Shenandoah National Park encompasses multiple campgrounds along the 105-mile Skyline Drive, providing options for tent camping, RV sites, and cabin stays. Lewis Mountain Campground offers a quieter first-come, first-served experience with 31 sites, while Big Meadows Campground provides a larger developed camping area with reservable sites. The region includes both National Park Service facilities and nearby private options such as Harrisonburg-Shenandoah Valley KOA and Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views, which feature amenities like electric hookups and shower facilities not always available in the park campgrounds.
Camping in Shenandoah requires planning around seasonal closures, as most park campgrounds operate only from spring through late October or early November. Lewis Mountain typically opens in April and closes in October, while Big Meadows operates from May through mid-November. Weather conditions at higher elevations can be significantly cooler than surrounding valleys, with temperature differences of 10-15 degrees common. Most developed campgrounds have vault toilets and drinking water, though shower availability varies by location. Bear activity necessitates proper food storage throughout the region. A reviewer noted, "Because this campground is quite a bit smaller, you really only have tent campers, a few random smaller popups/trailers and everyone was really good about following the quiet hours."
Many campers specifically seek out Lewis Mountain for its proximity to hiking trails and quieter atmosphere compared to larger facilities. The Appalachian Trail passes near several campgrounds, allowing hikers to access trails directly from their sites. Reviewers frequently mention wildlife encounters, particularly bear sightings, as a highlight of their Shenandoah camping experience. Sites at Lewis Mountain, while limited in number, offer more seclusion than those at larger campgrounds like Big Meadows or Loft Mountain. Several visitors highlighted the strict enforcement of quiet hours at Lewis Mountain as a positive feature. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, campers appreciated the "sites that are secluded, bathrooms that are in good shape, and proximity to awesome hikes and great sunset lookouts," making Lewis Mountain a preferred option for those seeking a more natural camping experience within the park.
Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!
Round 1 of 5
$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!"
$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."
$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."
"No hook up but great spot to explore Shenandoah National Park"
"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."
$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."
$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."
$31 - $230 / 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. "
$12 / night
"Lodge close by if food, warmth, or better restroom desired."
"Lots of people on horses running around which we loved, and good live music after dinner. Could get muddy if you're there after rain"
$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!"
"There is a golf cart trail to the river access with parking, but then there are big steps with no hand rail. Lucky a nice man let me hold onto him walking back up."
ScoutWe were on our way to Arizona and needed to stop for the night the staff were very kind in holding a pull through spot for us with no more than my name on arrival the campground is awesome for the money.
Scout15 free relatively level sites for smaller rigs and tent camping. Fire rings , picnic tables and some have lantern posts. There are 2 somewhat clean pit toilets.
TravelerThe camp is small. Only 10 sites. Camp sites have been refreshed with new boarders and fill. Pretty well maintained with clean porta-poti. Small walking trail with educational maps and info. Pretty interesting history. There Is a picnic area with tables and a pavilion. Some larger hiking trails nearby. It's primitive camping, no water or electric, but for $10 it gives you some amenities. It was a beautiful fall weekend and there was only one other camper there.
TravelerSomething for everybody; long term slots, primitive camping, with electricity and water, with full hookups, day use ramps for Lake Anna, huge covered picnic area for large gatherings, rv sites in the woods and others on the edge of large field. Staff are great.
RangerNo other available sites, so used tent site 35 parking spot to stay in campervan. Worked fine. Nice campground. Saw at least 10 deer along sides of road from entrance to campsite.
ScoutFirst camping trip in VA and honestly the only time we’ll come here. Noisy, plots are on the main road people speed down, loud music at all times. Plus the bathroom was great, taken care of but this isn’t camping. Great if you need people around you.
GuideStopped here on my trip from Cherokee NC to Front Royal VA on the Blue ridge parkway and skyline drive. As in most NPS campgrounds, there are no hookups but the campground was nice and the weather was great. No AC needed.
GuideWe started our trip in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, all the way up the Blue ridge parkway and Shenandoah skyline drive. We stayed in NPS campgrounds all the way. Some were less well maintained than others, no power or hookups but the trip was still incredible. Matthews Arm was one of the nicest campgrounds along the way. If you need a lot of amenities than you may not like it but if you just want a peaceful night in the mountains, this place is for you.
ScoutNice level spots with enough space to park and set up a tent camp site. A few sites big enough for small RV/Trailer/RTT. Host on site- didn’t interact even one time. One site was obnoxiously loud with a speaker and singing. Ironically it was a guy by himself- host did nothing.
