Camping in Shenandoah: Which Campground to Choose, Reservations, and Fees
In brief: Yes, you can camp inside Shenandoah National Park. Four NPS-managed campgrounds line Skyline Drive from north to south, with about 590 sites in all. Online reservations are essential for Big Meadows and Loft Mountain; the others operate partly on a first-come, first-served basis. Expect to pay between $15 and $30 per night, depending on the campground and site type. Our complete guide to Shenandoah provides the broader context for the park.
Campgrounds in the park (4)
- Campground Mathews Arm Campground first come, first served · 165 sites Directions ↗
- Campground Big Meadows Campground recreation.gov · 221 sites Directions ↗
- Campground Lewis Mountain Campground first come, first served · 30 sites Directions ↗
- Campground Loft Mountain Campground first come, first served · 207 sites Directions ↗
Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO Can you camp inside Shenandoah National Park?
Yes, and it's one of the best ways to experience the park. Shenandoah has four official campgrounds spread along its 105-mile length, from the northern district to the southern district. Dispersed camping isn't allowed outside designated sites or marked backcountry areas. The NPS enforces this rule strictly, and rangers patrol regularly.
Campgrounds in the park, by area
Mathews Arm (northern district, milepost 22)
Mathews Arm is the first campground you'll reach after entering from Front Royal. It has about 179 tent and RV sites, no electrical hookups, and a fairly wild forest setting. It generally opens from May through October. Some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so check the current policy on Recreation.gov before you leave.
Big Meadows (central district, milepost 51)
This is the park's signature campground, with about 217 sites on a broad grassy plateau more than 3,300 feet above sea level. You'll find hot showers, a camp store, and electrical hookups for RVs. When we visited in October, the morning fog over the meadow at sunrise was worth the trip on its own. Reservations are required, and sites go quickly as soon as the reservation window opens.
Lewis Mountain (central district, milepost 57)
Small, with about 30 sites and no electrical hookups, Lewis Mountain is for campers who want the basics without the crowds at Big Meadows. Wooden cabins round out the options for chilly fall nights. The setting is quiet and deeply wooded.
Loft Mountain (southern district, milepost 79)
The southern district's largest campground has about 165 sites with ridge views. Some sites offer electrical hookups for RVs. Loft Mountain is often less crowded than Big Meadows in the middle of summer. Reservations are recommended during peak season.
RV or tent: which site should you choose
RV campers can choose Big Meadows or Loft Mountain for electrical hookups, or Mathews Arm for larger sites without hookups. Lewis Mountain is best for small vehicles or tents because its sites are narrow. None of the park's campgrounds offer full hookups, meaning water, electricity, and a dump station at the same site. For a complete setup, a private campground outside the park is a better fit. The Shenandoah RV camping guide covers RV options around the park.
Camping nearby: private campgrounds outside the park
When the campgrounds inside the park are full, which is common from July through August, several private campgrounds line the park along US-340 near Front Royal and US-33 near Elkton. Some offer full hookups, a pool, and a small grocery store. They don't have ridge views, but they get the job done. The Shenandoah lodging options guide lists alternatives when the park campgrounds are full.
Dispersed camping and backcountry camping
Backcountry camping is allowed in Shenandoah, but you need a free permit from an entrance station or ranger station. The basic rules are straightforward: set up at least 250 feet from a trail, road, or waterway, and stay out of areas marked No Camping. Food must be hung up high or stored in an approved bear-resistant canister. Backcountry fires aren't allowed except in designated fire rings. The Shenandoah hiking guide includes routes that work well with an overnight backcountry trip.
How and when to reserve a Shenandoah campsite
All reservations go through Recreation.gov. The booking window generally opens on a rolling six-month basis, so a site for August 15 becomes available on February 15. Log in at 10 a.m. Eastern Time on the day reservations open. July and August weekends can disappear within minutes. During the off-season, from November through April, some sites switch to first-come, first-served availability. Check when to visit Shenandoah to choose the season that fits your trip.
Fees: how much does a night of camping cost in Shenandoah?
Fees vary by campground and site type. Plan on about $15 to $30 per night for a standard site, with a little extra for sites with electrical hookups. Park admission, $30 per vehicle or $55 for the park's annual pass, is added to the camping fee. The America the Beautiful pass costs $80 per year and covers admission to all U.S. national parks and other federal recreation sites. It pays for itself after visiting two or three parks. For entrance fees and annual passes, see the National Parks Fees & Passes page.
Camping safety and best practices
Black bears: Shenandoah is home to a large black bear population. The rule is firm: never leave food, a cooler, or scented products such as toothpaste, deodorant, or sunscreen in a tent or car overnight. Use the bear-resistant storage boxes at each site. If you encounter a bear, speak firmly, make yourself look larger, and don't run.
Temperatures: The ridgeline averages 9 to 11°F cooler than the valley below. In fall and spring, temperatures at higher elevations can drop below freezing at night even when the day is mild, so bring a sleeping bag suited to the conditions.
Snakes: Timber rattlesnakes live in the park. Watch where you put your hands and feet on rocks, and wear high-top shoes on the trails.
Speed on Skyline Drive: The speed limit is 35 mph along the entire road. Deer and bears cross frequently, especially at dawn and dusk.
Which campground should you choose for your trip?
Family with kids: Big Meadows, with full services, level ground, and a camp store on site.
Vanlife or a small RV without hookups: Mathews Arm, with plenty of space and convenient northern access from the Washington, D.C., area.
Tent camping and a quiet natural setting: Lewis Mountain or an overnight backcountry trip with a permit.
RV with electrical hookups: Big Meadows or Loft Mountain.
Fall foliage: Loft Mountain offers open views of the colorful ridges in the southern district. It's our favorite spot in October.
Check the forecast on the Shenandoah Weather page.
Frequently asked questions
How much does camping cost in Shenandoah?
Camping at Shenandoah generally costs between $15 and $30 per night, depending on the campground and site type. Park admission, $30 per vehicle, is added to that fee.
Can you camp for free in Shenandoah National Park?
You can camp for free in Shenandoah only in the backcountry, with a free permit issued by the park. Developed campgrounds, including Big Meadows, Loft Mountain, Mathews Arm, and Lewis Mountain, all charge a fee.
Does Shenandoah have a campground?
Yes. Shenandoah has four NPS-managed campgrounds: Mathews Arm in the north, Big Meadows and Lewis Mountain in the center, and Loft Mountain in the south.
How can I enter Shenandoah National Park?
The Shenandoah Access Guide has details on entrances, access roads, and temporary closures.