Explore Shenandoah National Park.

Looking for the best resources to help plan your Shenandoah National Park vacation?

Then you’ve come to the right place!

Hi, I’m Natalie, and I am a national parks-obsessed mom who has compiled all of the details, itineraries, dining guides, and hiking information for the perfect trip to this historic and beautiful park in the mountains of Virginia.

Whether you need to know where to hike with kids to the best places to camp near the park, you’ll find that information here.

I only write about places I’ve been and experiences that I’ve had, so you’re getting up-to-date advice from a parent who has been there.

The author's children sitting on a rocky ledge in Shenandoah National Park, overlooking a valley and distant hills under a clear blue sky.

Shenandoah at a glance

  • Covers 197,000 acres

  • Located in Virginia

  • Founded in 1926

  • Best known for Old Rag Trail and the Skyline Drive

  • Has campgrounds, hotels, and restaurants onsite

Start here.

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Shenandoah National Park with Kids

If you only read one of my Shenandoah guides, make it this one.

This Shenandoah National Park with kids guide shares everything you could possibly think about when planning a vacation here from where to stay to where to pick up your Junior Ranger booklets.

Complete Itineraries

The author, her husband, and two kids, standing in front of the Shenandoah National Park sign near the north entrance, with a wooded area and a winding road in the background on a cloudy day.

All you’ll need to do is book the plane tickets and hotel rooms. These complete itineraries take care of the day to day planning for you with suggestions on hotels, dining, and activities for the entire family.

1 Day in Shenandoah National Park Itinerary

When to Visit

Shenandoah National Park is open year round, but you’ll have completely different experiences depending on when you stop by.

Here’s a season-by-season comparison of the weather, hiking opportunities, crowd levels, and more.

The Best Time to Visit Shenandoah National Park
The author's children standing in front of a rocky, iced waterfall along Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park during winter. The girl is smiling and wearing striped leggings, the boy is pointing and wearing a blue cap.

Kid-Friendly Activities

  • The author's husband and two children on the Fox Hollow Trail in Shenandoah National Park, examining their Tracks Trails educational pamphlets.

    Short, Kid Friendly Hikes in Shenandoah National Park

    The best easy hikes for families in Virginia’s beautiful national park

    Read more

  • Shenandoah's Limberlost Trail: A Hiking Guide

    A step by step guide to one of the Shenandoah’s most family-friendly trails, including info on the Tracks Trail brochures, parking area, and what to bring.

    Read more

Camping

If you’re visiting Shenandoah National Park in the spring, summer, or fall, you can choose to stay inside the national park.

During the winter, or if you want full hook-ups and amenities like a pool and camp store, you can find some excellent campgrounds close to the national park.

We recommend the Shenandoah River State Park and the Luray RV Resort and Campground.

A campsite in Shenandoah River State Park with an RV and a car parked on a driveway, near leafless trees and a cloudy sky, with a yellow reserved site sign leaning on a wooden post in the foreground.
The author's children walking on a dirt trail in Shenandoah River State Park through a forest with leafless trees, under a partly cloudy sky.
A small green yurt with a beige conical roof sits on a raised wooden deck in a wooded area, under a partly cloudy sky.
Shenandoah River State Park Campground: A Review

Shenandoah National Park Must Haves

  • GuideAlong Audio Tour

    We LOVE these inexpensive but excellent tours for our national parks visits. Purchase the Shenandoah National Parks audio tour to learn about the park’s history, geology, wildlife, and important figures as you drive.

    It doesn’t need wifi after you’ve downloaded the tour, and it starts and stops automatically as you approach areas of interest!

  • Hiking Shoes

    Hiking is a must-do at Shenandoah as it allows you to truly get into the beauty of the park. Pack comfortable, sturdy footwear for your hikes here.

    I swear by my Altra Timp Trail Runners, which are lightweight and sturdy. These are great for year round use.

    I also love my Keen Newport H2 hiking sandals, but only bring these if you’re visiting Shenandoah in the summer.

  • AllTrails + National Park Pass

    Do not go to any of the U.S. national parks without this incredible deal!

    For just a few dollars more than the cost of a regular NPS annual pass, you can get an annual AllTrail subscription and your national parks pass bundle.

    Now, you’re ready to hit the trail and explore the parks!

  • Garmin InReach Mini

    I never go hiking without this tiny GPS attached to my pack.

    Since I’m often hiking alone with my kids, the Garmin InReach gives me peace of mind that we could get help quickly if one of them (or me!) got hurt or sick on the trail.

    Much of Shenandoah National Park doesn’t always have great cell reception, but you can always reach help with this unit.

  • Rental Car

    Shenandoah National Park doesn’t offer public transportation, so you’re going to need to rent a vehicle to get around the park and to all of your vacation activities.

    Check for the best rates at DiscoverCars.com with convenient pick-up options at all area airports.

    If plans change, they also offer free cancellation up to 48 hours before you were scheduled to get your car.

  • Travel Insurance

    Visiting the national parks can be the trip of a lifetime, and you don’t want to let sickness or flight delays to ruin your trip.

    Be sure to secure travel insurance from Visitors Coverage before you leave, and you’ll be ready for whatever life throws at you.

Other Helpful Resources