Loft Mountain Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Opens April 30, 2025 and typically operates through early November. Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends and holidays.
High Wind Warning issued December 30 at 12:34AM EST until December 30 at 4:00PM EST by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
* WHAT...West winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. The strongest winds are expected through this morning. * WHERE...Central Virginia Blue Ridge and Northern Virginia Blue Ridge. * WHEN...Until 4 PM EST this afternoon. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
Necessary Upgrades Underway at Dickey Ridge Visitor Center in September
For visitor safety, please avoid the construction area and follow all signage and fencing. Visitor center operations will not be impacted.
Shenandoah National Park Moves to Fully Cashless Fee Collection July 1
On July 1, 2025, the park transitioned to a fully cashless system at our fee entrance stations. Only credit cards, debit cards, or mobile payments will be accepted.
Parking at Boundary Access Areas
Visitors are reminded to park in designated parking areas when accessing the park via boundary trailheads. Parking in unauthorized locations may result in your vehicle being towed at the owner's expense.
Get Skyline Drive Status Updates
Sign up for Shenandoah Alerts by texting SHENALERTS to 888777. Any time there are closures, re-openings, or other important safety-related alerts, subscribers will receive a notification via text. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Ticket Required to Hike Old Rag
March 1 - November 30 those wishing to hike Old Rag are required to obtain a day-use ticket before arriving.
Potential delays during stone wall rehabilitation project
The stone wall that lines Skyline Drive is being rehabilitated between miles 72.8 and 75.7. There will be a single lane closure for the duration of this work, with an established work zone that will be managed by flaggers. Visitors should expect delays.
Charging Stations are Currently Unavailable
The charging stations at Skyland are currently out of service.
About
Perched on top of Big Flat Mountain at mile 79.5 on Skyline Drive, Loft Mountain is one of the largest campgrounds in Shenandoah National Park. The campground features 207 sites total, with 141 reservable and 50 first-come, first-served sites, making it a popular destination for both planners and spontaneous adventurers. The elevated location provides outstanding views to the east and west across the Blue Ridge Mountains. Trails from the campground lead into the Big Run Wilderness area, where pristine waterfalls are common sights along popular hiking routes. The campground is ideally situated for exploring Shenandoah's extensive trail system, including portions of the 101-mile Appalachian Trail that runs through the park. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and countless bird species frequently spotted in the area. The campground offers seasonal amenities including flush toilets, coin-operated showers, potable water, a camp store, laundry facilities, and a dump station. Deep back-in sites accommodate most RVs and tow vehicles, though hookups are not available. Limited generator use is permitted during specified hours. The campground operates from late April through early November, providing a comfortable base camp for experiencing the natural beauty and wilderness of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Directions
From Washington, D.C. area, travel west on I-66 to exit 43A, take US-29 south approximately 55 miles to Ruckersville, then US-33 west to Swift Run Gap entrance. Follow Skyline Drive south approximately 15 miles to mile 79.5 and turn left into Loft Mountain area. From Richmond area, travel west on I-64 to exit 99, follow signs to Shenandoah and Skyline Drive, then head north approximately 25 miles to mile 79.5 and turn right into Loft Mountain area.
Nearby Campgrounds
- Dundo Group Campground 2.9mi
- Lewis Mountain Campground 17mi
- Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah 23mi
- Sherando Lake Group Picnic Shelter 28mi
- Sherando Lake Recreation Area Family Camping 29mi
- Sherando Lake Group Camp 30mi
- Camp Roosevelt Recreation Area 34mi
- Camp Roosevelt 34mi
- Hone Quarry Campground 29mi
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | Yes |
| Price | $30 - $75 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 50ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 50ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (540) 999-3500 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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