The best camping near Shenandoah National Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Shenandoah National Park adventure.

96% (174 reviews)
96% (174 reviews)

Plan a mountain getaway where Virginia’s Blue Ridge meets the blue sky.  

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Community favorites near Shenandoah National Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Shenandoah National Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Shenandoah National Park

91%
(639)

Traveler's Meadow

26 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Broadway, VA
Enjoying 8 acres of the simpler life with our children and farm animals. OFF SEASON DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE. See us on Facebook!! The last 4 years of hosting have been an unforgettable adventure! (Including meeting with guests, listening to suggestions, and often working all night on property improvements.) All in all, we are grateful for the opportunity to introduce our farm and the Shenandoah Valley to travelers from around the world. We love animals, planting gardens, preserving quality food, and hiking in both of the world-famous national parks here. This year we put the final touches on a new all-season bathhouse with flush toilet, an A-frame cabin, bigger electrical service, wider road entrance for 30ft RVs, and Wi-Fi. We are located 45 minutes from the Shenandoah National Park. If you are a hiker or outdoor adventure seeker, or just want to experience local culture and history, please reach out to us and we will help you plan your trip. We want you to make many great memories while you are in the area! Find us on our website or send us a message. Broadway/Harrisonburg, Virginia area food and activities: ADORABLE animals and fun farm experiences: GRAMPY'S VILLAGE ZOO Back Home On the Farm Fajita Factory (BEST Mexican food!!) Bowl of Good Shenandoah Heritage Market, Harrisonburg Southern Kitchen, New Market Traditions Family Restaurant, Harrisonburg Ruby's Arcade (Wood fired pizza, 150 year old Duck Pin game) Valley Pike Farm Market Beards and Broads, Broadway. Pizza!! Axe throwing, line dancing, MORE!! BLUE RIBBON NURSERY (plants, gifts, wind chimes) DARK HOLLOW FALLS, Shenandoah National Park. ALPINE GOAT BREWERY (Weyers Cave) High Knob fire towers Fridley Gap/ Mountain Run Swimming Hole and Grubb Knob overlook. Pleasant pet friendly hike, option to complete 6 mile loop, rock scrambling. Take Mountain Valley Rd to Armentrout Path to Airey's Lane dead end (trailhead) Meem' Covered Bridge Wildflower Trail (see a real, lost millstone) Blue Ridge Tunnel, Afton Rockfish Gap Country Store Hone Quarry falls Reddish Knob Emerald Pond Yellow Rock Cliff (New Market) Frontier Cultural Museum STORYBOOK TRAIL OVERLOOK Tray foot Mountain to Blackrock Summit from Port Republic Rd Melrose Caverns
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$15.30
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89%
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Graves Mountain Farm Campground

