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Camping near Shenandoah National Park

1,028 Reviews

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.

Map showing campgrounds near Shenandoah National Park, VirginiaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Shenandoah National Park (142)

    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

    66 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

    32 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

    45 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 - $194 / 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. Graves Mountain Farm Campground

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

    $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"

    10. 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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Shenandoah National Park

442 Photos of 142 Shenandoah National Park Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Shenandoah National Park

1028 Reviews of 142 Shenandoah National Park Campgrounds

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 2, 2025

    Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Complete campground with shower

    This campground in Shenandoah has a store and coin shower, flush toilets. The siye we stayed was very spacious, it can fit 2 tents. All sites have a fire ring and picnic table but not all have a bear food locker, so check if you need a food locker. Loft has an amphitheater that’s great for viewing the sunset! It’s connected to the site beside it so privacy is about 7/10

  • sparkleblaster ✨.
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Kiss the Earth

    Sweet spot along the way

    This was a perfect spot for me and my van. Beautiful wooded area. Felt very safe for a solo camper. Sunny responded right away when I reached out about availability and gave me a warm welcome. I had no trouble finding the hard-to-see spot because I carefully followed the good directions. (Might be trickier to see after dark.) I appreciate this bit of nature and the affordable price; it's priceless having a safe spot to land for the night.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Mathews Arm Campground — Shenandoah National Park

    Love this Campground

    I love camping in Matthews Arm, it has a flush toilet restroom. The site A7 has a hug parking, can fit RVs and spacious area for tent, table, fire pit. Only downside is that the tent pad is kind of connected to site A09, so privacy is not the best.

  • Zach L.
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA

    Fall Leaf Peeping Trip

    We stayed here for 3 nights. Perfect campground with everything you need. Bathrooms are very clean. Ice, propane, and other items are available on site at the store. 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. Harrisonburg is down the road if you to need to stop in town.

  • Jack W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    South Fork Shenandoah River

    Great dispersed spot

    Only a few spots around, but beautiful spot right on the river with fire pits. No other amenities but it was exactly what we were looking for

  • Spencer W.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Cedar Creek Trail dispersed campsite

    Cedar Creek Trail Dispersed Campsite

    Went to Stultz gap and was a little unimpressed. Drove about 10 minutes further north on the same road.

    Location is approximate. After the intersection, the road will turn into a trail (marked by a metal gate) and there is a campsite right there.

    Was very peaceful and clean. Had an established fire ring.

  • Spencer W.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Stultz Gap Dispersed Campsite

    Stultz Gap Dispersed Camping

    The spot itself is right next to the road. The map seems to indicate trails connected but they appear very overgrown.

    Appears some may use this with horses as some small amount of waste was left behind.

    We ended up driving about 10-15 minutes further north along the same road and found a nicer spot with an established fire ring.

  • Brian B.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Misty Mountain Camp Resort

    Great cabins, very close together…

    First, the cabins are super cool. Found out that you can actually order them on Amazon, which is really ingenious.

    The only problem we ran into, is that the campground was packed and all of the sites are very very close together. Neighbors were not at all respectful of other people‘s space and kids were wandering around everywhere.

    Our last evening there, we have new neighbors that came in across the way who blew up an inflatable screen and streamed the football game. Just not what we were looking for for a getaway vacation..

  • Brian B.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    The Retreat at Shenandoah Meadows

    Great place, zero oversight…

    First, let me say that the viewers at this campground are incredible. We stayed there this September and my family had a fantastic time in their cabins. When we got there, we found our cabin and these had codes to be able to enter. All was fine till we started looking at bathrooms.

    None of the bathroom facilities are labeled, male or female, but it was just our family there so it wasn’t a really big deal. Later on in the weekend, another group showed up, and then we felt as though we needed to try and find or figure out another way to ensure that the girls were safe.

    Every building in the campground is open you can walk literally anywhere you would like. Nobody is there to enforce anything. We had such a good time, that I still give it four stars. We had such good views that I would still give it four stars. But I would be aware of what you’re going to.

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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