Shenandoah National Park

Visitor Centers:

• Harry F. Byrd, Sr. Visitor Center: Open seasonally, 9:30 am to 4 pm
• Dickey Ridge Visitor Center: Open seasonally from 9 am to 5 pm

For more information on current operating hours, click here.

Shenandoah National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. While the park is open year round, much of Skyline Drive is subject to seasonal hours. Even when the road is closed, visitors can still enter the park on foot. For more information on operating hours, seasonal closures, and road conditions, click here.

Fees and Passes:
For more information on park fees, click here. For more information on park passes, click here.

• Purchase an annual pass for all national parks sites, $80

Extending your visit in Shenandoah is encouraged, and there are multiple options for every comfort level. Whether you prefer to stay in a comfortable resort or choose to get back to your roots in a backcountry campsite, there are many options available.

Camping:
Shenandoah hosts four campgrounds, scattered throughout the park. The campgrounds are open in the spring, summer, and fall. Camping reservations can be made online, or phone reservations can be made by calling (877) 444-6777.

• Mattews Arm: Dates subject to seasonality
• Big Meadows: Dates subject to seasonality
• Lewis Mountain: First-come, first-served, dates subject to seasonality
• Loft Mountain: Dates subject to seasonality

Backcountry campsites are available through a free permit attained at a visitor's center during regular business hours. More information about backcountry campsites can be found here.

Lodging:
Shenandoah has four lodging options available, click here for more information. Reservations can be made through online through Delaware North at Shenandoah National Park, or by calling (877) 247-9261.

Shenandoah National Park offers a variety of dining experiences for visitors, and you won't be disappointed by any of the choices.

• Elkwallow Wayside: A variety of breakfast selections, sandwiches, and grilled lunch and dinner items are available. Seating options include an outside patio and picnic tables.
• Skyland: A full-service dining room with a varied menu of appetizers, salads, entrees, and desserts.
• Big Meadows Wayside: This wayside features both carry-out and table-service options, with a varied menu of regional and contemporary favorites.
• Big Meadows Lodge: The lodge features contemporary dining in a rustic setting.
• Loft Mountain Wayside: This wayside offers counter service, a dining room, and both indoor and outdoor seating. The menu offers a variety of breakfast items, grilled items, and sandwiches.

Exploring Shenandoah with a park ranger can be an informative and eye-opening experience. There are many seasonal programs, all of which are offered free of charge, unless otherwise noted. More information about programs and the events calendar can be found here.

Visitors to Shenandoah have a myriad of activities open to them. While driving on Skyline Drive is a perennial favorite, getting out of the car and off the beaten path is recommended. Explore hundreds of miles of backcountry trail, enjoy a quiet afternoon of bird or wildlife watching, or unwind at any one of many spectacular natural features.

If thrill seeking is more your style, rock climbing, cycling and fly fishing are also permitted within the park. Seasoned adventurers are welcome, or there are a host of approved guides who can teach you the basics of any activity. More information on approved guiding services can be found here. Visit the park's website for more information on the park's other activities.

If you're interested in learning more details about great hikes, weather, camping/lodging, wildlife, and scenic drives, check out the comprehensive online Guide to Shenandoah National Park.

To download a variety of guides to help plan your visit, click here.