Where to Stay for Shenandoah National Park: Best Hotels & Areas

Determining the best place to stay for Shenandoah National Park is difficult. With 105 miles to cover, there are plenty of great accommodation options, but they will all come with a bit of driving.

If you are planning to spend multiple days in the park, you may wish to stay near the middle of the park or switch locations from the north end to the south end partially through your trip to minimize driving the same part of the famous Skyline Drive daily.

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Shenandoah National Park Lodging

The best place to stay for Shenandoah National Park, Virginia is of course in the park itself. This will get you closest to all of the best activities in Shenandoah National Park and really immerse you in the mountains.

There are just a few lodging choices inside Shenandoah NP, including resorts, cabins, and campgrounds. Each one is located along the main road, Skyline Drive, and designated by the milepost along the road. Staying in the park will put you right in the middle of the must visit Skyline Drive mileposts and minimize your driving. However, it will also limit your food options!

Resorts and Lodges in Shenandoah National Park

For those looking for a bit more comfort when staying in Shenandoah National Park, you’ll want to check out the resort and lodge options. They are most comparable to booking a hotel in the nearby cities – offering a bit more luxury than the cabins and campgrounds.

Skyland Resort

Located at mile 41.7 of Skyline Drive, the Skyland Resort in Shenandoah National Park is one of the best options for accommodation in the park. It is located at the highest elevation along Skyline Drive, 3,680 feet, and offers 28 buildings from small cabins to traditional hotel rooms, suites, and even pet-friendly rooms in Shenandoah. Its typical season runs from April to November.

Check current rates at Skyland Resort.

Big Meadows Lodge at mile 51

Big Meadows Lodge in Shenandoah National Park is located just one mile from the large, grassy meadow. This makes it the perfect location for viewing the clear night skies. At the lodge, you’ll find everything from traditional hotel rooms to suites, and even pet-friendly options. Big Meadows is typically open from April to November.

Check current rates at Big Meadows Lodge.

Cabins in Shenandoah National Park

If you’re looking for another accommodation option, try out one of the Shenandoah National Park cabins for rent. They offer the full national park experience with a bit less luxury and more rustic charm.

Lewis Mountain Cabins

The Lewis Mountain Cabins are located at mile 57.5 near Luray, VA. They are rustic but offer a wide selection of cabins for a variety of needs and budgets. Select from fully furnished with indoor private bathrooms and outdoor grill areas to more basic options with no bathroom or running water. They even have pet-friendly cabins available! The season at Lewis Mountains generally runs from March to November.

Check current rates at Lewis Mountain Cabins.

Public Use Cabins

Another great option for those traveling to Shenandoah on a budget are the Public Use Cabins. There are 6 Public Use Cabins in Shenandoah National Park, each of which come equipped with mattresses, blankets, and cookware. Nearby you’ll find spring water and a pit toilet. These basic cabins are maintained by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club and must be booked in advance.

Check current rates at Public Use Cabins.

Learn about Shenandoah National Park Lodging

Camping in Shenandoah National Park

Another popular option is to go camping in Shenandoah NP. Open seasonally, from early spring to late fall, there are five campgrounds along Skyline Drive. While amenities are basic in nature, prices start as low as $30 per night – perfect for visiting Shenandoah on a budget.

If you want to camp in Shenandoah National Park, make sure to book in advance for weekends and holidays as they do fill up. Reservations open 6 months ahead of time.

Mathews Arm Campground

This Shenandoah campground sits off Skyline Drive at mile 22.1, closest to the Front Royal entrance. Offering 165 campsites, each site has space for a tent or RV and offers a picnic table and a fire ring. There are also 3 group sites available.

Check current rates at Mathews Arm Campground in Shenandoah National Park.

Big Meadows Campground

The Big Meadows Campground at mile 51.2 is one of the more central campsites in Shenandoah, making it the perfect home base for exploring the park. Here you’ll find 221 campsites with picnic tables and fire rings. Most can accommodate a tent or RV. Additionally, there are also 2 group sites available at Big Meadows.

Check current rates at Big Meadows Campground in Shenandoah National Park.

Lewis Mountain Campground

The smallest campground in Shenadoah NP, Lewis Mountain is located at mile 57.5. This small campground offers only 30 campsites, all of which are situated for RVs, trailers, or tents. This campsite sits centrally in the park and is conveniently located for visitors.

Check current rates at Lewis Mountain Campground in Shenandoah National Park.

Loft Mountain Campground

The largest Shenandoah National Park campground, Loft Mountain sits at mile 79.5 atop Big Flat Mountain and offers awesome views. Here you’ll find 207 campsites, most of which fit an RV or trailer.

Check current rates at Loft Mountain Campground in Shenandoah National Park.

Dundo Group Campground

Located at mile 83.7 in the park, the Dundo Group Campground is the best place to stay in Shenandoah Valley for groups of 7 – 20 people. In fact, this campground only offers three group sites, no individual sites. Each one offers picnic tables and fire rings. It is also located along the Appalachian Trail.

Check current rates at Dundo Group Campground in Shenandoah National Park.

Learn about Shenandoah National Park Camping

Towns & Hotels Close to Shenandoah National Park

Another awesome option of where to stay for Shenandoah National Park is in the nearby towns. There are a lot of beautiful hotel options, plenty of restaurants around, grocery stores, and more if you go this route. Of course, you will have more driving to get into the park each day, but with so many towns to choose from, you can choose your location wisely!

