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Camping near Shenandoah National Park

1,014 Reviews

Alongside the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia sits Shenandoah National Park. This pocket of Virginia holds some of the best camping and nature viewing in the state. This is an outdoor paradise filled with scenic trails for campers and thru-hikers alike.

Shenandoah National Park has five established campgrounds, which open in early spring and close in late fall. Only the Matthews Arm and Big Meadows campground have RV accommodations available, and all campsites can be reserved up to six months in advance. In the off-season, the best camping near Shenandoah National Park is in the nearby Washington and Jefferson National Forests, where you can disperse camp for free. If you want to stay in the main city, choose Harrisonburg, VA.

Map showing campgrounds near Shenandoah National Park, VirginiaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Shenandoah National Park (140)

    1. Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    120 Reviews
    Stanley, VA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3500

    $30 - $75 / night

    "This campground is located in Shenandoah National Park and is a great place to get out into nature and away from everything."

    "This campground is located in the Shenandoah National Park in Stanley , Va on Skyline drive and offers some amazing views!"

    2. Lewis Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    31 Reviews
    Hood, VA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3500

    $30 / night

    "As usual any campground in the Shenandoah national Park is well-kept, well cared for, and just beautifulWe have stayed in all the campgrounds on the 101 mile stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway and with"

    "While it's the smallest of the campgrounds in Shenandoah National Park, Lewis Mountain is by far my favorite.  I have camped there more than 50 times over the years."

    3. Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    64 Reviews
    Dyke, VA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 823-4675

    $30 - $75 / night

    "In our opinion this is the best campground in Shenandoah National Park. Sites are large and many offer privacy. Sites include fire ring and picnic tables."

    "Loft Mountain Campground is a large national park service campground on the southern end of Shenandoah National Park."

    4. Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA

    31 Reviews
    Shenandoah, VA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 896-8929

    "We stopped here for one night so we could visit Shenandoah National Park. The campground was extremely pleasant, as were the staff on duty. The sites were more spaced out than is typical for a KOA."

    "Convenient to the highway and easy to get to. Sites are well spaced. Hookups were well positioned. Walking trail starts at the campground. WiFi worked pretty well. Overall a great KOA."

    5. Endless Caverns RV Resort & Cottages

    22 Reviews
    New Market, VA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 896-2283

    $45 - $249 / night

    "This is a lovely RV park built up a mountain side overlooking the picturesque Shenandoah Valley, located in a deep old hardwood forest."

    "July 10-19, 2020

    As my wife and I were discussing my review, I asked her what could we point to to take away from a 5-star rating. Neither of us could think of a single thing."

    6. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Luray

    24 Reviews
    Luray, VA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 300-1697

    "Close to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive."

    "They had plenty of appearances of Yogi or Cindy bear at activities and just driving around the park on a golf cart."

    7. Mathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    44 Reviews
    Rileyville, VA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 999-3132

    $30 - $75 / night

    "I love the Shenandoah national park. Check in was easy - there were plenty of spots to choose from - no hookups here - I circled and picked spot 57 - a quiet wooded site."

    "I got an amazing opportunity to go to Shenandoah National Park for the first time on the weekend of July 16th and 17th and it was by far the best camping/hiking experience I have ever had."

    8. Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views

    18 Reviews
    Luray, VA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 743-7222

    $31 - $220 / night

    "The campground is close to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive as well as Luray Caverns and a few smaller tourist attractions including the Luray Zoo and Bear Mountain Zip-lines. "

    "We stayed at this KOA on our way to Virginia Beach but wanted to a day in Shenandoah National Park. "

    9. Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Bentonville, VA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 622-6840

    $30 - $40 / night

    "Private showers, no WiFi, firewood on site, lots of shade, trails and walking distance to the river. Highly recommended. Close access to Shenandoah National Park."

    "There are several rustic campsites located on the Southfork of the Shenandoah River, as well as modern electric sites, RV sites, and cabins. Park and campgrounds are clean and well maintained."

