Free Union, Maryland · Albemarle County · Campground
Overview Perched on top of Big Flat Mountain, this is one of the largest campgrounds in the park. Loft Mountain is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, providing a wilderness getaway in the historic Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia. Recreation Shenandoah National Park has over 500 miles of trails, including 1…
Overview Perched on top of Big Flat Mountain, this is one of the largest campgrounds in the park. Loft Mountain is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, providing a wilderness getaway in the historic Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia. Recreation Shenandoah National Park has over 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Some trails lead to a waterfall or lookout, while others wind deep into the forest and wilderness. Trails to the Big Run Wilderness area are accessible from the campground, and pristine waterfalls are a common site along the popular trails. Wildlife viewing is also a popular pastime, with black bears, wild turkey, deer, birds and countless other animals abundant across the park. The campground is located right off of Milepost 80 on the famous Skyline Drive, which runs 105 miles north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Stunning views are available from any of the 75 scenic overlooks.Facilities This expansive campground offers 207 campsites, as well as amenaties like flush toilets and water and dump stations, which create a comfortable camping experience. Pay showers are nearby at the campstore. Natural Features Shenandoah National Park includes 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. Loft Mountain's location on the mountain top offers easy access to Skyline Drive which offers sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the surrounding rolling hills and open meadows. Nearby Attractions Two visitor centers with bookstores and exhibits are located in the park (milepost 5 and milepost 51). There are concession managed restaurants, gift shops and lodging facilities scattered throughout the park. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (540) 627-6212.Charges & Cancellations Changing Reservations: There is no change fee if a visitor extends or shortens a re
Photos
A photo of campground regulations at the facility of Loft Mountain Campground — Paula Keeter BrittA photo of facility Loft Mountain Campground with No Amenities Shown — Paula Keeter BrittA photo of trail nearby facility of Loft Mountain Campground — Paula Keeter BrittA photo of a butterfly on a flower outside the facility of Loft Mountain Campground — Paula Keeter BrittA photo of signage nearby facility Loft Mountain Campground — Paula Keeter BrittA photo of the facility Loft Mountain Campground — Paula Keeter BrittLoft Mountain Campground — Samantha McCoyA photo of bees on a flower outside the facility at Loft Mountain Campground — Paula Keeter Britt
How to Get There
From Washington, D.C., metro area, travel west on Interstate 66 to exit 43A. Take US Highway 29 south approximately 55 miles to Ruckersville, Virginia, then take US Highway 33 west to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive Swift Run Entrance. Follow Skyline Drive south approximately 15 miles and turn left into the Loft Mountain area. Follow the signs to Loft Mountain Campground. From Richmond, Virginia, area, travel west on Interstate 64 to exit 99 for Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive. Take Skyline Drive north approximately 25 miles and turn right into the Loft Mountain area. Follow the signs to Loft Mountain Campground.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Loft Mountain Campground
Heading to Loft Mountain Campground? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Loft Mountain Campground?
No central reservation system listed for Loft Mountain Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232433) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How many campsites are at Loft Mountain Campground?
Loft Mountain Campground has 213 campsites. Site amenities (hookups, vehicle limits, ADA access) vary — see the individual campsite pages for details.
How do I get to Loft Mountain Campground?
From Washington, D.C., metro area, travel west on Interstate 66 to exit 43A. Take US Highway 29 south approximately 55 miles to Ruckersville, Virginia, then take US Highway 33 west to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive Swift Run Entrance. Follow Skyline Drive south approximately 15 miles and turn left into the Loft Mountain area. Follow the signs to Loft Mountain Campground. From Richmond,…