Shenandoah National Park Map

Before we dive into the top cities close to Shenandoah National Park and their best hotel options, let’s take a look at where they sit in relation to Shenandoah National Park. This will help you determine which town is best for your trip.

Front Royal, VA

Located at the north end of the park, you’ll be just minutes from the northern Front Royal Entrance. This makes hotels in Front Royal perfect for your Shenandoah adventure!

Mountain Home Bed & Breakfast

If you’re looking for a quaint bed and breakfast near Shenandoah National Park, look no further. Mountain Home B&B is an amazing place to stay in Shenandoah located in a beautiful old house offering a fitness center, shared lounge, and accommodations with a patio, seating area, and/or balcony. Each room has unique character, and you’ll also find a terrace and of course delicious breakfast on offer.

Check current rates at Mountain Home Bed & Breakfast in Front Royal.

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Front Royal

Want a more traditional stay? Head to TownePlace Suites. This hotel in Front Royal has clean, well-stocked rooms, including suites with kitchens available. It also has a pool onsite as well as offering free bikes, a fitness center, and shared lounge – everything you need for a comfortable stay.

Check current rates at TownePlace Suites in Front Royal.

Check All Hotels in Front Royal, VA

Luray, VA

Located just 15 minutes from the Thornton Gap Entrance, you’ll be able to commute from your hotel to Shenandoah National Park in no time! It’s also the best base for those looking to visit Luray Caverns.

Hotel Laurance

The stunning Laurance Hotel is just outside of Shenandoah NP and within walking distance of town. It offers family room options with full kitchens as well as more traditional hotel rooms. Since many of the restaurants in town close early, having your own kitchen can be a huge perk in Luray! Not to mention you’ll have a lovely terrace to spend your evenings on.

Check current rates at Hotel Laurance in Luray, Virginia.

South Court Inn

Located in a charming old house, this small bed and breakfast near Shenandoah NP is a favorite among visitors. It’s located close to town and its shops and restaurants, as well as being very close to the Luray Caverns. When staying at South Court Inn, you’ll have a lovely garden, heated floors, free toiletries, and even some mountain views – perfect for a wonderful trip!

Check current rates at South Court Inn in Luray, Virginia.

Hawksbill House

This adults-only bed and breakfast in Luray is located in an old Victorian house walking distance from downtown. You’ll find quiet surroundings, a delicious breakfast, and comfortable rooms at Hawksbill House. Rooms also come with a desk, fridge, and coffee machine. If you have time you can also make use of the onsite hot tub!

Check current rates at Hawksbill House in Luray, Virginia.

Check All Hotels in Luray, VA

Harrisonburg, VA

Located a bit further at 30 minutes from the Swift Run Gap Entrance of Shenandoah National Park, Harrisonburg is home of James Madison University and offers a number of awesome hotels.

Hotel Madison & Shenandoah Conference Center

This beautiful hotel is located in walking distance of downtown and James Madison University, but that’s not the main selling point. Hotel Madison offers a beautiful open lobby area, an indoor pool, fitness center, and business center along with onsite bar and restaurant. It’s everything you need at a hotel, whether you’re staying a day or a week!

Check current rates at the Hotel Madison in Harrisonburg.

Village Inn

The Village Inn is one of the best hotels for families in the Shenandoah Valley. In addition to affordable rates, you’ll find an outdoor swimming pool, a shuffleboard court, and even a playground for the kids. This quaint hotel is situated in a peaceful location with beautiful fields making it an easy place to stop along your journey.

Check current rates at Village Inn in Harrisonburg.

Massanutten Resort

If you’re looking for a resort in Shenandoah National Park, you’ll want to check out Massanutten Resort. This 6,000 acre mountain property sits between the park and Harrisonburg and offers an indoor and outdoor waterpark, a ski and adventure park area, a day spa, and two fantastic golf courses. Whether or not you plan to go to the park, this Shenandoah National Park resort is worth a visit – particularly for families!

Check current rates at Massanutten Resort.

Check All Hotels in Harrisonburg, VA

Charlottesville, VA

Located about 30 minutes from Rockfish Gap, the southernmost entrance of Shenandoah National Park, is Charlottesville. Home to the University of Virginia, Charlottesville is a bit of a larger city, which offers amazing hotels for Shenandoah National Park.

Inn at Court Square

In addition to a prime downtown location, the Inn at Court Square offers individually and attentively decorated and cared for rooms. Each room has a sitting rooms with some including a patio as well. And, guests will enjoy one of the best breakfasts in the area! It’s one of the best boutique hotels near Shenandoah National Park!

Check current rates at the Inn at Court Square in Charlottesville.

200 South Street Inn

Located in historic Charlottesville, this B&B offers many of the comforts of home. At 200 South Street Inn, you’ll find high ceilings, carefully decorated rooms – some including a four-poster bed and a fireplace, an onsite library, a shared lounge, and even an outside garden. You’ll also love the daily wine and cheese receptions as well as the homemade continental breakfast.

Check current rates at 200 South Street Inn in Charlottesville.

The Draftsman

If you’re looking for a few more amenities in Charlottesville, head to the Draftsman. This Shenandoah hotel is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection and offers comfortable rooms, a bar, penthouse gym, onsite restaurant, and business center. Being part of Marriott, it also offers dependable, great service and housekeeping – something Marriott loyalty members love!

Check current rates at the Draftsman hotel in Charlottesville.

Check All Hotels in Charlottesville, VA

Learn More about Visiting Shenandoah National Park

With so many places to stay in and around the park, it’s difficult to determine where to stay for Shenandoah National Park. Start planning your time in Shenandoah with these additional resources:

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