Lewis Mountain Campground
38.4356, -78.4781 · Park boundary: National Park Service
2026 Opening Date: March 26 Lewis Mountain (mile 57.5), the smallest campground in Shenandoah National Park, appeals to those who want a little more privacy while still staying within a close distance to many of the most popular destinations in the Park, including Big Meadows (7 miles away). Lewis Mountain Campground operates on a self-registration, first-come, first-serve basis. There are no reservable sites. Please follow the posted directions to register once arriving at the campground.
- Every day
- All Day
Lewis Mountain Campground is open during the spring, summer, and fall. Opening and closing dates vary from year to year and are subject to change at any time. Camping is NOT permitted in the campgrounds when they are closed.
- Closed in Winter · Dec 1, 2026 – Mar 25, 2027 · Closed
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
A standard, nonelectric campsite for tent or RV (motorhome, pop-up, or 5th-wheel). Standard campsites are limited to six people (or 1 immediate family) per site and one RV.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
Lewis Mountain Campground operates on a self-registration, first-come, first-serve basis. There are no reservable sites. Please follow the posted directions to register once arriving at the campground.
- Camp store
- Yes - seasonal
- Drinking water
- Yes - seasonal
- Firewood for sale
- Yes - seasonal
- Food storage lockers
- Yes - seasonal
- Host on site
- Yes - seasonal
- Ice for sale
- Yes - seasonal
- Laundry
- Yes - seasonal
- Showers
- Coin-Operated - Seasonal
- Toilets
- Flush Toilets - seasonal
- Trash & recycling
- Yes - seasonal
- Amphitheater
- No
- Cell reception
- No
- Dump station
- No
- Internet
- No
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
- RVs
- Allowed
- Trailers
- Allowed
- Access roads
- Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
- Classification
- Developed Campground
Two ADA accessible sites are available for wheelchair access. Showers and laundry facilities are also wheelchair accessible.
Two accessible sites are available at Lewis Mountain Campground. Accessible shower and laundry facilities are also available.
To help slow the spread of the emerald ash borer, visitors must only use USDA-certified firewood (signified by the USDA stamp on packaging), which can be purchased in the Park. Dead wood may also be used if it is gathered from the ground in the Park; do not cut, saw, or break any standing trees, dead or alive, for firewood. Fires are only allowed in Park-provided fire grates. You must fully extinguish your fire before leaving the area, even for a short amount of time. To do this, simply douse the fire with water and stir with a stick. Repeat this until you no longer feel warmth coming from the fire grate. Camping and backpacking stoves are permitted, but the use of charcoal grills is prohibited.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
Lewis Mountain 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).
Shenandoah National Park has four very distinct seasons. Spring typically brings mild temperatures, rain, and wildflowers. Summer brings lush green forests, but can be hot and very humid. Fall follows with cooler temperatures and spectacular fall foliage. Winter can bring snow and ice. The mountain is usually 10°F cooler than the valley below. Always check the forecast, dress in layers, and be prepared.
Stays are limited to 30 days. Checkout time is noon. Camping fees must be paid within one (1) hour of occupying a site. Be sure to clip your camping pass to your site post to show occupancy. Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Generators may be used from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. From opening until April 14, and October 15 through the end of the season, generator hours are extended to 9 p.m. for the purpose of generating heat. Generator use is prohibited in sites designated as “generator-free” and in group sites. Bear, deer, raccoons, and skunks are year-round residents of Shenandoah. Food, garbage, equipment used to prepare or store food, and all scented items must be kept in a locked vehicle or storage locker when not being actively used. It is illegal to feed or disturb wildlife.
Lewis Mountain Campground has multiple one-way roads that travel through the campground and back to the entrance. At the entrance there is a small, brown building with a screen door. There are many posters and brochure racks hanging outside the building. There is also a red emergency phone outside on the left of the building. There is a large brown sign with white lettering: "Select Site Then Register." To the right of the building and across the road is a small, roofed panel with a map on it.
Drive to Lewis Mountain Campground
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