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 2020 Opening 2020 Closing Comments
Dickey Ridge Visitor Center 4.6 April 3 TBD Friday thru Tuesday. Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays. Summer hours TBD
Byrd Visitor Center 51 March 13 TBD Friday thru Sunday until March 22; Thursday thru Monday beginning March 27. Summer hours TBD
 

Food, Lodging, and Other Services
Facility Skyline Drive Mile 2020 Opening 2020 Closing Comments
Elkwallow Wayside 24 April 3 November 11 Food, gifts, camping supplies
Skyland 41.7 and 42.5 April 3 November 29 Lodging, food, and gifts
Skyland Stables 41.7 and 42.5 April 10 TBD Reservations required; 540-999-2213
Big Meadows Lodge 51.2 May 1 November 8 Lodging, food, and gifts
Big Meadows Wayside 51.2 March 27 November 11 Food, gifts, camping supplies
Lewis Mountain Cabins and Campstore 57.5 March 26 November 29 Lodging, gifts, and camping supplies
Loft Mountain Wayside 79.5 April 10 November 8 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 2020 Opening 2020 Closing Comments
Mathews Arm 22.2 May 6 October 25 1st come - 1st served and reservations*
Big Meadows (showers/laundry) 51.2 March 27 November 11 1st come - 1st served and reservations*
Lewis Mountain 57.5 March 26 October 25 1st come - 1st served only
Loft Mountain (Campstore/showers/laundry) 79.5 May 6 October 25 1st come - 1st served and reservations*
Dundo (Group camping only) 83.7 May 6 October 25 Reservations only. Group size limited to 7-15 persons

*Campground reservations can be made up to six months in advance of May 6, 2020 at Recreation.gov. Prior to May 6, 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 2020 Opening 2020 Closing 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 November 11 Opening/closing dates tentative and depend on weather
Lewis Mountain 57.5 March 26 October 25 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: January 21, 2020

Contact the Park

Mailing Address:

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

Phone:

(540) 999-3500

Contact Us

Tools

Stay Connected