Loft Mountain Campground
4.36411 reviewsC/O Shenandoah National Park/Swift Run Entrance Station 22591Spotswood Trail, Elkton, VA 22827, USA
Loft Mountain Campground
$30.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$75.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Standard campsite fee is $30 per night. Group standard sites cost $75 per night. With an Access or Senior Pass, the fee can be reduced to $15 per night. Additional administrative fees apply for reservations via Recreation.gov.
About this campground
Perched high atop Big Flat Mountain in the heart of Shenandoah National Park, Loft Mountain Campground invites adventurers to wake up among the clouds. With 207 thoughtfully spaced campsites spread across the ridgeline, this expansive wilderness retreat combines the raw beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains with modern comforts like flush toilets and convenient water stations. Whether you're here to explore the network of trails that spider out from your tent flap or simply to breathe in the crisp mountain air, Loft Mountain serves as your perfect basecamp for discovering one of Virginia's most treasured landscapes.
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.
Historical SignificanceThese mountains echo with stories of resilience and renewal. During the Great Depression, young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps carved trails and built the infrastructure that still serves visitors today, leaving their mark on what would become one of America's most beloved national parks. The legendary Appalachian Trail threads through this landscape, carrying the footsteps of thousands of through-hikers each year on their 2,190-mile journey. Every campsite connects you to this living history, where the spirit of conservation and adventure continues to inspire new generations of mountain lovers.
Weather and SeasonsLife at elevation brings its own dramatic weather story. Summer days offer a refreshing escape from valley heat, with temperatures running 10-15 degrees cooler than the lowlands below. Come autumn, the campground transforms into a front-row seat for nature's greatest color show, as the surrounding hardwood forests burst into brilliant reds, oranges, and golds. Morning mists often wrap the mountain in an ethereal embrace, particularly during spring and fall, creating photography opportunities that seem almost otherworldly. Pack layers and rain gear—mountain weather has a mind of its own, and afternoon thunderstorms can roll in with little warning.
ElevationAt its lofty perch on Big Flat Mountain, the campground offers more than just a place to pitch your tent—it's an invitation to camp in the sky. The elevation gifts visitors with naturally air-conditioned summers and panoramic vistas that stretch for miles in every direction. On clear days, you can trace the undulating spine of the Blue Ridge as it marches toward the horizon, while evening brings a star-studded ceiling unmarred by city lights. The mountain's height creates its own microclimate, where morning fog pools in the valleys below while you enjoy coffee in the sunshine above.
Natural Features and SceneryStep outside your tent into a living postcard of the Blue Ridge wilderness. Ancient oaks and hickories provide a verdant canopy, while mountain laurel and rhododendron create understory gardens that explode with blooms in late spring. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound—wild turkeys strut through the campground at dawn, white-tailed deer graze in nearby meadows at dusk, and yes, black bears occasionally remind visitors why proper food storage is essential. Trail connections lead directly from camp to hidden waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and pristine wilderness areas where the only sounds are birdsong and rustling leaves.
Geological RegionLoft Mountain Campground crowns one of the most spectacular sections of Shenandoah National Park's 300 square miles of protected Blue Ridge wilderness. This ancient mountain chain, part of the southern Appalachians, tells a geological story written over hundreds of millions of years. From your campsite atop Big Flat Mountain, the landscape unfolds in layers—weathered granite peaks give way to gentle slopes, open meadows bloom between forest groves, and deep hollows shelter pristine streams. It's a terrain that invites exploration, whether you're seeking sweeping summit views or intimate forest scenes, all within easy reach of your mountain-top home base.
Campsite details
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.
Sites 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.
Sites 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 CampsitesFor tent camping, western ridge sites provide beautiful vistas and breezes. For RVs, consider flatter loops.
Best CampsitesTent sites along the western ridge (e.g., A10-A20) offer great sunset views. Sites like G192 are noted for privacy.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 12:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out by 10:00 AM.
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 are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites are organized into loops with varying levels of privacy and spacing. Tent sites are primarily situated along the perimeter.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen April 30 - November 2, closed outside these dates.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online or through the app. On-site staff assist with changes or cancellations during stay.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-serve sites available; these typically fill up by Saturday on weekends. Availability updates are unreliable due to limited internet access.
Cancellation PolicyVisitors can cancel reservations prior to arrival online or via phone. A $10 cancellation fee applies, along with forfeiting the first night’s rate for late cancellations or no-shows. Refund policies vary based on timing and method of payment.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Camp Store
Laundry Facilities
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
Over 500 miles of trails are accessible from the campground, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Trails lead to waterfalls, forested areas, and Big Run Wilderness. Difficulty levels range from moderate to strenuous.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife is abundant, with frequent sightings of black bears, deer, wild turkeys, and birds. Some reviews described encounters with deer near campsites.Cultural and Educational Programs
Ranger-led programs and talks are occasionally held at the amphitheater, focusing on the park's natural and cultural history.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings. Kiln-dried USDA-approved firewood is required.
- Quiet hours are enforced after 10:00 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife such as black bears and skunks pose risks if food is not properly stored. Terrain can be steep, and fog may hinder navigation.
Active alertsSome reviewers reported issues with site maintenance, noise, and staff interactions. Seasonal closures of water and restrooms may occur.
Weather forecast
65
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 42%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are accessible at the Swift Run Entrance Station. Nearest hospital: Sentara RMH Medical Center in Harrisonburg (approx. 40 miles away).
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 30 - November 2 annually.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available. Campers are advised to use designated areas to avoid wildlife encounters.
Proximity to water featuresAccess to waterfalls and streams via nearby trails.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include high grass, lack of bear boxes, and issues with site leveling for larger RVs. Reviewers also mention varying site sizes and noisy neighbors.
HostHosts are available; mixed reviews on friendliness and helpfulness.
Campground Map
C/O Shenandoah National Park/Swift Run Entrance Station 22591Spotswood Trail, Elkton, VA 22827, USA
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.
The campground is accessible via Skyline Drive, a scenic but winding road. Access is typically straightforward, though cell reception is limited, and late-night driving can be challenging due to fog or rain. Seasonal closures may affect certain entrances.Nearby places
Elkton: Approx. 15 miles (30 minutes)
Charlottesville: Approx. 30 miles (1 hour)
Harrisonburg: Approx. 40 miles (1 hour)
Nearby supplies
The camp store at Loft Mountain offers pay showers, basic groceries, camping essentials, and trail supplies. Closest full grocery store is in Elkton, VA, about 15 miles away. Fuel available at Big Meadows Wayside (milepost 51.2).
Camper Reviews
4.4
411 reviews
Loft Mountain Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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 411 reviews
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 411 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common issues include unlevel campsites, limited cell service, expensive showers, and occasional maintenance lapses.
Based on 411 reviewsPro 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 411 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Fall is the most popular season due to foliage. Spring and summer receive mixed reviews, with many noting high visitor numbers.
Based on 411 reviewsCamper 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 411 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site G193 was criticized for noise due to its proximity to a water facility. Site G186 was praised for privacy but noted for its steep slope.
Based on 411 reviewsAccessibility Features
Some RV users found loops difficult to navigate, and sloped sites posed challenges. Accessible features like picnic areas received positive feedback.
Based on 411 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and some users noted encounters with wildlife like deer that reacted to dogs.
Based on 411 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025