Shenandoah National Park — Visitor Info

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Shenandoah National Park follows the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia along the 105-mile Skyline Drive, with cascading waterfalls, the famous Old Rag scramble, and Appalachian Trail access throughout. It's an easy weekend trip from Washington, DC, with five campgrounds spread the length of the park.

Page content last verified: July 2026

Check current conditions before you go: Skyline Drive can close in sections due to weather, wildlife, or maintenance at any time of year, and fog is common along the ridge. Old Rag requires a separate day-use ticket on top of your entrance pass. Always check the official Shenandoah Alerts & Conditions page first.
Quick Facts
Location
Blue Ridge Mountains, northern Virginia
Entrance Fee
$30/vehicle (7 days)
Reservation Needed to Enter?
No (Old Rag requires a separate day-use ticket)
Permit Needed For
Backcountry camping, Old Rag day-use ticket
Lodging
Five campgrounds; Skyland & Big Meadows Lodges
Managed By
National Park Service

Visitor Centers

Dickey Ridge Visitor Center
Near the North Entrance (Skyline Drive mile 4.6) — exhibits and trip planning for the park's northern district.
Harry F. Byrd Sr. Visitor Center (Big Meadows)
Near the center of the park (mile 51) — the park's main visitor center, with exhibits, a museum, and ranger programs.

Confirm current hours on the official NPS hours & visitor centers page before you go.

Entrance Fees & Passes

The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle (motorcycle $25, per person on foot/bike $15), valid 7 days. An Annual Pass is $55. This park is fully cashless as of July 2025 — entrance and camping fees are card/mobile payment only, though on-site bookstores, lodges, and restaurants still take cash.

Every Kid Outdoors — Free 4th Grade Pass

4th graders (and their families) can visit free with an Every Kid Outdoors pass, available at everykidoutdoors.gov.

Old Rag Mountain

Shenandoah's most popular (and most strenuous) hike, Old Rag, requires a separate day-use ticket year-round in addition to your park entrance pass, on top of a rock scramble that isn't recommended for beginners or anyone uncomfortable with exposure. Tickets are sold on Recreation.gov and often sell out on weekends well in advance.

Permits & Reservations

You do not need a permit to enter the park or day-hike most trails (Old Rag excepted, above). A permit is required for overnight backcountry travel:

Backcountry Camping

A free backcountry camping permit is required, available at entrance stations, visitor centers, and by self-registration at some trailheads.

Campgrounds & RV Options

Big Meadows Campground
Near the center of the park (mile 51), reservation-only. RVs up to about 40ft at some sites; no hookups, but a seasonal dump station and potable water are on site.
Loft Mountain Campground
The park's southernmost campground. RVs/trailers up to about 40ft; no hookups, seasonal dump station and potable water on site.
Mathews Arm Campground
Northern district. Mix of reservable and first-come sites; most RVs/trailers up to about 50ft, with one site up to 55ft. No hookups; seasonal dump station on site.
Lewis Mountain Campground
The park's smallest campground, first-come, first-served only — no reservations, no dump station. RVs and trailers are allowed; confirm size limits directly with the park before arriving.

No campground in Shenandoah has electric, water, or sewer hookups at individual sites. Text SHENCAMP to 888777 for twice-daily first-come site availability updates on weekends.

Good to Know

  • Skyline Drive is the spine of the park — 105 miles with more than 70 scenic overlooks, speed limit 35 mph throughout.
  • Fall foliage weekends are extremely busy — expect heavy traffic and full parking areas at popular trailheads in October.
  • Waterfalls are a highlight: Dark Hollow Falls, Whiteoak Canyon, and South River Falls are among the most popular hikes.
  • Black bears are common throughout the park — proper food storage is required at all campgrounds and backcountry sites.

More National Parks

See our other National Park visitor guides, or browse the full National Parks guide.

Fees and regulations change from year to year. This page is a starting point for trip planning — always confirm current details on the official Shenandoah National Park site before you go.

Sources: NPS – Fees & Passes · NPS – Campgrounds · Recreation.gov – Big Meadows · NPS – Alerts & Conditions