    10. Graves Mountain Farm Campground

    5 Reviews
    Syria, VA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 877-9659

    $12 / night

    "Lodge close by if food, warmth, or better restroom desired."

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Recent Camping Photos near Shenandoah National Park

435 Photos of 140 Shenandoah National Park Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Shenandoah National Park

1014 Reviews of 140 Shenandoah National Park Campgrounds

  • Zoey W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    South Fork Shenandoah River

    Horrie Neighbors

    dont disregard the warnings about noise like i did, constant speakers all the time until 4am. i think its out of jurisdiction for park rangers so they wont do anything either

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    South Fork Shenandoah River

    Riverside site

    The site at the end of the road is beautiful. We stayed right at the end of the road, since we have a 30 foot RV, but there are sites you can walk to all the way down the river. I saw one other site before ours. So limited, but we saw very few people. Got buggy at night, but that happens. Also wish people picked up their trash, but we helped. Absolutely recommend

  • j
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Lake Anna State Park Campground

    Nice space

    Great space for rvs and tents. Cabins and yurts available, bath house clean, but toilet paper is thinner than dry onion skin. Beach area is 1/2 mile paved walk. Beach very crowded on weekends.

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Quiet, lots of room

    This is a National Park campground so there are no hookups! Generators are allowed during designated hours. (Please don’t bring one.) Hot shower, bathrooms and laundry are available. Camp store with basics. The sites are large, some are not level but are workable. Lots of wildlife. Near trails.

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Perfect Shenandoah stopover

    Good amount of first come first serve spots. We visited during a weekday and there was more than enough availability. Nice small trail that runs around the campground. The campstore offers more than enough! We bought a smores-kit, very handy. I dont know if there are (enough) full hook ups?

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    KOA Luray RV Resort

    Just turned into a KOA?

    Wright next to the Luray caves and near the starting point of the Skyline drive. Nice, quietly located camping, surrounded by fields. You have all the necessary amenities that you would expect on a KOA camping. (I think they just now became KOA, last month it was still the big skies camping). There is a small but nice swimmingpool. Fun; lots of fireflies (in the right seasons?)

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Shenandoah Crossing, a Bluegreen Vacations Resort

    Not really camping

    This is a very developed campground…mayme over developed for me. Concrete pads, paved roads, street lights. Lots of amenities, like pool, playground, very nice showers, There is a gate house do you need the code to get in.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views

    Very clean and Nice Views

    Very clean campground with super friendly staff. I really enjoyed my time here.

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Christopher Run Campground

    Very big, a little rough- no internet

    This is a big campground that caters to boaters on Lake Anna. We probably made a mistake coming on a holiday weekend. Many “holiday” campers with extra vehicles, boats and people! The sites are good size, but not very level. We did finally get ours squared away. Mostly wooded, with shade. Our site D9, backed up to a small wooded section. Some full hookups. Tent sites, numerous semi-permanent people. Showers and bathrooms are clean, hot water, but it’s timed, so you have to keep pushing their buttons to continue a shower. They have everyone sign a waiver to release them of liabilities. Never had anyone do that before. Playground, beach, mini golf, canoe rental, boat slips, laundry, convenience store. NO INTERNET

Guide to Shenandoah National Park

Camping near Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there are campgrounds that cater to all kinds of campers.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Shenandoah National Park is famous for its trails. At Big Meadows Campground, one reviewer said, "Hiking trails leave right from the campground," making it easy to explore the beautiful scenery.
  • Stargazing: Enjoy the night sky! A visitor at Big Meadows Campground mentioned, "We spent a late evening in the Big Meadow on a picnic blanket stargazing," highlighting the area's clear skies.
  • Fishing and tubing: At Shenandoah Valley Campground, campers can enjoy a stocked fishing pond and a creek for tubing. One guest noted, "The biggest negative is lack of cell service/internet," but they loved the outdoor activities available.

