Camping near Shenandoah, Virginia spans tent sites and full-hookup RV campgrounds across the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains. The region includes campgrounds within Shenandoah National Park such as Big Meadows, Lewis Mountain, and Mathews Arm, all offering tent and RV sites with different amenity levels. Commercial options include several KOAs and private campgrounds like Endless Caverns RV Resort, which provide more developed facilities including water and electric hookups, showers, and in some cases cabin accommodations. Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park features tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and yurts in a scenic riverside setting, accessible by both road and boat.
Most campgrounds in the Shenandoah region operate seasonally, with peak availability from April through October. National Park campgrounds typically open in May and close between October and November, requiring advance reservations during the busier summer months. "The most interesting part about it is that there are bunnies running around everywhere. There is also a river to play in, tube down, or fish in," noted one visitor about their camping experience. Weather conditions vary significantly with elevation, and travelers should prepare for cooler temperatures even during summer months, especially at higher-elevation sites within the national park. Campfires are permitted at most locations, though firewood regulations may restrict bringing outside wood to prevent pest introduction.
Campers consistently mention the scenic mountain backdrop as a highlight of staying in the Shenandoah area. Several visitors commented positively about the proximity to hiking trails, particularly those accessing Shenandoah National Park's extensive trail system. Campgrounds near water features receive particular attention, with riverside locations at Shenandoah River State Park allowing direct water access. A camper wrote, "There are some campsites right on the river, which are beautiful." While national park campgrounds offer more rustic experiences with vault toilets and no showers, private facilities typically provide full bathhouses and amenities like camp stores. Sites range from densely arranged layouts at KOAs to more secluded spots in the national park, giving campers options based on their preference for socialization or solitude.
$30 - $75 / night
"This campground is located in the Shenandoah National Park in Stanley , Va on Skyline drive and offers some amazing views!"
"While the campground is very nice, with clean conveniently located bathrooms, the site itself is probably not suited for a large group of people."
"Positive: Friendly staff, close to Shenandoah NP, quiet camping, every site has a fire pit. Negative: Pricing rather high"
"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."
$30 - $75 / night
"Loft Mountain Campground is a large national park service campground on the southern end of Shenandoah National Park."
"Loft Mountain was the third stop on our tour of Shenandoah National Park. First stop traveling south on Skyline Drive was Mathews Arm and second was Big Meadows at about the halfway point. "
$30 / night
"It's quieter than the other Shenandoah sites, it has clean facilities, showers, water, and a store, and is right on the Appalachian Trail with tons of access to other trails."
"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"
$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."
"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."
$31 - $230 / night
"We had a great stay at Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views in Luray, VA. "
"We stayed at this KOA on our way to Virginia Beach but wanted to a day in Shenandoah National Park. "
$30 - $75 / night
"This is a nice and very large campground tucked away in the northern part of Shenandoah. The facilities and grounds were well kept and it’s a short car’s travel (but there’s also a trail!)"
"The views on the drive through Shenandoah and skyline drive are not to be missed. Easy access to hiking trails
The bathrooms were not super clean, but doable."
$25 - $30 / night
"Convenient location, nice setup with tables and chairs around 2 firepits, space to spread out, and plenty of firewood provided. Friendly host. Thanks!"
"Accessibly located and cute as all get out!"
$45 - $470 / night
"Great proximity to Shenandoah National Park while still being close enough to a Walmart and fuel. Easy to access sites, great for larger rigs!"
"Location is fairly convenient to Shenandoah but it still takes a while to get to some of the more popular hikes once inside the park."
GuideThis is an awesome campground that is definitely worth the cost. The sites are really nice, there’s a decent bathhouse and you can walk to the brewery for beers and food. Plus the area is beautiful!
TravelerVery nice spot, good tent setup pads and fire rings at all the sites, my one complaint is that it is right next to the road that while not frequently used, the occasional car can often take away from the remote experience. There are some sites a little further in but the diff is minimal. Overall very great, well maintained spot
ScoutThis KOA was quiet and perfect for a short stay. We enjoyed our time here. The staff was friendly.
