Loft Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

It’s an easy place to camp with all the necessities near the camp store. Love the walk-out sites but they’re not as secluded as you’d hope.

Good clean campsites and showers, my only complaint being the showers were pretty expensive at $5 for 10 minutes. Other than that, the ranger at the entrance to the campground was friendly and helpful, and I would recommend staying here.

Nice spacious places. No electricity.

This campground was a convenient overnight stop on our trip up Skyline Drive. Easy access to the Blackrock Summit and Doyles River Falls trails! We visited on a weeknight, so there weren’t many other campers, but the campsites are small and crowded. The camp store at the entrance offers essentials like firewood, ice, basic gear, and food. It also has showers with a quarters machine if you have cash ($2.50 for 5 minutes). There are bathroom facilities with flushable toilets and sinks, as well as a utility sink for dishes, but none of the potable water spigots around the campground were running. We stayed in site G182, which was one of the few campsites without a bear box for our food. When we left in the morning, we noticed lots of deer and apple trees growing around the campground, and we saw a beautiful cloud inversion by the camp store/showers!

The scenic drive has been absolutely incredible. Stayed one night here traveling through. $30 for the night no power or water at sites. $2.50 for 5 minute shower. Definitely get the feeling that they are trying to get every penny out of us.

While the campground was large and pretty there is no privacy. There is a large campstore with many snacks and necessities. A water fill and dump site and bathroom/showers and even laundry. All sites are pretty close to eachother but have a decent amount of trees/brush blocking view...however sound carries extremely well. Normal level conversation can be heard from 4 or more sites down. They have a normal quiet time like most campgrounds but you are only "allowed" to run the generator from 8am-10am and 4pm-7pm. Only problem I really had with that is during the hottest part of the day we're not able to run the AC and we have a long haired cat traveling with us. Thankfully it was shaded so it kept just cool to not need it. The rangers/hosts drive around directly bothering people during off generator times to make sure. I dont make a habit of knowing what time it is when I'm trying to relax and immerse myself in nature, only when it gets dark out I pay attention so to not bother others with noise. Also mind you they can't actually enforce these rules but will sure bother you enough to annoy you. Also dealt with hearing several gas powered weed trimmers nearly an entire day we were there but we can't run a generator? They also cut the grass so infrequently that there's just piles and clumps of dead grass everywhere! And considering it's damp nearly all the time it just sticks to your shoes and you end up tracking it all over your camper or tent. We are quiet people, we don't bother anyone and always adhere to quiet times...we just want to be left alone to enjoy camping and this place felt like a prison. We also got told we are not allowed to use our electric mountain board bc skateboards/scooters don't have brakes. Well it's far from a skateboard and it certainly has brakes. Every ranger/host there is on a power trip and are so condescending...but again let me remind you they can't actually enforce any of the ridiculous rules they constantly remind you of. We've never had a problem like this at any other campground before and we will never return!

Nice clean campground, nice bathrooms & showers. Be prepared for leveling campers or having a slight angle of tents. Nice tables & spacious private campsites. The skyline drive overlooks & amphitheater overlook is definitely worth staying here for

Loft mountain was nice. They have a camp store to get all of your essentials (beer, ice, and wood!) and can even find a coin operated shower there too. That’s big when you are dirt bagging it out of your truck!

Shenandoahs are tight, there aren’t too many National Parks that are Down with Canine’s, and this is one of them. Not really worth playing around with not having them on leash, there are too many people and wild animals in the area.

Our Ranger was so informative and gave us a lot of options for things to do, so be grateful and listen up!

We did a first come first serve site, Half of the camp sites are reserve only the other half are just for us last minute people.

Loft Mountain Campground is a large national park service campground on the southern end of Shenandoah National Park. The sites are all non-electric, with a mix of pull through and back-in sites, as well as tent only and RV accommodating sites.

We stayed in Loop G, site 182- we were pleasantly surprised to find that Site 182 had a lot more privacy than an ordinarily pull-through site and it was perfect for us, as we tend to like more private, secluded campsites where we can’t see as many people. The campground was not very busy, and the only other campsites that would have been visible to us if they were occupied was the site directly across from us.

We found the campground to be well maintained, well marked, and easy to navigate. After exploring other sites in the park, it was clear that very few sites in the entire campground would be less than ideal- most were spacious and offered ample privacy. Most of the sites have trees dividing them from one another on three sides, and the picnic tables for the sites are sometimes located a short walk from the parking area to offer even more privacy.

This was a safe, quiet, and very comfortable campground that was pleasantly close to amenities, easy access to the park, and even a reasonable distance from the highway if you are looking to leave the park and come back later.

We would definitely recommend Loft Mountain Campground- after driving through all the other campgrounds at Shenandoah, and staying at both Loft Mountain and Matthew’s Arm, we concluded that Loft Mountain was certainly our favorite.

The Appalachian trails runs beside this campground. There is a camp store for firewood and last minute items. Sites are basic, bathrooms are clean, showers are available with coins by camp store.

