Shenandoah National Park
3655 US Highway 211 East
Luray VA 22835-9036, 540-999-3500
Special Topics: Mountains � Wildflowers �
Recreation Activities: Auto Touring � Biking � Camping � Climbing �
Educational Programs � Fishing � Hiking � Horseback Riding �
Wilderness Area � Wildlife Viewing
Camping Areas
Mathews Arm Campground
Open Spring through October 29 (noon)
Details
Mathews Arm (mile 22.1) is the nearest campground for those entering the park
from the north. It is next to a nature trail and the trail to Overall Run Falls,
the tallest waterfall in the park. Elkwallow Wayside, with camping supplies and
food service, is two miles away. (179 sites; $14 per night; open spring through
October 29 - noon)
Big Meadows Campground
Open Spring through November 26 (noon).
Reservations Online or by Phone at 1-800-365-CAMP
Details
Big Meadows (mile 51.2), though secluded, is near many of the major facilities
and popular hiking trails in the park. Three waterfalls are within walking
distance; the Meadow, with its abundant plant growth and wildlife, lies directly
across the Drive. Reservations are required mid-May through November; call
1-800-365-CAMP. (217 sites; $19 per night when on the reservation system and $16
per night when we operate first-come, first-served (March 24 - May 8 and October
29 through November 26 noon). Reservations may be made 5 months in advance.
Lewis Mountain Campground
Open Spring through October 29 (noon).
Details
Lewis Mountain (mile 57.5), the smallest campground in the park, appeals to
those who want a little more privacy without venturing deep into the
backcountry. Yet it is within seven miles of the popular Big Meadows area. (31
sites; $14 per night; open spring through October 29 at noon).
Loft Mountain Campground
Open Spring through October 29 (noon).
Details
Loft Mountain (mile 79.5), the largest campground in the park, sits atop Big
Flat Mountain with outstanding views to east and west. Two waterfalls and the
trails into the Big Run Wilderness area are nearby. (219 sites; $14 per night;
open May 19 - October 29, noon)
Dundo Group Campground
Open Closes October 30 (noon).
Details
Groups may make reservations to use Dundo Group Campground (mile 83.7) Dundo is
a primitive campground open to groups with a minimum of 8 campers and maximum of
20. Facilities include seven large group sites, pit toilets, and water. One site
has a wheelchair accessible picnic table and a raised fire grate. Reservations
are required. Call 1-800-365-CAMP. (7 sites; $32 per night; open April 14 -
October 29, noon)
Backcountry Camping
Most of Shenandoah National Park, including its wilderness, is open to
backcountry camping. Special regulations for backcountry camping are intended to
keep campers and the park in the best possible condition. A free permit is
required for backcountry camping. Permits are available by mail from Park
Headquarters. Write: Superintendent, Attn: Backcountry Camping Permit, US
Highway 211 East, Luray, VA, 22835. Or call, (540) 999-3500, Monday through
Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. EST. Permits are also available in the park at
visitor centers, entrance stations, and headquarters. At the park, permits will
be issued only between sunrise and one hour before sunset.
Prepare well. Bring a backcountry stove or no-cook food. Campfires are not
permitted except at a limited number of pre-constructed fireplaces at
backcountry huts and day-use shelters. Bring enough rope to hang food,
toothpaste, soap, and other items that smell, at least ten feet up and four feet
out from the trunk of a tree. Maximum group size is ten people. Plan to camp out
of sight of the trail, other camping parties, and day-use shelters. Pets are
permitted, but must be leashed at all times. Shenandoah National Park is home to
large populations of black bears and other animals that can be attracted by poor
camping habits.
Lodging Options
Skyland
Details
Skyland (mile 41.7) has 177 guest rooms, rustic cabins, multi-unit lodges, and
modern suites. American Express, MasterCard, VISA, and Discover cards are
accepted. A limited number of smoking rooms are available. No extra fee is
charged for cribs or children under 16 years old. There are some ADA accessible
rooms. To make reservations at Skyland or for more information, visit
www.visitshenandoah.com or write to ARAMARK Sports and Entertainment, Inc. (an
authorized park concessioner), P.O. Box 727, Luray, VA 22835; or call (800)
999-4714 or (540) 743-5108.
Big Meadows
Details
Big Meadows (milepost 51) has 25 rooms in the main lodge, 72 additional rooms in
rustic cabins, multi-unit lodges, and modern suites. American Express,
MasterCard, VISA, and Discover cards are accepted. A limited number of smoking
rooms are available. No extra fee is charged for cribs or children under 16
years old. There are some ADA accessible rooms. To make reservations at Big
Meadows, or for additional information, visit www.visitshenandoah.com or write
to ARAMARK Sports and Entertainment, Inc. (an authorized park concessioner),
P.O. Box 727, Luray, VA 22835; or call (800) 999-4714 or (540) 743-5108.
Lewis Mountain
Details
Lewis Mountain (mile 57.5) has several rustic, furnished cabins with private
baths and outdoor grill areas. American Express, MasterCard, VISA, and Discover
cards are accepted. A limited number of smoking rooms are available. No extra
fee is charged for cribs or children under 16 years old. There are some ADA
accessible rooms. To make reservations at Lewis Mountain, or for additional
information, visit www.visitshenandoah.com or write to ARAMARK Sports and
Entertainment, Inc. (an authorized park concessioner), P.O. Box 727, Luray, VA
22835; or call (800) 999-4714 or (540) 743-5108.
PATC Cabins
Details
The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (an authorized park concessioner), maintains
six locked, primitive cabins in the park. The cabins are equipped with
mattresses, blankets, and cookware. A pit toilet and spring water are nearby. To
get information or to make reservations, call PATC at (703) 242-0693 or (703)
242-0315; or write to PATC, 118 Park Street, SE, Vienna, VA 22180.
Additional Information
Getting There
Plane
The closest airports are in Washington, DC, Weyers Cave, VA, and
Charlottesville, VA.
Car
The four entrances to the park are at I-66 and Route 340 to the north entrance
at Front Royal, Route 211 to the central entrance at Thornton Gap, Route 33 to
Swift Run Gap, and I-64 to the Rockfish Gap entrance at the southern end of the
park and the northern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Speed limit for the Skyline
Drive is 35mph.
Public Transportation
There are no bus, taxi, or shuttle services through the park.
Getting Around
Since there are no bus, taxi, or shuttle services through the park, a car is
needed. Speed limit is 35mph. Bicycles are permitted in the park on paved roads
only. The speed limit for bicycles is also 35mph on the Skyline Drive and 10mph
in the campgrounds.
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