Lewis Mountain Campground
Sign for Lewis Mountain Negro Area, Shenandoah National Park.
African American Visitors on a bus tour to Shenandoah National Park in 1950. Their sign reads "Educational Tour and Picnic to Shenandoah National Park.
African American campers enjoy Lewis Mountain campground, Shenandoah National Park.
Ms. Minnie Tutt worked as a manager at Lewis Mountain campground, circa 1939 - 1950
Mr. Lloyd Tutt worked as a manager at Lewis Mountain Campground, circa 1939 - 1950.
This 1938 map showing segregated areas of the Shenandoah National Park was given to park visitors. The black arrow indicates Lewis Mountain Negro Campground.
Lewis Mountain Campground was originally Shenandoah National Park's "Negro" campground. The campground facilities, including the original cabins, can be reserved for overnight stays.
Lewis Mountain Campground was established in 1939 as the park's "Negro" campground. It consisted of a lodge with a dining room, individual cabins, and a campground where tents and campers could be set up. Even after the park was officially desegregated by 1950, Lewis Mountain served as the de facto campground for African American visitors throughout the 1950s. While African Americans continued to suffer discrimination throughout the South, Lewis Mountain Campground was a peaceful refuge.
Lewis Mountain Campground, it's original cabins still available for rent, is just off Skyline Drive, a few miles south of Big Meadows. Visit the Park's website for more information. https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/lodging.htm