Backcountry camping permit (rolling release)Timed release
Reservations may be made up to 90 days in advance of the trip and as late as the same day of the permit start date. Trip window: Year-round.
National Park Service · VA
Shenandoah National Park Backcountry Permits
Year-round overnight backcountry camping permits for Shenandoah's 198,000+ acres, including nearly 80,000 acres of designated wilderness, now issued on Recreation.gov.
Permit requiredovernightVaries
Access requirement
How to get a permit
Permit rules
QuotaA permit is required year-round to camp in the backcountry. Permits can be reserved up to 90 days in advance of your trip through Recreation.gov.
GroupGroups may not exceed ten individuals; larger parties must obtain separate permits and camp at least 50 yards apart.
Fees$9 per person plus a $6 non-refundable permit reservation fee; amount does not vary by number of nights (up to 14 maximum). Park entrance fee is separate.
TransferPermits are not transferable, but an alternate permit holder may be designated at time of purchase.
SafetyFollow Leave No Trace and backcountry camping regulations; an Old Rag day-use ticket is required separately from 3/1 to 11/30.
Where to stay
Campgrounds nearby
Official campground records near this destination. Availability is labeled with the source actually checked.
Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (VA)
Reservable · *All campsites at Big Meadows are 100% reservation only and must be reserved in advance by visiting www.recreation.gov. Campsites will be released in waves, The majority of sites can be reserved up to 6 months out. Other sites will be released 2 weeks prior to your arrival date and the remaining sites released 4 days prior to your arrival date. *$30.00 per night/per site *$15.00 per night/per site with an Access (disability/golden age) or Senior Pass Must present pass/ID upon check-in *Group sites are $75 per night/per site *plus recreation.gov administrative fees with reservation
Aug 25103Aug 26143Aug 27138Aug 2834Aug 291Aug 30130Aug 31148
Availability: Recreation.gov
Lewis Mountain Campground
Reservable + first-come · May 3, 2023 thru October 28, 2023, all campsites at Lewis Mountain Campground are first-come, first-served only. Payment is made via Scan & Pay or self-registration envelope. *$30.00 per night/per site *$15.00 per night/per site with an Access (disability/golden age) or Senior Pass Use the Recreation.gov Mobile App to pay the nightly camping fee when you arrive at the campground site. Prior to arriving at the campground download the Recreation.gov App to your mobile device and create a Recreation.gov account.
Aug 25—Aug 26—Aug 27—Aug 28—Aug 29—Aug 30—Aug 31—
Availability: Recreation.gov
MATHEWS ARM CAMPGROUND
Reservable · *$30.00 per night/per site *$15.00 per night/per site with an Access (disability/golden age) or Senior Pass Must present pass/ID upon check-in *Group sites $75.00 per night *plus recreation.gov administrative fees with reservation
Aug 25111Aug 26106Aug 27102Aug 2888Aug 2978Aug 3082Aug 3181
Availability: Recreation.gov
Camp Roosevelt
Reservable + first-come
Aug 25—Aug 26—Aug 27—Aug 28—Aug 29—Aug 30—Aug 31—
Availability: Recreation.gov