Shenandoah

Alerts and closures

• Park Closure

  Active Closure

  Due to recent wildlife interactions and out of an abundance of caution, the Naked Creek backcountry zone is closed to all recreation until further notice. A camping closure remains in effect for the Appalachian Trail (AT) from Lewis Mountain to Big Meadows, including the Bearfence AT Hut. The AT is still accessible to hikers for day-use only.

  Details on nps.gov

• Caution

  Parking at Boundary Access Areas

  Visitors are reminded to park in designated parking areas when accessing the park via boundary trailheads. Parking in unauthorized locations may result in your vehicle being towed at the owner's expense. Park on the right side of the road approaching Thompson Hollow. Parking is authorized up to the "No Parking" sign before a private driveway.

• Information

  Infrastructure Improvements to Old Rag Trailhead

  Effective May 4, Shenandoah National Park will begin infrastructure enhancements at the Old Rag Trailhead main parking lot. We expect to complete work by November 2026. Until then, the main parking lot is closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Visitors can access Old Rag Trailhead via existing overflow parking lots. Day-use tickets are still required from March 1 through November 30 in addition to a park entrance fee.

• Information

  Shenandoah National Park Moved to Fully Cashless Fee Collection

  On July 1, 2025, the park transitioned to a fully cashless system at our fee entrance stations. Only credit cards, debit cards, or mobile payments will be accepted.

• Information

  Get Skyline Drive Status Updates

  Sign up for Shenandoah Alerts by texting SHENALERTS to 888777. Any time there are closures, re-openings, or other important safety-related alerts, subscribers will receive a notification via text. You may unsubscribe at any time.

  Details on nps.gov

• Information

  Ticket Required to Hike Old Rag

  March 1 - November 30 those wishing to hike Old Rag are required to obtain a day-use ticket before arriving.

  Details on nps.gov

About

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

Entry and 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

• Entrance - Motorcycle

  Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.

  $25

• 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

• Commercial Entrance - Sedan

  The total cost is calculated: $25 + $10 per passenger.

  $25

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

Fees change. Confirm on nps.gov before you go.