Year Established: 1935
Annual Visitors: 1.59 Million
Size: 199,224 Acres
State: Virginia
Best Time to Visit Shenandoah National Park
- September to November
If you are planning to visit more national parks, check out our complete list of all US National Parks.
Best Experiences in Shenandoah National Park
- Skyline Drive
- Old Rag Trail
A Brief History
This part of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which is only 75 miles from Washington, D.C., had been logged and farmed for hundreds of years. During the Great Depression, the U.S. government bought pieces of the land to help fix it up.
Members of the Civilian Conservation Corps, a work relief program started by President Franklin Roosevelt, planted hickory, oak, fir, and poplar trees there to reforest it.
The park is renowned for having a number of the most well-known fishing streams. Herbert Hoover had a cabin on the Rapidan River, where he would go to fish for trout.
Visitors to the park can see waterfalls, wooded hollows, and fields of wildflowers. In the fall, they can drive along the famous 105-mile-long Skyline Drive to see the changing colors of the trees. There are black bears, beavers, and raccoons all over the park, and if you are lucky and very, very careful, you might even see an eastern cougar.
Shenandoah RV Camping
If you are looking for nearby RV camping options for Shenandoah National Park or in Virginia, consider checking out our other post:
Visitor Information
Fees
You need an entrance pass to get into Shenandoah National Park, whether you drive on Skyline Drive or walk in from the park’s border. All entrance passes can be used as many times as you want for seven days starting on the day you buy them.
Weekly Park Passes
Single Pedestrian: $15.00 per person
Single Vehicle: $30.00 per vehicle
Single Motorcycle: $25.00 per motorcycle
Visitors at least 16 years old walking in or riding a bike will be required to get a park pass (children under 16 are admitted for free).
All passes are valid for up to 7 days.
Annual Park Passes
Shenandoah Annual Pass – $55.00
Contacting Shenandoah National Park
Phone Number
(540) 999-3500
Visitor Centers
Dickey Ridge Visitor Center & Park Store
In the northern part of the Park, near Front Royal, Virginia, is the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center (mile 4.6). It’s the best place for people coming in through the Front Royal Entrance Station to find bathrooms, info, a bookstore, and maps. The trailhead for the popular Fox Hollow Trail is right across Skyline Drive from the visitor center.
Address
17065 Skyline Drive
Front Royal, VA 22630
Hours of Operation
- Sunday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Monday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Tuesday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Wednesday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Thursday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Friday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Saturday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Byrd Visitor Center & Park Store
In the middle of Shenandoah National Park, right across from Big Meadows at mile 51 is the Byrd Visitor Center. There are restrooms, an information desk, ranger programs, a bookstore, maps, publications, and first aid. It’s a great place to start your next trip because it’s close to a lot of activities and hikes.
Address
259 Big Meadows Visitor Road
Big Meadows
Stanley, VA 22851
Hours of Operation
- Sunday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Monday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Tuesday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Wednesday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Thursday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Friday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Saturday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Be sure to check for seasonal closures.