Standard (tent/RV)
Cabins
Tent Cabin
Dispersed
Group
RV Sites
Tent Sites
Yurts
Equestrian
Fires Allowed
Pets Allowed
Drinking Water
About Lewis Mountain - Shenandoah National Park
Situated off of mile 57.5 of Skyline Drive, Lewis Mountain Campground is a popular option for Shenandoah campers who prefer a quiet, remote feel at their campsite. It is important to arrive to Lewis Mountain early in order to secure one of the 31 first-come, first-served sites, but campers promise the effort will be worth it. Once your site is secured, you are just minutes away from some of the best gems in the Virginia wilderness including hikes at Bearfence Mountain and Dark Hollow Falls.
Shenandoah National Park is home to over 500 miles of trails, including 180 miles which are open to horse use and 105 miles of the Appalachian Trail. As you make your way through the protected wilderness, designated overlooks provide sweeping views of the Shenandoah Valley. Keep your eyes peeled for over 200 species of birds as you travel through the park, many of whom are native to the area.
After a long day of adventure, return to the campground to unwind. Though Lewis Mountain has space for RVs the campground is predominantly occupied by tent campers, meaning there are strictly enforced quiet hours. Shenandoah campers requiring more privacy will be pleased to find 15 camping cabins available at Lewis Mountain, which are closer to the picnic area and the famous Skyline Drive. With so many options, the toughest decision will be deciding how long to stay!
Operator
National Park Service
Access
Drive In
Walk In
Hike In
Features
ADA Accessible
Alcohol Allowed
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Fires Allowed
Firewood Available
Market
Pets Allowed
Phone Service
Picnic Table
Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Showers
Toilets
Trash Available
Water Hookups
Contact
Location
Lewis Mountain - Shenandoah National Park is located in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia
26 Reviews of Lewis Mountain - Shenandoah National Park
Favorite of Shenandoah Campgrounds
It is in middle of everything
Great hikes nearby including waterfalls and rock scrambles
Not good honestly.
If you like real camping you will HATE this place. It was a beautiful mountain and beautiful views but no trails or anywhere fun to drive. The camp sites were basically subburbs, if you work a normal 9-5 you definitely won’t make it up there to get a camp spot. Definitely do not recommend. Absolutely awful.
Love snp
I love Shenandoah national park so this campground hit the spot. No reservations, just first come first served. The campsites were all dirt, super flat and nice in a bunch of shady trees. No dump station if you’re RV camping though.
We saw lots of bears, so make sure to bring something to store your food in. There are some awesome hikes all around the area. Check out the big meadows to Lewis mountain trial. Wildlife, views, everything you could want.
There are some great campgrounds right in this area, big meadows is also a good one, but this one is my favorite.
Best site in Shenandoah
Loved staying here, this site is first come first served, which is nice for those just passing through. Bearfence is just down the trail, you can walk out of camp and start hiking. Originally was opened in 1939 as "Lewis Mountain Negro Area", not having all the amenities that whites only campgrounds had, I find it interesting that this is now the best spot in town! (IMO) camp attendee was super friendly and on top of everything. This is a hiking area, people tend to go to sleep and wake up earlier than your average family camping location, be aware of the time and don't be loud after dark! Never had an issue here, oh and remember this site is on the peak of a mountain, so it can get pretty chilly at night.
Quaint campsite
Arrived before the weekend, around late morning. Greeted by the park ranger, they gave the basic information for these sites. Limited spots here. You’re pretty close to your neighbor. Only some spots have bear lockers, ours did and we ended up sharing with another site that didn’t. Yes, there was warning that a bear had been really close to this area.
There are cabins, tent sites and room for trailers. Camp store with the usual goodies. Bathrooms, dish wash station, and coin showers.
Our spot had a picnic table and a fire ring. We stayed for a few nights with no complaints. AT trail is right there if you’re interested. We had limited to no service depending on where you were standing, so I wouldn’t expect much. But that’s why you’re out there right? There is a short trail nearby, saw some deer. The only thing I wish was a better view of the surroundings area like some of the pull. 360 view of only trees.
Wonderful with warm welcome
We showed up at sunset, were greeted by park rangers and informed this site is $5 cheaper to camp in than all the others in the park. Made us feel happy. Ate dinner and slept all night without becoming dinner for a bear. Really clean really cool beautiful sunset through the trees. Highly recommend.
Okay
Stayed here cause Big Meadows was full. Not too bad just really close to people and much smaller than Big Meadows. Still great spot inside the park near lots of wonderful trials.
Perfection
While it's the smallest of the campgrounds in Shenandoah National Park, Lewis Mountain is by far my favorite. I have camped there more than 50 times over the years.
It's got it all:
- Sites that are suitable for tents, trailers, or RVs (only 30 sites, so you don't feel like it's crowded even it's full)
- Cabins if you don't want to camp
- A campstore with the basic necessities in case you forget something
- Showers and laundry (bring quarters!)
- Ranger programs (when funding permits)
- Convenient access to the Appalachian trail
- Close access (~15 minutes) to the Swift Run Gap (US 33) entrance to the park
It's also about a 15-minute drive from Big Meadows, which has more amenities (bigger campstore, gift shop, restaurants, and visitor center).
I highly recommend a trip there.
Lewis Mountain does not accept reservations, so be sure to get there early. At $15 a night, it's pretty reasonably priced.
Nice campground
As usual any campground in the Shenandoah national Park is well-kept, well cared for, and just beautifulWe have stayed in all the campgrounds on the 101 mile stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway and with in the Shenandoah national Park
Quiet and peaceful
We stayed in one of the cabins at Lewis Mountain, which had a queen size bed and bathroom with a small shower. Towels, soap and shampoo are provided. Each cabin has a sheltered area and fire pit for cooking and eating. The folks in the camp store were very friendly and went out of their way to provide hospitality. A couple of trails run right by the campground.
