Shenandoah National Park Camping: Blue Ridge Mountains
Shenandoah National Park packs a punch: miles of trails, trout streams, waterfalls, and wildflowers - it's the perfect place for everyone!
Have you been looking for a unique and exciting family vacation?
Shenandoah National Park is the perfect place. Just north of the Blue Ridge Parkway, you can explore miles of trails, trout-filled streams, waterfalls, and colorful wildflowers. Get up close to black bears in their natural habitat as well as eagles soaring overhead. With its rich history and breathtaking scenery, there's something for everyone!
Spend quality time with your loved ones by camping overnight beneath the starry night sky. Create lasting memories that will stay with you long after your trip is over. Unwind from the daily grind while discovering what nature really has to offer; peace and tranquility deep within a stunning landscape like no other in the world!
Make memories this season by planning your Shenandoah National Park experience today.
Get your free downloadable camping checklist here!
Shenandoah Valley - A Brief History
The Shenandoah Valley and Shenandoah National Park have a long and storied history. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, the region is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, abundant wildlife, and diverse recreational opportunities.
For centuries before the park's establishment, the Shenandoah Valley has been home to various Native American tribes including Iroquois and Shawnee tribes. The area saw significant military engagements during both the Revolutionary War and Civil War due to its strategic location at a crossroads between North and South America.
The park was initially designated as a park in 1935. The goal was to protect the valley from development that would destroy its beauty like many national parks. Today, over two hundred thousand acres of land have been preserved, giving visitors access to dense forests, waterfalls, and mountain views.
Since it became a national park in 1975, Shenandoah has become increasingly popular with outdoor enthusiasts from around the world thanks to its many exciting activities like backpacking along the Appalachian Trail or horseback riding through rolling hills. Additionally, scenic drives are available throughout the park that offer stunning views of nature.
In addition to being well-known for its natural splendor, Shenandoah National Park also boasts distinct cultural attractions such as historical sites like Skyline Drive, a 105-mile road built by President Roosevelt, and Luray Caverns, the largest caverns in Eastern USA. These attractions draw thousands of visitors annually who come to experience the unique charm of this nationally protected area.
Today, the Shenandoah Valley continues to be an iconic symbol of Virginia’s beauty and offers countless opportunities for exploration and recreation. With its breathtaking scenery, rich history, and ample recreational amenities it is no wonder why so many people choose this region as their destination for adventure every year!
Park Access
Shenandoah National Park offers four entrances for visitors to explore the park's stunning scenery. The Northern Entrance is located in Front Royal, Virginia, and provides access to Skyline Drive and Thornton Gap entrance, as well as a number of trails. The South Entrance is located in Stanardsville, Virginia, and provides direct access to Big Meadows Campground.
The Central Entrance is located in Swift Run Gap and offers visitors several options for exploring the park's many attractions. Finally, the Fourth Entrance is located in Crescent Rock Scenic Area near Waynesboro and allows visitors to explore more remote sections of the park. No matter which entrance you use, Shenandoah National Park will provide an unforgettable experience.
Ron Knezek
Start Here
The Byrd Visitor Center at Shenandoah National Park is the perfect place to get all your questions about the park answered. The visitor centers offers interactive displays that showcase the natural beauty of the area and provide information about activities, attractions, and safety.
At the camp store, you can pick up snacks, souvenirs, camping supplies, and books with detailed accounts of Shenandoah National Park's history and culture. Whether you're looking for a fun day trip or an extended stay in the park, a visit to the Byrd Visitor's Center and store is sure to provide you with everything you need to make your time at Shenandoah National Park one to remember.
Fees & Reservations
Shenandoah National Park is a great destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Entry to the park requires a fee, but the cost of admission is well worth it. Peak season at the park usually runs from May through October and reservations are encouraged during peak season.
Rangers are available to answer any questions or concerns throughout the park regularly. Camping in the park comes with an additional reservation fee at Recreation.gov, but there are plenty of free activities available such as hiking, bird watching, fishing, and much more.
What You Can See
• Appalachian Trail: One of America's longest and most challenging hiking trails, stretching 2,180 miles from Maine to Georgia. It is located in Shenandoah National Park and offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
• Blue Ridge Mountains: A mountain range located in the eastern part of the United States. In Shenandoah National Park, this range provides stunning scenic vistas and a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities such as camping, fishing, and hiking.
• Big Flat Mountain: Part of the Blue Ridge Mountains located within Shenandoah National Park. This mountain offers impressive views and has several trails for hikers to explore.
• Shenandoah River: A tributary of the Potomac River that runs parallel to Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park. It is a popular spot for canoeing and fishing, with various species like bass, catfish, and walleye caught in its waters.
