National Park
Shenandoah National Park is a National Park in Virginia. The NPS currently lists 7 active alerts (1 closure), 4 campgrounds and 2 visitor centers; entrance fees start at $15.
Virginia National Park America the Beautiful pass accepted
Updated · NPS Data API
“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.”
Active alerts
7
Closures
1
Campgrounds
4
Visitor centers
2
7 active NPS alerts as of Oct 28, 2026: 1 closure, 0 danger, 2 caution and 4 information.
Closure
Due to recent wildlife interactions and out of an abundance of caution, the Naked Creek backcountry zone is closed to all recreation until further notice. A camping closure remains in effect for the Appalachian Trail (AT) from Lewis Mountain to Big Meadows, including the Bearfence AT Hut. The AT is still accessible to hikers for day-use only.
Posted or updated Oct 13, 2026 ·Details on nps.gov
Caution
Shenandoah National Park Emergency Phone number (1-800-732-0911) is currently unavailable. For all emergencies, Park visitors can dial 911.
Posted or updated Oct 9, 2026 ·Park conditions on nps.gov
Caution
Visitors are reminded to park in designated parking areas when accessing the park via boundary trailheads. Parking in unauthorized locations may result in your vehicle being towed at the owner's expense. Park on the right side of the road approaching Thompson Hollow. Parking is authorized up to the "No Parking" sign before a private driveway.
Posted or updated Nov 19, 2025 ·Park conditions on nps.gov
Information
Effective May 4, Shenandoah National Park will begin infrastructure enhancements at the Old Rag Trailhead main parking lot. We expect to complete work by November 2026. Until then, the main parking lot is closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Visitors can access Old Rag Trailhead via existing overflow parking lots. Day-use tickets are still required from March 1 through November 30 in addition to a park entrance fee.
Posted or updated Apr 21, 2026 ·Park conditions on nps.gov
Information
On July 1, 2025, the park transitioned to a fully cashless system at our fee entrance stations. Only credit cards, debit cards, or mobile payments will be accepted.
Posted or updated Apr 21, 2026 ·Park conditions on nps.gov
Information
Sign up for Shenandoah Alerts by texting SHENALERTS to 888777. Any time there are closures, re-openings, or other important safety-related alerts, subscribers will receive a notification via text. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Posted or updated Sep 28, 2025 ·Details on nps.gov
Information
March 1 - November 30 those wishing to hike Old Rag are required to obtain a day-use ticket before arriving.
Posted or updated Jan 17, 2024 ·Details on nps.gov
You are required to pay an entrance fee in order to access Shenandoah National Park, whether you're driving on Skyline Drive or hiking in from the boundary.
| Fee | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance - Private Vehicle | $30 | Unlimited entry for one vehicle and all passengers for seven consecutive days, beginning on the day of purchase. Buy online |
| Entrance - Motorcycle | $25 | Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. Buy online |
| Entrance - Per Person | $15 | Entry for walk-up or bicycling visitors, when 16 years of age or older (children under 16 are admitted for free). Buy online |
| Commercial Entrance - Sedan | $25 | The total cost is calculated: $25 + $10 per passenger. |
| Commercial Entrance - Per Person | $10 | This fee is for commercial use between 1-6 passengers (sedan). The total cost is calculated: $25 for the vehicle + $10 per passenger. |
| Commercial Entrance - Van | $75 | Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 7-15 passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers. |
| Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus | $100 | Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 16-25 passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers. |
| Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach | $200 | Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 26 or more passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers. |
| Entrance - Education/Academic Groups | Free | National Park Service regulations allow school groups and other approved national and international academic institutions to obtain a waiver of Park entrance… |
| Entrance - Non-commercial Groups | $15 | Fee is calculated per person for anyone 16 years of age or older (children under 16 are admitted for free). |
| Pass | Cost | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Entrance - Park | $55 | Recreation.gov |
The interagency America the Beautiful pass is accepted here. This park is cashless — bring a card or buy your pass online. Fee details on nps.gov
With over 500 miles of trails in Shenandoah National Park, chances are high that you'll be lacing up your hiking boots at some point on your next trip here.
Pets allowed
MILE 52.8 | A fairly level hike that takes you through a former homestead on the famous Appalachian Trail.
1-2 Hours Year-round Pets allowed
MILE 56.4 | Pets are not allowed on this hike. An exhilarating rock scramble leads to a magnificent 360-degree view of the Virginia Piedmont and Shenandoah Valley.
1-2 Hours Year-round
See all 49 things to do in Shenandoah →
Activities the NPS lists for Shenandoah.
Auto and ATVScenic DrivingAstronomyStargazingBikingRoad BikingCampingBackcountry CampingCar or Front Country CampingGroup CampingRV CampingClimbingRock ClimbingCompass and GPSGeocachingFishingFoodDiningPicnickingHands-OnCitizen ScienceHikingHorse TrekkingHorseback RidingHunting and GatheringGathering and ForagingJunior Ranger ProgramWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingPark FilmMuseum ExhibitsShoppingBookstore and Park StoreGift Shop and Souvenirs
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Shenandoah National Park is always open. However, portions of Skyline Drive, the only public road through the Park, are periodically closed during inclement weather.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | All Day |
| Tuesday | All Day |
| Wednesday | All Day |
| Thursday | All Day |
| Friday | All Day |
| Saturday | All Day |
| Sunday | All Day |
Weather: Shenandoah National Park has four very distinct seasons. Spring typically brings mild temperatures, rain, and wildflowers. Summer brings lush green forests, but can be hot and very humid.
| Visitor center | Standard hours | Phone | Passport stamp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dickey Ridge Visitor Center | Mon 9:00AM - 5:00PM · Tue 9:00AM - 5:00PM · Wed 9:00AM - 5:00PM · Thu 9:00AM - 5:00PM · Fri 9:00AM - 6:00PM · Sat 9:00AM - 6:00PM · Sun 9:00AM - 5:00PM | (540) 999-3500 ext. 5 | Yes |
| Harry F. Byrd Sr. Visitor Center | Mon 9:00AM - 5:00PM · Tue 9:00AM - 5:00PM · Wed 9:00AM - 5:00PM · Thu 9:00AM - 5:00PM · Fri 9:00AM - 6:00PM · Sat 9:00AM - 6:00PM · Sun 9:00AM - 5:00PM | (540) 999-3500 ext. 5 | Yes |
| Campground | Total sites | Reservable | First-come | RVs | Fee | Reserve |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Meadows Campground | 221 | 220 | 0 | Yes | $75 | Recreation.gov |
| Lewis Mountain Campground | 30 | 0 | 30 | Yes | $30 | — |
| Loft Mountain Campground | 207 | 141 | 50 | Yes | $30 | Recreation.gov |
| Mathews Arm Campground | 165 | 112 | 47 | Yes | $30 | Recreation.gov |
Site counts and fees are from the NPS campground data. Fees show the first listed rate; availability is not shown here — check the reservation site.
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