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Campground Overview

Introduction

2026 Opening Date: March 26 Lewis Mountain (mile 57.5), the smallest campground in Shenandoah National Park, appeals to those who want a little more privacy while still staying within a close distance to many of the most popular destinations in the Park, including Big Meadows (7 miles away). Lewis Mountain Campground operates on a self-registration, first-come, first-serve basis. There are no reservable sites. Please follow the posted directions to register once arriving at the campground.

Campsite Details

Reservable0

First Come First Serve30

Total Sites30

Group0

Horse0

Tent Only0

Electrical Hookups0

RV Only0

Walk/Boat To0

Other0

Operating Hours

Lewis Mountain Campground is open during the spring, summer, and fall. Opening and closing dates vary from year to year and are subject to change at any time. Camping is NOT permitted in the campgrounds when they are closed.

Weather

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.

Amenities

Trash & Recycling Collection

Toilets

Showers

Laundry

Camp Store

Staff or Host On-Site

Potable Water

Ice For Sale

Firewood For Sale

Food Storage Lockers

Directions

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).

Rates & Fees

$30.00

Standard Campsite (Nonelectric)

A standard, nonelectric campsite for tent or RV (motorhome, pop-up, or 5th-wheel). Standard campsites are limited to six people (or 1 immediate family) per site and one RV.

Rules & Regulations

Fire/Stove Policy

To help slow the spread of the emerald ash borer, visitors must only use USDA-certified firewood (signified by the USDA stamp on packaging), which can be purchased in the Park. Dead wood may also be used if it is gathered from the ground in the Park; do not cut, saw, or break any standing trees, dead or alive, for firewood. Fires are only allowed in Park-provided fire grates. You must fully extinguish your fire before leaving the area, even for a short amount of time. To do this, simply douse the fire with water and stir with a stick. Repeat this until you no longer feel warmth coming from the fire grate. Camping and backpacking stoves are permitted, but the use of charcoal grills is prohibited.

Regulations Overview

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.

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access
Two ADA accessible sites are available for wheelchair access. Showers and laundry facilities are also wheelchair accessible.
RV Allowed
Yes
RV Information
Lewis Mountain Campground features 3 pull-through and 27 back-in sites which can handle most RVs and a tow vehicle. Although electric and water hookups are not available, potable water is available and limited generator use is permitted (see regulations). There is no dump station at Lewis Mountain; sewage and wastewater from trailers and RVs must be emptied at the dump station at Big Meadows Campground (mile 51.2), approximately 7 miles north.
RV Maximum Length
0
Trailer Maximum Length
0
ADA Information
Two accessible sites are available at Lewis Mountain Campground. Accessible shower and laundry facilities are also available.
Trailer Allowed
Yes
Access Roads
Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
Classifications
Developed Campground

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