Loft Mountain Campground

Shenandoah National Park

Perched on top of Big Flat Mountain, this is one of the largest campgrounds in the park. Loft Mountain is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, providing a wilderness getaway in the historic Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia.

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.

Need to Know

• "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. We are not able to update the availability of first come-first served sites on recreation.gov due to unreliable internet at the campground. You are welcome to call the campground office and ask about current availability the day you plan to arrive. Our phone number is: 434-823-4675 *These sites typically sell out on the weekends. There are seldom any available by Saturday.*

• Upon arrival to the campground, please check in at the registration office. If you arrive after hours, directions will be posted at that office

• 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).

• No Show Policy: A no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date (or for day-use facilities, by check-in time the day of arrival). Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date and will hold group day-use facilities until check-in time on the arrival date. For more information on Rec.gov Rules and Reservation Policies click here. 

• You are responsible for following all park and campground regulations here 

• Generator hours are 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. with a 60 decibel limit
• There are no RV hook-ups but there is a dump station with potable water available

• 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. 

• There is a $30 fee per vehicle to enter the park. The pass issued is valid for one week

• Unleaded fuel is available 24/7 at Big Meadows Wayside (milepost 51.2).

  Electric Vehicle charging stations are only available at Skyland Lodge (milepost 41.7)

• Hike-in Distance is measured in Meters

• Cell phone reception is very limited throughout the park

Natural Features

Shenandoah National Park includes 300 square miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the southern Appalachians. The park rises above the Virginia Piedmont to its east and the Shenandoah Valley to its west. Loft Mountain's location on the mountain top offers easy access to Skyline Drive which offers sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the surrounding rolling hills and open meadows.

Nearby Attractions

Two visitor centers with bookstores and exhibits are located in the park (milepost 5 and milepost 51). There are concession managed restaurants, gift shops and lodging facilities scattered throughout the park.

Recreation

Shenandoah National Park has over 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Some trails lead to a waterfall or lookout, while others wind deep into the forest and wilderness.

Trails to the Big Run Wilderness area are accessible from the campground, and pristine waterfalls are a common site along the popular trails.

Wildlife viewing is also a popular pastime, with black bears, wild turkey, deer, birds and countless other animals abundant across the park.

The campground is located right off of Milepost 80 on the famous Skyline Drive, which runs 105 miles north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Stunning views are available from any of the 75 scenic overlooks.

Changes & Cancellations

Changing Reservations:  

There is no change fee if a visitor extends or shortens a reservation, as long as the change includes dates from the original reservation. Additionally, there is no change fee if the visitor wants to switch sites that are the same price with the same reservation dates in the same facility.  

If a visitor wants to switch dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates, there is a $10 change fee.  

If a reservation is made that includes dates beyond the maximum booking window, that reservation cannot be changed until 18 days have passed from the original booking date.  

Once a reservation date has begun, visitors cannot change a reservation using the online system or through the Call Center. Onsite staff will assist with changes or cancellations.   

Cancellations:  

Visitors may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation.  

A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's approved rate including tax and applicable add-on. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.  

Visitors who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days prior to arrival date will pay a $10 service fee AND forfeit the first night’s rate.   

No-Shows:  

A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date.  

No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite.   

Early Departures:  

Visitors are requested to notify staff at the facility if they depart early to allow others to use the site.  

If the visitor chooses to depart early, they may forfeit the approved rate and applicable tax and applicable add-on for the day of departure. If a visitor departs prior to the scheduled check-out date, they may be eligible for a partial refund. Visitors may notify the Recreation.gov call center to request a refund of remaining unused nights. If a visitor requests a refund for an early departure after the facility check-out time (12 noon) has passed, the visitor will not be refunded for that night and is eligible for a refund on any additional nights that will not be used.   

