activity booklet, or walk across Skyline Drive for an easy one-mile loop hike on the Fox Hollow Trail (no dogs allowed on this trail).

Big Meadows Campground (Milepost 51.2)

Reservations: By reservation only

Total Sites: 221, including 2 group sites 

Fees: $30 per night, $75 per night for groups 

Situated in the Central District of Shenandoah National Park at milepost 51.2, Big Meadows is open from late-March to early-November. This campground is just north of the Swift Run Gap entrance. It's also the largest campground in the park. Big Meadows has 51 tent-only sites. All campsites are non-electric with no hook-ups.

For groceries, grab-and-go sandwiches, camping supplies and park souvenirs, look to Big Meadows Wayside at milepost 51 (open late-March to mid-November). Here you'll also find restrooms, picnic tables and a two-pump gas station. Stop in Byrd Visitor Center next door for ranger-led programs and Junior Ranger activity booklets.

Ideal for first-timers, this campground is rich with amenities, including showers. Yes, there are hot showers at Big Meadows, but plan to bring coins or small bills. For a five-minute shower, it costs $1.75. There is a change machine by the showers. You'll also find coin-operated laundry facilities, ice and firewood on-site at Big Meadows.

An amphitheater is located in the northwest corner of the campground for seasonal ranger-led programs. To the left of the amphitheater is the trailhead for the leafy hike to 81-foot-tall Lewis Falls, the fourth largest waterfall in the park. The campground is also an easy-breezy walk to a large picnic area, as well as full-service Big Meadows Lodge.

Things to Do Near Big Meadows Campground

• Big Meadows is very close to many of the park's most popular spots, like Hawksbill Summit and Bearfence Rock Scramble.
• In addition to Lewis Falls, there are two other waterfall hikes close to the campground, including Dark Hollow Falls (milepost 50.7) and Rose River Falls (milepost 49.5). The latter absolutely wows with a dreamy swimming hole. The kid-friendly Story of the Forest Trail also sets off from Big Meadows. 
• Beyond hiking, Skyland Stables is located just off Skyline Drive at milepost 42.5. Book a one-hour or 2.5-hour guided horseback trail ride to see the Shenandoah Valley from a new perspective. As in, from atop a horse as you trot across an old apple orchard along verdant trails. Hand-guided pony rides are available for small children.
• For a sit-down meal, Spottswood Dining Room is located inside Big Meadows Lodge. Save room for a generous slice of Blackberry Ice Cream Pie!

Lewis Mountain Campground (Milepost 57.5)

Reservations: First-come, first-served only

Total Sites: 30

Fees: $30 per night, cabin prices vary

An easy six-mile drive south of Big Meadows sits Lewis Mountain Campground at milepost 57.5. With just 30 first-come, first-served sites, this is the smallest campground at Shenandoah National Park. Lewis Mountain is closest to the Swift Run Gap entrance and is open from late-March to October.

All campsites are non-electric with no hook-ups. Lewis Mountain also has 15 mountain cabins available for rent from mid-June to late-November.

You'll find climate-controlled one- and two-bedroom cabins with bathrooms, but no wi-fi, as well as more rustic cabins with no bathrooms or running water. Pet-friendly cabins are available too. A nightly fee applies for each well-mannered furry pal.

Lewis Mountain is a prime pick for those eager for a quiet, more intimate camping experience, as well as on-site amenities, like an ice machine, coin-operated laundry and showers. An on-site camp store sells basics like firewood, snacks and supplies.

A picnic area is on the north side of the campground, adjacent to Skyline Drive. Away from the main park road, the campground feels refreshingly remote.

Things to Do Near Lewis Mountain Campground

• Lewis Mountain is mere steps from the white-blazed Appalachian Trail, which runs south-to-north along the east side of this small campground.
• Take the Appalachian Trail north for the short scramble to the summit of Bearfence Mountain at milepost 56.4.
• Hike south to reach Pocosin Cabin, a quaint trailside cabin built by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club in 1937. It's also a short southbound hike off the AT on the Lewis Mountain Trail to the summit overlook.

Loft Mountain Campground (Milepost 79.5)

Reservations: Some first-come, first-served

Total Sites: 207

Fees: $30 per night

Loft Mountain Campground sits squarely atop Big Flat Mountain in the South District of Shenandoah National Park. Open from early-May through November, this campground is closest to the Rockfish Gap entrance. Loft Mountain has 50 tent-only sites. Campsites are non-electric with no hook-ups.

You'll find loads of amenities here, like coin-operated showers, laundry facilities and easy access to hiking trails. Loft Mountain Wayside (open late-June through early-November) is directly across Skyline Drive from the campground. Here you'll find sundries and souvenirs for your camping stay.

Another plus for first-time campers — you may even find cell service. It's not a guarantee, but you're more likely to be able to place a call or send a text from the park's South District, including at the campground and adjacent hiking trails.

Given the campground's location, there are many points to enjoy a colorful sunrise or sunset, including along the Appalachian Trail, which encircles the campground. However, it's worth noting that the most sought-after sites, with the most spectacular views, are only available first-come, first-serve. Plan to arrive early for your stay.

Things to Do Near Loft Mountain Campground

• There are several nearby hikes of note, including the Loft Mountain Loop by way of the Frazier Discovery Trail and Appalachian Trail. This easy two-mile hike sets off across Skyline Drive from Loft Mountain Wayside and wows with far-reaching vistas. On the loop's north side, an overlook overwhelms with east-facing sunrise views.
• Another must-do hike sets off along the Appalachian Trail and connects with the Doyles River Trail to reach Doyles River Falls, which has several enticing swimming holes.
• The easy Blackrock Summit is also quite popular and begins just south along Skyline Drive at milepost 84.4. This one is an absolute must-do while in the park.

Find more things to do near each of the four Shenandoah National Park entrances.