Mathews Arm Campground Shenandoah National Park
A peaceful, nature-immersed campground in Shenandoah National Park, offering spacious sites and clear night skies.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Mathews Arm Campground Shenandoah National Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A peaceful, nature-immersed campground in Shenandoah National Park, offering spacious sites and clear night skies.
"Enjoy a peaceful, nature-filled camping trip with spacious sites and stunning stargazing."
Reserve Your Spot Early
Popular for groups; reservations are key! Some sites are first-come, first-served, but booking ahead is wise. :ticket:
No Hot Water in Restrooms
Be prepared for basic facilities. Restrooms are clean but lack hot water. Bring your own essentials. :toilet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Spacious, Shaded Campsites
Individual campsites
Enjoy ample space and natural shade, perfect for relaxing and unwinding in nature. Many sites offer a peaceful, private feel.
Stargazing Opportunities
Open areas within the campground
Experience incredibly clear night skies, ideal for stargazing. Special information sessions can enhance the celestial viewing.
Proximity to Skyline Drive
Entrance to Skyline Drive
Conveniently located near Skyline Drive, offering easy access to stunning scenic views and hiking trails.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Pack for Simplicity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reserve Your Spot Early
Popular for groups; reservations are key! Some sites are first-come, first-served, but booking ahead is wise. :ticket:
No Hot Water in Restrooms
Be prepared for basic facilities. Restrooms are clean but lack hot water. Bring your own essentials. :toilet:
Bring Your Own Supplies
Camp store is a short drive away. Pack food, water, and any camping gear you'll need. :shopping_cart:
EV Camping Requires Planning
No charging stations nearby. If camping in an EV, carefully manage your battery life. :electric_plug:
Tips
from all over the internet
Reserve Your Spot Early
Popular for groups; reservations are key! Some sites are first-come, first-served, but booking ahead is wise. :ticket:
No Hot Water in Restrooms
Be prepared for basic facilities. Restrooms are clean but lack hot water. Bring your own essentials. :toilet:
Bring Your Own Supplies
Camp store is a short drive away. Pack food, water, and any camping gear you'll need. :shopping_cart:
EV Camping Requires Planning
No charging stations nearby. If camping in an EV, carefully manage your battery life. :electric_plug:
Quiet Times Not Enforced
Some visitors report noise issues. If seeking absolute quiet, consider weekdays or off-season. :speakerwiththreesoundwaves:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mathews Arm Campground is praised for its spacious, shaded sites and peaceful natural setting, offering a great escape into nature. Visitors appreciate the proximity to Skyline Drive for scenic views and the opportunities for stargazing. However, some note the lack of hot water and showers, and occasional noise from other campers, particularly on weekends.
"Mathew’s Arm Campground is a peaceful getaway surrounded by dense greenery — perfect if you’re looking to unwind and enjoy nature. The campsites are spacious, well-shaded, and ideal for a relaxing camping experience.
Amenities & Supplies: There are nearby stores where you can find basic camping supplies and food. The campground itself doesn’t have hot water in the washrooms, so be prepared for that. Toilets are clean and functional, though simple.
Food: You can bring your own food and cook at the campsite. There are no on-site restaurants, but local options are accessible if needed.
Location: Very convenient if you’re coming from NoVa — short drive, making it easy for a weekend escape.
Overall, it’s a great spot for a quiet, nature-filled camping trip. Just plan ahead for hot water and supplies, and you’ll have a peaceful outdoor experience."
Ruchira Khanvilkar
"Campground. $30. Takes both reservations and walk ins. This is good if your with a large group. It tends to be noisy and used by weekend vacationers. If you're a small group, it will disappoint in that it's loud and unruly at times.
No showers available but 2 bathroom houses in each division. Fire pits and picnic tables offered.
Quiet times don't seem to be adhered to or regulated.
No views from the campground. But driving north or South for 5 minutes will provide ample views- sunset and sunrise.
Bear boxes provide in each site.
Camp store 5 minutes north of campground that's open from 9-6 daily."
Tootsie Roll Patrol
"We had an amazing time at Mathews Arm Campground! The area is clean, peaceful, and surrounded by beautiful nature. Our campsite was spacious and well-maintained. We even saw deer walking right by our tent such a cool experience! The location is perfect for hiking and relaxing. Definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a calm escape in nature."
Mucahit Goral
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mathews Arm Campground is located in the northern district of Shenandoah National Park. Access is typically via Skyline Drive. If coming from Northern Virginia, it's a relatively short drive, making it a convenient weekend escape.
Public transportation options directly to Mathews Arm Campground are very limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle, especially if you plan to explore Shenandoah National Park and its scenic drives.
From Washington D.C., you'll typically take I-66 West towards Front Royal, VA. From Front Royal, you can access Skyline Drive and head south to reach the northern section of the park where Mathews Arm Campground is located.
The nearest services are a camp store located about 5 minutes north of the campground, open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM. For more extensive shopping or dining, you'll need to drive to nearby towns outside the park.
The campground is designed to accommodate various types of camping, including RVs and trailers. However, it's always a good idea to check specific site dimensions if you have a very large vehicle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The camping fee at Mathews Arm Campground is $30 per night. This fee covers the campsite and access to basic amenities within the campground.
