Operating Dates & 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 may still enter the Park on foot to hike even when Skyline Drive is closed. Subscribe to Shenandoah's alert system for the most timely updates. Alternatively, call the Park's recorded information line: (540) 999-3500 (option 1, then option 1) for the most current Skyline Drive status.

Most facilities in Shenandoah begin opening in March and close by late November. View the tables below for a detailed view of facility opening and closing dates. These dates are subject to change.

 

Facility Skyline Drive Mile 2024 Opening 2024 Closing Comments
Dickey Ridge Visitor Center & Park Store 4.6 March 15 The visitor center is closed for winter. Restrooms are still avaliable.
Byrd Visitor Center & Park Store 51 Year-round Winter Hours:
9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (Thu-Monday)*
Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
*Closed when Skyline Drive is closed for severe weather
*Closed Christmas Day
 

Food, Lodging, and Other Services

These facilities are closed for winter.

*There is only one gas station within Shenandoah National Park. Plan accordingly.
Concessionaire hours vary. For current hours visit our concessionaire's website.
Facility Skyline Drive Mile 2023 Opening Date 2023 Closing Date Comments
Elkwallow Wayside 24 April 7 November 12 Food services, gifts, and supplies.
Food & beverage service begins May 5.
Skyland 41.7 and 42.5 April 7 November 26 Lodging, food, and gifts.
Skyland Stables 41.7 and 42.5 May 5 October 29 Reservations required; 540-999-2213
Big Meadows Lodge 51.2 April 21 November 5 Lodging, food, and gifts.
Big Meadows Wayside 51.2 March 24 November 12 Food service, grab n' go food, gifts, groceries, camping supplies, fuel.*
Food & beverage service begins April 28.
Lewis Mountain Cabins and Campstore 57.5 March 24 November 26 Lodging, gifts, and camping supplies.
Loft Mountain Wayside 79.5 April 14 November 5
Gifts and snacks.
Food & beverage service available May 12 - October 29.
Loft Mountain Campstore 79.5 May 5 October 29 Food, gifts, camping supplies.
 

Campgrounds

Campgrounds are closed for winter. They will reopen Spring 2024.

Campsite reservations begin May 3rd and can be made up to six months prior to the date of your arrival.
Facility Skyline Drive
Mile
2024 Opening 2024 Closing Comments
Mathews Arm 22.2 May 1 October 27
Big Meadows 51.2 March 27 December 1 Campsites by reservation only.
Lewis Mountain 57.5 March 27 December 1 First-come first-served sites only.
Loft Mountain 79.5 May 1 October 27 Including campstore, showers, and laundry.
Dundo (Group) 83.7 May 1 October 27 Group camping only (7-25 people).
 

Picnic Grounds

All picnic grounds are open through the winter season.

Facility Skyline Drive Mile 2024 Opening Comments
Dickey Ridge 4.7 Open year-round
Elkwallow 24.1 Open year-round
Pinnacles 36.7 Open year-round
Big Meadows 51.2 March 27 Open through winter
Lewis Mountain 57.5 March 27 Open through winter
South River 62.8 Open year-round
Dundo 83.7 Open year-round

Last updated: December 1, 2023

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Shenandoah National Park
3655 U.S. Highway 211 East

Luray, VA 22835

Phone:

540 999-3500
Emergency Phone: 1-800-732-0911

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