How much does camping cost at Mathews Arm Campground?

Camping fees at Mathews Arm Campground range from $30-$75/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Mathews Arm Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Mathews Arm Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Mathews Arm Campground before I book?

Yes! Mathews Arm Campground has 10 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Mathews Arm Campground?

Mathews Arm Campground is open April 29 to November 01. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Mathews Arm Campground?

Mathews Arm Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Mathews Arm Campground have?

Mathews Arm Campground has 166 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Mathews Arm Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Mathews Arm Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Mathews Arm Campground?

Mathews Arm Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Mathews Arm Campground?

Popular activities at Mathews Arm Campground include Hiking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Mathews Arm Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Mathews Arm Campground?

Fire policies at Mathews Arm Campground: Firewood is available at Elkwallow Wayside 2 miles South of the campground, Sunday - Thursday until 5pm and Friday - Saturday until 6pm. Due to the spread of invasive insects, only kiln dried USDA approved firewood is permitted. Help protect our forest, Click here for more information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.35

687 reviews

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

Great Hiking

Featured in:Camping Near Shenandoah#3 Best Campgrounds Virginia Tent Camping Virginia +1 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,736 ft

Price

$30 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

166 campsites

Season

Open April 30 to Nov...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,736 ft

Price

$30 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

166 campsites

Season

Open April 30 to Nov...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Mathews Arm Campground

$30.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $75.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Group Site Fee$75.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

540-999-3132

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Mathews Arm Campground

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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

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.

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.

Weather at Mathews Arm Campground

Current alerts(10)

Black bears, deer, skunks, raccoons and other wildlife share this space with you; please plan to store all food, hygiene items and trash in appropriate containers or your vehicle.
Cell phone reception is very limited throughout the park.
Generator hours are 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. with a 60 decibel limit. Vehicle engines must be shut down when parked and may run for no more than five minutes.
No Show Policy : A no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date (or for day-use facilities, by check-in time the day of arrival).

Best Time to Camp at Mathews Arm Campground

Best season: fall. Fall shows off Mathews Arm at its most dramatic: crisp days, cooler nights, and a canopy of maples and oaks that peak in late September through mid-October, making Skyline Drive overlooks and the Overall Run Falls especially photogenic. Expect daytime highs roughly 50–65°F and nighttime temps in the 30s–40s, ideal for full-day hikes and wildlife viewing (deer and raptors are more visible). Crowds are highest on October weekends along Skyline Drive and at trailheads, so visit weekdays or early/—/ Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall highlighted as best: peak foliage late Sept–mid-Oct; reviewers and seasonal info praise leaf-peeping.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 29 to November 01. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open April 30 to November 2 for reservations. Closed for booking from November 3 to April 29.

About Mathews Arm Campground

Mathews Arm Campground sits in the northern foothills of Shenandoah National Park, operated by the National Park Service and open seasonally during peak months. The campground serves as a base for hiking to Overall Run Falls and exploring Skyline Drive overlooks, with tent, RV, primitive, and group sites spread across a very large footprint. Rangers maintain clean facilities with flush toilets, potable water, and a dump station, though no showers are available.

The campground accommodates a mix of tent and RV campers, offering both reservable and first-come, first-served sites. Group camping is also available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall shows off Mathews Arm at its most dramatic: crisp days, cooler nights, and a canopy of maples and oaks that peak in late September through mid-October, making Skyline Drive overlooks and the Overall Run Falls especially photogenic. Expect daytime highs roughly 50–65°F and nighttime temps in the 30s–40s, ideal for full-day hikes and wildlife viewing (deer and raptors are more visible). Crowds are highest on October weekends along Skyline Drive and at trailheads, so visit weekdays or early/—/ Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation2736 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryOaks, hickories, and maples create a hardwood canopy across rolling terrain. The campground's elevation provides occasional valley views between sites. Overall Run Falls, the park's tallest waterfall at 93 feet, sits within hiking distance. White-tailed deer and black bears move through the area regularly. The ancient Blue Ridge granite and metamorphic rock outcrops visible from trails date back over a billion years, remnants of mountains that once rivaled the Himalayas in height.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges or glamping accommodations are available. The campground offers traditional campsites for tents and RVs.

Programs & ActivitiesAn amphitheater onsite hosts ranger talks and educational programs, though the schedule varies.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights during all seasons.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact limits per site are not detailed, but some reviews mention limits of 4 people and 2 tents.

Groups

Group sites allow for larger gatherings and are equipped with the same amenities as individual sites. Specific details about maximum capacity are unavailable.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online or call center.

AccessibilityAccessible campsites are available. Some campsites include bear-proof food storage lockers for safety.

Site SizeCampsites vary from small to medium size. Some are suitable for oversized tents and RVs, while others have rocky or uneven ground.

PrivacySite privacy varies; some sites are well-shaded and more secluded, while others are closely spaced with little natural screening, especially in the reservable loops.

Total Campsites166 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites away from bathrooms for privacy. Generators are prohibited in some zones for quieter experiences.

Best CampsitesGroup sites D165 and D166 offer more space. Sites with bear-proof lockers get requested frequently. Reviewers recommend avoiding sites near restrooms for better privacy and less foot traffic.

Need help booking Mathews Arm Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Mathews Arm Campground provides a comfortable camping experience with amenities such as flush toilets, potable water stations, and a dump station. However, there are no showers available at this campground. Sites include fire rings and picnic tables, and some also come with bear-proof storage lockers. Firewood is available for purchase at the nearby Elkwallow Wayside, located two miles south of the campground. The facility is well-maintained, with clean bathrooms and a ranger station onsite. Cell phone service is very limited, and there are no Wi-Fi services.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are available at many sites.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyFirewood is available at Elkwallow Wayside 2 miles South of the campground, Sunday - Thursday until 5pm and Friday - Saturday until 6pm. Due to the spread of invasive insects, only kiln dried USDA approved firewood is permitted. Help protect our forest, Click here for more information.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available near the restrooms. Campers are advised to dispose of waste properly due to the presence of wildlife.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is very limited throughout the campground. Visitors using Verizon or T-Mobile reported minimal to no connectivity.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

687 reviews

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

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

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a well-maintained base for hiking and wildlife viewing in Shenandoah with ranger support and fall foliage access.

Skip if

You need shower facilities or want to avoid peak-season crowds and strict no-show policies.

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This 1,604-acre state park opened in 1999 along 5.6 miles of the south fork of the Shenandoah River. The 11 walk-in tent sites sit on steep, wooded terrain at 709 feet elevation, ranging from 22 to 71 feet long with variable spacing. Upper loop sites offer hill views; lower sites face forest.