Mathews Arm Campground accepts both reservations and walk-ins. However, it's a popular spot, especially for larger groups and on weekends, so making a reservation in advance is highly recommended to guarantee a site.
Reservations for Mathews Arm Campground can typically be made through the official National Park Service reservation system or a partner website. It's advisable to check the Shenandoah National Park website for the most current booking information.
Campgrounds in Shenandoah National Park generally operate year-round, but it's essential to check the specific operating dates and hours for Mathews Arm Campground, as they can vary seasonally.
Yes, there is an entrance fee for Shenandoah National Park. This fee is separate from the camping fees and is required to enter the park and access its roads and trails.
🎫 🏕️ Onsite Experience
Mathews Arm Campground offers basic amenities including restrooms with flush toilets (no hot water), fire pits, and picnic tables at each site. Bear boxes are also provided for food storage.
No, there are no showers available at Mathews Arm Campground. Visitors should be prepared for this and plan accordingly for their hygiene needs.
Yes, fire pits are provided at each campsite, allowing for campfires. Be sure to check for any fire restrictions that may be in place due to dry conditions.
Cell service can be spotty and unreliable within Shenandoah National Park, including at Mathews Arm Campground. It's best to download any necessary maps or information offline before you arrive.
Pets are generally allowed in Shenandoah National Park campgrounds, including Mathews Arm, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Always check the park's specific pet regulations.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no on-site restaurants or food services directly within Mathews Arm Campground. You'll need to bring your own food or visit the nearby camp store for basic supplies.
A camp store is located about 5 minutes north of the campground and is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, offering basic camping supplies and some food items. For a wider selection, you'll need to travel to towns outside the park.
Absolutely! Each campsite is equipped with a fire pit and picnic table, making it ideal for cooking your own meals. Remember to store your food properly in the provided bear boxes.
It's recommended to bring non-perishable items, easy-to-cook meals, and plenty of water. Consider items like trail mix, canned goods, pasta, and ingredients for campfire cooking.
While each campsite has a picnic table, there may also be designated picnic areas within the campground or along Skyline Drive for day-use visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
While the campground itself is nestled in greenery, driving just a few minutes north or south on Skyline Drive will reveal numerous overlooks offering stunning sunset and sunrise views, as well as panoramic vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Yes, many visitors report seeing deer walking near their campsites, making it a good spot for casual wildlife photography. Keep an eye out during dawn and dusk.
Landscape photography is very popular, capturing the rolling hills, forests, and expansive views from Skyline Drive. Astrophotography is also a highlight due to the park's dark skies.
Focus on capturing the natural beauty of the forest and the peaceful atmosphere. For wider shots, venture out to the nearby overlooks on Skyline Drive for sunrise and sunset.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A tripod is essential for low-light conditions, especially for astrophotography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key considerations for families: Pack plenty of snacks and easy-to-prepare meals, as dining options are limited. Be prepared for the lack of hot water in restrooms. The opportunity to see deer up close can be a highlight for children. Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid larger, potentially noisier groups.
🚗 RV and Car Campers
Important note for EV campers: There are no charging stations within the campground or nearby. If you are camping in an electric vehicle, it is crucial to plan your charging strategy carefully and ensure you have sufficient range for your stay and any excursions.
🌌 Stargazers and Astrophotographers
Tips for stargazers: Bring a star chart or a stargazing app to identify constellations. If you're into astrophotography, a tripod and a camera with good low-light performance are essential. Consider attending any ranger-led stargazing programs if available.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Shenandoah National Park
Getting around the park is best done by car. While there might be limited shuttle services during peak season, having your own vehicle provides the most flexibility to explore the diverse landscapes, from the campground's peaceful setting to the more popular central and southern areas of the park. Be aware that Skyline Drive has speed limits and can be winding, so allow ample travel time between destinations.
Key takeaway: Utilize Skyline Drive as your main navigation tool. It connects all the major points of interest, including Mathews Arm Campground, and offers constant opportunities for scenic stops. Download offline maps as cell service is unreliable.
Camping Experience at Mathews Arm
While the campground provides essential facilities like restrooms with flush toilets, it's important to note the absence of hot water in the washrooms and the lack of showers. This means visitors should come prepared with their own hygiene supplies and be comfortable with basic facilities. The campground can sometimes be noisy, particularly on weekends, as it's a popular spot for larger groups and vacationers.
For those seeking a quieter experience, visiting during weekdays or the shoulder seasons might be more suitable. Despite the basic amenities, the peaceful surroundings and the opportunity to see wildlife, such as deer, contribute to a rewarding natural escape.
Photography and Stargazing
Shenandoah National Park is also renowned for its dark night skies, and Mathews Arm is no exception. The lack of light pollution creates an ideal environment for astrophotography and stargazing. Visitors have reported enjoying incredibly clear views of the stars, and some even mention attending stargazing information sessions that enhance the experience.
Photography tips: Bring a wide-angle lens for sweeping landscapes and a telephoto lens for potential wildlife sightings. A tripod is essential for capturing the best of the night sky. Remember to check the weather forecast for clear skies, especially if you're planning to photograph the stars.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit