Mathews Arm Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Opens April 30, 2025. Reservations available up to 6 months in advance via Recreation.gov, with additional sites released 2 weeks and 4 days prior to arrival.
High Wind Warning issued December 30 at 12:34AM EST until December 30 at 4:00PM EST by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
* WHAT...West winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. The strongest winds are expected through this morning. * WHERE...Central Virginia Blue Ridge and Northern Virginia Blue Ridge. * WHEN...Until 4 PM EST this afternoon. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
Necessary Upgrades Underway at Dickey Ridge Visitor Center in September
For visitor safety, please avoid the construction area and follow all signage and fencing. Visitor center operations will not be impacted.
Shenandoah National Park Moves to Fully Cashless Fee Collection July 1
On July 1, 2025, the park transitioned to a fully cashless system at our fee entrance stations. Only credit cards, debit cards, or mobile payments will be accepted.
Parking at Boundary Access Areas
Visitors are reminded to park in designated parking areas when accessing the park via boundary trailheads. Parking in unauthorized locations may result in your vehicle being towed at the owner's expense.
Get Skyline Drive Status Updates
Sign up for Shenandoah Alerts by texting SHENALERTS to 888777. Any time there are closures, re-openings, or other important safety-related alerts, subscribers will receive a notification via text. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Ticket Required to Hike Old Rag
March 1 - November 30 those wishing to hike Old Rag are required to obtain a day-use ticket before arriving.
Potential delays during stone wall rehabilitation project
The stone wall that lines Skyline Drive is being rehabilitated between miles 72.8 and 75.7. There will be a single lane closure for the duration of this work, with an established work zone that will be managed by flaggers. Visitors should expect delays.
Charging Stations are Currently Unavailable
The charging stations at Skyland are currently out of service.
About
Mathews Arm Campground occupies a secluded forested setting in the northern reaches of Shenandoah National Park, making it the closest campground for visitors entering from Front Royal. Located at mile 22.1 on the scenic Skyline Drive, the campground features 165 sites spread across wooded terrain, offering a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served options. All sites include a picnic table, fire ring, and space for tents or RVs. The campground serves as an excellent launching point for backcountry adventures, with a moderately difficult trail leading to Overall Run Falls. At 93 feet, this cascade holds the distinction of being Shenandoah's tallest waterfall, with views extending across the Shenandoah Valley to Massanutten Mountain. The park's extensive trail network, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail, provides endless opportunities for hikers of all skill levels. Wildlife viewing is exceptional, with black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and abundant bird species common throughout the area. Elkwallow Wayside sits just two miles south, offering camping supplies, food service, and basic provisions during operating season. The campground accommodates RVs with pull-through and deep back-in sites suitable for most rigs and tow vehicles, though hookups are not available. Four ADA-accessible sites ensure the campground serves visitors of all abilities.
Directions
From Washington D.C., take I-66 west 62 miles to Front Royal. Exit onto Route 340 South and follow signs for Shenandoah National Park. Enter Skyline Drive and travel south 22.1 miles to Mathews Arm Campground entrance on the left. From Richmond, take I-95 north to exit 130B (Highway 3 west toward Culpeper), continue to US 15/522 north to Sperryville, then west on US 211 to Thornton Gap entrance. Follow Skyline Drive north 9 miles to campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $30 - $75 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | 52ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (540) 999-3132 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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