Mathews Arm Campground

Overview

Secluded in the thick trees and rolling hills of the Shenandoah National Park, Mathews Arm Campground is the ideal spot for a camping getaway.

Recreation

Shenandoah National Park has over 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Some trails lead to a waterfall or viewpoint while others wind deep into the forests and wilderness.

Mathews Arm Campground is located near Overall Run Falls, which, at 93 feet, has the highest drop of all the falls in Shenandoah National Park. A moderately difficult hiking trail, which leads to the falls, is accessible from the campground. Once at the falls, visitors can enjoy views of the entire Shenandoah Valley and Massanutten Mountain.

Wildlife viewing is a also a popular pastime, with black bears, wild turkey, deer, birds and countless other animals abundant across the park.

The campground is located right off of Milepost 22 on the famous Skyline Drive, which runs 105 miles north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Stunning views are available from any of the 75 scenic overlooks.

Facilities

Mathews Arm is a family-oriented campground, offering plenty of open spaces in the nearly 166 available campsites. All sites include a place for a tent or RV, a fire ring and picnic area. The campground also offers amenities like flush toilets, drinking water and one dump station, which create a comfortable camping experience. There are no showers in this campground.

Natural Features

Shenandoah National Park includes 300 square miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the southern Appalachians. The park rises above the Virginia Piedmont to its east and the Shenandoah Valley to its west.

Nearby Attractions

Elkwallow Wayside is located just two miles away, offering camping supplies, a limited menu restaurant, prepared sandwiches, beverages, souvenirs, and more.

Two visitor centers are located along Skyline Drive. Dickey Ridge Visitor Center, 18 miles North, and The Harry F Byrd Sr. Visitor Center, 29 miles South.

Bookstores, restaurants and exhibits are scattered throughout the Shenandoah National Park.Click here for more information. 

Contact Info

This location is staffed. Please call (540) 986-4175 to speak with local staff.

Charges & Cancellations

Changing Reservations: 

There is no change fee if a visitor extends or shortens a reservation, as long as the change includes dates from the original reservation. Additionally, there is no change fee if the visitor wants to switch sites that are the same price with the same reservation dates in the same facility.  

If a visitor wants to switch dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates, there is a $10 change fee.  

If a reservation is made that includes dates beyond the maximum booking window, that reservation cannot be changed until 18 days have passed from the original booking date.  

Once a reservation date has begun, visitors cannot change a reservation using the online system or through the Call Center. Onsite staff will assist with changes or cancellations.   

Cancellations:  

Visitors may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation.  

A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's approved rate including tax and applicable add-on. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.  

Visitors who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days prior to arrival date will pay a $10 service fee AND forfeit the first night’s rate.   

No-Shows:  

A no-show visitor 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. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date.  

No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite.   

Early Departures:  

Visitors are requested to notify staff at the facility if they depart early to allow others to use the site.  

If the visitor chooses to depart early, they may forfeit the approved rate and applicable tax and applicable add-on for the day of departure. If a visitor departs prior to the scheduled check-out date, they may be eligible for a partial refund. Visitors may notify the Recreation.gov call center to request a refund of remaining unused nights. If a visitor requests a refund for an early departure after the facility check-out time (12 noon) has passed, the visitor will not be refunded for that night and is eligible for a refund on any additional nights that will not be used.   

Refunds: 

Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Visitors may also initiate a refund request through the call center at any time after their reservation has ended.  

Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay.  

For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive.  

In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile. 

From 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.