Ultimate Guide to Camping in Shenandoah National Park: Campgrounds, Tips, and Essential Information
Experience the timeless allure of camping in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. Gather around a campfire, sleep under the stars, and escape daily stresses at one of four family-friendly campgrounds along scenic Skyline Drive.
These campgrounds operate from spring through fall. Popular sites book up to six months in advance via Recreation.gov, while most are first-come, first-served. Arrive early to secure your spot.
For groups of up to 20, Dundo Group Campground allows reservations up to one year ahead. Backcountry camping requires a free permit, easily obtained online or at park stations.
Each campground offers unique features: Lewis Mountain provides an intimate setting, while Big Meadows boasts extensive amenities, including a picnic area and visitor center.
Wildlife, including black bears, frequents all sites. Store scented items like food and toiletries in provided bear-proof canisters or your vehicle to ensure safety.
Explore details on each family campground below to plan your Shenandoah camping adventure.
Mathews Arm Campground (Milepost 22.1)
The northernmost campground, Mathews Arm lies west of Skyline Drive at milepost 22.1. Open May to October, it's conveniently accessible from Front Royal and Thornton Gap entrances.
Choose from 166 sites: 47 reservable online, the rest first-come, first-served. Individual sites cost $15/night for tents or RVs (non-electric, no hookups). Three group sites for up to 25 people are $50/night.
This clean, quiet site is more primitive—no showers—but offers flush toilets and cold running water. Nearest coin-operated showers are at Big Meadows (milepost 51.2).
Stock up on snacks, groceries, firewood, and souvenirs at Elkwallow Wayside (milepost 24.1, open mid-June to mid-November), just two miles south.
Access family-friendly hikes like Tuscarora-Overall Run Trail to 93-foot Overall Run Falls, Shenandoah's tallest waterfall. The easy Traces Trail loops through the woods, ideal for evening strolls with children or pets.
Visit Dickey Ridge Visitor Center (milepost 4.7) for ranger programs, Junior Ranger booklets, and the pet-free Fox Hollow Trail (1-mile loop).
Big Meadows Campground (Milepost 51.2)
In the Central District at milepost 51.2, Big Meadows opens late March to early November. It's the park's largest campground, near Swift Run Gap entrance.
221 sites: 168 reservable, including 51 tent-only; others first-come, first-served. Individual sites $20/night; two group sites for 15 people at $45/night (all non-electric).
Proximity to Hawksbill Summit, Bearfence Mountain, picnic areas, and Big Meadows Lodge makes it ideal. Big Meadows Wayside (milepost 51, late March to mid-November) offers groceries, sandwiches, supplies, gas, and restrooms. Byrd Visitor Center provides programs and booklets.
Amenities include coin-operated hot showers ($1.75/5 minutes), laundry, ice, and firewood. An amphitheater hosts ranger programs; nearby trails lead to Lewis Falls (81 feet), Dark Hollow Falls, and Rose River Falls with a swimming hole.
Story of the Forest Trail is family-friendly (no pets). Skyland Stables (milepost 42.5) offers guided horseback rides and pony rides for kids.
Dine at Spottswood Dining Room or New Market Taproom in Big Meadows Lodge for local flavors.
Lewis Mountain Campground (Milepost 57.5)
Six miles south of Big Meadows, this smallest campground (30 first-come, first-served sites, $15/night) opens late March to October, near Swift Run Gap.
No group sites; all non-electric. Rent 15 cabins (mid-June to late-November): climate-controlled options with baths, rustic ones without; pet-friendly with fees.
Enjoy showers, laundry, ice, and a camp store. A picnic area adjoins Skyline Drive; the Appalachian Trail borders the east side.
Hike to Bearfence Mountain summit, Pocosin Cabin, or Lewis Mountain overlook.
Loft Mountain Campground (Milepost 79.5)
Atop Big Flat Mountain in the South District, open early May to November, near Rockfish Gap.
207 sites: 55 reservable, 50 tent-only; $15/night (non-electric). Amenities: showers, laundry. Loft Mountain Wayside across Skyline Drive sells sundries (late June to early November). Possible cell service.
Prime views via Appalachian Trail; arrive early for best sites. Hikes: Loft Mountain Loop (2 miles, vistas), Doyles River Falls (swimming), Blackrock Summit (milepost 84.4).
Dundo Group Campground (Milepost 83.7)
Near Loft Mountain, open May to November. Three sites for 20 people each ($45/night, reservable up to 1 year). Check-in at Loft Mountain.
Primitive: picnic tables, water, restrooms (no showers/store). Appalachian Trail access to Blackrock and Trayfoot Mountain.
Backcountry camping available with free permit (online or kiosks).
About Erin Gifford
Erin Gifford founded GoHikeVirginia.com in 2020 to share Virginia's hiking trails. She's authoring a Falcon Guides book on family hikes. Her work appears in The Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, and more. Erin loves road trips, national parks, and half-marathons.
