Notable Campgrounds
- Best for park accessibility: Big Meadows Campground is centrally located, accessible to many park attractions.
- Best park views from the campground: While the campsites are tree-covered, Loft Mountain Campground has scenic overlooks from its mountain-top location.
- Best for group camping: As the name implies, Dundo Group Campground is set aside for groups only. Reservations may be made one year in advance. Group sites are also offered at other campgrounds in the park.
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- No hookups are available at individual campsites.
- The three large campgrounds offer potable water seasonally and have onsite dump stations.
- Reservation availability varies by campground. Mathews Arm Campground, Loft Mountain Campground, and Big Meadows Campground have reservable sites.
- Reservations released in batches. Some are released as early as 6 months in advance, with others as late as 4 days in advance.
- Reservations are recommended, especially for weekends and holidays during peak season. Reservations may be made through the Recreation.gov website.
- Lewis Mountain Campground and some sections of Mathews Arm and Loft Mountain campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
- Campgrounds are not open year-round. Winter closing dates are determined seasonally.
When to Go
As cold winter weather slowly gives way to late spring, the day time temperatures become pleasant for outdoor recreation before reaching peaks in the 80s in late summer (July and August). Fall is one of the busiest seasons. Visitors flock to the park to take in views of the rainbow-hued tree-covered hillsides, with colors peaking in early October. Plan for cooler temperatures at higher elevations; wearing layers of clothing is recommended. Campers may find freezing temperatures and snow in the winter months.
Know Before You Go
- Cell signals and wifi are limited in much of the park.
- Outside of Shenandoah National Park, many RV parks with full hookups and other amenities are found near popular areas like Luray and Front Royal, which have easy access to entrance stations.
- Free dispersed camping may be found in the surrounding George Washington & Jefferson national forests.
- Glamping accommodations may also be found in the park’s lodges and cabin rentals.
Shenandoah National Park
Plan a mountain getaway where Virginia’s Blue Ridge meets the blue sky.
Not far from the urban sprawl of the East Coast lies a vast, rugged landscape of rolling hills, tumbling waterfalls, and epic hiking trails, just 75 miles from Washington D.C. Whether you take a scenic tour of the 100-mile Skyline Drive or lace up your hiking shoes to hit the Appalachian Trail, which passes through the park, you will be treated to panoramic vistas offering views of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. The National Park Service maintains over 600 campsites spread across five campgrounds, offering both RV sites and tent sites. Backcountry camping is also allowed for tent camping by permit only.
Not far from the urban sprawl of the East Coast lies a vast, rugged landscape of rolling hills, tumbling waterfalls, and epic hiking trails, just 75 miles from Washington D.C. Whether you take a scenic tour of the 100-mile Skyline Drive or lace up your hiking shoes to hit the Appalachian Trail, which passes through the park, you will be treated to panoramic vistas offering views of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. The National Park Service maintains over 600 campsites spread across five campgrounds, offering both RV sites and tent sites. Backcountry camping is also allowed for tent camping by permit only.
Activities in the park
3 campgrounds in Shenandoah National Park
At Big Meadows Campground, prepare to experience a natural orchestra the likes of which you've never heard. Crickets in their thickets whisper sweet symphonies each night. They are joined by the soft crash of nearby waterfalls, deer softly crunching leaves, and even the occasional bear snore. What's more, Shenandoah National Park has 500 miles o Read more...
The wilderness and wildlife of Loft Mountain Campground are bound to leave you bewildered and completely content to the core. As the largest campground in Shenandoah National Park, you’re guaranteed sweeping vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah Valley, and the Virginia Piedmont without sacrificing serenity or privacy. Lace up your hiking Read more...
You can’t spell g-e-t-a-w-a-y without Mathews Arm Campground (well. . . some of the same vowels, at least). Nestled between cascading trees and towering mountains, this family-friendly campground is ideal for those looking to reconnect with nature on any level of hiking trail. Want a challenge? Trek to Overall Run Falls and enjoy the highest drop Read more...
Why can't I see these campgrounds when I search with dates?
Notable Campgrounds
Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
As cold winter weather slowly gives way to late spring, the day time temperatures become pleasant for outdoor recreation before reaching peaks in the 80s in late summer (July and August). Fall is one of the busiest seasons. Visitors flock to the park to take in views of the rainbow-hued tree-covered hillsides, with colors peaking in early October. Plan for cooler temperatures at higher elevations; wearing layers of clothing is recommended. Campers may find freezing temperatures and snow in the winter months.
Know Before You Go
Frequently asked questions
Can you camp for free in Shenandoah National Park?
Free camping is not allowed within Shenandoah National Park, as all camping must be done at designated campgrounds or backcountry sites that require a permit. However, you can find free camping in the nearby George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, which allow dispersed camping in certain areas. Keep in mind that amenities may not be available, and you should practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural environment.
How much does it cost to camp at Shenandoah National Park?
At Shenandoah National Park, camping fees range from $15 to $45 per night, depending on the campground and the type of site you choose. There are four campgrounds within the park: Mathews Arm, Big Meadows, Lewis Mountain, and Loft Mountain. Prices may vary based on the season and availability. For more information on Shenandoah camping, visit Hipcamp.
Can you sleep in my car at Shenandoah National Park?
Sleeping in your car is allowed at designated campgrounds within Shenandoah National Park. However, you cannot sleep in your car at overlooks, parking lots, or on the side of the road. To ensure a safe and legal car camping experience, reserve a campsite at one of the park's campgrounds. You can find more information on car camping options in Shenandoah at Hipcamp.
What is the best time of year to camp at Shenandoah National Park?
The best time of year to camp in Shenandoah National Park is during the spring and fall months. Spring, from April to early June, offers mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers. Fall, from September to early November, provides cooler temperatures and stunning fall foliage colors. Both seasons also have fewer crowds compared to the busy summer months, making them ideal for a more peaceful camping experience.
How do I get a campsite reservation at Shenandoah National Park?
Securing a Shenandoah National Park campsite reservation is usually a challenge due to the park's popularity. Camping trips typically need to be planned months in advance and even then, available campsites can book up within minutes. The good news is that you have other options for last-minute Shenandoah National Park campsite reservations. Try snagging one by setting up a free Hipcamp alert for any Shenandoah campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.
When should I reserve camping in Shenandoah National Park?
Most Shenandoah National Park campsite reservations open up months in advance. However, it's notoriously difficult to secure a Shenandoah National Park reservation even if you plan ahead, as campsites are often booked up within minutes. To increase your chances of snagging a campsite, set up a free Hipcamp alert for any Shenandoah campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.
Public campgrounds (book externally) —