Mathews Arm Campground

One of my faves! Spacious, fairly private sites & love that it's one of the few places that still has first come first served sites. They have changed their reservation system this year to being much more fair in my opinion to people who can't make plans 6 months in advance. The hiking is great, the place is pretty empty on weekdays, & very pet friendly. I try to spend time here every year!

A nice park at the north end of Shenandoah. It has bathrooms with toilets and running water, but no showers. The spots are really close to each other with very few trees in-between. We had a spot that was right next to the bathroom, but there was no walking path for the bathroom- this meant that everybody walked through our area. In the middle of the night people would end up right next to our cars and picnic area. I wasn't really a fan of this. The rangers were really helpful and attentive to the campground. I saw them coming by frequently.

Absolutely stunning experience. Relax and Rejuvenate Facilities: Mathews Arm Campground boasts clean flush toilets equipped with dryers, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay. The maintained amenities elevated our camping experience, providing a level of comfort that's often hard to find in such remote locations. Scenic Beauty: The campground's location amidst lush greenery and towering trees was a sight to behold. The vibrant foliage and tranquil surroundings made for a picturesque backdrop. Setting up hammocks between the great trees allowed us to immerse ourselves in the stunning scenery and take full advantage of the serene ambiance. Trails and Activities: The campground serves as an ideal starting point for various hiking trails, offering a chance to explore Shenandoah National Park's natural wonders. The proximity to the trails provided an opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to indulge in their passion for hiking and exploring. Wildlife and Nature: Throughout our stay, we were fortunate to observe a variety of wildlife species, including birds and deer. The campground's location within the park provided a unique opportunity to witness the park's diverse ecosystem up close. Overall Experience: Our experience at Mathews Arm Campground was marked by the harmony between well-maintained facilities and the surrounding natural beauty. The fact that it offers clean and convenient amenities while preserving the serene atmosphere of Shenandoah National Park is a testament to its appeal. In conclusion, Mathews Arm Campground is a retreat that caters to nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Its combination of facilities, scenic beauty, proximity to hiking trails, and wildlife observation opportunities make it a noteworthy destination within Shenandoah National Park.

One of the best campgrounds in Shenandoah and also has very little cell service, so if you have little ones and you want to get them unhooked from their phones, I'd highly recommend coming here as opposed to any other ones. The overlooks nearby were fantastic. However, the one thing I will say is you need to buy firewood before 6:00 p.m. from the local camp store as they do not sell it after hours We loved our time there and we'll definitely be coming back.

I had a blast camping here. We were in campsite A65. I didn’t give it 5 stars because the campsites are so close to each other and it was noisy after quiet hours. We were so close, I could hear the camper next to us snoring. However, it had plenty of space for our oversized tent. Not all of the spaces did though, so if you have a large tent, check out the spaces ahead of time and reserve a space online. You can view pictures of the reservable sites. For cell service: I have T-Mobile and my phone was in and out between 1 bar and SOS. For location: we were 54 min from Big Meadows and 34 min from Walmart and Luray Caverns. There’s also zip lining in Luray just fyi. If you forget something, it’s worth taking the trip to Walmart. The store at big meadows was overpriced for sleeping bags and sleeping pads. $99-$120 for sleeping bags is unnecessary when you can get them at Walmart for $25-35. *Bring your own firewood. I did not see firewood here or at big meadows. Maybe they run out sometimes. Walmart had plenty.