Shenandoah National Park - Camping

Camping in Shenandoah has long been a favorite activity.

1. Mathews Arm Campground

Open

Mid May - November

Details

Mathews Arm (mile 22.2) is the nearest campground for those entering the park from the north. It is next to a nature trail and the trail to Overall Run Falls, the tallest waterfall in the park. Elkwallow Wayside, with camping supplies and food service, is two miles away. (179 sites). $15 per night. Generator-free and group sites are available.

2. Big Meadows Campground

Open

Late March 27- November 29

Reservations

Online or by Phone at 1-800-365-CAMP

Details

Big Meadows (mile 51.2), though secluded, is near many of the major facilities and popular hiking trails in the park. Three waterfalls are within walking distance; the Meadow, with its abundant plant growth and wildlife, lies directly across the Drive. Reservations are required mid-May through November; call 1-800-365-CAMP. Reservations may be made 5 months in advance. $20 per night when on the reservation system and $17 per night during late spring and early fall. Generator-free and group sites are available.

3. Lewis Mountain Campground

Open

April 10 - November 8

Details

Lewis Mountain (mile 57.5), the smallest campground in the park, appeals to those who want a little more privacy without venturing deep into the backcountry. Yet it is within seven miles of the popular Big Meadows area. (31 sites).. $15 per night, first-come, first-served only.

4. Loft Mountain Campground

Open

Mid-May through October

Details

Loft Mountain (mile 79.5), the largest campground in the park, sits atop Big Flat Mountain with outstanding views to east and west. Two waterfalls and the trails into the Big Run Wilderness area are nearby. $15 per night. Generator-free and group sites are available.

Campgrounds you can reserve online

Shenandoah River State Park Campground

Mileage:18 mi

Description: The park is 1,604 acres with 5.6 miles of river frontage along the south fork of the Shenandoah River. The rolling, mountainous land features steep slopes and is mostly wooded. In addition to meandering river frontage, the park offers scenic vistas overlooking Massanutten Mountain to the west and Shenandoah National Park to the east.
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Trout Pond Campground

Mileage:32 mi

Description: Trout Pond, named for the only natural lake in West Virginia, is a unique area of lakes and streams, and mountains and sinkholes, all surrounded by the beautiful hills of West Virginia. The recreation area offers camping, picnicking, swimming, boating, hiking, fishing and more. Trout Pond has 50 campsites each complete with a fire ring and picnic table. Hot-water showers and restrooms are an easy walk from each site. Fourteen sites have electrical hook-ups, and a dump station is in the area. The day-use area includes a white-sand swim beach, boat launch, bathhouse, playground, and 30 picnic sites. All visitors 6 years old and older pay a day-use fee. All campers parking in Day Use Area must pay Day Use Parking fees. There are 2 group picnic areas available. Each accommodates as many as 100 people. Site A has a shelter, Site B is uncovered. Group picnic area reservations must be made in advance through the reservation system.
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Sky Meadows State Park Campground

Mileage:35 mi

Description: The land for this park was donated in 1975 by Paul Mellon of Upperville to the Commonwealth of Virginia. It consisted of 1,132 acres. The name Sky Meadows came from former owner Sir Robert Hadow, who named the property "Skye Farm" after an island in Scotland. A 248-acre corridor between the park and U.S. Rt. 50 containing 3 miles of the Appalachian Trail was added in 1987. In 1988 Mellon donated another 462 acres. This area has been developed into an equestrian staging and bridle trail area. Just an hour's drive from Washington, D.C., Sky Meadows State Park in Clarke and Fauquier counties, offers a peaceful getaway on the eastern side of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Rich in history, the park has rolling pastures and woodlands, scenic vistas and provides a look into a bygone era. The park also has access to the Appalachian Trail and a primitive hike-in campground, as well as picnicking, hiking and riding trails, interpretive programs and a visitor center/gift shop. Size: 1,862 acres.
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Lake Anna State Park Campground

Mileage:42 mi

Description: The land in Lake Anna State Park used to be known as "Gold Hill" and contained the Goodwin Gold Mine. Gold was first discovered in 1829 with mining reaching its peak in the 1880s. The last gold to be found in the area was in a zinc mine during the 1940s. In 1971 Lake Anna was created to serve as a water coolant for Virginia Power's nuclear plant. In 1972 work began on the acquisition and development of a water oriented state park. Lake Anna State Park opened in 1983. While boating and fishing on this beautiful lake are major attractions, these are only some of the park's offerings. Lakefront picnic areas and wooded hiking trails are also popular. During the summer, interpretive programs on the nature and history of the area complement exhibits and displays in the visitor center. Lake Anna State Park has thirteen miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding, a guarded swimming beach, a boat ramp, a food concession stand, a bathhouse and a children's and handicapped fishing pond.
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Big Bend Campground

Mileage:51 mi

Description: A family campground along the South Branch of the Potomac River in the spectacular Smoke Hole Canyon.
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Seneca Shadows Campground

Mileage:57 mi

Description: Located in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia, in a forested ridge setting with great views of Seneca Rocks. There are high mountains to the east and west. Facilities provided include restrooms and showers. Firewood is available for sale at the campground. Gas and food nearby. Popular activities include nature study at Seneca Rocks.
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Leesylvania State Park Campground

Mileage:60 mi

Description: Leesylvania State Park opened in 1992. Land for the park was donated in 1978 by Daniel Ludwig, a noted philanthropist. A national historical society, the Society of Lees of Virginia, was instrumental in securing the donation. Locally the area is known as Freestone Point, referring to the sandstone early settlers took from the property for building. Henry Lee III (Light Horse Harry) was born here at what was then Leesylvania Plantation in Colonial America. This Revolutionary War hero would later father the Confederate General Robert E. Lee of Civil War fame. Size: 544.2acres on a peninsula bordered by the Potomac River, Neabsco Creek and Powell's Creek.
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Spruce Knob Lake Campground

Mileage:62 mi

Description: Located near Spruce Knob, the highest peak in WV. Cold fogs and strong winds can occur year round. 60 miles of hiking trails criss-cross the woods. There is an observation tower atop the peak. Fishing is very popular, both at Spruce Knob Lake and the streams which feed it. There are no hook ups available. Gatewood Group is nearby for large group use.
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Gatewood Group Campground

Mileage:66 mi

Description: Consists of Three sites accomodating 20 people per site. Located in a small opening. Two accessible pit toilets available. Each Site has a fire ring and two tables.
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Caledon Natural Area Campground

Mileage:69 mi

Description: A designated National Natural Landmark for its eastern hardwood forest, Caledon Natural Area provides visitors the unique opportunity of viewing bald eagles in their natural habitat. Caledon and the surrounding areas are the summer home for one of the largest concentrations of bald eagles on the East Coast. As many as 60 eagles have been spotted on the bluffs overlooking the Potomac River in King George County. Preservation of the national bird's habitat is the primary focus of the natural area. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of Caledon by hiking and picnicking in a mature forest. They can learn more about the natural history of Caledon by touring the visitor center. For more information on Caledon Natural Area, please refer to: www.dcr.virginia.gov/parks/caledon.htm
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Note: All mileage numbers are "as the crow flies"