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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Shenandoah National Park

1,013 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.

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Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Shenandoah National Park (101)

    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. 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."

    3. 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."

    4. 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."

    5. 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."

    6. 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."

    7. 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. "

    8. 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."

    9. Graves Mountain Farm Campground

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

    $12 / night

    "Dog friendly. Bathrooms available. Lodge close by if food, warmth, or better restroom desired."

    10. Watercress Inn at Landon Farm

    3 Reviews
    Syria, VA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (434) 365-4277

    $35 - $75 / night

    "The location was easy to find, which made the journey hassle-free. The cleanliness of the campsite was impressive, and I truly enjoyed my time there."

    "Did two nights at Butterfly Camp while hiking Old Rag and other trails in Shenandoah."

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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Shenandoah National Park

124 Photos of 101 Shenandoah National Park Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Shenandoah National Park

1013 Reviews of 101 Shenandoah National Park Campgrounds

  • Matt S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2023

    Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views

    Camping Gem With a Great View

    We had a great stay at Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views in Luray, VA. 

    We stayed in a level back-in site(#39) with picnic table on a concrete patio, Adirondack chairs under a pergola on a second concrete patio, clean gravel surface, and fire pit. The site was big enough for our motor home and Jeep. Full hook-ups with 50-amp service. 

    Wow, what a view! Sunset over the mountains from our campsite each evening. Who could ask for more? 

    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. 

    They have a clean pool and playground for little kids. The nearby dairy cow farm is fun too. 

    You can tell the new owners are making some upgrades including improving the utilities and adding wi-fi. 

    The drive in requires about 25-miles through the roller coaster of steep grade(7+%) hills. There’s no way around that, you’re in the mountains. Just be aware and be prepared. 

    THINGS I ESPECIALLY LIKED: 

    1. The best view from a campsite we’ve ever experienced 

    2. Less than 20-minutes from Shenandoah National Park and Luray Caverns 

    3. Clean campground

  • Mimi B.
    Sep. 25, 2020

    Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park

    Very nice clean rv park

    Located within minutes of I81. We stopped for 2 nights to see the Shenandoah National Park on our way to NC. Called last minute and got a site. Very nice customer service. Grounds were very well kept. Our site 112 had water, 50amp and cable. Dump station on premises. Nice dog park for our fur babies and doggie duty stations with bags in several locations throughout the park. Also had a cute playground for kiddos. Didn't use the pool so can't comment. A little highway noise but when windows and door were closed couldn't hear a thing. We'd stay here again. They honor Good Sam discount. Paid $38 with discount.

  • Renée C.
    Mar. 9, 2020

    Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground

    Spacious

    Absolutely beautiful campground. Not a lot of sites but very spacious. 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.

  • RL
    Sep. 23, 2019

    Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Favorite in SNP

    Loft is my favorite out of the campgrounds I’ve visited in the Shenandoah National Park. I’ve been Big Meadows and Lewis, but never to Matthew’s Arm. No reservations here, so you have to get lucky. But if you do and get a good site, it’s so going to be worth it. We had a site where you park at the top of a hill and hike down a slightly steepish hill to the site. It was shady, wooded, private, and quiet. There were a few sites beside us, but spaced nicely apart. The best tent views are the ones with no cars and bathhouses and this campground definitely gives you that. This one also provides bear boxes for food.

    Favorite mini-hike nearby: Black Rock Summit (see photos). Beautiful views of the park, easy (the whole loop is less than a mile with just 175ft. of elevation gain), kid-friendly, and pet-friendly.

  • Joy A.
    Jun. 21, 2019

    Lewis Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Nice campground

    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 in the Shenandoah national Park

  • Quinn R.
    Jun. 3, 2021

    Camp Roosevelt

    Awesome spot

    Awesome little campground of around 10 sites with fire pits and picnic tables just outside of Shenandoah National Park and Luray Caverns.

  • Tara M.
    Jul. 31, 2019

    Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views

    Great views and wonderful pool

    We stayed at this KOA on our way to Virginia Beach but wanted to a day in Shenandoah National Park.  We didn't do reservations because they wanted us to pay for the entire weekend when we just wanted to stay one night.  But we took a chance and it paid off.  This campground is tucked in the Shenandoah valley...mountains on both sides and nestled next to a farm.  The sites are big and ours backedup to a big field - great for the kids to run.  Nice and quiet campground and clean bathrooms.  The pool was clean and refreshing - so thankful for that because it was in the upper 90s the day we were there.  Great place to stay and wish we had longer.

