5 Best Camping Sites in Shenandoah National Park: Must Try

Are you dreaming of an outdoor getaway that combines breathtaking views, peaceful landscapes, and the soothing sounds of nature? Look no further than Shenandoah National Park, a beloved destination for campers and nature lovers alike.

Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this stunning park offers a variety of camping sites that cater to all types of adventurers, whether you’re looking for a remote backcountry experience or a cozy spot near modern amenities. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best camping sites in Shenandoah National Park, helping you find the perfect place to pitch your tent, unwind, and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the great outdoors. Are u ready? Let’s explore with nationalparkshops’s team!

How to get to Shenandoah National Park?

Shenandoah National Park offers several convenient entrances between Washington, D.C., and Richmond, Virginia:

• North Entrance (Front Royal): Located near Front Royal, Virginia, just off Highway 340.
• Thornton Gap Entrance: Found east of Luray, Virginia, accessible via Highway 211.
• Swift Run Gap Entrance: Positioned off Highway 33, offering another entry point to the park.
• Southern Entrance (Rockfish Gap): Near Waynesboro, Virginia, off Highway 250.

Each entrance provides easy access to the park’s stunning trails and scenic drives, making it simple to plan your visit. Before exploring camping sites in Shenandoah National Park, take note of these trails.

>> Top 10 Best Campgrounds Near Shenandoah National Park

How many campgrounds does Shenandoah National Park have?

Shenandoah National Park has five main campgrounds: Mathews Arm Campground, Big Meadows Campground, Lewis Mountain Campground, Loft Mountain Campground and Dundo Group Campground. Camping sites in Shenandoah National Park offer various amenities and seasonal access for visitors.

Popular Campground: Big Meadows Campground

• Location: Skyline Drive, Milepost 51.2
• Cost: $30 per night for standard sites; $75 per night for group sites
• Facilities: Dump station, food storage lockers, trash/recycling, amphitheater, water, flush toilets, showers, and a camp store offering essentials like firewood and ice
• Reservations: Accepted
• RVs: Permitted, but no electric hook-ups are available
• Season: Late March to mid-November
• Sites: 221 total, including 2 group sites and 51 tent-only sites

Big Meadows Campground is a prime choice for visitors seeking proximity to Shenandoah’s top attractions, such as Dark Hollow Falls and other incredible hiking trails. It’s This is one of the largest and most popular camping sites in Shenandoah National Park, known for its comprehensive amenities, including laundry, showers, and flush toilets.

A campground host is always available on-site to assist with questions or concerns, making it a convenient and welcoming base for exploring Shenandoah National Park.

Mathews Arm Campground

• Location: Skyline Drive, Milepost 22.1
• Cost: $30 per night for standard sites; $75 per night for group sites
• Facilities: Trash/recycling, food storage lockers, flush toilets, potable water, amphitheater, and dump station
• Reservations: Accepted for 47 sites
• RVs: Permitted, though no electric hook-ups are available
• Season: Early May through the end of October
• Sites: 165 total, including 3 group sites

This is one of the camping sites in Shenandoah National Park in the North, Mathews Arm is conveniently located near the Front Royal entrance. This quieter campground offers over 150 sites and provides access to a few nearby hiking opportunities.

Though it lacks some of the amenities found in other campgrounds, its proximity to Elkwallow Wayside – just two miles away – ensures easy access to camping supplies and food service. Mathews Arm is an excellent choice for those seeking a more low-key camping experience.

>> Shenandoah National Park Climbing: Guided and Activities For Guests

Lewis Mountain Campground

• Location: Skyline Drive, Milepost 57.5
• Cost: $30 per night
• Facilities: Trash/recycling, food storage lockers, flush toilets, showers, laundry, and potable water
• Reservations: Not accepted; all sites are first-come, first-served with self-registration upon arrival
• RVs: Permitted, but no electric hook-ups are available
• Season: Late March through the end of October
• Sites: 30 sites accommodating tents or RVs

Lewis Mountain Campground is the smallest in Shenandoah National Park, offering a peaceful and private camping experience while still being centrally located. Its quiet ambiance makes one of these camping sites in Shenandoah National Park a great alternative to busier campgrounds like Big Meadows.

Despite its smaller size, Lewis Mountain doesn’t compromise on amenities. The campground features a camp store, showers, laundry facilities, and flush toilets. A campground host is also on-site to assist with any needs, making it a cozy yet convenient base for exploring the park’s attractions.

Loft Mountain Campground

• Location: Skyline Drive, Milepost 79.5
• Cost: $30 per night
• Facilities: Flush toilets, showers, laundry, dump station, potable water, amphitheater, camp store, food storage lockers, and trash/recycling
• Reservations: Accepted for 55 sites
• RVs: Permitted
• Season: Early May through the end of October
• Sites: 207 total, including 50 tent-only sites

Situated on the southern side of Shenandoah National Park, Loft Mountain Campground is close to Waynesboro and offers easy access to trails and waterfalls. Perched atop a mountain, the campground boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes to both the east and west.

Loft Mountain provides campers with convenient amenities such as showers, flush toilets, a camp store, and an RV dump station. Campground hosts are also available on-site to assist with any questions or needs, making one of these camping sites in Shenandoah National Park a comfortable and scenic option for your Shenandoah adventure.

Dundo Group Campground

• Location: Skyline Drive, Milepost 83.7
• Cost: $75 per night
• Facilities: Vault toilets, food storage lockers, trash/recycling, and non-potable water
• Reservations: Required
• RVs: Not permitted
• Season: Early May through the end of October
• Sites: 3 tent-only group campsites

Dundo Group Campground is an ideal choice for those seeking a quieter experience camping sites in Shenandoah National Park. Designed exclusively for group camping, each site accommodates 7 to 15 people, making it perfect for gatherings of friends or family.

Amenities include vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. However, potable water is not available, so visitors must bring their own supply. Conveniently located along the Appalachian Trail, this campground offers the chance to cross paths with adventurous thru-hikers during your stay.

Is there free camping in Shenandoah National Park?

Free camping is not allowed within Shenandoah National Park, all camping sites in Shenandoah National Park must be done at designated campgrounds or backcountry sites that require a permit.

However, you can find free camping options in the nearby George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, which permit dispersed camping in certain areas. It’s important to note that amenities may be limited in these areas, and you should follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the environment.

Conclusion

As you pack up your gear and reflect on your time spent among the majestic landscapes of Shenandoah National Park, we hope this guide to the best camping sites in Shenandoah National Park has made your adventure even more memorable. Remember, the beauty of Shenandoah lies not only in its scenic trails and wildlife but also in the moments of quiet reflection and shared laughter around the campfire. So, whether this was your first visit or just one of many, we encourage you to return and continue exploring the endless wonders that await in these enchanting woods. Happy trails, and see you back at the campsite soon!

FAQs

How much time do I need at Shenandoah National Park?

To fully experience Shenandoah National Park, it’s recommended to spend at least two nights in the park. This allows ample time to enjoy multiple hikes, visit waterfalls, and explore scenic overlooks along Skyline Drive. If you’re short on time, you can still see highlights in one day by driving the length of Skyline Drive and taking short hikes, but this will limit your ability to explore in-depth.

Are camping reservations required at Shenandoah National Park?

Camping reservations are highly recommended at Shenandoah National Park, especially during the busy season from spring to fall. While some campgrounds have first-come, first-served sites, many sites can be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov.

Can I sleep in my car in Shenandoah National Park?

Sleeping in your car is not permitted in Shenandoah National Park outside of designated campgrounds. While some visitors may attempt to sleep in their vehicles at closed campgrounds, this is discouraged and could result in a ticket.

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