Mathews Arm Campground
38.7631, -78.2964 · Park boundary: National Park Service
2026 Opening Date: April 29. Mathews Arm Campground (mile 22.1) is the nearest campground for those entering Shenandoah National Park from Front Royal, in the northern section of the Park. All sites include a place for a tent or RV, a fire ring, and picnic table. Elkwallow Wayside, with camping supplies and food service, is two miles away. Mathews Arm has a combination of reservable and first-come, first-served sites. Reservable sites are released in sections.
- Every day
- All Day
Mathews Arm Campground is open during the spring, summer, and fall. Opening and closing dates vary from year to year and are subject to change at any time. Camping is NOT permitted in the campgrounds when they are closed.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
A standard, nonelectric campsite for tent or RV (motorhome, pop-up, or 5th-wheel). Standard campsites are limited to six people (or 1 immediate family) per site and one RV.
Mathews Arm Campground has three nonelectric group sites. Each group site can accommodate 7-25 people.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
There is a combination of sites offered through reservations and on a first-come, first-served basis at Mathews Arm Campground. Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends and holidays. Reservations for many standard sites may be made up to 6 months in advance, with additional sites becoming available 2 weeks prior, and 4 days prior your stay. Group sites can be reserved up to one year in advance.
- Amphitheater
- Yes - seasonal
- Drinking water
- Yes - seasonal
- Dump station
- Yes - seasonal
- Food storage lockers
- Yes - seasonal
- Host on site
- Yes - seasonal
- Toilets
- Flush Toilets - seasonal
- Trash & recycling
- Yes - seasonal
- Camp store
- No
- Cell reception
- No
- Firewood for sale
- No
- Ice for sale
- No
- Internet
- No
- Laundry
- No
- Showers
- None
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
- RVs
- Allowed
- Trailers
- Allowed
- Access roads
- Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
- Classification
- Developed Campground
Four ADA accessible sites are available for wheelchair access.
Four ADA accessible sites are available, however, accessible shower and laundry facilities are not available at Mathews Arm Campground.
To help slow the spread of the emerald ash borer, visitors must only use USDA-certified firewood (signified by the USDA stamp on packaging), which can be purchased in the Park. Dead wood may also be used if it is gathered from the ground in the Park; do not cut, saw, or break any standing trees, dead or alive, for firewood. Fires are only allowed in Park-provided fire grates. You must fully extinguish your fire before leaving the area, even for a short amount of time. To do this, simply douse the fire with water and stir with a stick. Repeat this until you no longer feel warmth coming from the fire grate. Camping and backpacking stoves are permitted, but the use of charcoal grills is prohibited.
Mathews Arm Campground also features Traces Trail, which is an easy 1.7-mile loop hike that circles the campground.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
Mathews Arm is the closest campground for those entering Shenandoah National Park from the north (Front Royal). From Washington D.C., travel west on Interstate 66 to Front Royal, Virginia (62 miles). Take the exit onto Route 340 South, and follow signs for Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive. Upon entering Skyline Drive, make your way south to mile 22.1 (mile markers can be seen on the side of the Skyline Drive), where you will find Mathews Arm Campground.
Shenandoah National Park has four very distinct seasons. Spring typically brings mild temperatures, rain, and wildflowers. Summer brings lush green forests, but can be hot and very humid. Fall follows with cooler temperatures and spectacular fall foliage. Winter can bring snow and ice. The mountain is usually 10°F cooler than the valley below. Always check the forecast, dress in layers, and be prepared.
Stays are limited to 30 days. Checkout time is noon. Camping fees must be paid within one (1) hour of occupying a site. Be sure to clip your camping pass to your site post to show occupancy. Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Generators may be used from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. From October 15 through the end of the season, generator hours are extended to 9 p.m. for the purpose of generating heat. Generator use is prohibited in sites designated as “generator-free” and in group sites. Bear, deer, raccoons, and skunks are year-round residents of Shenandoah. Food, garbage, equipment used to prepare or store food, and all scented items must be kept in a locked vehicle or storage locker when not being actively used. It is illegal to feed or disturb wildlife.
The Registration Station at Mathews Arm Campground is a brown building with a small overhang outdoors supported by two pillars. The overhang covers two entrance doors as well as a glass case on the outside wall which contains posters and information. There are also signs regarding campground fees and bear safety. There are overhead lights and a concrete walk area outside the building.
Drive to Mathews Arm Campground
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