  • Christina V.
    Aug. 22, 2022

    Mathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Medium sized, crowded campground with few amenities.

    Matthews Arm is a medium sized semi-primitive campground with 165 campsites on the northern end of Shenandoah National Park.

    We stayed in site C163, which was situated about halfway through the campground and surrounded on all sides by other campsites. There is no electricity or hookups at Matthew’s Arm, and no cell service.

    After our wonderful experience with Loft Mountain, it was difficult to not compare the two campgrounds because Loft Mountain was so comfortable, quiet, and well cared for, and Matthew’s Arm seemed to be a little neglected and much more crowded- not because of attendance, as neither campground was full during our stay, but because the campsites at Matthew’s Arm are built right on top of one another with very little space separating them.

    We found ourselves wishing we were back at our Loft Mountain site that we enjoyed so much! But Matthew’s Arm is very close to the northern entrance and exit at Shenandoah National Park, and the location is precisely why we booked that particular campground that night.

    The sites were easy to find and well marked, and the people around us were polite and quieted down after hours. The view of the stars might have been spectacular if it hasn’t been so overcast that night(and so much canopy overhead)!

    Overall we were just as happy to arrive at our campsite at Matthews Arm as we were to leave it, so we are giving this one three stars for an average stay at an average campsite.

  • Ricki F.
    Oct. 19, 2018

    Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground

    Great rustic river sites!

    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. Tons of trails, wildlife and activities in and near the park. This state park is adjacent to Shenandoah National Park and is just as beautiful and rich in history!

Guide to Shenandoah National Park

Discovering the beauty of Shenandoah National Park with your furry friends is a rewarding experience, and there are several pet-friendly campgrounds nearby that cater to both you and your pets.

Tips for camping with dogs near Shenandoah National Park

  • Ensure your pet is leashed at all times while exploring the trails around the Big Meadows Campground, where hiking trails are easily accessible right from the campground.
  • Bring plenty of water and snacks for your dog, as the Loft Mountain Campground has drinking water available but no electric hookups for cooling pet food.
  • Always clean up after your pet to maintain the natural beauty of the area, especially at Mathews Arm Campground, which is known for its well-maintained facilities.

Dog owners appreciate the amenities offered

Pet-friendly campgrounds include great activities

  • Enjoy tubing and swimming at Outlanders River Camp, where pets can also enjoy the river access.
  • The Shenandoah River Outfitters Camp Outback provides a rustic camping experience with easy access to the river for a refreshing dip with your dog.
  • Explore the scenic trails and enjoy the peaceful surroundings at ROB'S LAND, where your pet can roam freely along the creek.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules for bringing dogs to Shenandoah National Park?

Dogs are welcome throughout much of Shenandoah National Park, but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. Pet waste must be properly collected and disposed of in trash receptacles. Mathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park and other park campgrounds allow pets at campsites, but dogs cannot be left unattended. Pets are prohibited in park buildings, on certain trails (primarily rock scrambles like Old Rag), and in backcountry areas where camping requires permits. North Fork Resort outside the park offers a more pet-focused experience with dedicated dog parks while still providing convenient access to Shenandoah. Remember to bring water, food, and supplies for your pet, as services within the park are limited.

Which campgrounds in Shenandoah National Park are pet-friendly?

All campgrounds within Shenandoah National Park are pet-friendly, including Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park, Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park, and Mathews Arm Campground. Pets must be kept on leashes no longer than 6 feet at all times. Each campground offers different amenities and settings, with Loft Mountain providing more secluded sites and Big Meadows offering tent sites with convenient access to park facilities. For those seeking alternatives just outside the park, many nearby campgrounds also welcome pets, including several private RV parks and state park campgrounds that provide additional amenities while keeping you close to Shenandoah's attractions.

Which trails in Shenandoah National Park allow dogs?

Most trails in Shenandoah National Park allow leashed dogs, making it one of the most pet-friendly national parks. Dogs can join you on popular trails like Stony Man, Dark Hollow Falls, and the Appalachian Trail sections that run through the park. Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground adjacent to the national park also offers numerous pet-friendly trails with beautiful mountain views. The main exceptions within Shenandoah National Park are trails requiring rock scrambles (like Old Rag) and certain sensitive habitat areas. Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park provides convenient access to the southern section of the park and its pet-friendly trails. Always keep your dog on a leash no longer than 6 feet and carry water for both you and your pet.

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