Where Can You Tent Camp in Shenandoah National Park?

Shenandoah National Park is one of the most popular spots for camping in Virginia. With over 500 miles of trails, hundreds of wildlife species and majestic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, it is easy to see why. One of the best ways to experience Shenandoah National Park is to go tent camping in its wilderness areas.

Tent camping in Shenandoah National Park is available at four separate campgrounds: Big Meadows, Mathews Arm, Lewis Mountain, and Loft Mountain. Each campground offers different amenities and activities so it’s important to research them before selecting a campground.

Big Meadows is located along Skyline Drive and offers a variety of activities for all types of campers. This campground has over 200 campsites with fire rings, picnic tables and grills as well as access to showers and flush toilets. Big Meadows also features a large amphitheater with ranger-led evening programs, a general store for supplies, and an onsite restaurant for meals or snacks.

Mathews Arm is located at mile 22 on Skyline Drive and offers campsites along its namesake stream. It has over 180 campsites with fire rings, picnic tables and grills as well as access to showers and flush toilets. Mathews Arm also offers interpretive programs at the amphitheater in the evening as well as an onsite store for supplies or snacks.

Lewis Mountain is located off Skyline Drive near mile 57 and offers more primitive camping than the other campgrounds do. It has just over 30 campsites each equipped with fire rings but no other amenities like restrooms or showers are available here so plan accordingly if you are looking for these types of facilities.

Loft Mountain is located near mile 79 on Skyline Drive and has more than 200 campsites available for tent camping each equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, grills and access to flush toilets and showers. Loft Mountain also offers ranger-led interpretive programs each evening at their amphitheater as well as an onsite store for supplies or snacks.

Conclusion:

Shenandoah National Park has many great options for tent camping including Big Meadows, Mathews Arm Lewis Mountain, and Loft Mountain Campgrounds each offering different amenities depending on your needs or preferences while camping in the park’s wilderness areas.

Photo of author

Chris Powell