How much does camping cost at Lewis Mountain Campground?

Camping fees at Lewis Mountain Campground range from $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Lewis Mountain Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Lewis Mountain Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Lewis Mountain Campground before I book?

Yes! Lewis Mountain Campground has 33 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Lewis Mountain Campground?

Lewis Mountain Campground is open March 27 to November 22. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Lewis Mountain Campground?

Yes, Lewis Mountain Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Lewis Mountain Campground have?

Lewis Mountain Campground has 30 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Lewis Mountain Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Lewis Mountain Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Lewis Mountain Campground?

Lewis Mountain Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Pets Allowed, Camp Store, Laundry. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Lewis Mountain Campground?

Popular activities at Lewis Mountain Campground include Hiking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Lewis Mountain Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Lewis Mountain Campground?

Fire policies at Lewis Mountain Campground: Firewood may not be available for purchase after 5 p.m at the camp store. If you plan to arrive late, you may want to consider purchasing firewood in route. Due to the spread of invasive insects, only kiln dried USDA approved firewood is permitted. Help protect our forest, Click here for more information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.51

242 reviews

Shenandoah National Park Headquarters, 3655 U.S. Highway 211 East, Luray, VA

Scenic Views

Featured in:Camping Near Shenandoah#2 Fall Camping

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,000 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Open March 26 throug...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,000 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Open March 26 throug...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Lewis Mountain Campground

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Lewis Mountain Campground: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$30.00

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Campground Map

Shenandoah National Park Headquarters, 3655 U.S. Highway 211 East, Luray, VA

Lewis Mountain Campground

Shenandoah National Park Headquarters, 3655 U.S. Highway 211 East, Luray, VA

Nearby places

Luray (approximately 30 miles, 40 minutes drive)

Elkton (approximately 8 miles, 15 minutes drive)

Charlottesville (approximately 62 miles, 1 hour 30 minutes drive).

Driving directionsLewis Mountain Campground is the closest campground for those entering Shenandoah National Park through Swift Run Entrance Station (Elkton, US 33). From Richmond, Virginia: travel west on I-64 to Charlottesville. Take exit to US-29 North. Turn left onto US-33 West, and follow 14 miles to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive. Once on Skyline Drive, travel north from Swift Run Gap about eight miles to Lewis Mountain Campground (mile 57.5).

Weather at Lewis Mountain Campground

Current alerts(12)

Black bears, deer, skunks, raccoons and other wildlife share this space with you; please plan to store all food, hygiene items and trash in appropriate containers or your vehicle.
Bring a wash basin for washing your dishes, utility sinks are not provided for all sites; dirty water may be dumped in toilets.
Campground map https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/upload/LewisMountain_CampgroundMap.pdf
Cell phone reception is very limited throughout the park.

Best Time to Camp at Lewis Mountain Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most dramatic experience at Lewis Mountain — crisp days (typically 50–70°F) and chilly nights (30s–40s) combine with peak hardwood color at 3,000 ft, making hikes and overlooks spectacular for photography and leaf-peeping. Trails are generally dry and comfortable for daylong hikes, wildlife viewing peaks as animals prepare for winter, and the campground — being small — still feels peaceful despite increased visitation. Expect higher crowds on weekends in October, so midweek stays Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall is best: mild days, cool nights and peak hardwood canopy color in October; highly recommended.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 27 to November 22. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open March 26 through November 30. Closed December 1 through March 25.

About Lewis Mountain Campground

Lewis Mountain Campground sits at 3,000 feet in Shenandoah National Park, operated by the National Park Service with seasonal availability during peak months. This small campground offers tent sites, RV spots, primitive camping, and cabins with full amenities including showers, flush toilets, a camp store, and laundry. Visitors come for hiking and wildlife viewing in the Blue Ridge foothills, with fall drawing crowds for hardwood color and crisp mountain air.

Lewis Mountain Campground caters to tent and RV campers, offering primitive camping with minimal facilities. Cabins are also available for those seeking basic amenities.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most dramatic experience at Lewis Mountain — crisp days (typically 50–70°F) and chilly nights (30s–40s) combine with peak hardwood color at 3,000 ft, making hikes and overlooks spectacular for photography and leaf-peeping. Trails are generally dry and comfortable for daylong hikes, wildlife viewing peaks as animals prepare for winter, and the campground — being small — still feels peaceful despite increased visitation. Expect higher crowds on weekends in October, so midweek stays Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation3000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a forested ridge in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where hardwoods create a dense canopy overhead. White-tailed deer browse near campsites, black bears move through the area (bear lockers are provided), and wild turkeys cross the forest floor. Spring brings trilliums and bloodroot to the understory. Fall turns the hardwoods to red and gold, with especially dramatic color at this elevation. The site sits where northern and southern species overlap, creating a mix of vegetation you won't find at lower or higher elevations.

