Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is located in the state of Virginia, USA. It spans over 200,000 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Established in 1935, the park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

The park's location in the state of Virginia showcases its rich historical background. Prior to the establishment of Shenandoah National Park, the area was home to many families living in the Appalachian Mountains. In the 1920s and 1930s, the process of creating the park led to the involuntary removal of these families, a controversial aspect of the park's history.

Visitors to Shenandoah National Park can enjoy a wide range of activities. The most popular activity is hiking, with over 500 miles of trails weaving through the park, ranging in difficulty from easy walks to challenging treks. Numerous scenic overlooks offer panoramic views, including the iconic Skyline Drive, a 105-mile road that winds along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Wildlife viewing is another highlight of the park, with a diverse range of animals, including black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and many bird species. For those interested in camping, Shenandoah has several campgrounds offering different amenities and facilities for families or individuals seeking a rustic experience.

Nearby attractions make Shenandoah National Park a great destination for those looking to explore the area further. Luray Caverns, located just outside the park, is a popular tourist spot known for its stunning underground formations. The historic town of Charlottesville, home to Monticello - Thomas Jefferson's plantation - and the University of Virginia, is also within close proximity to the park and offers cultural and educational opportunities.

Overall, Shenandoah National Park in Virginia is a picturesque destination where visitors can immerse themselves in nature, enjoy various outdoor activities, and explore nearby historical and cultural attractions.

Shenandoah National Park is located in the northern part of the state of Virginia in the United States. Situated in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, the park spans across a significant portion of the Shenandoah Valley. In terms of geographical location, it lies about 75 miles west of the bustling city of Washington D.C., making it a convenient escape for nature enthusiasts seeking respite from urban life. The park covers an area of approximately 200,000 acres, providing ample opportunities for visitors to explore stunning landscapes, hike along the Appalachian Trail, and marvel at the scenic Skyline Drive that traverses through the heart of the park. Throughout the park, visitors can enjoy panoramic views, cascading waterfalls, diverse wildlife, and an abundance of natural beauty that showcases the unique and breathtaking elements of Virginia's landscape.

Address & Contact

Shenandoah National Park
3655 U.S. Highway 211 East
Luray, VA 22835
Driving Directions
Phone: 5409993500
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Shenandoah National Park would be during the months of April and October. These months offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities with average maximum temperatures of 67°F in October and 67°F in April. Additionally, the average minimum temperatures during these months are 44°F in October and 41°F in April, allowing for comfortable exploration. The average monthly precipitation is relatively moderate with 3.8 inches in October and 3.6 inches in April. Furthermore, these months attract a high number of visitors, indicating the popularity of the park during these times, but they are not as crowded as the peak summer months of July and June.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Shenandoah National Park are: Astronomy Stargazing Food Picnicking Hands-On Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs Biking Road Biking Camping Backcountry Camping Car or Front Country Camping Climbing Rock Climbing Hiking Fishing Hunting and Gathering Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Horse Trekking Horseback Riding Group Camping RV Camping Dining Citizen Science Gathering and Foraging Compass and GPS Geocaching

Topics

Learn about these topics at Shenandoah National Park: Presidents Animals Birds Geology Night Sky Arts Transportation Fish Fire Rock Landscapes and Features Trails Unique Species Wilderness Watersheds Schools and Education Climate Change Forests and Woodlands Grasslands Meadows Mountains Scenic Views Waterfalls Roads, Routes and Highways Endangered Great Depression Ancient Seas

Visitor Centers

Harry F. Byrd Sr. Visitor Center

Byrd Visitor Center (mile 51) is located across from Big Meadows in the center of Shenandoah National Park. Available facilities include: restrooms, information desk, ranger programs, bookstore, publications, maps, and first aid. Within close proximity to countless activities and hikes, it's a great place to start your next trip!

