Operating Hours & Seasons

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 the drive is closed. Check Alerts for Skyline Drive closures and other conditions that could impact your planning.

Most facilities in the park, including visitor centers, lodging and dining, campgrounds, and picnic grounds begin opening in March and close by late November. Learn about visiting Shenandoah in winter.

The following information is subject to change.
 

Visitor Centers
Facility Skyline Drive Mile 2019 Closing 2020 Opening Comments
Dickey Ridge Visitor Center 4.6 December 1 TBD Daily thru Nov. 10; Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays beginning Nov. 12
Closed Thanksgiving Day
Byrd Visitor Center 51 December 29 TBD Daily thru Dec. 1; Weekends only in December
 

Food, Lodging, and Other Services
Facility Skyline Drive Mile 2019 Closing 2020 Opening Comments
Elkwallow Wayside 24 November 11 April 10 Food, gifts, camping supplies
Skyland 41.7 and 42.5 December 1 April 10 Lodging, food, and gifts
Skyland Stables 41.7 and 42.5 TBD April 10 Reservations required; 540-999-2213
Big Meadows Lodge 51.2 November 3 May 13 Lodging, food, and gifts
Big Meadows Wayside 51.2 November 11 March 27 Food, gifts, camping supplies
Lewis Mountain Cabins and Campstore 57.5 December 1 March 26 Lodging, gifts, and camping supplies
Loft Mountain Wayside 79.5 November 3 April 17 Food, gifts, camping supplies.

*Fuel at Big Meadows Wayside is available year-round, however, there are frequent power outages so it is a good idea to enter the Park with a full tank.

Our concessionaire, Delaware North, operates lodging and dining facilities in Shenandoah National Park. Visit GoShenandoah.com to learn more about lodging, dining, and special programs offered by our concessionaire.
 

Campgrounds
Facility Skyline Drive Mile 2019 Closing 2020 Opening Comments
Mathews Arm 22.2 October 27 May 6 1st come - 1st served and reservations*
Big Meadows (showers/laundry) 51.2 November 11 March 27 1st come - 1st served and reservations*
Lewis Mountain 57.5 October 27 March 26 1st come - 1st served only
Loft Mountain (Campstore/showers/laundry) 79.5 October 27 May 6 1st come - 1st served and reservations* Some loops are still closed due to storm damage.
Dundo (Group camping only) 83.7 October 27 May 6 Reservations only. Group size limited to 7-15 persons

*Campground reservations can be made up to six months in advance of May 3, 2019 at Recreation.gov. Prior to May 3, all camping is first-come, first-served. Visit the camping page for more information about camping in Shenandoah National Park.
 

Picnic Grounds
Facility Skyline Drive Mile 2019 Closing 2020 Closing Comments
Dickey Ridge 4.7 TBD TBD Opening/closing dates tentative and depend on weather
Elkwallow 24.1 Open year round
Pinnacles 36.7 Open year round
Big Meadows 51.2 November 11 March 27 Opening/closing dates tentative and depend on weather
Lewis Mountain 57.5 October 27 March 26 Opens/closes with campground and campstore
South River 62.8 Open year round, no water
Dundo 83.7 Open year round
 
For more information contact the park's recorded line at (540) 999-3500.
 

Learn More

Last updated: October 9, 2019

Contact the Park

Mailing Address:

Shenandoah National Park
3655 U.S. Highway 211 East
Luray, VA 22835

Phone:

(540) 999-3500

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