How to Go Camping in Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park in Virginia has over 500 miles of hiking trails wending through the hardwood forests of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Activities include biking, horseback riding, birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and of course hiking along the famed 101-mile Appalachian Trail. Read on for more information on camping in this natural wonder, just 75 miles from our nation's bustling capital.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. You will find five campgrounds in Shenandoah near various sections of the Appalachian Trail and accessible from Skyline Drive: Mathews Arm, Loft Mountain, Big Meadows, Lewis Mountain and Dundo Group Camp.

2. All of the campgrounds (except for Mathews Arm) have a store, laundry and showers. Loft Mountain, Big Meadows, and Mathews Arm have dump stations. Each campsite has a picnic table and grill. You will not find any RV hook-ups.

3. Lewis Mountain, Loft Mountain, and Matthews Arm are all first-come first-served. Big Meadows operates on a first-come, first-served basis until May, after which reservations are required. Dundo Group Camp also requires reservations. Call [phone] for reservations.

4. Rates range from $15 to $20 per night for individual sites, and $35 per night for group sites.

5. Almost all of the park's 196,000 acres are open to backcountry camping. Free permits are available free from park headquarters, visitor centers and entrance stations

Tips & Warnings

• You may bring your pets provided they are leashed. Pets are not welcome, however, in the park's public buildings, lodging units or walks and hikes labeled "No Pets."