Best Campgrounds near Elkton, VA
The Shenandoah National Park region surrounds Elkton, Virginia with multiple established campgrounds, including Lewis Mountain Campground and Loft Mountain Campground. These areas primarily accommodate tent and RV camping with some cabin options. The Appalachian Trail passes through several camping areas, making them popular bases for hikers. Campgrounds range from smaller, more secluded options like Lewis Mountain with just 31 sites to larger facilities with full hookups for recreational vehicles. Shenandoah Valley KOA and Endless Caverns RV Resort provide additional developed camping areas outside park boundaries.
Road access to most campgrounds requires driving along Skyline Drive, with several entrance points near Elkton including Swift Run Gap. Many sites require advance reservations during peak season, though Lewis Mountain operates on a first-come, first-served basis. As one camper noted, "If you get there when lots of sites are open, pick carefully as there aren't a lot of super flat areas for tents." Seasonal operations affect availability, with most Shenandoah National Park campgrounds closing between November and April. Elevations along Skyline Drive range from 2,000 to over 3,500 feet, resulting in cooler temperatures even during summer months and occasional fog or precipitation.
Campers report high satisfaction with wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the region. Bear sightings are common, with multiple campgrounds requiring proper food storage. "We saw a total of 6 black bears, a barred owl, tons of awesome bugs, brook trout, a salamander, and some other wildlife," noted one visitor to Lewis Mountain. Proximity to hiking trails represents a significant draw, with most camping areas offering direct access to trailheads. The quieter campgrounds like Lewis Mountain enforce strict quiet hours and tend to attract tent campers seeking a more peaceful experience. Several campgrounds feature camp stores with basic supplies, while larger facilities offer amenities like showers, laundry facilities, and sanitary dump stations for RVs. Cell service remains limited throughout much of the region, particularly within park boundaries.
