Lewis Mountain Campground
Campground · Fee
Fast facts
- Cost
- $30.00
- Type
- Campground
- Season
- December 1 to March 25
- Sites
- 30 total · 0 reservable · 30 first come
- Phone
- 540-999-3500
- Coordinates
- 38.4356, -78.4781
- Last verified
- September 19, 2026
About this place
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 . 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. Facilities This small, seculded campground offers 30 campsites. A picnic areas is provided, as well as conveniences like flush toilets, showers and a camp store which creates a comfortable camping experience. There is limited WIFI and cell phone reception. 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.
From the managing agency.
Is Lewis Mountain Campground free?
No. Lewis Mountain Campground charges $30.00.
Can I bring an RV to Lewis Mountain Campground?
Lewis Mountain Campground has 30 sites on record. 0 sites are reservable and 30 are first come.
When is Lewis Mountain Campground open?
The season on record runs December 1 to March 25. Dates move with weather and with the managing office, so check before a shoulder-season trip.
How do I get to Lewis Mountain Campground?
Lewis Mountain is the closest campground for those entering Shenandoah National Park through Swift Run Entrance Station (Elkton, US 33). From Richmond, Virginia: travel west on I-64 to Charlottesville. Take exit to US-29 North. Turn left onto US-33 West, and follow 14 miles to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive. Once on Skyline Drive, travel north from Swift Run Gap about eight miles to Lewis Mountain Campground (mile 57.5).
What is the weather like at Lewis Mountain Campground?
Shenandoah National Park has four very distinct seasons. Spring typically brings mild temperatures, rain, and wildflowers. Summer brings lush green forests, but can be hot and very humid. Fall follows with cooler temperatures and spectacular fall foliage. Winter can bring snow and ice. The mountain is usually 10°F cooler than the valley below. Always check the forecast, dress in layers, and be prepared.
What are the rules at Lewis Mountain Campground?
Stays are limited to 30 days. Checkout time is noon. Camping fees must be paid within one (1) hour of occupying a site. Be sure to clip your camping pass to your site post to show occupancy. Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Generators may be used from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. From opening until April 14, and October 15 through the end of the season, generator hours are extended to 9 p.m. for the purpose of generating heat. Generator use is prohibited in sites designated as “generator-free” and in group sites. Bear, deer, raccoons, and skunks are year-round residents of Shenandoah. Food, garbage, equipment used to prepare or store food, and all scented items must be kept in a locked vehicle or storage locker when not being actively used. It is illegal to feed or disturb wildlife.
Nearby
- Big Meadows Campground6.8 mi
- Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (VA)6.8 mi
- Boone Shelter12.6 mi
- Loft Mountain Campground16.6 mi
- Camp Roosevelt20.6 mi
- High Cliff Canoe Campground23.6 mi
- MATHEWS ARM CAMPGROUND24.4 mi
- Hazard Mill Canoe Camp27.8 mi
No other services within 50 mi on the record.
SourceSource data is agency published. Last synced September 19, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.
