Lewis Mountain Campground, near Stanardsville, Virginia, is a cozy spot tucked within [Shenandoah National Park](https://thedyrt.com/camping/virginia/near/shenandoah-national-park), perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape. This campground is known for its serene atmosphere, surrounded by lush forests and easy access to the Appalachian Trail, making it a great base for hiking adventures.

The campground offers basic amenities like clean bathrooms and a well-stocked camp store, ensuring you have what you need for a comfortable stay. Visitors appreciate the quiet setting, with one camper noting, “I adore Lewis Mountain. It's quieter than the other Shenandoah sites.” While the sites are a bit close together, many find the privacy adequate for a relaxing experience.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby trails provide stunning views and opportunities for wildlife spotting, including deer and various birds. The area is also known for its wildflower hunting, adding a splash of color to your hikes. Just remember, this place operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is key to snagging a good spot. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, Lewis Mountain Campground offers a charming retreat in the heart of nature.

## Overview

 This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you can pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the[ Recreation.gov mobile app][1] . Download the free Recreation.gov mobile app on Android or iOS prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service. 
## Recreation

 Shenandoah National Park has over 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Some trails lead to a waterfall or viewpoint while others wind deep into the forest and wilderness. Lewis Mountain is near many of the major facilities and popular hiking trails in the park and is 7 miles away from the Byrd Visitors Center and Big Meadow, with its abundant plant growth and wildlife, is an ideal nearby attraction. Wildlife viewing is also a popular pastime, with black bears, wild turkey, deer, birds and countless other animals thriving in the park. The campground is also located right off the famous Skyline Drive, which runs 105 miles north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Stunning views are visible from any of the 75 scenic overlooks. 
## Natural Features

 Shenandoah National Park spans 300 square miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the southern Appalachians. The park rises above the Virginia Piedmont to its east and the Shenandoah Valley to its west. The scenery at Lewis Mountain Campground never disappoints, with a stunning array of colors in the fall and a blanket of bright wildflowers in the spring. This green and shady campground is a wilderness paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. 
## Nearby Attractions

 Two visitor centers with bookstores and exhibits are located in the park (milepost 5 and milepost 51). Byrd Visitor Center is 7 miles north where there are concession managed restaurants, gift shops, ranger programs and lodging facilities. Big Meadows Lodge and Restaurant is located near the Byrd Visitor Center. 

[1]: https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app/

Lewis Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Hood, VA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Hood is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Virginia camping adventure.

Hood

The Best Camping Near Hood, Virginia

This is such a beautiful National Park, and very accessible to most of the east coast cities.  We traveled down from Pittsburgh and stayed Friday through Monday at Lewis Mountain campground, which is one of the smaller campgrounds in the park.  Reservations are first-come, first-served, which makes it a bit tricky.  Out of the 31 sites (including host site), only 3 remained when we arrived at about 1:45 PM on a Friday afternoon, and those remaining filled up within the hour.  Especially in the busier months of the summer, I would suggest arriving prior to 11 or 1130 AM if you're trying to get a site on a Friday or Saturday night.  This campground is known as the quieter campground in the park, since it is primarily tent campers, and the quiet hours are enforced as a result.  There are also cabins available that you can rent that are closer to the picnic area and Skyline Drive.  This campground is right next to the AT and convenient to closer hikes like Bearfence Mountain (probably my favorite hike in the park - beautiful 360 degree views from the rocky summit) and the short trail up to Lewis Mountain itself.  During our long-weekend stay, we saw a total of 6 black bears, a barred owl, tons of awesome bugs (moths, beetles, etc), brook trout, a salamander, and some other wildlife.  We did approx 7 trails, most of which were appropriate for younger kids (7 & 9), and generally had an amazing weekend.  This campground is perfect if you prefer the quieter, hiker-friendly side of things, vs. the more RV-oriented Big Meadows or Skyland, which is cabin/lodge oriented.  I have not camped at either Loft Mountain or Mathews Arm, so I can not comment on those.

Gorgeous long weekend in Shenandoah

This is the Best campground in the park! The spots are secluded, there's bathrooms that are in good shape, and it's super close to some awesome hikes and great sunset lookouts! We loved being able to hang our hammocks and watch the wildlife roam around. Our dogs were welcomed and we felt right at home! One of my favorite NPs and definetly my favorite camp spot in the park!

