Renowned as one of the most beautiful national parks in the United States, Shenandoah is home to hundreds of campgrounds, endless charming views and almost guaranteed sightings of black bears.
From scenic backcountry sites and huts stretched along the great Appalachian trail to soul-soothing campgrounds, this place offers a variety of recreation opportunities. Lodges, camping sites and cabins are spread from one end of the park to another, and all can provide you with a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of the metropolitan area.
Whether you love camping while staying in your RV, cabin, tent, or anything else, Shenandoah is perfect for accommodating all of your camping needs. Be it a living with amenities and luxury or a simple private camping trip; you will not be disappointed here.
This blog will take you through 5 best RV parks and camping grounds at this historical, dramatic, and popular destination of the Eastern United States. So without further ado, let's dive right into it!
Misty Mountain Camp Resort
Located at the foothills of the mighty Blue Ridge mountains, this camping site is perfect for your family outings. Spanning across 50 acres, it offers peace and serenity and loads of activities to keep you entertained. Amenities such as hayrides, swimming pools, live music, natural trails, playgrounds, and dances, ensure to make you, particularly your little ones, fall in love with this place.
At this resort, you get what you exactly deserve on a break from the city's action. You can enjoy your Sunday morning with delicious coffee and donuts before you leave to explore the beauty of Shenandoah, or simply choose to stay and read your favorite novel laying on your hammock. This is a full hookup site surrounded by dense trees and is open all year round.
Mathews Arm Campground
Mathews Arm is one of the most loved RV-friendly campgrounds in the Shenandoah. From picnic tables, fire pits, to dump stations, this place has many types of amenities, making it a perfect space for pitching your camp tents and canopies and also, parking your RV. Private camping costs around $15 for one night and $50 is the night’s charge for camping with your group.
There are nearly 166 campgrounds at Mathews Arm, and most of them are suitable for smaller groups. This campsite also has a lot to offer for a group of 6 or more people.
Loft Mountain Campground
Situated within the stone’s throw from the top of Big Flat Mountain, Loft Mountain Campground is one of the biggest campgrounds for RVers in Shenandoah. With scenic views of the great Blue Ridge mountains, this place has all the essential amenities such as general stores, picnic areas, fire pit, flush toilets and more. Campers have to pay $15 for each night stay.
More than 200 beautiful campsites are spread over this ground. Whether you are looking for private camping for two people or wish to spend a peaceful weekend with a group of 6 or more, Loft Mountain is perfect for visiting with your grill & picnic equipment and making most of your rendezvous with mother nature.
Big Meadows Campground
Resting with the lush greenery and breathtaking views of the Shenandoah National Park, Big Meadows is famous for its gorgeous scenes and top-class amenities. It brings you the tray full of Virginia's natural wonders to ensure your once-in-a-lifetime camping experience.
RV lovers get plenty of space to park their motorhomes and take out their pots and pans to enjoy delicious food by the firepit. Smaller groups can prefer individual camping sites for just $20 per night, and if you have a big group, the charges are $45 per night. You get more than 200 different campsites at Big Meadows, and group campsites offer additional space for RV parking.
Harrisonburg Campground
Based in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, Harrisonburg campground pumps you up with its exquisite fall foliage and legendary skyline drive. With some amazing amenities such as wifi, dog park, cable TV and fishing space, this location is ideal to have a calm and quiet picnic weekend with your near and dear ones.
It offers more than 68 campgrounds, and all of them provide a wide range of RV camping accommodations. No matter how big your camper is, you are good to bring it to Harrisonburg.
Shenandoah Hills Campground
With all the modern amenities to offer, this spectacular campground is a delightful outing for all types of RV lovers. The facilities include RV supplies, wireless internet, swimming pool, laundromat and much more.
Two visitors have to pay $45 for a night camping. With more than 67 camping sites, this space is great to experience the best-in -the-state RV camping with your loved ones. Located in the countryside of Madison county, it offers a variety of tent sites, cabins, and RV sites with full hookups. Fishing lovers can enjoy fish-n-release activities as they have a big fishing pond full of the bass, brim and big catfish. Don't forget to take your wine glasses as you will get a chance to try some exotic wines out there.
Best Time To Go For RV Camping At Shenandoah National Park
Choosing the right season for your RV camping is one of the most important things to avoid any hassle. While Shenandoah is open all year round, some seasons have more to offer than the others.
Fall
When in Shenandoah, no sight is more beautiful than seeing the changing fall foliage. As the fall begins to unfold itself, the park trees start wearing orange, yellow and red colors. Needless to say, the park is busiest during this season – especially October.
Spring
This season is ideal for making the most of the amenities available at the Park as most services and amenities are open during the Spring. Moreover, the changing flora and fauna in Spring around the park offer some of nature's best sightings.
Winter
Winters are the slowest and least crowded in Shenandoah, making it perfect for enjoying skyline drives, hiking trails and other facilities. Make sure to check the opening hours before you come here in winters as weather can cause most RV campgrounds and amenities to remain closed.
Summer
Summers are for unlimited fun at Shenandoah including a popular annual Apple Butter Fest. So, hit the road with your loved ones and reach Shenandoah in the summers to see how the park chefs prepare some delicious dishes from the apples.
There's one more fest that takes place at Shenandoah in summer – Night Sky Festival. You can attend it on August 9th till August 11th to know some interesting facts about the night sky.
Essential Tips Before You Visit Shenandoah National Park
Before you plan your visit to this fantastic park, our experts would like to share some tips on RV camping and more at Shenandoah.
Weather can be dramatically different at various park sites at the same time. Valley tends to be 10 degrees less cool than the mountains.
Most of the campsites allow pets. Ensure to read their rules and regulations if you are planning to bring your four-legged friend.
Do not disturb any of the historical sites at the park. It can lead to hefty fines.
Check the operating hours before you plan to visit any hiking trail.
Final Words
Shenandoah welcomes visitors to offer them much-needed relaxation in the middle of the chaos. Its lush greenery, picturesque views, and sky-high mountains slow down the time with more peace and calm.
Come here to experience the magical nights under the sky full of stars, watch the lovely meadows erupt with quintessential spring blooms, ride through the historic trails to witness changing colors of leaves in fall.
