If you are looking for adventure and a beautiful destination to visit, you must explore Shenandoah National Park. Catch a glimpse of wonderful wildlife including deer, songbirds, and the elusive black bear. Drive the crest of the mountain along Skyline Drive and stop at the stunning overlooks! Learn about the park at the visitor centers and spend the weekend camping in the many excellent campgrounds.
Where To Find It
Shenandoah National Park is found along the Blue Ridge Mountains in the state of Virginia. One of the most famous mountain drives is Skyline Drive. It runs from top to bottom of the park and has 105 miles of access to stunning overlooks of the Virginia countryside. Shenandoah also has extensive trails as well as sections of the Appalachian Trail. It is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Northern Virginia and DC.
Where To Stay
There are a total of five campgrounds throughout Shenandoah. There is no better way to enjoy nature than sleeping under the stars! All campgrounds are open seasonally and some sites require reservations. (I highly recommend reserving a site. Especially if you plan to visit during peak season, the sites fill up quickly).
Mathews Arm – Mathews Arm Campground is the nearest campground for those entering Shenandoah National Park from Front Royal, in the northern section of the Park
Big Meadows – Big Meadows Campground 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.
Lewis Mountain – the smallest campground in Shenandoah National Park, appeals to those who want a little more privacy while still staying within a close distance of many of the most popular destinations in the Park, including Big Meadows
Loft Mountain – Loft Mountain, the largest campground in the park, sits atop Big Flat Mountain in the southern part of Shenandoah National Park, with outstanding views to the east and west. Two waterfalls and the trails into the Big Run Wilderness area are nearby.
Dundo Group – Dundo Group Campground is a small, beautiful campground located in the southern part of Shenandoah National Park that offers group campsites, only. The Appalachian Trail passes through the campground.
Where To Eat
There are not many 5-star restaurants in Shenandoah. However, there are several wayside stores to buy groceries or a few lodge diners. At Skyland, there is a dining option that offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Big Meadows Lodge offers a light selection of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Elkwallow Wayside offers breakfast items as well as sandwiches and groceries. Another option for lunch items and groceries is Big Meadows Wayside.
Climate and Best Time To Go
Shenandoah National Park is always open, however, portions of Skyline Drive are periodically closed during inclement weather. Visitors may still enter the Park on foot to hike even when Skyline Drive is closed.
The Visitor Centers are open from March/April to about October/November. All the campgrounds are open from May to October. All except, Big Meadows and Lewis Mountain, which is open from March to November.
Spring – Spring temperatures in Shenandoah National Park can vary dramatically from day to day. While warm spells can bring temperatures upwards of 70F, it is not uncommon to get winter storms that bring significant snowfalls in March. Dress in layers, and don’t forget that raincoat to keep you dry during those spring showers!
Summer – Although temperatures can be 10F cooler in the park the weather can still get very hot and humid during the summer months. And don’t forget the other items essential for beating the summer heat: sunblock, a hat, and sunglasses!
Fall – Fall weekends bring two things: gorgeous fall foliage and large crowds. As the weather begins to cool and the trees exchange their leaves of green for reds, oranges, and yellows, visitors come from all over to experience all that Shenandoah National Park has to offer.
Winter – Winter can be a great time to visit Shenandoah National Park! While many services close during the winter, the Park is always open and there are still many ways to visit and enjoy Shenandoah in the colder months. As leaves fall off the trees and cooler temperatures improve visibility, the valley below and mountains beyond are more spectacular than ever. When the busy fall months come to an end, you will have a better chance of finding solitude and watching animals like deer, squirrels, birds, and turkeys as they forage for food. Foxes and bobcats are active throughout the winter, and fresh snowfall makes it easier to spot tracks of mice, rabbits, and other animals.
Bucket List Activities
I have been visiting Shenandoah National Park since I was two years old. Even though I have been many times, I still manage to find things to do each time I go back. Here are a few things you must do if you visit Shenandoah!
Of course, you cannot go to Shenandoah without driving Skyline Drive. Spend the day driving up the mountain path savoring the overlooks. You can also spend the day at Big Meadows, spotting wildlife.
There are over 500 miles of trails throughout Shenandoah. The hikes lead to amazing waterfalls, and stunning overlooks, and even are part of the Appalachian Trail. With so many options to choose from it is hard to pick a hike. I highly recommend Dark Hallow Falls. Or Hike to the highest point in the park: Hawksbill Mountain.
Hidden Gem
The Appalachian Trail runs along the Loft Mountain Campground. You can access the trail by finding the path from Loft Mountian Campground sites near A5. Once you reach the trail, take a right. Keep walking along the trail for about 10 to 15 minutes until you reach the overlook! This is a great spot to watch the sunset. You can also access the trail near A26 and A27. Take a right, once you reach the trail until you come to the overlook.
Thank you for reading!
If you have any specific questions, do not hesitate to comment down below! Or you can email us!
No Comments