Loft Mountain Campground
38.2464, -78.6707 · Park boundary: National Park Service
2026 Opening Date: April 29. Loft Mountain (mile 79.5) sits atop Big Flat Mountain in the southern part of Shenandoah National Park, with outstanding views to east and west. Two waterfalls and the trails into the Big Run Wilderness area are nearby. Loft Mountain has a combination of reservable and first-come, first-served sites. Reservable sites are released in sections.
- Every day
- All Day
Loft Mountain Campground is open during the late 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.
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
There is a combination of sites offered through reservations and on a first-come, first-served basis at Loft Mountain Campground. Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends and holidays. Reservations for many standard sites may be made up to 6 months in advance, with additional sites becoming available 2 weeks prior, and 4 days prior your stay.
- Amphitheater
- Yes - seasonal
- Camp store
- Yes - seasonal
- Drinking water
- Yes - seasonal
- Dump station
- 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
- Cell reception
- 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 Loft 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
Loft Mountain is located between the Rockfish Gap entrance station (Waynesboro, I-64) at the southern end of the Park, and the Swift Run Gap entrance station (Elkton, US 33). From Richmond, Virginia (via Rockfish Gap): travel west on Interstate 64 for approximately 87 miles, then take exit 99 and follow signs to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive. Once on the Skyline Drive, head north approximately 25 miles to mile 79.5, where you will arrive at Loft Mountain Campground.
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.
A brown board and batten building with an overhang under which is a map, posted information and a dutch door for registration. Rules are on the a sign on the front side of the building: Loft Mountain Campground Regulations; All food, coolers full and empty, scented items and cooking equipment must be stored in you vehicle or in a food storage box whenever you are not using them. Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Camping fees must be paid within one hour of occupying a site. No more than two tents, two vehicles, and six persons per site. Group campsites are available for groups larger than six. Park only on paved parking areas. Fires must be confined to existing fire grates. Do not create additional fire rings. Be sure to completely extinguish fires. Do not feed wildlife. Pets must be on and leash no longer than 6' at all times. Please help keep your campground clean. Check-out time-noon
Drive to Loft Mountain Campground
Byway plans the scenic way in — real places, real weather, every stop verified. Zero hallucinations. Google Maps for turns. Byway for soul.