Best in the park

Besides some of the ground campgrounds this one is tiny in comparison to Big Meadows and Loft Mountain which had hundreds of sites and people. Because this campground is quite a bit smaller, you really only have tent campers, a few random smaller popups/trailers and everyone was really good about following the quiet hours and you don't have to worry about any generator noise.

This being said, there really aren't a lot of super flat areas for tents, so if you get there when lots of sites are open, pick carefully (you'll have better luck on the inner sites). That is unless you don't mind sleeping on a little bit of a slope. (But if it rains, then you don't have to worry about a puddle forming under your tent!)

The campstore is really pretty nice, the hosts were pretty diligent (it is a small campground and you can pretty much see everything from every other site), especially in regards to people leaving their coolers/food/cooking stuff out. They told up about 4 times that they'd already had to remove a bear and almost immediately took our neighbors cooler when they left in on their picnic table and left the campgrounds.

The site themselves have the standard picnic table, fire ring with grill and a parking spot. Some sites are closer than others to the random rocks with water coming from them (should have taken a picture as they are pretty silly) and the bathhouse right in the center of the campground which was decently clean, although they are starting to show some signs of wear, tear, and rust as it seems they may get a little less care than the larger campgrounds.

The campstore has pay showers inside which are open when the store is open and a shower outside. Thought that one was much nicer and at least during the day remained pretty clean, at night it could get a little messy as people think they can get away with not cleaning up after themselves. Also, if you need change (takes quarters only) you will need to make sure and go by the campstore while they're open because unlike the other campgrounds there is no change machine here.

Small, but nice and secluded

We stayed here July 3rd and were worried there would be people making a ruckus till all hours, but it turned out to be quiet and peaceful. Mostly families. Some staying for extended trips. We got there just after 12pm and there were only a couple of sites left.

Small but has it all

Shenandoah is my favorite place to go for a quick little reset in the mountains. Lewis Mountain is my favorite of the campgrounds up there. It has a nice communal feel, doesn't get rowdy, has water and bathrooms, and isn't too crowded. The sites are adequate and spaced enough apart to not be sleeping on top of your neighbors. It's a lovely spot.

My Happy Place

Not as many sites that you would think but if you like solitude go here

Small

Campground was very clean and had nice showers and a camp store on site. The AT is only 150 yards away from several of the sites. They offer everything from backcountry, RV, and primitive camp sites. Try staying on outer loop around site A60 and you'll be able to see the sunset right from your site (weather permitting) We really enjoyed this campground when we stayed in May 2018, unfortunately no sunset views for us since there was dense fog and rain.

Close to the AT & Potential for beautiful views

Lewis mountain has all the amenities of home within walking distance if you just can’t live without them; bathrooms,showers, kitchen sink, fire pit, small store and 2 personal vehicle parking spots steps away from the tent. They also offer cabins if tents aren’t your style. The staff are all volunteers and do daily walkabouts to ensure everything is going smoothly and to give updates on the weather and ranger programs. My husband and I brought along our 10 month old daughter and 2 German Shepherds. Needless to say we were sort of loud, especially during the quite hours, but the staff assured us that things happen and urged us to stay the full 3 nights. This campground is more secluded than the others just down skyline drive which makes it more deseriable in our books. Our tent was also nestled up against the AT so we came across numerous friendly backpackers!

Friendly and accommodating 

loved this campground, hiking around, easy to find, respectful staff, highly recommend 

tentsite

This campground on Skyline Drive is first come first serve. We arrived on an early Friday afternoon in July and there were still a good amounts of sites left. Bring your bug spray! There are lots of hikes nearby. We drove to hike Dark Hollow falls and it is a good easy/moderate one. I hiked while pregnant and our two young sons made it up and back(while catching a ride on the way back up). I gave it 4 stars because the camp hosts were a bit nosy and intrusive and there was an incident with a family nearby that seemed to be a misunderstanding but the park rangers and everyone got involved and it was a big ordeal. It seemed like it was an isolated thing but it was uncomfortable to have to witness. 

