Shenandoah National Park Lodging Guide
Shenandoah National Park offers several unique lodging options for those who prefer the comfort of a cabin or lodge over camping. Here’s an overview of the park’s lodging options:
1. Skyland Lodge
- Location: Located at mile 41.7 and 42.5 on Skyline Drive.
- Accommodations: Skyland is the largest lodging facility in the park and offers a range of options from rustic cabins to comfortable rooms with modern amenities. Some rooms have stunning views of the Shenandoah Valley.
- Dining: Skyland features a dining room that serves local cuisine and a taproom with live entertainment.
- Activities: There are horseback riding stables, guided hikes, and photography workshops available for guests.
- Season: Open from early spring to late fall.
2. Big Meadows Lodge
- Location: Located at mile 51.2 on Skyline Drive, near Big Meadows Campground.
- Accommodations: This historic lodge features rooms in the main lodge, as well as detached cabins and preferred rooms with scenic views. Big Meadows Lodge offers a cozy, rustic atmosphere.
- Dining: Guests can dine at the Spottswood Dining Room, which serves regional dishes. There’s also a lounge with evening entertainment.
- Activities: The lodge is close to popular trails and waterfalls, such as Dark Hollow Falls. Big Meadows Visitor Center is also nearby.
- Season: Open from mid-May through early November.
3. Lewis Mountain Cabins
- Location: Located at mile 57.5 on Skyline Drive.
- Accommodations: These are simple, cozy cabins perfect for those who want a more rustic experience with basic comforts. Each cabin has a small kitchenette, a grill, and a picnic table outside.
- Activities: Close to the Appalachian Trail, Lewis Mountain is great for hikers and those seeking a quieter location.
- Season: Open from early spring through late fall.
4. Shenandoah Yurt
For a truly unique luxury retreat experience in Virginia, consider staying at the Shenandoah Yurt, a custom wooden yurt perched at an elevation of over 2,500 feet in the mountains, just one mile from Shenandoah National Park. This distinctive accommodation combines the charm of a yurt with modern luxury amenities, including a 7-person year-round hot tub, wood-burning stove, and a spacious elevated deck perfect for mountain views. The yurt features a full kitchen with high-end appliances, a 75″ HDTV with streaming services, and even a pool table in the loft. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the provided e-bikes for park exploration, while remote workers can utilize the dedicated workspace with dual Apple monitors. Follow their stunning mountain getaway photos on Instagram at @shenandoahyurt. Book your unforgettable Virginia mountain escape today and experience luxury glamping at its finest.
5. Skyline Yurt
Located just 13 miles from the entrance to Skyline Drive in Virginia, the Skyline Yurt offers another exceptional mountain getaway experience at over 1,100 feet elevation. This luxury yurt seamlessly blends modern comforts with a serene mountain setting. Amenities include a year-round hot tub, wood-burning stove, full gourmet kitchen, and entertainment options including a pool table and PlayStation 5. The spacious deck features string lights and beautiful mountain views, making it perfect for outdoor dining or stargazing. Both yurts are pet-friendly with prior approval and can accommodate up to 8 guests, making them ideal for family gatherings or friend groups. Experience their Blue Ridge Mountain paradise through their Instagram @skylineyurt. Reserve your memorable Virginia mountain retreat now and create lasting memories in this unique luxury escape.
Backcountry Lodging Options
Shenandoah also offers a few backcountry huts and shelters along the Appalachian Trail. These are primitive shelters available on a first-come, first-served basis. They’re popular with long-distance hikers but are not as developed as front-country lodges.
Nearby Accommodations Outside the Park
If you’d prefer to stay outside the park, nearby towns like Luray, Front Royal, and Waynesboro offer a variety of hotels, inns, and bed-and-breakfasts. These provide easier access to additional amenities and services.
Tips for Booking Lodging
- Reservations: Due to the popularity of Shenandoah, especially during peak seasons in the spring and fall, it’s recommended to book lodging well in advance via the official website or at GoShenandoah.com.
- Seasonality: Most lodges are open only seasonally, from spring through fall, as the park experiences snowy, harsh winter weather.
- Amenities: Wi-Fi and cell service are limited in some parts of the park. Be prepared for a rustic experience, particularly at the smaller cabins and backcountry huts.
Things to Do Nearby
Lodging at Shenandoah places you near some of the park’s most famous attractions, like scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Some of the top activities include:
- Scenic Drives: Enjoy breathtaking views along Skyline Drive, which stretches the length of the park.
- Hiking: Explore Shenandoah’s 500 miles of hiking trails, from family-friendly paths to challenging sections of the Appalachian Trail.
- Wildlife Watching: The park is home to black bears, white-tailed deer, and a variety of bird species.
These lodging options make it easy to enjoy Shenandoah’s beauty and offer a range of experiences from rustic to comfortable.