40 sites · RVs, Tents1800 acres · Syria, VA
Campground by Shenandoah National Park - it touches us. Maximum Length of Stay 7 Days 1800 Acre Farm to Play On 22 activities from yoga to fishing to riding to music listening, mountain biking, road biking, Lots of activities - from live music, to nature walks, horseback trail rides, fly fishing, 18 miles of trails, mountain biking, road biking, eating good food. Campground is 7 to 55 acres on the Farm; on large attendance weeks it goes up to 55 acres. Campground is free-form. You make your own area, no reserved "spaces". Yes, you can drive across the fields to where you want to set up and park right there. Same for RVS, groups of RVS. Porta-toilets, pit toilets, excellent mountain well water. Wet toilets and showers - 150 yards in Dorms Area - "Jam Camp" No picnic tables or fire rings as we use the spaces for different events. No hook-ups. We do have a dump station with a fee of $40.00. 2 Mountain Streams - Rose River& Robinson River 2 Fishing Ponds - no license needed 28 Miles of Hiking Trails on property - one of our mountains is higher than Old Rag Old Rag and White Oak Canyon - just up our back hollow road - 7 miles. See map of our trails and the key Shenandoah National Park ones > https://www.gravesmountain.com/wp-content/uploads/Trail_map_graves_mountain_legal_size_04272024.pdf Seasonal Pool - fee payable $10 pp per day in 2024 Well Behaved pets are welcome - on leads please & please clean up after your pet. Please stay within signed areas as the size of the campground changes according to festival events  Wood - May be purchased at the Graves Mountain Market, Campground Entrance or at the Main Lodge. Water spigots up front near the red barn. Excellent, potable. Fiber Optic WiFi- that allows for Cell service calling and receiving - even without cell service - up front. Get password at bulletin board, Market or Main Lodge Cell phones - connect to your network via our WiFi both to call out and receive calls. We are remote so no cell towers available Open 24 hours - at night please be respect your neighbors while setting up. Old Rag Mountain Hike- 6.5 miles to the back entrance (Weakley Hollow/Berry Hollow Fire Rd and Old Rag Shelter |10.5 miles to Nethers/Front Entrance. White Oak Canyon Falls Hike - 6.5 miles up our back hollow road 12 Outdoor Adventures and a Whole Farm to Get to Know: goats, horses, rabbits, chickens, sheep, black angus calf, and more. Hiking and fishing on our 1800 acres and National Park, horse-back riding, nature hikes, guided hikes, yoga, live music, own hard cider, Farm to Table Restaurant, Market Deli and tackle for needs, prepared foods - or giving in to a massage - even Reiki. Gift Shop located in the lower level of the Main Lodge for t-shirts, hats, gifts, Graves Mountain specialty products and more. Live sing-along, open mike on Friday evenings and live Bluegrass on Saturday evenings. Our own hard cider "Mountain Squeeze", fire-pit, marshmallow roasting---all at the Main Lodge. What will be happening on the farm - see our calendar of activities: https://www.gravesmountain.com/calendar-events-shenandoah-blue-ridge/ Huge seasonal pool, volleyball, badminton, horseshoes, corn-hole, ping pong, board games, and books - a whole library for you.
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$12
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99%
(435)

Watercress Inn at Landon Farm

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Etlan, VA
Welcome to our small Farm, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Madison County, Virginia. Located just minutes from Shenandoah National Park, we offer intimate nature-inspired cottages and camping on our 120-acre working farm. Enjoy an evening under the stars with fireflies and a campfire after a long day hike, fly fishing on one of our beautiful trout steams or touring the local vineyards and breweries. We currently offer one cottage, glamping and a few campsites for our guests. Our campsites are all private, located acres apart with tables, chairs, firepits, some elevated sleeping areas, some hammock spots and a few with a roof. Three of our spots require walking away from your vehicle, short distances. We have four drive-in sites that will accommodate two or three vehicles. We do not allow RVs or trailers on our main farm due to our narrow mountain driveway. Wisteria Camp has a private driveway, it can accommodate small RV/Trailers. Camper vans are welcome at the main farm! Our farm store includes our Animal Welfare Approved products such as Eggs, Chicken, Beef, Pork, Lamb and Dairy, as well as produce, jams, coffee and other items from our local community. We offer camping essentials, local art, bike rentals, farm experiences and tours. The property has miles of trails along mountain spring-fed streams, a small pond and access to three private acres on the Robinson River, a stocked Trout stream, just 2 miles down the road. Our property is centrally located to White Oak Canyon (20 minutes) and Old Rag Mountain (10 minutes) trailheads in the Shenandoah National Park as well as many vineyards and breweries. A few offerings on the farm. Tasting in the 1850s Chestnut log cabin, tubing trips, breakfast and picnic lunches, Animal experiences and Yoga. Please inquire about renting the property for private small events.
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$35
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100%
(415)

