Mathews Arm Campground

Star4.37
687 reviews
3655 Highway 211 East, Luray, VA, 22835, USA

Quick Facts

2,736 ft

Price

$15 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

166 campsites

Season

Open April 30 to Nov...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Mathews Arm Campground
$15.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$30.00 per night per site. $15.00 per night per site with an Access or Senior Pass. Group sites cost $75.00 per night. Additional Recreation.gov...
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Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$75.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
540-999-3132
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What Campers Say

4.37

Recommended

Based on 687 reviews

316 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulcleanlocation

Some mention

noise

"Mathews Arm Campground generally receives positive reviews, with visitors praising its cleanliness, ranger staff, and proximity to hiking trails. However, some complaints include the lack of showers, closely spaced campsites, and occasional noise disturbances during busy weekends."

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Campground Map

3655 Highway 211 East, Luray, VA, 22835, USA

Mathews Arm Campground

3655 Highway 211 East, Luray, VA, 22835, USA

Driving directionsFrom Washington, D.C. metro area, travel west on Interstate 66 to exit 43A. Take US Highway 29 South to Warrenton, Virginia, then take US Highway 211 west for 28 miles to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive Thornton Gap Entrance. Follow Skyline Drive north approximately 9 miles and turn left into Mathews Arm Campground. From Richmond, Virginia area, travel north toward Fredericksburg on Interstate 95 approximately 55 miles to exit 130B for Highway 3 and Culpeper, Virginia. Take Highway 3 approximately 33 miles west to US Highway 15/522 north. Continue on 522 North approximately 20 miles to Sperryville. Turn left onto US Highway 211 West and follow 8 miles to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive, Thornton Gap Entrance. Follow Skyline Drive North approximately 9 miles and turn left into Mathews Arm Campground.
The campground is accessible via Skyline Drive and is a short drive from major highways such as Interstate 66 and US Highway 211. The roads are paved, and Skyline Drive provides a scenic approach. Seasonal closures may affect accessibility during winter months.
Nearby places
Nearest city: Luray (approximately 9 miles south). Other reference points: Dickey Ridge Visitor Center 18 miles north, Harry F Byrd Sr. Visitor Center 29 miles south.
Nearby supplies
Elkwallow Wayside is located 2 miles south of the campground. Supplies include firewood, camping essentials, prepared food, beverages, and souvenirs.

Best Time to Camp at Mathews Arm Campground

Each season transforms Mathews Arm into a different wonderland. Spring arrives with gentle warmth and wildflower blooms carpeting the forest floor. Summer brings welcome shade beneath the towering canopy, where mountain breezes offer natural air conditioning at this elevated retreat. Autumn sets the mountains ablaze with legendary foliage displays of crimson, gold, and amber that draw visitors from around the world. Winter brings peaceful solitude as the campground closes, allowing nature to rest under blankets of snow.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Shaded sites welcome in summer but reviews note crowded/noisy summer weekends.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall leaf-peeping is particularly popular; strong positive review signal for colors and views.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring wildflowers and quiet visits noted; positive seasonal reviews for spring.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed for reservations Nov 3–Apr 29; winter stays not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 30 to November 2. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open April 30 to November 2 for reservations. Closed for booking from November 3 to April 29.
  • Current Alerts: No specific alerts currently mentioned.

About Mathews Arm Campground

Nestled within the emerald embrace of Shenandoah National Park, Mathews Arm Campground offers families an unforgettable escape into Virginia's mountain wilderness. Here, ancient hardwood forests create a natural cathedral where adventurers can explore miles of hiking trails leading to the magnificent Overall Run Falls—the park's highest cascade. As you navigate the legendary Skyline Drive, 75 breathtaking overlooks unveil panoramic vistas that stretch to the horizon, each turn revealing another masterpiece painted by nature herself.
The campground accommodates a mix of tent and RV campers, offering both reservable and first-come, first-served sites. Group camping is also available.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights during all seasons.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Mathews Arm Campground offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and nearby waterfall exploration. The campground’s proximity to Skyline Drive and its many overlooks makes it a good base for day trips.
HikingThere are several hiking trails accessible directly from the campground, including the trail to Overall Run Falls, the highest waterfall in Shenandoah National Park at 93 feet. Trails range from moderate to difficult, and the Appalachian Trail is also nearby.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as black bears, deer, wild turkeys, and a variety of bird species can frequently be seen in the area. Visitors are reminded to store food securely to avoid attracting animals.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsAn amphitheater onsite hosts ranger talks and educational programs, though the schedule varies.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCommon hazards include black bears, rocky terrain, and limited cellphone service. Rangers patrol for safety violations.
Active AlertsNo specific alerts currently mentioned.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are available at many sites.

Weather at Mathews Arm Campground

Reviews

4.4
687 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Mathews Arm Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Mathews Arm Campground generally receives positive reviews, with visitors praising its cleanliness, ranger staff, and proximity to hiking trails. However, some complaints include the lack of showers, closely spaced campsites, and occasional noise disturbances during busy weekends.
Review Summaries
Based on 687 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean and well-maintained facilities; friendly and helpful rangers; excellent location for hiking and wildlife viewing; peaceful and quiet during off-peak times.
Based on 687 reviews

Common Concerns

No shower facilities; some campsites are small, rocky, or uneven; closely spaced sites reduce privacy; noise disturbances during busy weekends; limited cell service.
Based on 687 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve sites in advance for peak seasons; bring your own firewood if arriving after hours; request sites with bear-proof lockers if needed. Avoid sites near restrooms for more privacy.
Based on 687 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Off-peak seasons (spring and fall) offer quieter and more private camping experiences, while summer weekends can be crowded and noisy. Fall is particularly popular for leaf-peeping.
Based on 687 reviews

Camper Quotes

"We stayed two nights and absolutely loved the hiking trails near the campground and the peaceful atmosphere." "Bathrooms were clean, but I wish there were showers available." "The rangers were...
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Based on 687 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campers recommended sites D165 and D166 for more space and privacy. Sites near restrooms or in the reservable loops tend to be less private.
Based on 687 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible campsites are available, but some commenters noted that descriptions of site layouts and terrain could be clearer to help individuals with mobility challenges plan better.
Based on 687 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is pet-friendly, and many users appreciated being able to bring their dogs. Rangers enforce leash rules for safety.
Based on 687 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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