How much does camping cost at Loft Mountain Campground?

Camping fees at Loft Mountain Campground range from $30-$75/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Loft Mountain Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

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

Yes! Loft Mountain Campground has 9 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 Loft Mountain Campground?

Loft Mountain Campground is open April 29 to November 01. 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 Loft Mountain Campground?

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

How many campsites does Loft Mountain Campground have?

Loft Mountain Campground has 207 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Loft Mountain Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Loft 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 Loft Mountain Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Loft Mountain Campground?

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

Loft Mountain Campground

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

Fire policies at Loft Mountain Campground: Firewood may not be available for purchase after 5 p.m. If you plan to arrive late, you may want to consider purchasing firewood en 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.

4.19

826 reviews

C/O Shenandoah National Park/Swift Run Entrance Station 22591Spotswood Trail, Elkton, VA 22827, USA

Top 12% in VAFall

Featured in:Camping Near Shenandoah

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,323 ft

Price

$30 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

207 campsites

Season

Open April 30 - Nove...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Shenandoah National Park Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,323 ft

Price

$30 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

207 campsites

Season

Open April 30 - Nove...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Shenandoah National Park Official Website

Get Directions

Loft Mountain Campground

$30.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC-210451: $75.00; Group Standard Nonelectric: $75.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus...

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Group Site Fee$75.00

Get Notified When Available

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

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

434-823-4675

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Loft Mountain Campground

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Campground Map

C/O Shenandoah National Park/Swift Run Entrance Station 22591Spotswood Trail, Elkton, VA 22827, USA

Loft Mountain Campground

C/O Shenandoah National Park/Swift Run Entrance Station 22591Spotswood Trail, Elkton, VA 22827, USA

Nearby places

Elkton: Approx. 15 miles (30 minutes)

Charlottesville: Approx. 30 miles (1 hour)

Harrisonburg: Approx. 40 miles (1 hour)

Driving directionsFrom Washington, D.C., metro area, travel west on Interstate 66 to exit 43A. Take US Highway 29 south approximately 55 miles to Ruckersville, Virginia, then take US Highway 33 west to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive Swift Run Entrance. Follow Skyline Drive south approximately 15 miles and turn left into the Loft Mountain area. Follow the signs to Loft Mountain Campground. From Richmond, Virginia, area, travel west on Interstate 64 to exit 99 for Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive. Take Skyline Drive north approximately 25 miles and turn right into the Loft Mountain area. Follow the signs to Loft Mountain Campground.

Weather at Loft Mountain Campground

Current alerts(11)

"Walk up"/First come-first served sites can only be reserved in person at the ranger station. We cannot hold these sites-you must be present to occupy the site. The inventory shown on this site only shows how many sites are walk ups, it does not show the current occupancy.
Black bears, deer, skunks, raccoons and other wildlife share this space with you; please plan to store all food, hygiene items, trash, and any other scented items in either your locked vehicle or a food storage locker (if there is one available at your site).
Cell phone reception is very limited throughout the park
Generator hours are 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. with a 60 decibel limit

Best Time to Camp at Loft Mountain Campground

Best season: fall. Fall delivers the campground’s signature experience: crisp, stable weather, vivid mountain color, and sweeping ridge-top views—peak foliage at this elevation typically occurs in mid-to-late October. Daytime temperatures are often in the 50s–60s°F with nights dropping into the 30s–40s°F, perfect for hiking and photography without oppressive heat. Trails and overlooks are at their most dramatic, though expect higher weekend crowds from late September through October. Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 12% in VA

Peak foliage mid-late Oct; described as best season with crisp days and outstanding views.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 29 to November 01. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open April 30 - November 2, closed outside these dates.

About Loft Mountain Campground

Loft Mountain Campground sits at 3,400 feet in Shenandoah National Park, operated by the National Park Service with direct access to ridge-top trails and overlooks. The very large facility offers tent and RV sites with full amenities including showers, a camp store, and laundry, making it a well-equipped base for exploring the park's backcountry. Wildlife viewing and hiking dominate the experience, with fall foliage drawing photographers and leaf-peepers to the high-elevation vistas.