Pastimes on Passage Creek Ranch

5 sites · RVs, Tents75 acres · Fort Valley, VA
Passage Creek is stocked with Trout. Voted Top VA site! See Reviews. Pastimes on Passage Creek Ranch is conveniently located at the north end of Fort Valley. The recreational draw to this area is hard to beat in VA and this property has it all for an amazing outdoor weekend! The ranch consists of 40 acres of low-land pasture, groomed perfectly for camping groups large or small. The Lakeside Mountain Stream site offers the option to camp on our 5-acre lake or camp creekside in the Cedar Grove sites along the banks of Passage Creek. Creek access varies at each site depending on the bank. The Ceadar Grove sites are just a short walk to the lake and beach amenities. The property has 1/2mi of Passage Creek wrapping around all the campsites, as well as, the privet lake to enjoy. I have all kinds of boats to try out and the waters are stocked with Bass, Blue Gill, and Catfish. Please catch and release. Passage Creek is stocked with Rainbow, Brown, Tiger, and Brook Trout throughout the year. The prime waters are just a mile upstream from Pastimes on Passage Creek Ranch. The Creekside Cedar sites are located within a sparse, groomed, Cedar grove along the banks of Passage Creek. These sites are extra large and can accommodate multiple family groups, as well as, travel trailers of all sizes up to off-road motorcoaches in site 1. There are no hookups, so It's just boondocking. Pack it in, Pack it out. Generators are allowed but please be aware of the other sites and direct the noise away. Groups of up to 25 people per site can realistically fit. Each site is very large with car camping space included. The Lakeside Mountain Stream site is very secluded, nestled between the mountains and the lake. It overlooks our 5-acre lake with mirror mountain views in the background. This site also has its own dock and is just a short walk down a mowed trail to a beautiful section of Passage Creek. An additional seasonal mountain stream can cascade behind the site and run under it to feed the lake when the conditions are right. The road can accommodate bumper pulls up to about 35ft to make the turn at the site. However, it is best suited for lighter traffic and smaller tent groups. At higher capacity, single-file parking is needed along the lake road. Max 10 people in order to keep some grass on the ground. Please, if you need more space - go to one of the Cedar Grove sites. Locally, the North end of Fort Valley offers many great hiking trails, trout fishing, rock climbing, horseback riding, and the Elizabeth Furnace day-use park. Taskers Gap OHV/ATV park is a short drive south, and the valley is sandwiched between both forks of the Shenandoah River for those looking to paddle. Additionally, the local towns (Front Royal, Strasburg, Woodstock) offer their own charm and wide range of activities and attractions.
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$85
 / night
93%
(37)

Love Ridge Mountain Lodging

24 sites · Lodging, Tents17 acres · Lyndhurst, VA
Love Ridge Mountain Lodging--NEAR SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARKExperience the beauty of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains and enjoy easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Shenandoah National Park and the Appalachian Trail. Take a dip at nearby Sherando Lake and stop in to some of the many local food and craft beverage hotspots. Then retreat to your own mountain cabin or campsite.Situated at 2,800 feet in the hamlet of Love, Virginia, Love Ridge Mountain Lodging borders the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 16. Whether you are seeking a peaceful retreat to the mountains or a jumping off point for exploring central Virginia, Love Ridge Mountain Lodging is the perfect choice.CABINSIndulge in a romantic getaway at one of our Blue Ridge Parkway Cabins, creating lasting memories with your loved one. 4 of our cabins are pet friendly.FAMILIESOur family cabins sleep 10+ and are the perfect place for kids to connect to nature and and an opportunity for busy parents to relax. PET FRIENDLYSelect from our four mountain cabins and campsites that offer a dog-friendly experience, ensuring a great space for both humans and their four-legged companions. View White Rock Cabin, Meadow Mountain Cabin, Sherando Cabin or Spy Rock Cabin for a pet-friendly cabins.HOT TUBSSome cabins offer a private hot tub, while a number of the smaller cabins offer jetted in-room tubs.GRILLS and FIREPITSGuests love the convenience of private outdoor grills for cooking and communal firepits.EXPERIENCES FOR YOUR STAY AND ONLINE STORERent an e-bike and cruise the parkway, take in the night skies around Love Ridge. Love Ridge has a variety of experiences to choose from. Our online store has a variety of food options. Advance notice may be needed for some items, so book early.
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$55
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98%
(155)

