Interested in camping in Shenandoah National Park? Well, you should be! Whether you are an RV owner, a tent camper, or a cabin lover, Shenandoah National Park has a great campground for you. There are terrific options both outside of the park and inside of the park.
Want peace and quiet and solitude? There are campgrounds for you right inside the park in prime locations. Want waterslides and heated pools and off the hook aThen menities? Then you might try Jellystone Luray right outside of the park for a resort level camping experience. Want something in between these two extremes? The Luray KOA might fit the bill perfectly. Here are 7 great options for camping in and around Shenandoah National Park.
Let’s start outside of the park and work our way in, shall we?
Campgrounds Outside Shenandoah National Park
Jellystone Luray
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Luray
When it comes to water features, activities and family-friendly activities, we think Jellystone Luray is one of the best campgrounds in the country. Our boys love coming back to this campground to relax in the pool after a long morning hike in the mountains. The views of the mountains are lovely and an entrance to the National Park is only minutes away. Don’t own an RV? They have plenty of comfortable cabins to rent. However, prices will be much higher here than in the National Park. Because much more is included.
Luray KOA
Luray KOA
This pristinely clean KOA is a lovely option for campers who want full hook up sites for their RV’s, but still want a peaceful setting and excellent views.The amenities and activities for kids are somewhat limited for a KOA. We love the central green in the middle of the campground, because it is the perfect spot to throw a frisbee, play a game of outdoor ping pong, and meet with your neighbors. Additionally, cabins are available for rent.
Shenandoah River State Park Campground
Shenandoah River State Park Campground may be the perfect base camp for RV owners who want a bucolic setting without having to tow their RV’s into the park. You can see Shenandoah National Park to the East, and rent a canoe or launch your own right inside the park. Sites are large, but they may be difficult to come by. Please book well in advance to get a spot.
Campgrounds Inside Shenandoah National Park
Matthew’s Arm Campground
Northern section of Shenandoah National Park
Matthew’s Arm is located at mile marker 22.1 on Skyline Drive. The campground is pretty and close to a waterfall hike to Overall Run Falls. This is a perfect spot for tent camping and there is a dump station for RV owners who want to camp inside the park. Matthew’s Arm is the closest campground to the Northern terminus of Skyline Drive and the gateway community of Front Royal.
Big Meadows Campground
Big Meadows Campground, Shenandoah National Park
Big Meadows is our personal favorite campground within the park. Why? Because deer wander though the campground each night and there are lovely sites for tent campers and RV owners. We love this campground’s proximity to the Byrd Visitor Center and to Big Meadows Lodge. The campground feels remote and secluded. However, you can take a short walk over to the Lodge for dinner or a cocktail after a long day of hiking. Big Meadows is located at mile marker 51.2 on Skyline Drive.
Central Section of Shenandoah National Park
Lewis Mountain Campground
Lewis Mountain Campground (located at mile marker 57.5) is the smallest campground in the park and almost looks like a smaller version of Big Meadows. It is pretty like Big Meadows. But it is also simpler. However, reservations are first come first served and there is no Dump Station for RV’s. If you are a tent camper and don’t care about being near the Lodge for dinner or drinks, then this might be the spot for you.
Loft Mountain Campground
Southern Section of Shenandoah National Park
Loft Mountain may win the prize for having the National Park Service’s prettiest amphitheater with mountain views. This campground is absolutely gorgeous and has mountain views to the East and to the West. Two waterfall hikes are nearby. Make sure you catch a ranger talk while you are camping here. Loft Mountain is located at mile marker 79.5 on Skyline Drive. The campground does have a dump station and camp store on site.
Shenandoah National Park is one of the great National Parks of the East, and one of the best “hiking” parks in our great nation. It’s also a great location for an RV adventure. Do you have any other campground recommendations? Please leave us your best tips in the comments below!
To listen to a complete review of Jellystone Luray please click here!
You can also check out our tips for visiting national parks here.
See you at the campground,
Stephanie + Jeremy
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