Shenandoah National Park

Usual hours

• Mon–Sun 0:00–0:00

From 56 published days, 2026-10-24 to 2026-12-18; community-mapped.

About

This park's official page lists: Wheelchair-accessible facilities.

Entrance / day-use fee applies.

This park's official page lists: Picnic areas.

At the park

• Waterfalls scenic feature
• Wildflowers scenic feature
• Hiking trails trail

Events

• Art in the Park: Scenes from Shenandoah 12:00 PM–08:00 PM
• Artist in Residence Public Program with The Honey Dewdrops
• Artist in Residence Public Program with Rebecca Shewmaker
• Artist in Residence Public Program

Before you go

Disability access

This park's official page states it has wheelchair-accessible facilities. Specific routes, transfer access and equipment vary — confirm with the park for your needs.

Limits

Are permits required to hike or camp?

Limits

Fires are allowed only in the Park-provided fire grates found in picnic areas, campgrounds, and overnight shelters

Limits

In order to maintain the safety of your pet and any wildlife you may encounter, dogs are required to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times

Limits

In order to maintain the safety of your pet and any wildlife you may encounter, dogs are required to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times

Getting there

Shenandoah National Park is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, west of Washington, D.C. It stretches 105 miles and has four entrances: Front Royal (northern entrance), Thornton Gap, Swift Run Gap, and Rockfish Gap (southern entrance to Shenandoah and the northern entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway). The physical address listed is to the administrative offices, not the Park itself. GPS can be unreliable for navigating to the Park, so we encourage you to check out our website for more info.

Weather & when to go

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 park spans roughly 100 miles, which means that weather can vary greatly depending on your location. The mountain is usually 10°F cooler than the valley below. Always check the forecast, dress in layers, and be prepared.

⚠ Park closure: Active Closure

Due to recent wildlife interactions and out of an abundance of caution, the Naked Creek backcountry zone is closed to all recreation until further notice. A camping closure remains in effect for the Appalachian Trail (AT) from Lewis Mountain to Big Meadows, including the Bearfence AT Hut. The AT is still accessible to hikers for day-use only.

Park alert: 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.

⚠ Caution: 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. Park on the right side of the road approaching Thompson Hollow. Parking is authorized up to the "No Parking" sign before a private driveway.

Park alert: Shenandoah National Park Moved to Fully Cashless Fee Collection

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.

Park alert: 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.

⚠ Caution: Emergency Phone Line Unavailable

Shenandoah National Park Emergency Phone number (1-800-732-0911) is currently unavailable. For all emergencies, Park visitors can dial 911.

Park alert: Infrastructure Improvements to Old Rag Trailhead

Effective May 4, Shenandoah National Park will begin infrastructure enhancements at the Old Rag Trailhead main parking lot. We expect to complete work by November 2026. Until then, the main parking lot is closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Visitors can access Old Rag Trailhead via existing overflow parking lots. Day-use tickets are still required from March 1 through November 30 in addition to a park entrance fee.

Visitor center

Beahms Gap Overlook

Visitor center

Big Meadows Wayside

Visitor center

Dickey Ridge Visitor Center

Visitor center

Dickey Ridge Visitor Center — Dickey Ridge Visitor Center is open year-round. Park Rangers will staff the visitor center during operating hours to answer questions and provide tips for your visit. — From Washington, D.C. metro area, travel west on Interstate 66 to Front Royal, Virginia (62 miles). Take the exit onto Route 340 South and follow signs for Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive, which will lead you to the Front Royal Entrance Station. Once on Skyline Drive, make your way south to mile marker 4.6; you will find Dickey Ridge Visitor Center on your right.

Visitor center

Elkwallow Wayside

Visitor center

Harry F. Byrd Sr. Visitor Center

Visitor center

Harry F. Byrd Sr. Visitor Center — Park Rangers will staff the visitor center during operating hours to answer questions and provide tips for your visit. Restrooms are available year-round. — From Front Royal or Thornton Gap (Luray), head south on the Skyline Drive to mile 51. The visitor center will be on your right, across from Big Meadows. From Swift Run (Elkton) or Rockfish Gap (Waynesboro), head north on the Skyline Drive to mile 51. The visitor center will be on your left, across from Big Meadows.

Visitor center

Lewis Mountain

Visitor center

Lewis Mountain

Visitor center

Loft Mountain

Visitor center

Loft Mountain

Visitor center

Loft Mountain Campstore, Showers, and Laundry

Facilities on the park map

6 bench, 10 changing table, 2 defibrillator, 3 first aid kit, 14 picnic area, 30 restroom, 24 visitor information, 18 water fountain.

Where to stay

• Big Meadows Campground 2026 Closing Date: November 29 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. · 221 campsites · Accessibility: Seven accessible sites are available at Big Meadows Campground. Accessible shower and laundry facilities are also available.
• Lewis Mountain Campground 2026 Closing Date: November 22 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 r · 30 campsites · Accessibility: Two accessible sites are available at Lewis Mountain Campground. Accessible shower and laundry facilities are also available.
• Mathews Arm Campground 2026 Closing Date: November 1 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-com · 165 campsites · Accessibility: Four ADA accessible sites are available, however, accessible shower and laundry facilities are not available at Mathews Arm Campground.
• Loft Mountain Campground 2026 Closing Date: November 1 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. · 207 campsites · Accessibility: Two accessible sites are available at Loft Mountain Campground. Accessible shower and laundry facilities are also available.

History

Opened

1935

• Park opened