About Shenandoah National Park
Just 75 miles from the bustle of Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is a land bursting with cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded hollows. With over 200,000 acres of protected lands that are haven to deer, songbirds, and black bear, there's so much to explore...and your journey begins right here!
Quick Facts
Entrance Fees
Unlimited entry for one vehicle and all passengers for seven consecutive days, beginning on the day of purchase. Admits the pass holder and occupants of a single, private non-commercial vehicle.
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Entry for walk-up or bicycling visitors, when 16 years of age or older (children under 16 are admitted for free). Includes entering the Park by all means other than a private, non-commercial vehicle. A family traveling together shall pay no more than the vehicle fee.
The total cost is calculated: $25 + $10 per passenger.
This fee is for commercial use between 1-6 passengers (sedan). The total cost is calculated: $25 for the vehicle + $10 per passenger.
Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 7-15 passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers.
Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 16-25 passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers.
Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 26 or more passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers.
National Park Service regulations allow school groups and other approved national and international academic institutions to obtain a waiver of Park entrance fees, provided that visit is for educational or scientific purposes, and the resources or facilities that the group intends to use, support those purposes. Request an academic fee waiver through the education section of our website.
Fee is calculated per person for anyone 16 years of age or older (children under 16 are admitted for free). Groups will not be charged more than the equivalent commercial group fee.
Operating Hours
Shenandoah National Park is always open. However, portions of Skyline Drive, the only public road through the Park, are periodically closed during inclement weather. Visitors can still enter the Park on foot to hike, even when the Skyline Drive is closed. Campgrounds, services, and facilities have separate hours; please see descriptions of those facilities elsewhere on our website.
Activities
Getting There
Shenandoah National Park is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, west of Washington, D.C. It stretches 105 miles and has four entrances: Front Royal (northern entrance), Thornton Gap, Swift Run Gap, and Rockfish Gap (southern entrance to Shenandoah and the northern entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway). The physical address listed is to the administrative offices, not the Park itself. GPS can be unreliable for navigating to the Park, so we encourage you to check out our website for more info.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
Entrance Passes
Provides unlimited entry for one year to the pass holder and passengers in the same vehicle, not to exceed 4 total adults. Children under 16 are admitted for free and are not included in this total. Purchase online or at any of our entrance stations.
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Stony Man
MILE 41.7 | Pets are not allowed on this hike. This enjoyable hike brings you to an outstanding view of…
Turk Mountain
MILE 94.1 | A hike to the 2,981’ summit of Turk Mountain, located in the Shenandoah Wilderness, that provides a…
Riprap - Wildcat Ridge
MILE 90 or 92.1 | This loop can be hiked from Riprap Parking or Wildcat Ridge Parking. It takes you…
Nicholson Hollow
PARK BOUNDARY | An alternate option for visitors with pets who still wish to hike from the Old Rag parking…
Knob Mountain - Jeremys Run
Elkwallow Wayside (mile 24) | This hike goes around a beautiful area of the Park featuring one of the most…
Hazel River Falls
Meadow Spring Parking Area (mile 33.5) | A trail that leads you into the Shenandoah Wilderness to an exceptional waterfall.
Visitor Centers
Dickey Ridge Visitor Center
Dickey Ridge Visitor Center (mile 4.6) is located near Front Royal, Virginia, in the northern part of the Park. It's the ideal place for visitors…
Hours: This visitor center closed November 3, 2025, for the season. Park Rangers will staff the visitor center during operating hours to answer questions and provide tips for your visit.
Harry F. Byrd Sr. Visitor Center
Byrd Visitor Center (mile 51) is located across from Big Meadows in the center of Shenandoah National Park. Available facilities include: restrooms, information desk, ranger…
Hours: Park Rangers will staff the visitor center during operating hours to answer questions and provide tips for your visit. Restrooms are available year-round.
Campgrounds
Big Meadows Campground
2026 Opening Date: March 25 Big Meadows Campground (mile 51.2) is centrally-located in Shenandoah National Park, providing easy access to many of the most popular…
Lewis Mountain Campground
2026 Opening Date: March 26 Lewis Mountain (mile 57.5), the smallest campground in Shenandoah National Park, appeals to those who want a little more privacy…
Loft Mountain Campground
2026 Opening Date: April 29. Loft Mountain (mile 79.5) sits atop Big Flat Mountain in the southern part of Shenandoah National Park, with outstanding views…
Mathews Arm Campground
2026 Opening Date: April 29. Mathews Arm Campground (mile 22.1) is the nearest campground for those entering Shenandoah National Park from Front Royal, in the…
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