Small, nicely laid out sites, although you are close together they are fairly well wooded, so you do get a bit of privacy. Just about every site in our loop was a pull-thru, although half of them technically faced the road, we were lucky enough to go on a very quiet rainy weekend. I wish I had a picnic table and fire grade although there was not much room for us to spread out. There are ample restroom facilities and they are very clean with utility sinks at the building as well. Our site was very level put a lot of the sites are sloped so it’s coming with the camper be prepared to bring the leveling blocks. As for Internet, T-Mobile has a connection average one down and less than one up so don’t intend to work here if you have T-Mobile.

Beautiful part of the SNP. I was unfortunately tent camping next to a loud RV, but that was my fault for booking the wrong site! Lovely hikes nearby.

Stayed in tent site 005, and while it wasn’t the smallest of the tent sites or least private, if was very close to the main look road and every car entering the camp loop passes right by the site up the hill within eyesight. Camp store didn’t allow dogs, and I didn’t feel good leaving my dog unattended in the park (which is their rule) I didn’t get to visit the store. One good thing was the view from the amphitheater

Nice large campground with 2 handicapped sites close to the bathroom. Camp store where you can buy firewood, ice, and most anything you may have forgotten. Campsites are fairly well spread apart, most have a patch of woods between them. Bear boxes are at some of the sites for storing your food. Bathrooms are kept clean and have a drinking fountain nearby for water. Showers are available at the camp store. You can hike some of the Appalachian Trail which runs just below the camp. All campsites come with a fire ring and picnic table.

I love loft mountain. after two years of tent camping, upgraded to see teardrop this year. I always meet great people there and the staff is wonderful (Paula and Lori shout out)

There is no wifi and very little cellular coverage, but we've employed a cellular amplifier and now work remote there often. coupled with a hotspot and wifi extender, or entire campsite is covered. if you need cellular, go to the amphitheater and you'll be able to get connected. g loop, reservations required, also has service is you get the top spots.

Nice place, no wifi, cell phone service is limited. Most sites have no hookups. Has bear lockers.

Great campsite $15/night. About 1/3 reservation and 2/3 first come first served. It is a site that attracts hikers especially, as it is adjacent to the Appalachian trail. Bear boxes are at each site too, which is very convenient especially at a walk in site!

If you can, get site #20. It is the BEST sunset watching spot. You can also watch from the Appalachian trail below that site.

Showers are coin operated, $1.75 and nicely renovated. Laundry is available too. Poor cell service in most sites, best reception is at the amphitheater.

Nicely laid out and well maintain campground. Fellow campers and hikers are nice, great rangers, and clean bathroom and shower ($1.75/5min) facilities, bring quarters or $1s and $5s for getting change in the machine to use in the showers and laundry. No atm or cash back in camp store. All the great view sites (A sites on the outer right hand side of the loop) that are FCFS were taken upon our Saturday noon arrival,even on a somewhat rainy weekend, so get there early and stake your claim quickly of you want one of those. However, there were still plenty of very nice sites available, both walk in and drive up) to choose from in A, B and C FCFS loops. You have 30 minutes to choose a site upon arrival and then go pay the $15/night fee at the ranger station. They do take cards and apple pay. Many great trails around. Gets pretty foggy at times and super hard to see so bring a good flash light or headlamps for night time trips to the restrooms and just general visibility. Campsites are nicely maintained for the most part, shrubbery and grasses trimmed, the tables are kinda jacked up so bring table cloths and seat covers for the picnic tables because the wood is all rotted and/or soaked thru. Our site (A52) was a drive up with a small incline to the tent and grill area with a line of trees separating from the road which gave a some good privacy. The tent and grill area was nice and level. Wish the grill was a bit larger but it was fine. Nice sized bear locker too. Rained all night but didn’t cause a lot of muddy or water puddle conditions at our site at all, and water didn’t puddle under the tent. When the sun showed up there was still good shade and also nice sun rays poking thru. Close to trash and recycling, but not right up on it. There was a camp site close by next door and across the road, but didn’t seem like the folks were right up on us. Short walk to bathrooms and ranger station (Short drive to showers which are 2 minutes down where the main camp store and amphitheater are). $30 entrance fee into the park and the rangers are helpful with trail recommendations and direction.

Great experience here.

We went hammock camping here at Loft Mountain on a Friday night and packed up Saturday morning. We had to pay to get into Shenandoah, and then pay the camping fee for loft mountain.

We arrived around noon and with the hopes of getting a good first-come, first serve site. All of the reserved sites were booked through July. We had no problem finding open spots when we arrived... the ranger actually highlighted all of the available spots for us on a campground map (probs about 15-20 available). She told us site 35 and 44 were great for hammocking (they were 'meh' for hammocking) and we chose site 44 because it was more private and further from the main road. The downside was that the table was pretty rotted out. I believe 33 was another good tent site. 

Some sites are very close to the road and some you have to walk deeper in so if it's your first time camping or you're not looking for anything intense, this campground will def have something for you. 

