Shenandoah National Park has 196,000+ acres of backcountry and wilderness and over 500 miles of trails to explore. Backcountry camping is, by its very nature, a primitive experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty and challenge of Shenandoah's wild side. Before you head out on your trip, however, be sure that you understand all of the information below so that you'll be prepared to safely discover a brand new world beyond the pavement!

All sites are within 5-8 miles of Skyline Drive, starting from mile 21 in the North District.  All are near creeks (runs) and completely undeveloped.  Check with the Visitor Center for permits and camping regulations within the park.  Many, but not all trails, allow dogs.



Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites

## Overview

Secluded in the thick trees and rolling hills of the Shenandoah National Park, Mathews Arm Campground is the ideal spot for a camping getaway.

## Recreation

Shenandoah National Park has over 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Some trails lead to a waterfall or viewpoint while others wind deep into the forests and wilderness.   
  
Mathews Arm Campground is located near Overall Run Falls, which, at 93 feet, has the highest drop of all the falls in Shenandoah National Park. A moderately difficult hiking trail, which leads to the falls, is accessible from the campground. Once at the falls, visitors can enjoy views of the entire Shenandoah Valley and Massanutten Mountain.   
  
Wildlife viewing is a also a popular pastime, with black bears, wild turkey, deer, birds and countless other animals abundant across the park.   
  
The campground is located right off of Milepost 22 on the famous Skyline Drive, which runs 105 miles north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Stunning views are available from any of the 75 scenic overlooks.

## Facilities

Mathews Arm is a family-oriented campground, offering plenty of open spaces in the nearly 166 available campsites. All sites include a place for a tent or RV, a fire ring and picnic area. The campground also offers amenities like flush toilets, drinking water and one dump station, which create a comfortable camping experience. There are no showers in this campground.

Mathews Arm Campground features pull-through and deep back-in sites which can handle most RVs and a tow vehicle. Although electric and water hookups are not available, potable water and dump stations are available, and limited generator use is permitted (see regulations).

## Natural Features

Shenandoah National Park includes 300 square miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the southern Appalachians. The park rises above the Virginia Piedmont to its east and the Shenandoah Valley to its west. 

## Nearby Attractions

Elkwallow Wayside is located just two miles away, offering camping supplies, a limited menu restaurant, prepared sandwiches, beverages, souvenirs, and more.  
  
Two visitor centers are located along Skyline Drive. Dickey Ridge Visitor Center, 18 miles North, and The Harry F Byrd Sr. Visitor Center, 29 miles South.

Bookstores, restaurants and exhibits are scattered throughout the Shenandoah National Park.[Click here for more information.](https://www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm)

## Charges & Cancellations

Cancellations more than 48 hours in advance of arrival date only incur a $10 transaction fee. Within 48 hours, $10 and the first night's fee are charged.

Mathews Arm Campground

Gravel Springs Hut is 0.2 mi south of Gravel Springs Gap and another 0.2 mi down

Gravel Springs Hut

The park, including all of the overnight facilities, is open year-round. Lodging options include standard tent-only sites, electric-water camping, three yurts, four camping cabins (bunkhouses), regular cabins and a lodge.

Shenandoah River State Park

Low Water Bridge Campground

Gooney Creek Campground

Camp OutBack has 25 wooded campsites under a canopy of hardwoods and white pines. Each site accommodates up to 10 campers and includes a picnic table, a charcoal grill and fire ring. 

The campground borders George Washington National Forest and has a walking trail to the Shenandoah River (1/4 mile). You can drive to boat landings within 1/2 to 1 1/2 miles. Camp OutBack is 10 miles from Luray and in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley close to Shenandoah National Park.

Facilities: There are restrooms, hot water showers, firewood for sale, a small camp store at the Shenandoah River Outfitters which offers canoe, kayak, raft and tube rentals.
(No electric at sites and no dump facilities. We are not set up for RV’s)

Rates: Each site is $32.00/night minimum — for 1 to 4 persons. Each additional person is $8.00 per person per night with up to 10 persons per site. (Children 8 years old and under are free)

To Reserve: You can call in to reserve or reserve online. If reserved online, one person has to reserve and pay for all that are using the campsite.You will need to sign up as a group leader to have each pay separately. See more information on being a group leader here.

Non-profit Group Rates–Mid-week (non-holiday)–for church, school and scouts-each site is $20/night minimum for 1 to 4 persons. Each additional person is $5.00 per person per night with up to 10 persons per site.

We reserve a space for you but not a specific campsite. It is ‘first come, first serve’ on selecting a specific campsite from the ones that are not taken.

Check in time on Saturday and Sunday is after 10 AM. Other days–8 AM

Check out time on Saturday and Sunday is by 10 AM. Other days–by 5 PM.

Camp OutBack is open from April 1st to the first weekend in November – weather dependent. 
Camp OutBack is just behind the Outfitter’s Store at 6502 S Page Valley Rd, Luray VA 22835

Shenandoah River Outfitters Camp Outback

Located amongst the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort in Luray, Virginia, offers a breathtaking camping experience that the whole family will enjoy. Our 73 rolling acres are situated close to the popular Luray Caverns and scenic Shenandoah National Park. When our campers aren’t busy swimming and splashing at Yogi Bear’s Water Zone & Splashpad or zooming down our 400’ waterslide, they can enjoy the on-site mini golf, gem mining experience, arcade, pedal boats, fishing pond, two jumping pillows, daytime and nighttime Lazer Tag in the woods, outdoor sports, and playgrounds. All of our cabins and campsites take full advantage of the unparalleled setting and beautiful scenery that surrounds our park..

Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Luray

Little Crease Shelter 

Veach Gap - GWNF - Backpacking Site

Front Royal RV Campground - Permanently Closed

State Park

We only stayed one night, but wish we could have stayed more! 
The campground offers so many different trails and breathtaking scenic overlooks of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 
As soon as we got there, we saw several deer. I’d almost say they were friendly :) 
No electric hookups, but the weather was beautiful!
We hiked part of the Appalachian Trail which gets pretty steep. 
I didn’t use the bathrooms or the coin operated showers as we have them in our RV, but they had the services available. 
It is a drive through the mountains to get to the campsite, but very well worth it for us! 

Amazing drive and lots of wildlife 

This place was $30 just to enter and it was super duper packed. We turned around and found a great boondocking site nearby.

It’s a no from me.

Enjoyed our time here and decided to stay an extra night. Will return and definitely recommend!

Shenandoah National Park Dispersed Sites

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