• Loft Mountain: The highest point in Shenandoah National Park at over 3,000 feet above sea level. From its peak, visitors can enjoy unparalleled views of the surrounding area.
• Rose River Falls: Located near Loft Mountain in Shenandoah National Park, this waterfall cascades down 97 feet over a series of rocky ledges into a deep pool below. It is one of the tallest waterfalls in Virginia and a popular spot for swimming during the summer months.
• Luray Caverns: Located less than 10 miles from the main entrance to Shenandoah National Park these spectacular limestone caverns are filled with dazzling stalactites, stalagmites, and other formations created by millions of years of erosion by mineral-laden water droplets seeping through solid rock layers.
• Big Meadows: Located along Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park, Big Meadows is an open meadow surrounded by mountains with an abundance of wildflowers during springtime months making it an idyllic destination for photographers and nature lovers alike.
• Passage Creek: A tributary running through Shenandoah National Park which offers excellent trout fishing opportunities due to its abundant supply of insect larvae that support a healthy fish population year-round.
• Swift Run Gap: Located at mile marker 65 on Skyline Drive near Luray Caverns, Swift Run Gap serves as one entry point into Shenandoah National Park from Interstate 64. Here visitors can access many popular trails including Old Rag Mountain Trail which leads up to a large granite outcrop with breathtaking views across the valley below.
• Lewis Falls: One of the most beautiful falls in Virginia at 80 feet tall located off Skyline Drive just southwest of Big Meadows in Shenandoah Valley National Park boasting unusual rainbow-colored lichen on its rocky edges beneath cascading whitewater.
• Elkwallow Wayside: Located just southwest of Lewis Falls this stop-off point gives visitors a chance to stretch their legs after their long drive along Skyline Drive offering restrooms, picnic tables, and interpretive displays about area wildlife including black bears who often frequent here looking for food.
• Thornton Gap: Located just northwest from Elkwallow Wayside this entry point into Shenandoah Valley National Park allows visitors access to many popular trails including Rapidan Camp trail where President Herbert Hoover used to vacation frequently.
Where You Can Camp
The Shenandoah National Park is a great place for campers of all ages and levels of experience. There are four different campgrounds located within the park that offer tent camping opportunities, each with its own unique features and amenities.
Shenandoah Valley Campground
The Shenandoah Valley Campground offers a unique camping experience with something for everyone. Whether you are looking for an RV spot or a primitive campsite, this campground has the amenities to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. Enjoy swimming in the nearby pond, fishing at one of two stocked rivers, hiking on numerous trails, and visiting nearby attractions like Luray Caverns and Skyline Drive. There's even an onsite swimming pool, mini golf course, playground, and game room to keep kids entertained.
Loft Mountain Campground
As the largest campground in the park, Loft Mountain Campground offers both RV sites and tent sites, as well as an on-site general store that sells firewood, groceries, souvenirs, and more. Other amenities include a self-guided nature trail, basketball court, picnic area, playgrounds for children, and even a campfire ring for those chilly nights. Make sure and reserve an RV site well in advance.
Big Meadows Campground
The most popular campground, Big Meadows Campground is conveniently located near Skyline Drive, so it is easy to access from either direction. The campground offers over 150 campsites, some nestled in wooded areas and others offering partial views of the mountains. Amenities include flush toilets, water spigots, picnic tables, charcoal grills, and fire rings. Group sites are also available at this location.
Lewis Mountain Campground
Lewis Mountain Campground is smaller than Big Meadows with just 29 sites, but it still offers plenty of great camping options in a secluded setting. It’s located close to hiking trails and rock scrambles so you can get an up-close view of nature while you sleep under the stars. Amenities here include pit toilets, water spigots, picnic tables and fire rings for cooking meals outdoors.
Mathews Arm Campground
Mathews Arm Campground provides visitors with a more rustic camping experience in the park's most remote area. The site has over 90 individual campsites as well as several group sites for larger parties. With its close proximity to trails like Dark Hollow Falls and Overall Run Rapids overlooks it's perfect for adventurers who want to explore further into the park or take a leisurely stroll along one of the many scenic pathways that weave through these parts of Shenandoah National Park. Amenities here include flush toilets, potable water spigots, and picnic tables with charcoal grills throughout for outdoor cooking adventures!
Dundo Group Area
Dundo Group Area is ideal for larger groups who want to rough it in this picturesque national park without compromising on creature comforts too much! This area includes several large clearings which have been prepared with tent platforms that are level enough for pitching tents securely during windy conditions; plus there’s plenty of room here if you need extra space to lounge around or cook meals together under the night sky. Beyond group campsites, other amenities here include picnic tables and charcoal grills as well as pit toilets for convenience during your stay.