Shenandoah  Camping

Has awesome pull offs along the Skyline drive, which is great for pictures! Saw a lot of wildlife there including bucks and bears.

Awesome wildlife and hiking!

Awesome Wildlife and Hiking!

We did a drop in on this campground this month and I was amazed that they had availability in July. This campground has a lot of sites but they've spaced them so that they can be pretty private and quiet. If you get in early there a lot of really choice sites. But even the non choice sites are great. Quiet time starts at 10 and is enforced. We didn't hear a soul all night. It is really close to one of the entrances to Skyline drive and really inexpensive at $15 a night. Really close to the Appalachian trail among other hikes and it has a great little camp store. Only down side was a lot of the campsites didn't have grills to put over the fire. We loved this site and will be going back!

Private campground even though there are lots of spots!

Great location for hiking. The campground is almost on the summit of the mountain, making it cold and windy during the fall/winter months. 

favorite

This place is very nice if you dont want to be around many people.

Peaceful

Upon arrival i was a little confused as to check in so i stoped at the well stocked camp store cabin and was quickly helped. It was a self check in, i filled out the little card and was good to go. Only $15 a night is a great deal for the location. There are trails that go right through the camping ground so you can literally wake up and go hiking. Each site seemed to have a picnic table, and fire pit with a grill on it. They left wood by the fire pits. Quiet time starts at 10pm. My dog and I had a great time.

Camp and Go

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.

Quiet and peaceful 

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

Nice campground

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.

Perfection

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. 

Okay

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. 

Wonderful with warm welcome

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.  

Quaint campsite

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.

Best site in Shenandoah

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.

Love snp

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.

Not good honestly. 

It is in middle of everything

  

Great hikes nearby including waterfalls and rock scrambles

Favorite of Shenandoah Campgrounds

I stayed here for two nights in the middle of the week in July 2020.  AFAIK all of the campsites here are first-come, first serve, so get here early.  I arrived at about 1:00 pm on a Tuesday, and got the last (worst) site, right next to the campground manager, the entrance, and the toilet.  

  

Most of the sites here are very close together and provide very little privacy, so when every site is occupied it felt more like a trailer park than a campground.  Between generators running, lots of kids running around, parties in the cabins next door, etc., the site was far louder than my home in the center of DC.  

  

On the plus side, the campground is right on the AT, so hiking is easy.  I won't be back in the high season, but might go back in the off-season (April, May, Sept, Oct).  This campground closes at the end of October.

Crowded, Loud

The camp ground is pretty, but the sites are very close together. It is first come, first serve which I think is fair for everyone. I wouldn't come here during peak season or weekends...it would get very crowded and easily become a not so relaxing weekend. 

Beautiful place east hike access

I adore Lewis Mountain. It's quieter than the other Shenandoah sites, it has clean facilities, showers, water, and a store, and is right on the Appalachian Trail with tons of access to other trails. The campsite manager is onsite if anyone needs anything, and is super friendly and knowledgeable about the area.

Overall, highly recommend.

My favorite campsite!

nice quit primitive campground. camp store on site and we’ll stocked. bathrooms are well maintained. nice short hike to the summit. great wildflower hunting. 

quiet camp

Lewis Mountain:   Drive through only. 
We liked this campground so much, smallness and setting , we almost cancelled our next reservation to stay here.  Arrive early enough in the day to snag a better site.  
(Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
(70 yr olds in 17’ trailer)
Overall Rating:  4.5 
Price:   $15 with senior pass 
Usage during visit: Heavy
Site Privacy:  Pretty good, picnic areas did not seem tucked away.  
Site Spacing:  A little close. 
Site surface:   Blacktop 
Reservations:    First come, first 
Campground Noise:   Quiet 
Road Noise: I don’t think so
Through Traffic:  None 
Electricity:   No
Water: Yes
Sewer Hookup:  No
Generators:  Allowed 
Bathroom:  Yes
Showers:    Yes! 
Pull Throughs:  Maybe a couple 
Cell Service (Verizon): 
Setting:  Pretty open area surrounded by forest. 
Solar: Some sites, maybe.
Rig size:   I didn’t see a site that would accommodate rigs over20’ or so.  

Photos of Lewis Mountain Campground — Shenandoah National Park

Real photos from real campers