Can you camp in Shenandoah National Park?
Yes. Shenandoah National Park operates five campgrounds along Skyline Drive: Mathews Arm, Big Meadows, Lewis Mountain, Loft Mountain, and Dundo. All are seasonal, open roughly early spring through late fall. Big Meadows is reservation-only; Mathews Arm and Loft Mountain mix reservable and first-come, first-served sites; Lewis Mountain is first-come, first-served only. Reservations are made on Recreation.gov.
The five park campgrounds
Mathews Arm (Mile 22.1) is the northernmost, with a mix of reservable and first-come sites. Big Meadows (Mile 51) is the largest and most popular — central location, ranger programs, lodge nearby — and every site there must be reserved in advance. Lewis Mountain (Mile 57.5) is the smallest and is first-come, first-served only. Loft Mountain (Mile 79.5) is the southernmost, has the best ridge-top views, and also mixes reservable and first-come sites. Dundo (Mile 83.7) is the park's remaining small campground. Group camping is offered at Loft Mountain and Big Meadows. The park runs a first-come availability alert — text SHENCAMP to 888777 for weekend updates. Source: nps.gov/shen campgrounds page.
No hookups anywhere in the park
None of the NPS campgrounds in Shenandoah have electric, water, or sewer hookups. RVs are welcome but must be self-contained. Showers and dump stations are available at Big Meadows and Loft Mountain.
When to book
Reservations open 6 months out on Recreation.gov. Foliage weekends (mid-October–early November) book within days. Summer weekends fill 2–3 months ahead. Weekdays are usually available within a week.