Backcountry Camping
Backcountry camping in Shenandoah National Park is a great way to experience the wilderness and enjoy the stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Campers can explore over 500 miles of trails from leisurely hiking to strenuous mountain climbing.
Beyond no amenity primitive tent sites, there are various campsites available throughout the park, with each offering unique amenities such as a picnic table, fire rings, and bear cables for food storage. Whether you are an experienced hiker or looking to explore a new area, strap on your hiking boots because backcountry camping in Shenandoah National Park is sure to provide an unforgettable adventure. These are our favorite campsites!
RV Camping
If you’re looking to camp in an RV in and around Shenandoah National Park, there are a variety of RV parks to choose from. Skyline Drive is a popular choice for RV camping with its 100-mile stretch of winding highway and numerous pull-offs for camping along the way.
Get your free downloadable pop-up RV camping checklist here!
Lewis Mountain Campground
The smallest campground, at Lewis Mountain Campground, visitors can enjoy sweeping mountain views and plenty of access to recreational activities such as fishing, hiking, biking and more. The campground features 25 sites for RVs which come equipped with hookups for water and electricity as well as grills and picnic tables. There is even a dump station available on site.
Big Meadows Campground
Another great option nearby is Big Meadows Campground, located close to the park’s headquarters at Thornton Gap Entrance Station. This convenient location offers easy access to trails and other attractions within the park while still providing ample amenities to RV campers such as hookups for water and electricity and also grills, fire rings, flush toilets, warm showers, and laundry facilities. Big Meadows also has a playground area perfect for kids who are looking to explore some outdoor fun after their long drive from home.
Dickey Ridge Campground
Dickey Ridge Campground provides another great choice for RV camping near Shenandoah National Park. Located close to the entrance of Skyline Drive at Front Royal Entrance Station, this campground offers 24 paved sites that come equipped with electric hookups perfect for RV campers. You’ll also find plenty of amenities here like flush toilets, hot water showers, and picnic areas with charcoal grills plus a dump station is provided here too so you can easily empty your tanks before heading off on your next adventure. With coin operated showers, hikers can rinse and refresh.
What You Can Do
• Hiking: Shenandoah National Park has over 500 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging. Popular hikes include the Whiteoak Canyon Trail and the Old Rag Mountain Trail. Hikers can also explore the Appalachian Trail, which runs right through the park, with views of lush forests, streams, waterfalls, and mountain peaks. The hiking opportunities are endless.
• Canoeing & Kayaking: Canoeists and kayakers can navigate their way through the park’s rivers and streams on a self-guided adventure. With plenty of access points throughout the park, visitors can take in stunning views of fields, forests, and mountains while paddling down the river.
• Horseback Riding: Enjoy a scenic tour of Shenandoah National Park on horseback! Visitors can rent horses for guided or unguided rides as well as sign up for trail rides that range from one hour to an entire day.
• Wildlife Viewing: Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as deer, black bear, wild turkeys, and more! Shenandoah is home to over 90 different species of mammals – making it a great spot for birdwatching too!
• Fishing: Cast your line into one of many beautiful rivers or ponds in the park for a chance to catch some fish! There are several species available including bass, trout, catfish, and sunfish. All anglers must have a valid state fishing license before casting their lines.
• Camping: Whether you prefer tent camping or RV camping, you’ll find plenty of options at Shenandoah National Park! The park offers over 200 campsites with amenities such as fire pits and picnic tables – plus plenty of hiking trails nearby!
Bear Safety
Camping in Shenandoah National Park can be an unforgettable experience, but it is important to take precautions when encountering bears. Bears are naturally shy of humans and will usually avoid them if given the opportunity. To ensure a safe camping experience, it is best to keep a clean campsite free of any food or scented items left out overnight.
If you do encounter a bear, back away slowly and give the bear plenty of space. Never attempt to feed a wild bear, as this could lead to aggressive behavior and even injury. By taking the necessary safety precautions, campers can have a safe and enjoyable time exploring the great outdoors in Shenandoah National Park.
Final Thoughts
Shenandoah National Park is truly a wonderful place to take your family camping. From the activities it has to offer, the spectacular scenery, and its captivating history, it'd be nothing short of an adventure for all. Whether it's a big family or an intimate camp trip with just your partner, you'll find something suitable for everyone right in this serene park. Time spent camping here will leave you and your family feeling rejuvenated and eager to return.
Adventures in Shenandoah National Park are filled with campfire tales and amazing nature walks that won't soon be forgotten. If you're looking for an exciting time creating special memories together with your loved ones in an idyllic landscape, then it’s time to plan a camping trip to Shenandoah National Park. Consider subscribing to be notified when I write about another next camping adventure - You won't regret it!
~Ron
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