Wineberry Grove

1 site · RV, Tent3 acres · Strasburg, VA
Learn more about this land: Enjoy mountain views and peace and quiet at this beautiful family-owned plot of land, nestled in the Shenandoah Valley. We are walkable to the Shenandoah River, including a public boat ramp and swinging pedestrian bridge just 5 minutes away by foot. We have a firepit to make memories around, a cozy double hammock, trails to explore, and wildlife to see (so many deer!).  About the property This land has been in our family for over 50 years. We love our little spot near the river, and we love sharing it with others who enjoy getting outside.  Located just 4 miles from Strasburg, Virginia, we are within striking distance of a variety of hiking and outdoor adventures, including the Strasburg River Walk (5 miles away), Signal Knob Trail (13 miles away), Elizabeth Furnace Recreational Area (13 miles away), Tuscarora Trail Eagle Rock Trail (19 miles away), Shenandoah River State Park (24 miles away), Overlook Trail (25 miles away), and Camp Roosevelt Recreation Area (27 miles away).  Downtown Strasburg also has tons of antique shops, Box Office Brewery, The Pancake Underground, Old Dominion Doggery, Burger Shoppe, Ice Cream Depot, and the Strasburg Museum, which is great for anyone who loves trains or history.  We are a short drive to Woodstock and Front Royal as well. Or take in a movie at The Family Drive in Theatre, just 14 miles away. About the listing Pitch your tents, vans, truck campers, trailers, and RVs at this quiet, private, secluded site. Enjoy the sounds of crickets as you fall asleep. There's a portable camping toilet set up in a pop-up tent (please pack your waste out with you when you leave!). The site also includes a private fire pit and picnic table, but no running water.  What to bring Drinking water We try to keep toilet paper stocked, but if you're picky feel free to bring your own Pets are welcome, on or off leash Camp cooking supplies (no kitchen or equipment is provided) Firewood if you intend to have a fire and there are no local fire bans in place. You're welcome to any kindling laying around or fallen branches as well.  Additional details to note There is no WiFi and limited cellular reception for some carriers, so please plan ahead accordingly Check in and out are usually flexible - please just ask!  While we want you to have a good time, there are a few residences nearby, so please try to quiet down after 9pm, and be respectful of any neighbors you come across. They're all very friendly and helpful.
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$28
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98%
(71)

Misty Mountain Camp Resort

127 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents50 acres · Greenwood, VA
Welcome to Misty Mountain Misty Mountain Camp Resort offers a delightful, relaxing vacation at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains near historic Charlottesville, Virginia. Whether you're looking for a private getaway, a group gathering, or fun with the kids, Misty Mountain Camp Resort is sure to meet your needs. Our scenic 50-acre park provides private sites nestled in the trees and a large recreational building with banquet seating to accommodate any large group. Explore nature trails, splash in our pool, sit by the creek, fish in our pond, play at several playgrounds, climb our hills, shoot hoops and spike the volleyball or pitch horseshoes, take a hayride, enjoy live music and dances, shop at our General Store, shoot pool and play video games, relax in solitude or join with new friends - the choice is yours and it's all at Misty Mountain Camp Resort! OUR ACCOMMODATIONS • Cabins We offer a wide range of cabins to fit any need, from a single room to 3 bedrooms. All cabins have A/C, heat, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, fire ring, and picnic table. Cabins 1-4, 6, 8 & 13-16 are pet friendly. Bring your own linens, blankets, pillows, or towels as we do not provide those. • RV Sites Our RV sites can accommodate any size of camper. We offer full hookup 50/30 amp, water, and electric 50/30 amp, pull-through, and back-in sites. All sites have gravel pads, picnic tables, a fire ring, and Wifi. Most sites have complimentary digital cable TV. • Tent Sites We have several tenting options for small to large groups. Creekside sites for up to 8 people and backcountry sites for up to 100. All sites have a picnic table, fire ring, lantern hook, bench, and table. OUR AMENITIES We provide a wide range of accommodations and event facilities. We take pride in providing every service with a smile, and to your highest level of satisfaction. • Jump pad • Playground • Misty Mountain Mining Company • Stocked fishing pod • Cornhole & horseshoes • Outdoor sports • Pool • Country Store • Fitness Room • Live Music • Planned Activities • Food trucks • Bathhouse and laundry • Community & Club Rooms FEATURED ATTRACTIONS • Pro Re Nata Brewery • Nature Trails • Long Distance Trails • Grand Caverns • Hill Top Winery • Monticello
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$35
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The best camping near Shenandoah National Park guide

