Mathews Arm Campground

Shenandoah National Park

Secluded in the thick trees and rolling hills of the Shenandoah National Park, Mathews Arm Campground is the ideal spot for a camping getaway.

Mathews Arm is a family-oriented campground, offering plenty of open spaces in the nearly 166 available campsites. All sites include a place for a tent or RV, a fire ring and picnic area. The campground also offers modern amenities like flush toilets, drinking water and one dump station, creating a comfortable camping experience. There are no showers in this campground.

Notifications and Alerts

Loft Mountain and Mathews Arm Campground will remain open for first-com first serve visitors until October 31st. This is weather dependent.

Need to Know

Black bears, deer, skunks, raccoons and other wildlife share this space with you; please plan to store all food, hygiene items and trash in appropriate containers or your vehicle.
You are responsible for following all park and campground regulations.
There are no RV hook-ups but there is a dump station with potable water available.
Generator hours are 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. with a 60 decibel limit.
There is a $30 fee per vehicle to enter the park. The pass issued is valid for one week.
Upon arrival to the campground, please check in at the registration office. If you arrive after hours, directions will be posted at that office.
Unleaded fuel and diesel are available 24/7 at Big Meadows Wayside (milepost 51.2).
Firewood may not be available for purchase after 7 p.m. If you plan to arrive late, you may want to consider purchasing firewood in route. Due to the spread of invasive insects, only kiln dried USDA approved firewood is permitted. Help protect our forest, Click here for more information.
Cell phone reception is very limited throughout the park.
There are no showers available at this campground or the closest wayside.

Natural Features

Shenandoah National Park includes 300 square miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the southern Appalachians. The park rises above the Virginia Piedmont to its east and the Shenandoah Valley to its west.

Nearby Attractions

Elkwallow Wayside is located just two miles away, offering camping supplies, a limited menu restaurant, prepared sandwiches, beverages, souvenirs, and more. Two visitor centers, bookstores, restaurants and exhibits are scattered throughout the Shenandoah National Park. Click here for more information.

Recreation

Shenandoah National Park has over 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Some trails lead to a waterfall or viewpoint while others wind deep into the forests and wilderness.

Mathews Arm Campground is located near Overall Run Falls, which, at 93 feet, has the highest drop of all the falls in Shenandoah National Park. A moderately difficult hiking trail, which leads to the falls, is accessible from the campground. Once at the falls, visitors can enjoy views of the entire Shenandoah Valley and Massanutten Mountain.

Wildlife viewing is a also a popular pastime, with black bears, wild turkey, deer, birds and countless other animals abundant across the park.

The campground is located right off of Milepost 22 on the famous Skyline Drive, which runs 105 miles north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Stunning views are available from any of the 75 scenic overlooks.

Changes & Cancellations

Cancellations more than 48 hours in advance of arrival date only incur a $10 transaction fee. Within 48 hours, $10 and the first night's fee are charged.

Contact Information

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3655 Highway 211 East Luray VA 22835

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 540-999-3132

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

From Washington, D.C. metro area, travel west on Interstate 66 to exit 43A. Take US Highway 29 South to Warrenton, Virginia, then take US Highway 211 west for 28 miles to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive Thornton Gap Entrance. Follow Skyline Drive north approximately 9 miles and turn left into Mathews Arm Campground.

From Richmond, Virginia area, travel north toward Fredericksburg on Interstate 95 approximately 55 miles to exit 130B for Highway 3 and Culpeper, Virginia. Take Highway 3 approximately 33 miles west to US Highway 15/522 north. Continue on 522 North approximately 20 miles to Sperryville. Turn left onto US Highway 211 West and follow 8 miles to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive, Thornton Gap Entrance. Follow Skyline Drive North approximately 9 miles and turn left into Mathews Arm Campground.

Available Campsites

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