Quite a few pets but it was all pretty peaceful. We heard a lot of noises at night and a large doe come up to our site early (2 am??) in the morning and it freaked our dog out... pretty sure she woke up the entire campground with her barking lol but other than that we slept well and didn't see any bears or anything like that. 

Things I really loved: bear boxes at each site, the amphitheater (perfect for sunsets), easy access to trails, the souvenir shops, how peaceful it was, water-bottle filling station. 

Recommended close hike: Doyles Run Falls hike where you see 2 waterfalls. It is pet friendly, takes about 2-3hrs depending on how long you stay at the falls, and is all downhill getting there and all uphill coming back. 

Hope this helps someone plan for their trip!

Beautiful spot on to of a bald. Good amount of tree coverage from rain/other groups. Some of the tent sites are close to neighbors, but we made friends! No more than 5 minute walk to bathrooms and water source. Would highly recommend!

This was our stopover going North from Julian Price Campground. We drove about 30 miles on Blue Ridge Parkway from Julian Price towards Loft Mountain. These views included the iconic viaduct, and expansive views of the mountains. Lots of overlooks. Highly recommend this portion of the Parkway (milepost 297 to about 260). Loft Mountain was a nice place to stopover following a long tow day. We had a pull through, lots of privacy between campsites. Plenty of sun for our solar panels, and a quick access to the Appalachian Trail. We were able to hike a few miles of the AT while there. Great campstore provisions- I guess since this is a AT stop over for the many 'real-hikers'. Laundry is also available (although we didn't go in and check it out). We had F loop, F170, generator free (although you could hear the generators over in the next loop). There is not a lot of other hiking trails that spur out from this campground so I am not sure we will stay here again. But overall, we liked it.

Loft Mountain is made for car campers, backpackers, distance bikers, and anyone who wants just basic stuff and then be left alone!

The cost is amazing!  Only $15.00 per night ($7.50 for a Senior Pass Holder!) which is a throw back to the olden days for sure.

I didn't get a very warm welcome here, but rather a semi-rude ranger who seemed put out with the registration process.  During my professional career, I realized that sarcasm is not a good way to make friends and influence enemies!  Once registered, I never spoke to another staff member, which was OK with me.

Keep in mind that this campground is at a high elevation so things don't dry too quickly in the morning after a rainy night.

I enjoyed my stay here and would return because of the number of sites that are first come first served... no reservation needed!

Overall, a good camping experience.

Lots of trails. Perfect for families. Clean bathrooms. Helpful rangers and volunteers.

Stayed here for the first time this weekend at F-173. The sites were fairly close, but separated by trees, so you felt private. You could hear people on the other side of the trees, but no one was loud and it was very quiet and peaceful at night! Some sites are more private than others, so do a little scouting if that’s what you want! The nearby camp store had all the necessities. Lots of hiking along skyline drive, and a few trails around the campground. When we woke up on the morning we were checking out, we didn’t want to leave! Definitely coming back soon!

I stayed at Loft Mountain in late October of 2019.  The campground was not very crowded, but not empty either.  This is a large campground, IIRC 200+ sites, so manage your expectations about "getting away from it all", but the campsites generally looked fairly private, although to a greater or lesser degree depending on which site you get.  

I had no real complaints about this site other than that it is too large and not private enough for my taste.

Well kept sites, clean bathrooms, all first come first serve sites, biggest campground in Shenandoah so can usually find a spot.

Sitting on top of a mountain with the Appalachian Trail wrapped around you, cant go wrong. Full service amenities available.

I’ve been to loft mountain a few times over the years. The overall area is great. It’s right off the AT so there a bunch of trails and it’s not too far away from Big Meadow if you wanted to take a short drive. I would recommend booking in advance to get the best sites right off the trail. A lot of the sites can be close to on another, but if you can get 10-13, those are the most secluded.

We did not have a reservation and were lucky to get a site. It is a large campground with 200 sites for RV's & tent campers. The site we had was primitive, no water or electric, but had a picnic table, fire ring, & a bear box. Although the sites were close, they were situated to maximize privacy. The campgrounds had plenty of restrooms with flush toilets & sinks. The camp store has laundry facilities and showers that you must pay for, $1.75 for 5 minutes. The grounds and facilities are very clean. An added bonus, you can access the Appalachian Trail right from the campgrounds that provides amazing views

Loft is my favorite out of the campgrounds I’ve visited in the Shenandoah National Park. I’ve been Big Meadows and Lewis, but never to Matthew’s Arm. No reservations here, so you have to get lucky. But if you do and get a good site, it’s so going to be worth it. We had a site where you park at the top of a hill and hike down a slightly steepish hill to the site. It was shady, wooded, private, and quiet. There were a few sites beside us, but spaced nicely apart. The best tent views are the ones with no cars and bathhouses and this campground definitely gives you that. This one also provides bear boxes for food.

Favorite mini-hike nearby: Black Rock Summit (see photos). Beautiful views of the park, easy (the whole loop is less than a mile with just 175ft. of elevation gain), kid-friendly, and pet-friendly.