Overview

About

Not far from the urban sprawl of the East Coast lies a vast, rugged landscape of rolling hills, tumbling waterfalls, and epic hiking trails, just 75 miles from Washington D.C. Whether you take a scenic tour of the 100-mile Skyline Drive or lace up your hiking shoes to hit the Appalachian Trail, which passes through the park, you will be treated to panoramic vistas offering views of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. The National Park Service maintains over 600 campsites spread across five campgrounds, offering both RV sites and tent sites. Backcountry camping is also allowed for tent camping by permit only.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for park accessibility: Big Meadows Campground is centrally located, accessible to many park attractions.
  • Best park views from the campground: While the campsites are tree-covered, Loft Mountain Campground has scenic overlooks from its mountain-top location.
  • Best for group camping: As the name implies, Dundo Group Campground is set aside for groups only. Reservations may be made one year in advance. Group sites are also offered at other campgrounds in the park.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • No hookups are available at individual campsites.
  • The three large campgrounds offer potable water seasonally and have onsite dump stations.
  • Reservation availability varies by campground. Mathews Arm Campground, Loft Mountain Campground, and Big Meadows Campground have reservable sites.
  • Reservations released in batches. Some are released as early as 6 months in advance, with others as late as 4 days in advance.
  • Reservations are recommended, especially for weekends and holidays during peak season. Reservations may be made through the Recreation.gov website.
  • Lewis Mountain Campground and some sections of Mathews Arm and Loft Mountain campgrounds are first-come, first-served. 
  • Campgrounds are not open year-round. Winter closing dates are determined seasonally.

When to go

As cold winter weather slowly gives way to late spring, the day time temperatures become pleasant for outdoor recreation before reaching peaks in the 80s in late summer (July and August). Fall is one of the busiest seasons. Visitors flock to the park to take in views of the rainbow-hued tree-covered hillsides, with colors peaking in early October. Plan for cooler temperatures at higher elevations; wearing layers of clothing is recommended. Campers may find freezing temperatures and snow in the winter months.

Know before you go

  • Cell signals and wifi are limited in much of the park. 
  • Outside of Shenandoah National Park, many RV parks with full hookups and other amenities are found near popular areas like Luray and Front Royal, which have easy access to entrance stations.
  • Free dispersed camping may be found in the surrounding George Washington & Jefferson national forests.
  • Glamping accommodations may also be found in the park’s lodges and cabin rentals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Free camping is not allowed within Shenandoah National Park, as all camping must be done at designated campgrounds or backcountry sites that require a permit. However, you can find free camping in the nearby George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, which allow dispersed camping in certain areas. Keep in mind that amenities may not be available, and you should practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural environment.

At Shenandoah National Park, camping fees range from $15 to $45 per night, depending on the campground and the type of site you choose. There are four campgrounds within the park: Mathews Arm, Big Meadows, Lewis Mountain, and Loft Mountain. Prices may vary based on the season and availability. For more information on Shenandoah camping, visit Hipcamp.

Sleeping in your car is allowed at designated campgrounds within Shenandoah National Park. However, you cannot sleep in your car at overlooks, parking lots, or on the side of the road. To ensure a safe and legal car camping experience, reserve a campsite at one of the park's campgrounds. You can find more information on car camping options in Shenandoah at Hipcamp.

The best time of year to camp in Shenandoah National Park is during the spring and fall months. Spring, from April to early June, offers mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers. Fall, from September to early November, provides cooler temperatures and stunning fall foliage colors. Both seasons also have fewer crowds compared to the busy summer months, making them ideal for a more peaceful camping experience.

Securing a Shenandoah National Park campsite reservation is usually a challenge due to the park's popularity. Camping trips typically need to be planned months in advance and even then, available campsites can book up within minutes. The good news is that you have other options for last-minute Shenandoah National Park campsite reservations. Try snagging one by setting up a free Hipcamp alert for any Shenandoah campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.

Most Shenandoah National Park campsite reservations open up months in advance. However, it's notoriously difficult to secure a Shenandoah National Park reservation even if you plan ahead, as campsites are often booked up within minutes. To increase your chances of snagging a campsite, set up a free Hipcamp alert for any Shenandoah campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.

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