GuideI chose Big Meadows to stay at because my traveling companion is definitely a bit bougie and was anxious about camping in the mountains of a NP. Due to this site having showers, toilets, a laundromat, camp store(s) and even a lodge/taproom, they felt more comfortable. We stayed at site D142, right near the entrance by the registration office and showers. I didn’t expect the site to be so nice and quiet and still feel quite private despite the location! We checked out the loops and besides the tent sites, I actually preferred our site. We stayed the week before Memorial Day weekend and I was pleased with how quiet it was. Quiet hours were strictly adhered without rangers having to ask, other campers were respectful toward each other and we had no issues. The NP staff were awesome and the concession employees for the showers, camp store, and the Wayside grill were genuinely friendly and obviously cared about their jobs, which I sincerely appreciate. Wayside grill with attached camp store was fun and had some great gift items as well as some pretty solid quality hiking and camping items. The grill even had a beyond burger which I greatly appreciated! The lodge was funky but not my cup of tea, the taproom was ok, although the employees were really nice.
It did rain half the time we were there with extremely heavy fog so we only did a few hikes but they were still a lot of fun. We didn’t see any bear either! The number one animal we had invade our campsite on the regular were birds. Two catbirds regularly tried to involve themselves in everything, including landing on a pot of oatmeal I was actively cooking and standing next to! We followed leave no trace of course but any chance the birds got, from catbirds, robins, brown thrashers, towhee, and even a redstart, they would try to investigate.
There is clean drinking water listed on the campsite maps, there are utility sinks for grey water (don’t use the bathroom sink!), bathrooms were always clean and bathrooms and showers are open 24/7 and are well lit. I didn’t buy the firewood so I’m unsure how much it is but the little camp store was open from 9-6 (right by the bathroom) for firewood, ice, and other various supplies.
Only downsides to the site are 1) showers are not cheap ($5 for 10 mins) and don’t stay warm for long so you’re showering in chilly water. Some stalls last a bit longer than others. 2) The biggest issue though was surprisingly the bear boxes. They are quite large and fit a lot of stuff which is great. However, you are expected to keep your cooler in them. I have a bear proof cooler (IGBC) so I’ve never had to experience this situation before. The bear box being made of metal, heated everything up in it which caused rapid melting of ice. Despite pre-chilling it and my ice usually lasting for days and days, we had to refill it daily. The camp store thankfully sold ice (10 lb bags for $5) but it was frustrating that there was no other option for bear proof items. I didn’t fight the rangers regarding it because it’s their rules, it’s for the safety of the bears and people, and the rangers and park staff have enough stuff to deal with.
All in all, I’ve never really glamped before so it was quite a luxurious trip even with the rain and fog for half the trip. I’ll most definitely be back and would even stay at the same site or a tent only site with no driveway.
ScoutBeautiful and secluded. Primitive camping area for boondocking or tent camping. Large enough to set up several electric pens for horses.
GuideMy wife and I stayed here one night, while driving south to north, Skyline Dr. the drive has been awesome and this campground is the perfect resting spot for us, for the night. Had a couple drinks at the lodge while watching a spectacular sunset. I’d definitely come back.
ScoutClean facilities, each site has plenty of space. Never had an issue with noisy neighbors. Excellent access to the river. 10/10
ScoutI will start with the negatives. They do not enforce quiet hours. At all. We had multiple nights with a large group neighboring campers partying well past midnight. Yelling, slamming car doors, absolutely no regard for fellow campers. I would not recommend staying along the road sites unless you are equipped to deal with noisy neighbors in close proximity.
And the good... The sites in the more wooded areas on the edge of the campground are beautiful. You are less likely to deal with groups of campers there to party. Bathrooms were clean and well maintained, with pay showers available. Firewood, though expensive, was plentiful. Being close to hiking, the lodge, camp store, and visitor center are excellent perks for the price of each site.
I really wish the staff was there to better enforce the quiet hours, as there were multiple campers that struggled to sleep/relax with the raucous crowd so close.
ScoutI have a great spot right by the river. It is away from all noise but the flow of water. Right on the river
Shenandoah camping experiences vary dramatically by elevation, with temperatures often 10-15 degrees cooler on mountain campgrounds compared to valley locations. The region spans elevations from approximately 600 feet in the valley to over 3,500 feet along the Blue Ridge Mountains. Winter camping requires preparation for overnight temperatures that can drop below freezing, while summer campers should anticipate afternoon thunderstorms that typically roll through between 2-5 PM.
Hiking accessible from campsites: At Lewis Mountain Campground, trails start directly from the camping area. "Lewis Mountain is right next to the AT and convenient to closer hikes like Bearfence Mountain (probably my favorite hike in the park - beautiful 360 degree views from the rocky summit) and the short trail up to Lewis Mountain itself," notes one camper who saw "6 black bears, a barred owl, tons of awesome bugs, brook trout, a salamander" during their stay.
