Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Free Union, VA
Loft Mountain Campground in Shenandoah National Park accepts pets throughout its 200+ campsites, providing numerous pet-friendly options for campers visiting Free Union, Virginia. The campground features bear boxes at most sites, which are useful for securing pet food alongside human provisions. Multiple accommodation types welcome dogs, including tent sites, RV spaces, and cabin options. Sites are generally well-separated by trees and vegetation, creating privacy despite the campground's large size. Campers report the campground maintains clean facilities and spacious campsites suitable for families with pets. Generator restrictions in certain loops ensure a quieter experience for those camping with noise-sensitive animals.
The Appalachian Trail runs adjacent to Loft Mountain Campground, offering accessible pet-friendly hiking directly from the camping area. Dogs must remain leashed on all trails within Shenandoah National Park to protect wildlife and other visitors. Several nearby campgrounds, including Misty Mountain Camp Resort and Charlottesville KOA, also accommodate pets with varying amenities and hookup options. The high elevation at Loft Mountain means mornings can be damp after rain, requiring extra consideration for pet comfort. Wildlife is abundant throughout the area, with campers noting frequent deer sightings near campsites, so proper pet restraint is essential. Some campers recommend the generator-free loop for tent campers with pets who prefer a quieter environment.