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Camping near Shenandoah National Park

984 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 (135)

    1. Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    117 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

    61 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

    30 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. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Luray

    24 Reviews
    Luray, VA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (540) 743-4002

    "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."

    6. Endless Caverns RV Resort & Cottages

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

    $45 - $249 / night

    "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."

    "We stayed close to the catch & release pond and felt as though we had a lot of privacy despite the spots being right next to each other."

    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

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

    $34 - $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

418 Photos of 135 Shenandoah National Park Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Shenandoah National Park

984 Reviews of 135 Shenandoah National Park Campgrounds

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

What camping is available near Shenandoah National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, Shenandoah National Park offers a wide range of camping options, with 135 campgrounds and RV parks near Shenandoah National Park and 19 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Shenandoah National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Shenandoah National Park is Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 117 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Shenandoah National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 free dispersed camping spots near Shenandoah National Park.

What parks are near Shenandoah National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 parks near Shenandoah National Park that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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