Mushroom farm tours: Visit Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm for a unique camping experience where you can learn about mushroom cultivation. "We got a nice tour of the mushrooms currently growing at the farm. The camp area sits under a canopy of cedar trees," explains a camper who appreciated this distinctive experience just 20 miles from Shenandoah National Park.
Waterfalls and scrambles: Multiple waterfall hikes start near camping areas. "It is in middle of everything. Great hikes nearby including waterfalls and rock scrambles," mentions a Lewis Mountain visitor. Mathews Arm campers can access Overall Run Falls via a trailhead in the parking area, creating a loop hike using different return routes.
Dark night skies: The lack of light pollution at several Shenandoah area campgrounds allows for exceptional stargazing. At Loft Mountain Campground, campers experience true darkness that reveals the Milky Way. One visitor shared, "We had the tent area to myself, it was quiet at night in my little corner of camp and I could walk out a bit from my site and see the entire night sky which was amazing!"
Wildlife encounters: Deer sightings are extremely common throughout the region's campgrounds. At Big Meadows Campground, a camper observed: "You will definitely see deer in the campground as they walk through and browse the understory. They are unafraid of humans unless directly approached." Another noted, "And finally, the fireflies are spectacular. At dusk, the ground shimmers, and then after they disperse, you will still see them flit by the tent throughout the night."
Seasonal spectacles: Fall foliage peaks from mid-October through early November, while wildflowers bloom most profusely in April and May. "The mountains are among the most beautiful in the fall. The leaves turn golden, and it is absolutely beautiful and worth your time," shares a Mathews Arm camper. Summer brings firefly displays at higher elevation campgrounds.
Variable weather conditions: Mountain campgrounds experience weather changes rapidly. At Endless Caverns RV Resort, campers note that weather systems move quickly across the valley. "Roads are gravel and can be a bit steep, 4-wheel drive is helpful," advises one visitor, while another reports camping comfortably in April when temperatures ranged from 40-70°F in a single day.
Limited connectivity: Cell service and WiFi are unreliable throughout the region. "No cell service. We went to the visitor center and connected to the WiFi if we needed to do something online," shares a Big Meadows camper. Another visitor to Endless Caverns notes, "Cell signal and camp wifi are bad. I was just able to get a decent signal with Starlink by carefully pointing at a small gap between trees."
Campground elevation differences: Valley campgrounds can be 10-15°F warmer than mountain sites. "Remember this site is on the peak of a mountain, so it can get pretty chilly at night," warns a Lewis Mountain visitor. During summer months, valley locations regularly reach the 90s while mountain sites remain in the 70s.
Ranger programs: Participate in educational activities scheduled throughout summer and fall. "Nice amphitheater with interesting ranger programs. Busy traffic in park but nice trails are accessible from campground," explains a Big Meadows visitor. Programs often include night sky viewing, wildlife talks, and junior ranger activities.
Swimming options: Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park offers river access directly from primitive campsites. "The primitive spots are right next to the river. The spots are a short walk from the parking area and the campground provides wagons to transport your stuff. Great fishing and swimming right at your camping spot," reports a camper who found it ideal for children.
Food storage requirements: All food must be stored securely to prevent wildlife encounters. "Bear box for food storage. Loved seeing the deer so close and other wildlife," notes a Big Meadows camper. Another visitor cautions: "You can be fined for leaving food out." National Park Service regulations require food storage in vehicles, hard-sided containers, or provided bear boxes.
Site selection matters: At Harrisonburg-Shenandoah Valley KOA, RVers recommend specific areas for privacy and views. "Site 71 best for privacy. Pool, playground, frisbee golf & pizza delivered to your site!" shares one visitor. Another experienced camper advises: "It's about 3 miles off highest 81, and no highway noise at all. So peaceful."
Limited hookup availability: National Park campgrounds typically offer no or very limited hookups. "Biggest campground in Shenandoah so can usually find a spot," notes a Loft Mountain visitor, though they caution that amenities are basic. RVers needing full hookups should look to private campgrounds like Endless Caverns RV Resort, which offers "stone borders, stone walls, and stone fire pits at every site, plus full hookup at each site."
Generator restrictions: Many campgrounds enforce generator-free periods or zones. "Generator-free area: No generators are allowed in parts of the A and B sections," explains a Mathews Arm visitor. Quiet hours generally run from 10PM to 6AM at most campgrounds, with some enforcing complete generator bans during these times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Shenandoah, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Shenandoah, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 148 campgrounds and RV parks near Shenandoah, VA and 21 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Shenandoah, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Shenandoah, VA is Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 124 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Shenandoah, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 free dispersed camping spots near Shenandoah, VA.
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