
213
Total Campsites
Campground
145
Reservable Sites
Mixed (reservable + first-come)
2
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About Loft Mountain Campground
Overview 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. 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. Facilities 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. 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. Charges & 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.
- 213 total campsites listed.
- 145 reservable sites plus first-come options.
- 2 accessible campsites listed.
- Most common site type: standard nonelectric (154).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.


Our Take
What makes Loft Mountain Campground special
Loft Mountain Campground sits perched atop Big Flat Mountain in the southern section of Shenandoah National Park, offering sweeping views of the Piedmont to the east and the Shenandoah Valley to the west. At roughly 3,400 feet in elevation, this is a campground where morning mist fills the hollows below and sunsets paint the layered ridgelines in soft violet and amber. With 213 sites, Loft Mountain is one of the largest campgrounds in Shenandoah and arguably its most dramatic in terms of setting. Sites are scattered through stands of oak and mountain laurel, providing shade and privacy while still allowing that wonderful sense of being on top of the world. The campground welcomes both tent and RV campers, with a camp store, laundry, and showers available on-site during the operating season. Hikers will find themselves in paradise. The Appalachian Trail runs directly through the campground area, and the Frazier Discovery Trail offers an accessible loop with panoramic overlooks. The surrounding backcountry trails lead deep into some of the wildest terrain in Virginia, where black bears, wild turkeys, and barred owls are regular companions. Loft Mountain is open from May through late October, with reservations available on Recreation.gov. Fall is the marquee season — the surrounding hardwood forest erupts in brilliant color from mid-October onward. For those seeking a true wilderness getaway without sacrificing basic comforts, Loft Mountain delivers an experience that lingers long after you break camp.
Campsite Inventory
213 sites to choose from
STANDARD NONELECTRIC
127
Reservable
1
Accessible
TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC
14
Reservable
0
Accessible
MANAGEMENT
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC
3
Reservable
0
Accessible
STANDARD ELECTRIC
1
Reservable
1
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
ACCESSIBLE GRILLS
Accessible Grills
ACCESSIBLE PICNIC AREA
Accessible Picnic Area
AMPHITHEATER
Amphitheater
Accessibility
Yes
Bed Type
N/A
CAMPFIRE RINGS
Campfire Rings
COIN SHOWERS
Coin Showers
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Site capacity
Group, Single
Check-in time
12:00 PM
Check-out time
12:00 PM
Condition Rating
N/A, Standard
Driveway entry
Back-in, Pull-Through
Driveway Grade
Moderate, Severe, Slight
Driveway surface
Paved
EMERGENCY PHONE
Emergency Phone
EMERGENCY SERVICES
Emergency Services
Electricity Hookup
N/A
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
434-823-4675
Getting There
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.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to Loft Mountain Campground.
How do reservations work for Loft Mountain Campground?
Reservation availability for Loft Mountain Campground can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at Loft Mountain Campground?
Loft Mountain Campground currently lists STANDARD NONELECTRIC (154), TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC (44), MANAGEMENT (11), GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC (3).
Where is Loft Mountain Campground located?
Loft Mountain Campground is in Virginia near Elkton. Coordinates: 38.2487, -78.6706.
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