Campgrounds

If you aren't sure what part of the park you are going to visit, please look at this map.

Family campgrounds are at several places in the park. Each camp site has a table and a fireplace. Water and toilets are nearby. A 14-day limit is in effect from June 1 to October 31.

Big Meadows (Mile 51)

Number of sites: 200+
Facilities: Sewage disposal, showers, laundry, campstore, no trailer or RV hookups.
Fee: $17 per site per night.
Availability: Reservations required (see below.)
Notes: Will close for the season Monday, Nov. 26.

Lewis Mountain (Mile 57.5) Map (32KB, JPEG)

Number of sites: 31
Facilities: Showers, laundry, campstore, no trailer or RV hookups.
Fee: $14 per site per night.
Availability: First-come, first served Notes: Will close for the season Monday Nov. 5.
Usually fills up on weekends in October.

Loft Mountain (Mile 79.5)

Number of sites: 200 sites
Facilities: Sewage disposal, showers, laundry, campstore, no trailer or RV hookups.
Fee: $14 per site per night.
Availability: First-come, first served.
Notes: Will close for the season Monday, Nov. 5.
Usually fills up on weekends in October.

Mathews Arm

Facilities: Sewage disposal, no trailer or RV hookups.
Fee: $14 per site per night.
Availability: First-come, first served.
Notes: Will close for the season Monday, Oct. 29.

You have a choice of pull-in or walk-up campsites. Obviously, if you have a camper, you will want a pull-in site. If you are camping in a tent, I recommend the walk-up sites. They have more trees and bushes around them and are set back further from the road, giving you a bit more privacy.

Campsites at Big Meadows are available by reservation only from April thru October. Call (800) 365-CAMP to make reservations (up to 5 months in advance.) or go to NPS Reservations

Backcountry camping

Backcountry camping is possible throughout the park. A free camping permit is required and may be obtained by mail or in person at entrance stations, visitor centers, and park headquarters. Seven trailside huts operated by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club are available for long distance hikers, other trail shelters are for day use only.

Camping information

Fires

Wood fires are permitted only in fireplaces in developed areas; fires built on the ground may sterilize the soil or cause forest fires. For this reason, too, wood fires are prohibited in the backcountry. Please use campstoves in the backcountry

Gathering firewood is permitted, but keep in mind that after a summer of people gathering wood, there might not be much left for you. I recommend you bring wood with you, or purchase some there.

Private Campgrounds

For more information about private campgrounds near the park, contact: Shenandoah Valley Travel Association (540) 740-3132 or The Foothills Travel Association (540) 347-4414.