No alcohol allowed but nobody cared if discreet.
Bathrooms and showers- free. No super clean but hot water is hot water.
Shenandoah National Park stretches across eight counties in Virginia, with elevations ranging from 600 to over 4,000 feet, creating distinct temperature zones and ecosystems. The park's campgrounds generally operate at higher elevations than surrounding areas, with the tent-only sites at Loft Mountain situated at approximately 3,300 feet. Winter camping options are extremely limited, with most park facilities closing from late October through early April due to frequent mountain snow and ice.
Morning hikes: Loft Mountain Campground offers multiple trail access points directly from the camping area. "The AT runs right through the campground," notes Katrin M., making it easy to access scenic day hikes without driving. Several campers mention the sunrise views are worth waking up early for.
Wildlife viewing: Big Meadows Campground serves as an excellent base for wildlife observation, especially deer watching. "Lots of deer walking through and room to hang hammocks and chill," reports Anna R., while another visitor noted, "You will definitely see deer in the campground as they walk through and browse the understory. They are unafraid of humans unless directly approached."
Cavern exploration: The region features multiple underground cave systems within short driving distance of camping areas. "The cavern tour (discounted for guests at the RV park) was lovely," shares Clark P. about Endless Caverns RV Resort, adding that tours are "marked well, lighted, relaxed," with guides who accommodate different age groups.
Secluded tent sites: Many campers seek out more private locations away from larger facilities. "The sites are secluded, there's bathrooms that are in good shape, and it's super close to some awesome hikes and great sunset lookouts," reports a reviewer about Lewis Mountain Campground. Its first-come, first-served policy attracts many last-minute visitors.
Dark night skies: The higher elevation campgrounds offer exceptional stargazing opportunities, especially in generator-free areas. "At night it can get loud with kids running around and being noisy," notes Veronica S. about Big Meadows, but adds "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."
River access: Campsites along the Shenandoah River provide water-based recreation options. "There are several rustic campsites located on the Southfork of the Shenandoah River," says Ricki F. about Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park, adding that visitors enjoy "tons of trails, wildlife and activities in and near the park." These sites offer fishing and swimming access directly from campsites.
Bug activity varies by season: Summer camping can bring insect challenges. "The bugs when we got here were kinda crazy. They don't bite but they swarm your head and try to enter every orifice for some reason. A head net was helpful to get the tent and screen room set up," warns Veronica S. about camping at Big Meadows in peak summer.
Elevation impacts temperatures: Campgrounds at higher points along Skyline Drive experience different weather than valley locations. "It was an especially cold night hitting a low of 14F. Very happy for the nearby heated restrooms with hot running water," reports Carol B. about Big Meadows Campground in late season camping.
Primitive sites fill early: The most secluded camping locations throughout the park are often claimed by early afternoon. "We stayed here cause Big Meadows was full. Not too bad just really close to people and much smaller than Big Meadows," reports one Lewis Mountain visitor who arrived later in the day. For first-come, first-served sites, arrive before noon.
Water activities: Family-friendly options outside the national park include sites with swimming amenities. "They have a clean pool and playground for little kids. The nearby dairy cow farm is fun too," notes a reviewer about Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views in Luray.
Kid-focused programming: Several campgrounds offer scheduled activities for children. "The Halloween was in full effect including a haunted walk. Sites are spacious and have natural stone in ground fire pits instead of rusted metal rims which adds character. Dog park, pool, and plenty of games are available on site," reports Zach L. about Harrisonburg-Shenandoah Valley KOA.
Wildlife education: Ranger-led programs provide learning opportunities. "Nice amphitheater with interesting ranger programs," notes Kim L. about Big Meadows, which offers scheduled presentations throughout the camping season. These events typically run from spring through fall, focusing on wildlife, history, and conservation.
Mountain terrain challenges: The region's steep roads require preparation. "Roads are gravel and can be a bit steep, 4-wheel drive is helpful," advises Clark P. about Endless Caverns, while another camper notes that "the higher sites might require your TV have 4WD."
Generator restrictions: Quiet camping areas exist for those who prefer them. "No generators are allowed in parts of the A and B sections," explains Mary S. about Mathews Arm Campground, which offers a quieter experience than some other parks. These generator-free zones can provide a more peaceful overnight experience for tent campers.
Seasonal facility limitations: Late or early season RV camping may find reduced services. "Showers and laundry were closed for the season but are centrally located near entrance area of campground," reports Carol B. about Big Meadows during November camping, though adding that "bathrooms were plentiful, heated, hot running water, and a utility sink available."
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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