Lodging & AccommodationsLodging includes basic cabins with minimal amenities. "Cabins are very basic, two beds and a bathroom," said one reviewer. Another noted, "Sweet little cabins equipped with the basics," though some reported issues like mouse droppings.

Programs & ActivitiesThe nearby Byrd Visitor Center offers ranger programs and exhibits. "The ranger also gave a talk on the history of the place, worth checking out," said one reviewer.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Stays are limited to 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Six people (or one immediate family) per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not applicable; payment is made via Scan & Pay or self-registration envelopes.

AccessibilityTwo accessible campsites are available, along with wheelchair-accessible showers and laundry facilities.

Site SizeSites vary, with some being large and others described as "super small.

PrivacyCampsites provide moderate privacy, with some users mentioning they are "well spaced out" while others found them "a bit close together.

Total Campsites30 campsites

Recommended SitesSelect campsites in shaded areas near the woods for less noise and traffic. Sites near the camp store and facilities may be more convenient but could lack privacy.

Best CampsitesReviews suggest sites at the far end of the loop for better spacing and privacy.

Amenities available

Lewis Mountain Campground offers a blend of seclusion and convenience. It features 30 campsites along with flush toilets, coin-operated showers, and a camp store. "The campground is small so the toilets, showers and store are just a short walk from any site," notes one reviewer. Cell phone reception and Wi-Fi are limited, making it a peaceful retreat. The camp store is well-stocked with essentials, including snacks, firewood, and camping gear, and is open seasonally. "The staff at the camp store were incredibly friendly, real nice folks," one user commented. Accessible features include ADA-compliant campsites and facilities, while potable water is available seasonally.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Lewis Mountain Campground offers diverse recreational opportunities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and picnicking. Located off Skyline Drive and near the Appalachian Trail, it provides access to trails and scenic overlooks. "Located right on the Appalachian Trail. Several day hiking opportunities from this location," noted one reviewer.

Hiking

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are provided free of charge in bear-prone areas. Outer loop campsites have bear boxes, while inner sites may not.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyFirewood may not be available for purchase after 5 p.m at the camp store. If you plan to arrive late, you may want to consider purchasing firewood in route. Due to the spread of invasive insects, only kiln dried USDA approved firewood is permitted. Help protect our forest, Click here for more information.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling collection are available seasonally. Campers are advised to store trash securely due to the presence of wildlife.

Cell CoverageCell phone reception is limited. Some users noted intermittent service, with one stating, "Cellular service wasn't too bad, but it was better than in many other areas of the park."

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

242 reviews

Top-Rated

Lewis Mountain Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Lewis Mountain Campground is praised for its seclusion, cleanliness, and proximity to trails. While most users appreciated the scenic beauty and friendly staff, a few raised concerns about aggressive behavior from other campers and inconsistent camp hosts.

Review Summaries

Based on 242 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers appreciated the campground's cleanliness, peaceful setting, and friendly staff. "The campground is smaller than the others, but the campstore manager is amazing," said one. "Bathrooms were...

Based on 242 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users reported issues with camp host behavior and aggressive campers vying for sites. "Mary the camp host's message was clear and my last memory... is the camp host asking me how soon I would be...

Based on 242 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites are described as varying in size. Some are noted as "large," while others are "super small." Outer loop campsites feature bear boxes.

Based on 242 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early during peak seasons to secure a site. Bring exact change for showers and consider purchasing firewood before arriving, as supplies may be limited late in the day.

Based on 242 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are highly recommended for their mild weather and scenic beauty. Summer reviews noted occasional humidity, while winter closure limits access.

Based on 242 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The scenery at Lewis Mountain Campground never disappoints." "We enjoyed ourselves a lot. I will definitely visit that place again." "Get here early to get a spot."

Based on 242 reviews

Accessibility Features

Two ADA-accessible sites and facilities like showers and laundry received positive comments regarding their accessibility.

Based on 242 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcomed, and the campground is described as dog-friendly by several users. "It's quiet, family-oriented, and dog-friendly," said one.

Based on 242 reviews

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Go if

You want National Park Service facilities with shower access and hiking trails during peak season.

Skip if

You need spacious, private sites or prefer a more relaxed campground atmosphere.

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Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (Va)

4.5

(1471)

Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (Va)

Shenandoah National Park Headquarters, 3655 U.S. Highway 211 East, Luray, VA 22835

Big Meadows Campground sits at high elevation in Shenandoah National Park, operated by the National Park Service near Luray. The very large facility offers tent, RV, primitive, and group camping with full amenities including showers, dump station, camp store, and laundry. Visitors come for direct access to major hiking trails, ranger-led programs, and wildlife viewing across Blue Ridge ridgelines.