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Loft Mountain Campground said, "The bathrooms and showers are very clean," which is a big plus for many.
  • Spacious sites: Many campers enjoy the roomy sites. One visitor at Misty Mountain Camp Resort mentioned, "Flat site, didn’t even have to unhitch," making it easy for families with larger setups.
  • Family-friendly activities: Campgrounds like Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offer tons of fun for kids. A family shared, "They have 3 pools, waterslides, and a splash pad," making it a hit for families.

What you should know:

  • First-come, first-served sites: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A camper at Matthews Arm Campground noted, "We booked a site in a reservable loop...hardly any coverage," so arriving early is key.
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Lewis Mountain Campground mentioned, "No electricity, no fires allowed," so be prepared for a more rustic experience.
  • Wildlife precautions: Bears are common in the area. One camper at Big Meadows Campground advised, "There are bears so make sure you don't leave any food out," emphasizing the need for caution.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, a parent said, "The kids lived on the playgrounds after the pool was open," making it a great choice for families.
  • Plan for noise: Some campgrounds can get loud, especially near play areas. A camper at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park noted, "If you are looking for a peaceful experience, do not book near any of the play areas."
  • Pack extra activities: Bring games or outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. A family at Misty Mountain Camp Resort enjoyed the inflatable jump pad, saying, "Our kids had a blast."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Loft Mountain Campground mentioned, "Be sure to do your due diligence before choosing your site," which is crucial for larger rigs.
  • Be aware of generator hours: Some campgrounds have specific generator hours. A visitor at Big Meadows Campground noted, "Generator hours are 08:00-10:00 and 16:00-19:00," so plan accordingly.
  • Prepare for limited cell service: Many areas have poor reception. A camper at Shenandoah River State Park Campground said, "No Wi-Fi and I had no cell service with Verizon," so download maps and information ahead of time.

Camping near Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but being prepared can make all the difference in your experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there tent-only camping sites in Shenandoah National Park?

Yes, Shenandoah National Park offers excellent tent camping options. Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park features primarily tent sites and is located in a prime area with access to numerous hiking trails, including sections of the Appalachian Trail. The campground provides amenities like fire rings and picnic tables. Lewis Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park is another well-maintained option for tent campers within the park boundaries. For those who prefer tent camping with more amenities, sites just outside the park like Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park offer tent-specific areas with the added benefit of electric hookups and river access.

Can you camp anywhere in Shenandoah National Park or only in designated areas?

Camping in Shenandoah National Park is only permitted in designated campgrounds. The park features several established campgrounds along Skyline Drive, including Mathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park in the northern section with 165 semi-primitive campsites. Backcountry camping is allowed with a proper permit, but you must follow specific regulations. For those seeking alternatives just outside the park boundaries, Camp Roosevelt offers a small campground with around 10 sites featuring fire pits and picnic tables. All camping requires appropriate fees and adherence to park regulations, including proper food storage to prevent wildlife encounters.

Is RV camping available in Shenandoah National Park?

RV camping is available in Shenandoah National Park, though with limitations. The park's campgrounds can accommodate RVs, but they lack hookups and have size restrictions. For full-service RV camping, Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views near Luray offers level back-in sites with amenities like concrete patios, Adirondack chairs, and fire pits. This is an excellent base for day trips into the park. Some RVers prefer staying at nearby state parks like Shenandoah River State Park, which offers electric hookups while maintaining proximity to the national park. Be aware that Skyline Drive has tunnel height restrictions and winding roads that may challenge larger RVs, so research specific campground limitations before arrival.

What are the best campgrounds in Shenandoah National Park?

Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park is widely considered one of the best campgrounds in the park, offering large sites with good privacy. Many sites feature mountain views perfect for sunset watching, and the campground provides flush toilets and hot showers. The facilities are well-maintained and the location offers excellent access to hiking trails. Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground, while technically outside the national park, is highly rated for its spacious sites, river access, and numerous hiking trails. This state park is adjacent to Shenandoah National Park and offers clean, well-maintained grounds with a variety of camping options from rustic riverside sites to modern electric hookups.

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