Best Camping Sites In Shenandoah National Park

Hiking trails abound on the Isle au Haut and the campground is set up with composting toilets, fire rings, lean-to shelters and a water pump. The campground is only accessible by boat, so either bring your own canoe or kayak, or catch a ride on the ferry which leaves daily from the mainland. The coastal overlook at Haleakala National Park’s makes the Kipahulu Campground hands-down the best “car camping” site in the park. The first come, first served campground has pit toilets and each site is equipped with picnic tables and grills. Slough Creek, a popular Yellowstone fishing spot, is where you’ll find the park’s best campground.

Shenandoah National Park is situated in northern Virginia. It’s practically surrounded by towns and cities big and small, making it a fairly accessible park — an oasis of wild nature, if you must. We’ve crafted this guide to cover all the best hikes in Shenandoah National Park. We’re gonna show you what to expect, what to pack, and throw in some extra trail safety tips.

We love the knowledge that our content keeps you adventuring. We don’t ask for money, but if you’d like to find out how you can help the site in more organic ways, click the button below. Be careful with fires – When it comes to camping, make sure to follow any guidelines in place. Take precautions by using fire rings and fully extinguishing the fire after use.

Upon arrival, we were caught off guard that the ranger assigns you a site if you’re first come first serve. We had gotten spoiled along campgrounds along the Blue Ridge Parkway and others along the Skyline that you got to choose your own site. The campsites are located near the Scothorn Gap Trail and directions can be found here.

With no campfires allowed on the island, all eight campsites have incredible nighttime views of the stars above. Capitol Reef National Park is known for its cliffs and canyons of red rock, which makes Fruita Campground something of an anomaly. Fed by the Fremont River, which rolls along the campground’s edge, Fruita is literally an oasis in the desert, surrounded by the cool, green shade of historic orchards. Be prepared to gaze in awe at spectacular waterfalls, wild forests, and boundless wilderness, the likes of which cannot be described in words. Come on down to Old Dominion and see what outdoor mysteries await.

Yogi Bears Jellystone Park

Everything was clean and very well maintained, and the sites were actually pretty large.” —The Dyrt camper Katy R. There are four campgrounds in Shenandoah, all located along the Skyline Drive. The Mathews Arm Campground can be found at Milepost 22.1, Big Meadows at Milepost 51.2, Lewis Mountain at Milepost 57.5, and Loft Mountain at Milepost 79.5. All Hosts should analyze and adhere to these standards around providing a positive Hipcamp experience, being a thoughtful neighbor, and serving as a responsible citizen. If you look around you in the park, you will notice dense forests and lush green undergrowth.

This area is also great for bird-watching, so make sure you pack a pair of binoculars. The campground is currently open, but tours of the fort and ranger-led programs are temporarily suspended. Some of the local attractions are within 10 miles, but the National Park will be a 40 minutes drive. However, if you’re in search of a quiet spot, this is the place. It’s a beautifully developed property with access to water & bathrooms. Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, is known for its epic landscapes.

Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland

Situated on a river, there’s a deck overlooking the water and kayaks to take out if you feel like a paddle. Shenandoah National Park is a 20-minute drive away, while local wineries are also in easy reach. The views from these outside areas are particularly beautiful at sunset. Soak it all up from a swing chair or at the outdoor dining area while getting your grill on. The cabin also comes with private river access and private woodlands to stroll around, so it’s great for those who like a bit of nature right on the doorstep.

However, there are several trails where pets are not allowed, and the National Park Services lists those here. The Loft Mountain Campground is perennially a favorite among campers in Shenandoah National Park. Although one of the largest in the park many of the campsites feel very private and the views looking out over the Blue Ridge Mountains are truly spectacular! The site is located at mile marker 79.5, making it a great option for those coming from the southern entrance station at Rockfish Gap. Each of the 36 campgrounds at Isle Royale National Park can only be reached by foot or boat and all require a permit for overnight stays.

Yogi Bears Jellystone Park Camp

They also provide a camp store and onsite dining options. The site I was on was plenty spacious, and level enough to be comfortable. The hiking opportunities were great, and the wildlife was amazing. We had deer on our site our first night and again the next morning. But if you don’t need to be connected; it’s a decent place, campground store and even gas station at entrance. We decided to stay here as this campground is the ‘village’ of Shenandoah National Park.

Camping in Shenandoah National Park can present a great opportunity to see a black bear in the wild. This park is home to several hundred black bears, and I have seen a black bear on two of my last four trips to Shenandoah National Park. Seeing a bear in the wild in an amazing experience, but seeing a bear in your campground might ruin your camping trip. Make sure to keep all food in a locked car at night, and dispose of trash in the bear-safe trash cans in the campgrounds.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Please make sure to know the rules and regulations before your stay. We are now accepting campground reservations for the 2022 season. Reservations will be available up to 6 months in advance of your stay.

Wonder Lake Campground is wholly primitive; flush toilets and potable water are only available in the summer when the mosquitos are at their most fierce. The rest of the year, vault toilets and bear boxes are the only amenities available and fires are never allowed. Here’s our definitive guide to the best of the best in America’s national parks. This is one of many family-friendly Shenandoah Valley campgrounds. There are 57 tent sites and three cabins available from April to November. Sites like the Luray Caverns and, of course, Skyline Drive are a short drive away, but there’s plenty to do on-site, like fishing and enjoying the river.

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Conditions can change quickly, and the areas can be vast and remote. If you do go alone , make sure to let somebody know of your plans. There’s been a whole lot of information covered so far about camping in Shenandoah. Hopefully, you’re now pretty clued up on where you’re going to camp and what to bring with you.

Given that there are only three campsites and the Dundo Group Campground, all sites must be reserved in advance. Loft Mountain makes the perfect campground if you plan on visiting Doyles River Falls. Shenandoah Guidebook – A good guidebook will provide insights and information to help you plan your perfect trip to Shenandoah. Online Permits for backcountry camping in Shenandoah National Park can be obtained here. You’ll be glad to made a reservation if you’re hoping to camp in peak season in Shenandoah. All of the campgrounds within Shenandoah National Park are open seasonally beginning in the late-Spring through the late-Fall.

Spend your evenings here chilling in the armchair and watching TV, and get cozy by the wood-burning fire. Outside, you’ll find a terrace with a hot tub and grill. Mainly, Retreat at Shenandoah Meadows consists of a large meadow , and also features a pond and a stream. It’s great for families with active children who like to explore, or if you’ve got a pooch who won’t sit still. There are a number of walking trails that lead around the surrounding nature, too.

Depending on where you’re going to set up camp, your camping list is definitely going to look a little different. The kit you bring with you will also depend on what type of camper you are – one who likes a little more luxury, or somebody who keeps it streamlined. The facilities are actually pretty basic, but the campsite is well maintained with plots situated on a large open field. This is a fairly busy campsite, not so equipped for families with young children, but more popular with groups of friends who come here for outdoor fun.

It is also important to ensure that any wood you bring into the park is properly sourced, as firewood can introduce invasive pests that can cause irreparable damage. Given the popularity of the Loft Mountain Campground, reservations are recommended during peak summer weekends. If you don’t have a reservation be sure to arrive as early as possible to give yourself the best change to secure a campsite. There arefive options for those looking to car camp in Shenandoah National Park. These campgrounds are spread throughout the park and give plenty of options for those looking to explore different areas of Shenandoah.