§ 02 — OVERVIEW
2026 Opening Date: April 29. Mathews Arm Campground (mile 22.1) is the nearest campground for those entering Shenandoah National Park from Front Royal, in the northern section of the Park. All sites include a place for a tent or RV, a fire ring, and picnic table.
Elkwallow Wayside, with camping supplies and food service, is two miles away. Mathews Arm has a combination of reservable and first-come, first-served sites. Reservable sites are released in sections.
Best Seasons
§ 03 — LOCATION
Directions
Mathews Arm is the closest campground for those entering Shenandoah National Park from the north (Front Royal). From Washington D.C., travel west on Interstate 66 to Front Royal, Virginia (62 miles). Take the exit onto Route 340 South, and follow signs for Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive. Upon entering Skyline Drive, make your way south to mile 22.1 (mile markers can be seen on the side of the Skyline Drive), where you will find Mathews Arm Campground.
Weather Notes
Shenandoah National Park has four very distinct seasons. Spring typically brings mild temperatures, rain, and wildflowers. Summer brings lush green forests, but can be hot and very humid. Fall follows with cooler temperatures and spectacular fall foliage. Winter can bring snow and ice. The mountain is usually 10°F cooler than the valley below. Always check the forecast, dress in layers, and be prepared.
§ 04 — AMENITIES
Standard Campsite (Nonelectric)
A standard, nonelectric campsite for tent or RV (motorhome, pop-up, or 5th-wheel). Standard campsites are limited to six people (or 1 immediate family) per site and one RV.
Group Campsite (Nonelectric)
Mathews Arm Campground has three nonelectric group sites. Each group site can accommodate 7-25 people.
§ 05 — TRAILS NEARBY
§ 06 — CONDITIONS
National Weather Service · seven-day outlook · updated hourly
§ 07 — SIGNAL
FCC broadband data · actual signal varies in remote terrain
§ 08—11 — FROM THE FIELD
Community Intel from visitors, written reviews, dated trip reports, and reader-submitted photographs.
§ 09 — REVIEWS
§ 10 — TRIP REPORTS
§ 11 — COMMUNITY PHOTOS
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§ 01 — VITALS
Nearby Trails
Today
78°F
Mostly Cloudy
10 mph S
Wed
84°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
8 mph SW
Thu
88°F
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
6 mph W
Fri
90°F
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
6 mph W
Sat
84°F
Mostly Sunny
7 mph NW
Sun
84°F
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
2 to 7 mph SW
Mon
81°F
Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
6 mph SE
AT&T
Verizon
Based on FCC availability data. Actual signal may vary in remote terrain.
Trip Reports
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