Refunds:  

Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Visitors may also initiate a refund request through the call center at any time after their reservation has ended.  

Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay.  

For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive.  

In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile. 

Contact Information

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

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 434-823-4675

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

From 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.

Available Campsites

• Site G198, Loop G Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 033, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site A056, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site D113, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 008, Loop Upper Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 039, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site D109, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site C094, Loop C Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site E142, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site F170, Loop F Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site B086, Loop B Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site A072, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site F162, Loop F Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site A073, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site G194, Loop G Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 035, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site H2, Loop H, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
• Site F175, Loop F Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 026, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site D128, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 020, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site A081, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 002, Loop Upper Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 006, Loop Upper Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site H1, Loop H, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
• Site B087, Loop B Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 018, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site G181, Loop G Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 031, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site A074, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site G192, Loop G Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site E152, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site C098, Loop C Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site B091, Loop B Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site G196, Loop G Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site G205, Loop G Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 040, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site G197, Loop G Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site E144, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site D130, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site C107, Loop C Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site G204, Loop G Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site E141, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 024, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site C103, Loop C Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site E156, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 030, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site F167, Loop F Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 022, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site G183, Loop G Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site F166, Loop F Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site E149, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site B082, Loop B Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site D108, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 004, Loop Upper Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site E134, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site D121, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 036, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site G195, Loop G Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site D111, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site D110, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site F168, Loop F Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site D132, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 043, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site E157, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 044, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site F179, Loop F Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site E145, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site D119, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site E151, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site D122, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 012, Loop Upper Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site A070, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site F169, Loop F Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site C095, Loop C Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site C104, Loop C Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site G190, Loop G Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site A063, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site E138, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site E147, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site A064, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site D126, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site A076, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site A051, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site F161, Loop F Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site A062, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site F177, Loop F Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 009, Loop Upper Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site A071, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site G180, Loop G Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site D118, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site A060, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site E150, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 016, Loop Upper Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site E148, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site F171, Loop F Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site G188, Loop G Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site G187, Loop G Loop, Type Standard Electric
• Site 015, Loop Upper Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site A058, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site D131, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site G199, Loop G Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site E160, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 041, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 019, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site G203, Loop G Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 034, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site C106, Loop C Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 042, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site D125, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site A075, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site E137, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site A057, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 017, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site C097, Loop C Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site G186, Loop G Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site E139, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site F173, Loop F Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site A053, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site G193, Loop G Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 038, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site A052, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site A065, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site C102, Loop C Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 001, Loop Upper Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site D127, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site G189, Loop G Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site A054, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site A077, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site A067, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site G201, Loop G Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site E158, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site F165, Loop F Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site A078, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site G207, Loop G Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site H3, Loop H, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
• Site 029, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site E135, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 014, Loop Upper Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site D116, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site E154, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site B084, Loop B Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site C105, Loop C Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site F163, Loop F Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site D120, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site B088, Loop B Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site A069, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site B085, Loop B Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site G206, Loop G Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 028, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 025, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site C100, Loop C Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site G200, Loop G Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site C093, Loop C Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site B083, Loop B Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 023, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 027, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site A055, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site E140, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site E146, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site D114, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site C092, Loop C Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site D112, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site F172, Loop F Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site A059, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 021, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site C099, Loop C Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site F176, Loop F Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site F164, Loop F Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 011, Loop Upper Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 007, Loop Upper Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site A066, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site D117, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site E133, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 003, Loop Upper Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site E155, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 013, Loop Upper Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site G191, Loop G Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site C096, Loop C Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site G185, Loop G Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 032, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site G202, Loop G Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site D123, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site C101, Loop C Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site G184, Loop G Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site B089, Loop B Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 005, Loop Upper Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site E153, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site F178, Loop F Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site A068, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site A061, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site D115, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site E159, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site D124, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site E143, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 037, Loop Lower Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site B090, Loop B Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site F174, Loop F Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site D129, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site G182, Loop G Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 010, Loop Upper Loop, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site E136, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric

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