Loft Mountain Campground caters to diverse camping styles, offering options for tent camping, RV use, and group sites. No cabins or glamping facilities are available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall delivers the campground’s signature experience: crisp, stable weather, vivid mountain color, and sweeping ridge-top views—peak foliage at this elevation typically occurs in mid-to-late October. Daytime temperatures are often in the 50s–60s°F with nights dropping into the 30s–40s°F, perfect for hiking and photography without oppressive heat. Trails and overlooks are at their most dramatic, though expect higher weekend crowds from late September through October. Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation3323 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryWeathered granite peaks descend into gentle slopes, open meadows, and forested hollows. The campground sits among oaks, hickories, mountain laurel, and rhododendron, with layers of Blue Ridge wilderness stretching in all directions. Wild turkeys appear at dawn, white-tailed deer graze at dusk, and black bears move through the area regularly enough that proper food storage is essential. Trails from camp lead to overlooks, waterfalls, and backcountry areas. Site privacy depends on your loop. Shrubs and trees provide seclusion in some areas, while other loops pack sites closely together.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available. The campground offers basic camping sites only.

Programs & ActivitiesRanger-led programs and talks are occasionally held at the amphitheater, focusing on the park's natural and cultural history.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 30 nights during a visit, 30 nights total within each year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Groups

Group sites can accommodate up to 18 people
they are priced at $75 per night and lack electrical hookups.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online or through the app. On-site staff assist with changes or cancellations during stay.

AccessibilityAccessible sites include picnic areas with grills and emergency services. Some reviewers stated improvements are necessary for RV accessibility due to tight loops and sloped sites.

Site SizeCampsites vary significantly in size. Some can accommodate large RVs (30–32 feet), while others are better suited for tents. Many sites have sloped or uneven ground.

PrivacySite privacy varies; most sites are surrounded by shrubs and trees, providing seclusion. Some loops are densely packed, making privacy harder to achieve.

Total Campsites207 campsites

Recommended SitesFor tent camping, western ridge sites provide beautiful vistas and breezes. For RVs, consider flatter loops.

Best CampsitesTent sites A10-A20 along the western ridge offer sunset views. Site G192 gets mentioned for privacy. Reviewers recommend arriving early for first-come, first-serve sites, especially on fall weekends.

Need help booking Loft Mountain Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

There are no RV hook-ups but there is a dump station with potable water available This expansive campground offers 207 campsites, as well as amenaties like flush toilets and water and dump stations, which create a comfortable camping experience. Pay showers are nearby at the campstore. Generator hours are 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. with a 60 decibel limit

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Loft Mountain offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and relaxing at scenic overlooks along Skyline Drive. The campground’s proximity to the Appalachian Trail makes it a popular choice for hikers.

Hiking

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Food Storage RequiredFood lockers are available at tent sites and some standard campsites. They are essential for storing food securely in bear territory.

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.

Fire PolicyFirewood may not be available for purchase after 5 p.m. If you plan to arrive late, you may want to consider purchasing firewood en 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 facilities are available. Campers are advised to use designated areas to avoid wildlife encounters.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

826 reviews

Satisfactory

Loft Mountain Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews highlight the scenic location, access to trails, and well-stocked store. However, complaints include uneven campsites, inadequate showers, and maintenance issues.

Review Summaries

Based on 826 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 826 reviews.

Site G186Loved
Site G186 was praised for privacy but noted for its steep slope.
Site G193Issues noted
Site G193 was criticized for noise due to its proximity to a water facility.

What Campers Love

Positive feedback emphasizes beautiful views, wildlife encounters, and proximity to trails. Many appreciated the clean bathrooms, quiet atmosphere, and friendly staff.

Based on 826 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include unlevel campsites, limited cell service, expensive showers, and occasional maintenance lapses.

Based on 826 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early for first-come, first-serve sites. Bring exact change for showers. Visit the amphitheater for views. Store food securely due to bears.

Based on 826 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall is the most popular season due to foliage. Spring and summer receive mixed reviews, with many noting high visitor numbers.

Based on 826 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The Appalachian Trail runs right through the campground, making it a hiker's paradise." "Showers were clean but smelled like cat urine." "Wildlife like deer and bears added to the experience."

Based on 826 reviews

Accessibility Features

Some RV users found loops difficult to navigate, and sloped sites posed challenges. Accessible features like picnic areas received positive feedback.

Based on 826 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and some users noted encounters with wildlife like deer that reacted to dogs.

Based on 826 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

You want maintained facilities and trailhead proximity inside Shenandoah National Park during peak foliage season.

Skip if

You drive a large RV and need guaranteed level sites or prefer campgrounds with bear-proof food storage.

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4.3

(84)

Dundo Group Campground

SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK/CAMPGROUNDS, 3655 HIGHWAY 211 EAST, Luray, VA, 22835, USA

Dundo Group Campground sits in the foothills of Shenandoah National Park near Luray, operated by the National Park Service for group tent camping. The primitive sites offer grassy, shaded clearings with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, plus close access to the Appalachian Trail. Reviewers highlight the seclusion and fall foliage, though water quality issues and limited privacy between group sites are common complaints.