
National Park · Virginia
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!
Things to do
- Auto and ATV
- Scenic Driving
- Astronomy
- Stargazing
- Biking
- Road Biking
- Camping
- Backcountry Camping
- Car or Front Country Camping
- Group Camping
- RV Camping
- Climbing
- Rock Climbing
- Compass and GPS
- Geocaching
- Fishing
- Food
- Dining
- Picnicking
- Hands-On
- Citizen Science
- Hiking
- Horse Trekking
- Horseback Riding
Weather & when to go
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. Fall follows with cooler temperatures and spectacular fall foliage. Winter can bring snow and ice. The park spans roughly 100 miles, which means that weather can vary greatly depending on your location. The mountain is usually 10°F cooler than the valley below. Always check the forecast, dress in layers, and be prepared.
Entrance fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
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.
$30.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
$25.00
Entrance - Per Person
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.
$15.00
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
The total cost is calculated: $25 + $10 per passenger.
$25.00
Commercial Entrance - Per Person
This fee is for commercial use between 1-6 passengers (sedan). The total cost is calculated: $25 for the vehicle + $10 per passenger.
$10.00
Commercial Entrance - Van
Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 7-15 passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers.
$75.00
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 16-25 passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers.
$100.00
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 26 or more passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers.
$200.00
Entrance - Education/Academic Groups
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.
$0.00
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups
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.
$15.00
Operating hours
Shenandoah National Park
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.
Campgrounds
Mathews Arm Campground
Big Meadows Campground
Lewis Mountain Campground
Loft Mountain Campground
FAQ
- How much does it cost to visit Shenandoah National Park?
- Entrance to Shenandoah National Park costs $30.00 (Entrance - Private Vehicle), $25.00 (Entrance - Motorcycle), $15.00 (Entrance - Per Person). The America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entry at every NPS site.
- What are the hours at Shenandoah National Park?
- 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; pleas…
- Do I need a reservation for Shenandoah National Park?
- No timed-entry reservation is currently required to enter Shenandoah National Park. Campgrounds and permits may still need to be booked separately on Recreation.gov.
Related guides
Trip plans and deep-dives from the PeepTrip blog featuring Shenandoah National Park.

Best Time to Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park
A season-by-season guide to the best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park, from spring wildflowers and June fireflies to peak fall color.

Great Smoky Mountains vs Shenandoah: Which to Visit
Great Smoky Mountains vs Shenandoah compared on scenery, hiking, wildlife, and access to help you pick the right Appalachian park.

Best National Parks for Fall Foliage
The best national parks for fall foliage, from Acadia to the Smokies, with peak-color timing and tips for planning your leaf-peeping trip.

National Parks Near Philadelphia: Best Trips
The closest national parks to Philadelphia, from a Shenandoah weekend to New River Gorge and Acadia, ranked by drive time with practical trip tips.

National Parks Near Washington DC: Top Picks
The three national parks within a day’s drive of Washington DC, how far each is, and how to plan a weekend trip from the capital.

Best National Parks in October to Visit
The best national parks in October, from Smoky Mountain foliage to crisp desert days, with tips for fall crowds, weather, and timing.
Keep exploring
More parks in Virginia.
