A log structure stands on the left side of the road as you enter Big Meadows Campground. There is an overhang supported by wooden beams facing the road. Under the overhang is a kiosk window where a ranger is present during open hours. Next to the kiosk window is a bulletin board with current information.

We get a large number of e-mail inquiries, and e-mails are not answered on weekends. Please allow one week for a reply.

Big Meadows Campground (mile 51.2) is centrally-located in Shenandoah National Park, providing easy access to many of the most popular destinations in the Park, including Big Meadows, Dark Hollow Falls, and Byrd Visitor Center. All sites include a place for a tent or RV, a fire ring, and a picnic table. All sites at Big Meadows Campground are by reservation only. Cash payment only.

Big Meadows Campground has two nonelectric group sites. Each group site can accommodate 7-15 people.

Group Campsite (Nonelectric)

A standard, nonelectric campsite for tent or RV (motorhome, pop-up, or 5th-wheel). Standard campsites are limited to six people (or 1 immediate family) per site and one RV.

Standard Campsite (Nonelectric)

A small pop-up camper is parked in a campground with green trees overhead.

Big Meadows Campground

Big Meadows Campground is open during the spring, summer, and fall. Opening and closing dates vary from year to year and are subject to change at any time. Camping is NOT permitted in the campgrounds when they are closed.

All sites at Big Meadows Campground are by reservation only.

Closed in Winter

Lewis Mountain Campground has multiple one-way roads that travel through the campground and back to the entrance. At the entrance there is a small, brown building with a screen door. There are many posters and brochure racks hanging outside the building. There is also a red emergency phone outside on the left of the building. There is a large brown sign with white lettering: "Select Site Then Register." To the right of the building and across the road is a small, roofed panel with a map on it.

Lewis Mountain (mile 57.5), the smallest campground in Shenandoah National Park, appeals to those who want a little more privacy while still staying within a close distance to many of the most popular destinations in the Park, including Big Meadows (7 miles away). Lewis Mountain Campground operates on a self-registration, first-come, first-serve basis. There are no reservable sites. Please follow the posted directions to register once arriving at the campground.

A paved road branches off at the entrance to a campground, with cabins in the distance.

Lewis Mountain Campground

Lewis Mountain Campground is open during the spring, summer, and fall. Opening and closing dates vary from year to year and are subject to change at any time. Camping is NOT permitted in the campgrounds when they are closed.

A brown board and batten building with an overhang under which is a map, posted information and a dutch door for registration. Rules are on the a sign on the front side of the building: Loft Mountain Campground Regulations; All food, coolers full and empty, scented items and cooking equipment must be stored in you vehicle or in a food storage box whenever you are not using them. Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Camping fees must be paid within one hour of occupying a site. No more than two tents, two vehicles, and six persons per site. Group campsites are available for groups larger than six. Park only on paved parking areas. Fires must be confined to existing fire grates. Do not create additional fire rings. Be sure to completely extinguish fires. Do not feed wildlife. Pets must be on and leash no longer than 6' at all times. Please help keep your campground clean. Check-out time-noon

Loft Mountain (mile 79.5) sits atop Big Flat Mountain in the southern part of Shenandoah National Park, with outstanding views to east and west. Two waterfalls and the trails into the Big Run Wilderness area are nearby. Loft Mountain has a combination of reservable and first-come, first-served sites. Reservable sites are released in sections.

A group of people sit at a picnic table next to a tent under a canopy of green trees in a campground

Loft Mountain Campground

Loft Mountain Campground is open during the late spring, summer, and fall. Opening and closing dates vary from year to year and are subject to change at any time. Camping is NOT permitted in the campgrounds when they are closed.

The Registration Station at Mathews Arm Campground is a brown building with a small overhang outdoors supported by two pillars. The overhang covers two entrance doors as well as a glass case on the outside wall which contains posters and information. There are also signs regarding campground fees and bear safety. There are overhead lights and a concrete walk area outside the building.

Opening date to be determined due to wind damage.

Mathews Arm Campground has three nonelectric group sites. Each group site can accommodate 7-25 people.

A white and red camper sits in a campsite under fall foliage.

Mathews Arm Campground

Mathews Arm Campground is open during the spring, summer, and fall. Opening and closing dates vary from year to year and are subject to change at any time. Camping is NOT permitted in the campgrounds when they are closed.

Closed

Just 75 miles from the bustle of Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is a land bursting with cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded hollows. With over 200,000 acres of protected lands that are haven to deer, songbirds, and black bear, there's so much to explore...and your journey begins right here!