Mathews Arm Campground

Star4.37
687 reviews
3655 Highway 211 East, Luray, VA, 22835, USA

Quick Facts

2,736 ft

Price

$15 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

166 campsites

Season

Open April 30 to Nov...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026
Mathews Arm Campground
$15.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$30.00 per night per site. $15.00 per night per site with an Access or Senior Pass. Group sites cost $75.00 per night. Additional Recreation.gov...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$75.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
540-999-3132
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.37

Recommended

Based on 687 reviews

316 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulcleanlocation

Some mention

noise

"Mathews Arm Campground generally receives positive reviews, with visitors praising its cleanliness, ranger staff, and proximity to hiking trails. However, some complaints include the lack of showers, closely spaced campsites, and occasional noise disturbances during busy weekends."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

3655 Highway 211 East, Luray, VA, 22835, USA

Mathews Arm Campground

3655 Highway 211 East, Luray, VA, 22835, USA

Nearby places
Nearest city: Luray (approximately 9 miles south). Other reference points: Dickey Ridge Visitor Center 18 miles north, Harry F Byrd Sr. Visitor Center 29 miles south.
Nearby supplies
Elkwallow Wayside is located 2 miles south of the campground. Supplies include firewood, camping essentials, prepared food, beverages, and souvenirs.

Best Time to Camp at Mathews Arm Campground

Each season transforms Mathews Arm into a different wonderland. Spring arrives with gentle warmth and wildflower blooms carpeting the forest floor. Summer brings welcome shade beneath the towering canopy, where mountain breezes offer natural air conditioning at this elevated retreat. Autumn sets the mountains ablaze with legendary foliage displays of crimson, gold, and amber that draw visitors from around the world. Winter brings peaceful solitude as the campground closes, allowing nature to rest under blankets of snow.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring wildflowers and quiet visits noted; positive seasonal reviews for spring.

Planning Tips

  • Peak Season: April 30 to November 2. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open April 30 to November 2 for reservations. Closed for booking from November 3 to April 29.
  • Current Alerts: No specific alerts currently mentioned.

About Mathews Arm Campground

Nestled within the emerald embrace of Shenandoah National Park, Mathews Arm Campground offers families an unforgettable escape into Virginia's mountain wilderness. Here, ancient hardwood forests create a natural cathedral where adventurers can explore miles of hiking trails leading to the magnificent Overall Run Falls—the park's highest cascade. As you navigate the legendary Skyline Drive, 75 breathtaking overlooks unveil panoramic vistas that stretch to the horizon, each turn revealing another masterpiece painted by nature herself.
The campground accommodates a mix of tent and RV campers, offering both reservable and first-come, first-served sites. Group camping is also available.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights during all seasons.

Need help booking Mathews Arm Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.


Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Mathews Arm Campground offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and nearby waterfall exploration. The campground’s proximity to Skyline Drive and its many overlooks makes it a good base for day trips.
Hiking
Wildlife viewing
Cultural and Educational Programs
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCommon hazards include black bears, rocky terrain, and limited cellphone service. Rangers patrol for safety violations.
Active AlertsNo specific alerts currently mentioned.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are available at many sites.

Weather at Mathews Arm Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

From Booking Sources
4.4
687 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Mathews Arm Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Mathews Arm Campground generally receives positive reviews, with visitors praising its cleanliness, ranger staff, and proximity to hiking trails. However, some complaints include the lack of showers, closely spaced campsites, and occasional noise disturbances during busy weekends.
Review Summaries
Based on 687 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean and well-maintained facilities; friendly and helpful rangers; excellent location for hiking and wildlife viewing; peaceful and quiet during off-peak times.
Based on 687 reviews

Common Concerns

No shower facilities; some campsites are small, rocky, or uneven; closely spaced sites reduce privacy; noise disturbances during busy weekends; limited cell service.
Based on 687 reviews
Outdoorithm Community
0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Mathews Arm Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated March 28, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like
Camp Sage

Need help planning your trip?

Ask Camp Sage for personalized camping recommendations


Campgrounds
Shenandoah National Park
Mathews Arm Campground