Shenandoah: Plan Your Visit

STAY

Big Meadows Lodge: Perched near mile 51 of Skyline Drive, Big Meadows Lodge offers rustic charm, sweeping views, and easy access to some of Shenandoah National Park’s most popular trails, including Dark Hollow Falls and the Appalachian Trail.

Mimslyn Inn: Just outside the park in Luray, the historic Mimslyn Inn blends Southern elegance with modern comfort, making it a relaxing base for exploring nearby park trails and Luray Caverns. Built in the 1930s, the inn features classic architecture, on-site dining, and beautifully landscaped grounds perfect for unwinding after a day in the mountains.

Mountain Home Bed & Breakfast: A cozy, Appalachian farmhouse retreat in Front Royal, just minutes from the northern entrance to Shenandoah National Park. Located steps from the Appalachian Trail, it provides warm hospitality, hearty breakfasts, and easy access to Skyline Drive, local wineries, and some of the region’s best hiking.

Skyland (Skyline Drive mile 41.7-42.5): Located at the highest point along Skyline Drive (3,680′), Skyland offers breathtaking views of the Shenandoah Valley and a peaceful mountain escape. With rustic cabins and lodge rooms, on-site dining, and direct access to popular trails like Stony Man and Little Stony Man, it’s a favorite base for park visitors.

The Inn at Little Washington: This world-renowned luxury hotel where opulence meets small-town charm is a short drive from the park. With lavishly appointed rooms, impeccable service, and a storybook setting in the village of Washington, it offers an unforgettable retreat after a day of adventure in the Blue Ridge.

EAT

Big Meadows Wayside (Skyline Drive mile 51): A convenient stop for food, gifts, and supplies, the casual restaurant serves up hearty favorites like burgers, blackberry milkshakes, and even local trout, making it a popular break for hikers and road-trippers alike. There’s also a camp store, restrooms, and a gift shop featuring regional crafts and park souvenirs. Open seasonally.

Ciro’s Italian Eatery: Locally owned and family-run for over 30 years, Ciro’s is a beloved part of the Elkton, Va. community and serves authentic, homemade Italian dishes in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Known for its pizza, hearty pastas and fresh ingredients, it’s a favorite local spot just a short drive from Shenandoah National Park.

Elkwallow Wayside (Skyline Drive mile 24.1): A smaller but charming stop in the park offering quick bites, picnic tables, and a relaxed, wooded setting. Visitors can grab a sandwich or famous blackberry ice cream, stock up on basic supplies, and browse a small selection of souvenirs before hitting nearby trails like the Appalachian Trail. Open seasonally.

Loft Mountain Wayside (Skyline Drive mile 79.5): Classic park fare like burgers and sandwiches, groceries, camping and hiking supplies, plus a large Shenandoah gift shop. The nearby campstore provides showers and laundry, making it a convenient stop for refueling before hitting trails like Lewis Falls and the Appalachian Trail. Open seasonally.

The Inn at Little Washington (Washington, Va.): Dining at The Inn is a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience, with Chef Patrick O’Connell’s three-Michelin-starred menu blending whimsy, precision, and regional flavors. Each course is a work of art, served in an elegant dining room that feels both theatrical and intimate. Reservations are essential—often booked months in advance—and the prix fixe dinner menu starts at over $300 per person, not including wine or service.
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PLAY

Luray Caverns: Discovered in 1878, it’s one of the largest and most stunning cave systems in the eastern U.S. Famous for its towering stalactites and stalagmites, crystal-clear pools, and the unique Great Stalacpipe Organ—an instrument that makes music from the cave formations—Luray offers visitors a magical underground experience.

Massanutten Resort: A four-season mountain getaway in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, offering everything from skiing and snow tubing in winter to ziplining, mountain biking, and an award-winning indoor/outdoor waterpark year-round. Set on 6,000 scenic acres just outside Shenandoah National Park, it’s a popular spot for families, outdoor enthusiasts and relaxation seekers.

Old Rag Mountain: Climbing Old Rag is a strenuous 9-mile loop hike famous for its challenging rock scrambles and steep climbs, often taking 4 to 6 hours to complete. This popular trail rewards hikers with breathtaking 360-degree views from the summit, but requires good fitness and careful footing due to its rugged terrain. Hikers must obtain a day-use ticket in advance at Recreation.gov.

Rapidan Camp: The rustic mountain retreat of President Herbert Hoover and First Lady Lou Henry Hoover. Built in the 1920s, the camp offers a glimpse into presidential history surrounded by peaceful forest and mountain views. Today, visitors can explore the restored cabins and enjoy hiking trails nearby that showcase the park’s natural beauty.

Shenandoah River Outfitters: Daily guided trips—canoeing, kayaking, rafting and tubing—suitable for all skill levels, offering close encounters with nature while drifting through stunning scenery teeming with wildlife. Closest outfitter to Luray Caverns, Shenandoah, Skyland, and bordering the George Washington National Forest. 2025 marked their 55th season, with cabins available year-round—each equipped with hot tubs for a relaxing stay after a day on the river.

CAMP

HipCamp: An online platform that connects campers with unique outdoor stays on private land, from tent sites and RV spots to cabins, yurts, and glamping retreats. It’s like Airbnb for the outdoors, offering access to places you won’t find in traditional campgrounds—including farms, vineyards, and remote riverbanks. Ideal for travelers seeking more privacy, flexibility, or off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Loft Mountain Campground: Nestled in the southern part of the park, this forested and sheltered campground offers a peaceful, secluded feel. It’s a favorite among visitors familiar with its more tranquil setting and scenic trails such as Riprap and Jones/Doyles Run.

Luray RV Resort & Campground: Located on 100 acres along the Shenandoah River, this expansive campground offers a wide variety of pet-friendly accommodations, including RV sites, tent spots, and rental cottages. The resort provides a blend of outdoor adventure and modern comforts, with close proximity to Shenandoah National Park and numerous on-site activities.

Top photo of Shenandoah National Park by iStock