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Harry F. Byrd Sr. Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Shenandoah National Park

Big Meadows Campground

Big Meadows Campground (mile 51.2) is centrally-located in Shenandoah National Park, providing easy access to many of the most popular destinations in the Park, including Big Meadows, Dark Hollow Falls, and Byrd Visitor Center. All sites include a place for a tent or RV, a fire ring, and a picnic table. All sites at Big Meadows Campground are by reservation only.
Fees (US$): 75.00 (Group Campsite (Nonelectric)), 30.00 (Standard Campsite (Nonelectric))
Total Campsites: 221
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: Coin-Operated - Seasonal
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Lewis Mountain Campground

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.
Fees (US$): 30.00 (Standard Campsite (Nonelectric))
Total Campsites: 30
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: Coin-Operated - Seasonal
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Loft Mountain Campground

Loft Mountain (mile 79.5) sits atop Big Flat Mountain in the southern part of Shenandoah National Park, with outstanding views to east and west. Two waterfalls and the trails into the Big Run Wilderness area are nearby. Loft Mountain has a combination of reservable and first-come, first-served sites. Reservable sites are released in sections.
Fees (US$): 30.00 (Standard Campsite (Nonelectric))
Total Campsites: 207
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: Coin-Operated - Seasonal
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Mathews Arm Campground

Mathews Arm Campground (mile 22.1) is the nearest campground for those entering Shenandoah National Park from Front Royal, in the northern section of the Park. All sites include a place for a tent or RV, a fire ring, and picnic table. Elkwallow Wayside, with camping supplies and food service, is two miles away. Mathews Arm has a combination of reservable and first-come, first-served sites. Reservable sites are released in sections.
Fees (US$): 30.00 (Standard Campsite (Nonelectric)), 75.00 (Group Campsite (Nonelectric))
Total Campsites: 165
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Hotels within or near Shenandoah National Park

Big Meadows Lodge

Located in Luray, Big Meadows Lodge is in a national park, a 4-minute drive from Rose River Falls and 11 minutes from Dark Hollow Falls. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: Mile 51.2 Skyline Drive, Luray, Virginia 22835
Web: Link

The Cottage at Ravens Roost Farm

Located in Luray, The Cottage at Ravens Roost Farm is within a 5-minute drive of Warehouse Art Gallery and Valley Health Page Memorial Hospital. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1129 Stonyman Rd, Luray, Virginia 22835
Web: Link

Rest-mor

With a stay at this cabin in Stanley, you'll be within a 15-minute drive of Jordan Hollow Stables and Wisteria Farm and Vineyard. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: Restmore Lane, Stanley, Virginia 22851
Web: Link

White_fence_english_ivy_cottage

With a stay at this cabin in Stanley, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Jordan Hollow Stables and Wisteria Farm and Vineyard. Guests will find features like wireless Internet access.
Address: 275 Chapel Road, Stanley, Virginia 22851
Web: Link

Amos`s_willow_bend_stone_cottage

When you stay at this cabin in Stanley, you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Jordan Hollow Stables and Wisteria Farm and Vineyard. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2551 Pine Grove Rd., Stanley, Virginia 22851
Web: Link

Altitude_coziness

With a stay at this cabin in Stanley, you'll be 6.8 mi (11 km) from Jordan Hollow Stables and 7.4 mi (11.9 km) from Wisteria Farm and Vineyard. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 112 Price Ridge Rd., Stanley, Virginia 22851
Web: Link

A_wild_woods_retreat

With a stay at this cabin in Stanley, you'll be 6.6 mi (10.6 km) from Jordan Hollow Stables and 7.1 mi (11.5 km) from Wisteria Farm and Vineyard. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 568 Cliff Heights rd, Stanley, Virginia 22851
Web: Link

LL- Red Bud

Located in Stanley, this cabin is within a 15-minute drive of Wisteria Farm and Vineyard and Jordan Hollow Stables. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 210 Lorayne Lane, Stanley, Virginia 22851
Web: Link

Mountain_roots_lodging

Located in Stanley, this vacation home is in the mountains, within a 15-minute drive of Harry F. Byrd Sr. Visitor Center and Wisteria Farm and Vineyard.
Address: 3806 Tanners Ridge Road, Stanley, Virginia 22851
Web: Link

Mountain Top Retreat

Located in Stanley, this condo is in the mountains, within a 15-minute drive of Wisteria Farm and Vineyard and Jordan Hollow Stables.
Address: 1842 Tanners Ridge Road, Stanley, Virginia 22851
Web: Link