Shenandoah National Park
RV Information
Although Shenandoah National Park doesn't have a campground that is just for RVs, it does have three campgrounds that will accommodate large RVs. Mathews Arm, Big Meadows and Loft Mountain campgrounds all have pull-through and deep back-in sites which most of the time can even handle an RV with a tow vehicle. Although we do not offer hookups, the campgrounds do have potable water and dump stations
Reservations are currently being accepted for Big Meadows, Loft Mountain, and Mathews Arm campgrounds. Loft Mountain and Mathews Arm Campgrounds have approximately 20% of their sites available by reservation and 80% available as first-come, first-served.
Online Reservations for All RV Camps Listed below:
http://www.recreation.gov/
Phone Reservations: 877-444-6777
Mathews Arm Campground
Open Mid-May through October
Details: Mathews Arm (mile 22.1) is the nearest campground for those entering the park from the north. It is next to a nature trail and the trail to Overall Run Falls, the tallest waterfall in the park. Elkwallow Wayside, with camping supplies and food service, is two miles away. $15 per night. Generator-free and group sites are available.
Big Meadows Campground
Open Late March through November
DetailsBig Meadows (mile 51.2), though secluded, is near many of the major facilities and popular hiking trails in the park. Three waterfalls are within walking distance; the Meadow, with its abundant plant growth and wildlife, lies within walking distance. $20 per night when on the reservation system and $17 per night during late spring and early fall. Generator-free and group sites are available.
Lewis Mountain Campground
Open Mid-April through October
DetailsLewis Mountain (mile 57.5), the smallest campground in the park, appeals to those who want a little more privacy without venturing deep into the backcountry, yet it is within seven miles of the popular Big Meadows area. 31 sites; $15 per night, first-come, first-served only
About The Shenandoah National Park in VA
Since Shenandoah is so narrow, hikes tend to be short, either up or down the ridge from Skyline Drive and back. The grand exception is the the Appalachian Trail, which traverses the length of the park, never very far from Skyline Drive and in fact crossing it several times. Some areas of the park were once heavily inhabited, leaving a network of old footpaths and roads, out of which a hiker can make longer composite hikes. Many of these hikes pass by the ruins of abandoned cabins and farm buildings of the vanished mountain folk. Shenandoah also has many beautiful waterfalls that make extraordinary destinations. And of course, many hikes are to overlooks with magnificent views, of which Shenandoah abounds.
Most trailheads are along Skyline Drive. The major exception is Old Rag Mountain on the north central edge of the park.
Five Hikes Away from the Crowds
In summer and fall, Shenandoah becomes a getaway for nature lovers near and far. Views are had from Skyline Drive and many of the tried and true trails become clogged with hikers seeking their own views by foot. However, Shenandoah's linear layout has its advantages when it comes to spreading out the crowds. No matter what time of year, the following five hikes are away from the crowds. After traversing these trails you'll be surprised they aren't on the busy list.
Bear Church Rock
This 9.0-mile round trip high country hike leads along the ridge of Jones Mountain to an incredible view from Bear Church Rock. The hiking along Jones Mountain is never steep for long and is level much of the way as it meanders through varied and beautiful forests to reach the granite slab of Bear Church Rock. The outcrops makes for a natural viewing platform of Fork Mountain, Doubletop Mountain and the crest of the Blue Ridge.
Directions: Pick up the Appalachian Trail at mile 55.1 of Skyline Drive. Head north on the Appalachian Trail then take the following trails to reach Bear Church Rock: Laurel Gap Trail, Cat Knob Trail, Jones Mountain Trail.
Dwyer Cemetery via Piney Ridge Trail
This interesting and easy 2.9-mile one way hike goes through a wildlife-rich transitional forest to the old Dwyer Cemetery. Bear and deer roam this ridge today; you may well see one or the other. Many downed black locust trees along with Virginia and pitch pine indicate a forest in transition reclaiming old fields. Keep along the ridge to reach Dwyer Cemetery. Many headstones have fallen over, others are unreadable. Still others are unmarked fieldstones. Trees are starting to invade the far side of the cemetery near a large, weather-beaten oak. The park service is not maintaining this graveyard.
Directions: Elkwallow Wayside is at mile 24.0 of Skyline Drive. From here, take the Elkwallow Trail to head north on the AT to Piney Ridge Trail.
Rocky Mount Loop
Leave the main crest of the Blue Ridge to access the summit of Rocky Mount and far reaching views on this 9.8-mile loop. The forest changes character before and after Rocky Mount, an outcrop with stunning views. Look over Twomile Run. At the head of the run is the Twomile Run Overlook, where you started, and the crest of the Blue Ridge. To your right, the Shenandoah Valley. Beyond the summit, the trail drops along the base of a huge granite slope, traversing a rock field to the waters of Gap Run. There is a real aura of isolation in this once peopled valley.
Directions: The Rocky Mount Trail starts at Skyline Drive mile 76.2. Take the Rocky Mount Trail to its end, returning on the Gap Run Trail.
Piney River Falls
Gently wind your way through an eye-pleasing, high country woods into the Piney River valley on old roads and take a short side trail to the falls on this 6.8-mile round trip. The Piney River Trail winds it way down to the valley, making very gentle switchbacks to reach the gorge of Piney River on your right. Cross the Piney River, passing many small cascades along Piney River beneath basswood, yellow birch and red maple. Piney River Falls is a 25-foot, three-tiered cascade that falls over mossy rock into a deep and wide pool. It's a good place to cool off after a hot hike.
Directions: The Piney River Trail starts near the Piney River Ranger Station, at milepost 22.1 of Skyline Drive. The Piney River Trail leads to the falls.
Buck Ridge/Buck Hollow Loop
Enjoy ridgetop and riverine environments on this 5.8-mile loop, traversing the narrow Buck Ridge Trail. Some views open up before the path dives steeply off the side of the ridge down to Buck Hollow. The trail is so steep that log steps have been installed to make the footing better. Return up the moist valley in a dense streamside forest. Look for signs of human habitation as you encounter a series of old roads in the valley. Look, too, for big trees that cloak the sides of Buck Hollow.
