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.
Photo: NPS Photo / Neal Lewis / NPS
About 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!
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Driving times from Shenandoah National Park, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Entrance fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
$30.00Unlimited 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.
Entrance - Motorcycle
$25.00Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Entrance - Per Person
$15.00Entry 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.
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
$25.00The total cost is calculated: $25 + $10 per passenger.
Commercial Entrance - Per Person
$10.00This 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
$75.00Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 7-15 passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers.
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
$100.00Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 16-25 passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers.
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
$200.00Based 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
FreeNational 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.
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups
$15.00Fee 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.
Hours
Shenandoah National Park
- Mon
- All Day
- Tue
- All Day
- Wed
- All Day
- Thu
- All Day
- Fri
- All Day
- Sat
- All Day
- Sun
- All Day
Activities
Getting there
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.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to enter Shenandoah National Park?
- Entrance to Shenandoah National Park starts at $10. See the fees section above for each pass and vehicle type.
- What is there to do at Shenandoah National Park?
- Popular activities include Astronomy, Auto and ATV, Backcountry Camping, Biking, Birdwatching, Bookstore and Park Store.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Shenandoah National Park?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park (1 h 23 min), Green Springs (1 h 45 min), Manassas National Battlefield Park (1 h 50 min), Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (2 h 3 min), Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park (2 h 6 min), Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts (2 h 15 min).