Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Virginia attracts many visitors each year and it’s easy to see why. The eastern border features over 100 miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline, Washington D.C. is immediately adjacent, there’s a rich history of transition and turmoil from the colonial and Civil War eras, and the beautifully forested Blue Ridge Mountains lie along its western border. For those looking to explore this mountainous western region, you absolutely must visit Shenandoah National Park.
Established as Virginia’s first national park in 1936, the over 300-mile park consists of a uniquely narrow, but long swath of land that encompasses both the majesty of the Blue Ridge Mountain Range as well as the tranquility of the Shenandoah Valley.
Teeming with diverse wildlife and plant species, the rugged land of Shenandoah is a supreme destination for any nature enthusiast. On your RV road trip through Virginia, Shenandoah National Park will be the prime destination to showcase the truly stunning natural beauty of the Mother State.
Perhaps one of the best activities to enjoy at Shenandoah, and your RV can participate as well, is to cruise along Skyline Drive. Spanning the length of the park at 105 miles, the winding road is the best way to take the beauty of Shenandoah in its entirety. There are many scenic overlooks and stops along the way to hop out and try some trails or grab a bite to eat, but you can also cruise right through in about three hours if you are just looking to get a lay of the land.
There are four primary access points for Skyline Drive scattered from north to south so you can also access the drive if you plan to come from the east or west. Many animals frequently cross the road in Shenandoah, and some can cause some serious damage and danger (i.e. bears, deer) so make sure your driver is alert. Lastly, double-check the height of your rig if you plan to explore the entire park as the Marys Rock Tunnel has a max height clearance of 12 feet eight inches.
Shenandoah is a hiker’s dream destination. Not only is the terrain highly variable with expansive views, but the trail system is also over 500 miles long. You’ll find just about every type of hike imaginable for all skill and interest levels. From day hikes to proper backcountry excursions, Shenandoah will please any hiker.
Shenandoah is huge and potentially dangerous for the unprepared hiker. There are a few steps you can take to make your hiking experience as safe and enjoyable as possible:
Flowing through these gorgeous mountains are some mountain streams with excellent fishing. If you are a fly fisherman, in particular, the 70 streams throughout the park offer great angling action for several trout species. A few of these fish can make for a special and tasty meal back at camp.
Because the park is so large, the streams are located in different counties and different ecosystems. It is therefore critical that you know which stream you are fishing because each one has its own specific regulations. As trout are also one of the more fragile varieties of fish, the use of barbless hooks is also highly encouraged to help protect released fish.
For those campers that enjoy an adrenaline rush now and again, you’re in luck. Shenandoah National Park has some great rock climbing opportunities. There are tons of established routes for everyone from beginners to seasoned veterans. There are also numerous boulder fields to scamper across if you prefer to explore and play just a little bit closer to the ground.
One thing to keep in mind is that various climbing routes will be closed on a seasonal basis. This is primarily to protect the nesting habitat of peregrine falcons in the spring months. In addition, be sure to leave any vegetation undisturbed along your route to preserve the natural state of the area as much as possible.
For the best views in the whole park, make your way to the summit of Old Rag Mountain. The view has to be earned with a somewhat challenging hike involving rock scrambles and significant elevation change. Once you reach the peak, however, you can appreciate the beauty of Shenandoah for miles, and miles, and miles…
One piece of advice from park staff is to avoid climbing Old Rag Mountain on the weekends, if possible. The mountain is the most popular feature at Shenandoah and the trails can get quite crowded. This can make for some dangerous scenarios on narrower sections and long wait times at the tight spots where only a couple of people can move through at a time.
Four out of the five campgrounds at Shenandoah can accommodate RVs. Be prepared, however, for a somewhat basic experience. None of these campgrounds offer any hookups for your rig. Although, most do offer potable water, flush toilets, showers so it’s not like you will have to do all of your camping self-contained. These campgrounds are conveniently spread out along the park from north to south so you can set up camp as you travel and explore. Reservations in the summer months are highly encouraged.
At the southern end of the park, Misty Mountain Camp Resort is just eight miles from the lower base of Skyline Drive that will lead you into the park. The 50-acre park is nestled into the forested hills and feels like an authentic camping experience. RVers will find full hookup sites waiting for them with the option to choose a pull-through site for convenience. Apart from the usual modern amenities, campers will love the gigantic inflatable jump pad, a sluice box, a fishing pond, and an outdoor pool. The campground is also within a short distance of local wineries and breweries as well as Thomas Jefferson’s historic Monticello plantation.
Also, near the park’s southern end (nine miles), the Waynesboro 340 North Campground has a real family feel about it. Owned by the Morris family for over 30 years, the quaint campground offers campers a comfortable experience with full hookup-capable RV sites. Additional amenities include free Wi-Fi, laundry, showers, and a dump station. The outdoor swimming pool is great fun on hot summer days and from time to time, local bands will jam out in the onsite event center.
If you have little ones or grandkids, the Luray Jellystone Park Camp-Resort is the perfect place for tons of fun and making memories. This campground is located on the north side of Shenandoah, about five miles from one of the entrances. A huge waterpark complete with several pools and waterslides is the star attraction in the summer. There’s plenty else to enjoy though, including the outdoor movie theater, mini-golf, arcade, playgrounds, fishing pond, paddle boats, hayrides, ziplining, and more. There are many different levels of RV campsites available, everything from basic back-in with water/electric only, to a premium pull-through with full hookups and optimal park location.
Also on the northern end of the park, the Luray KOA Holiday is another fantastic option for camping groups looking for fun and excitement near their campground. On-site, your full hookup accommodations will be further enhanced with an outdoor pool, snack bar, onsite restaurant, a billiards room, and a dog park. Near and around the town of Luray, you’ll also find a zoo, ziplining, vineyards, and Civil War history.
The dining options at Shenandoah are plentiful, with five different restaurants scattered from north to south, and most offer service for all three meals. If you are looking for a proper sit-down experience, stop at Skyland or the Big Meadows Lodge where you will find hearty American favorites like pot roast or a turkey dinner. If you’re looking for a quick muffin or sandwich, look to the Elkwallow, Big Meadows, or Loft Mountain Waysides.
Since Shenandoah is such a geographically elongated park, the borders pass near many towns where you can find a bunch of dining options. At the northern end, the town of Front Royal has a bunch of informal options such as burgers, taverns, soul food, Mexican, American breakfast joints, as well a large variety of chains.
Closer to the midpoint, the town of Luray offers hungry campers Italian, Mexican, pizza, Chinese, and some upscale farm-to-table establishments.
On the southern end, look to Waynesboro. You will find some Mexican and casual American eateries, as well as a brewery, but almost everything else in the area is a national chain if you’re looking for something familiar.
No matter where you stay, the majestic mountains and valleys of Shenandoah National Park will make a significant impression on your group and will be calling you back for another experience. Make sure you take at least two full days to appreciate the immense beauty of Shenandoah; that should tide you over until your next visit, which may come sooner than you might think.