If you’re researching where to stay in Shenandoah National Park with your family, you’ve come to the right place!
In this article, I’ll share the 15 best lodging options in and around Shenandoah National Park, so you can plan an epic family road trip or vacation to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.
Located just 75 miles from Washington, D.C., the forest-covered hills of Shenandoah National Park offer the peace and serenity of nature, along with the chance to glimpse some wildlife, only a short drive from our nation’s capital (where yours truly was born and raised).
In this article, I’ll give you all the details you need to know to find the best places to stay in Shenandoah National Park so you and your family can have a fantastic trip to this lovely little slice of the United States.
Table of Contents
Where To Stay When Visiting Shenandoah National Park: Quick Summary
Don’t have time to read an in-depth analysis of Shenandoah lodging options for your family vacation right now? I get it! Here are my top recommendations, and then you can dive in deeper if you have the time or need:
Top 5 Shenandoah NP Family Lodging Recommendations
- Skyland Resort (Best All-Round)
- Big Meadows Lodge (Most Bang for the Buck)
- Lewis Mountain Cabins (Most Rustic)
- Keswick Hall (Most Luxurious)
- Shenandoah Yurts (Most Unique)
Shenandoah National Park: An Overview
Situated in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park is a long, thin stretch of land running just over 100 miles from the Front Royal entrance in the north to the Rockfish Gap entrance in the South.
Within the park’s 198,000 acres, you’ll find numerous majestic waterfalls, diverse species of flora, and abundant wildlife, including wild turkeys, red foxes, white-tailed deer, over 200 bird species, and even occasional black bears.
Skyline Drive, the park’s main thoroughfare, straddles the rocky peaks of this section of the Appalachian Mountains, providing excellent panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley and access to some of the best hiking trails in Virginia.
Plus, the limited light in these rolling hills means you’ll be able to witness one of the best nightly star shows anywhere on the East Coast.
Shenandoah National Park is simple to navigate, has plenty of easy or moderate kid-friendly hikes, and loads of other family-friendly activities, making it a great place for you and yours to spend time together while experiencing the wonders of nature.
Shenandoah National Park Entrances
Shenandoah National Park has 4 entrances, all providing Skyline Drive access.
These entrances are:
- Front Royal (North Entrance) – Just south of the town of Front Royal, off of Route 340
- Rockfish Gap (South Entrance) – Just east of the city of Waynesboro, off of Highway 250
- Thornton Gap – Intersects Skyline Drive between the towns of Luray and Sperryville, off of Highway 211
- Swift Run Gap – Intersects Skyline Drive near the city of Elkton, off of US 33
These entrances will grant you entry onto Skyline Drive, the 105-mile-long scenic drive running the park’s length, where you’ll find most of Shenandoah’s hiking trailheads, waterfalls, amenities, and the Harry F. Byrd Sr. Visitor Center.
The Best Time To Visit Shenandoah National Park
The summer months (June-August) are the busiest days in Shenandoah National Park, thanks to the warm weather and plentiful outdoor activities.
However, spring (April-May) and autumn (September-November) draw sizable crowds for the verdant spring bloom and stunning fall foliage, respectively. Temperatures during these months can vary, but many visitors still enjoy the park’s amazing hiking trails as daytime temps are generally moderate.
Winter (December-March) is the slowest time in Shenandoah National Park, as temps often fall to near or below freezing and snow can accumulate on the mountains.
If you’d like to experience all of Shenandoah National Park’s grandeur while avoiding the peak season crowds, I’d suggest visiting on a weekday in late spring or early autumn. That way, you’re likely to get comfortable temperatures, and you’ll miss the weekend rush.
However, there isn’t a bad time to visit Shenandoah National Park. If you visit in the slow or shoulder seasons, check the park’s official webpage for information on park availability, as some roads and amenities close in winter.
Best Shenandoah Family Lodging: Interactive Map
Below you’ll find an interactive map that highlights each of the lodging recommendations made in this article. You’ll be able to see the relative distance to other hotels/accommodations, as well as to park entrances.
How to Use This Map:
Click on any of the lodging recommendations marked with the bed icon in this color. Details about each option are further discussed in the article below.
Clicking the star next to the name of the map will save the map to your google account. To access it later on a computer or your smartphone, open google maps and select “Your Places”.
Camping Options In Shenandoah National Park
For intrepid travelers, Shenandoah National Park contains several campgrounds maintained by the National Park Service.
These are:
- Loft Mountain Campground
- Mathews Arm Campground
- Lewis Mountain Campground
- Big Meadows Campground
- Dundo Group Campground
Big Meadows Campground is available by reservation only, while Lewis Mountain Campground is first-come, first-served only. The others offer a mix of both. Be sure to check campground regulations and closing/opening dates beforehand.
15 Best Family-Friendly Places To Stay In Shenandoah National Park
Family Lodging Options INSIDE the Park
1. Skyland Resort
Location & Nearest Entrance: Luray, VA (Thornton Gap Entrance)
INSIDE Shenandoah National Park
Address: Mile 41 on Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, United States, 22835
Type of Accommodation: Cabins and Lodge Rooms
Capacity for Guests: up to 5 guests
The first of 3 places to stay inside the heart of Shenandoah National Park, Skyland Resort provides premium rooms, small cabins, and traditional rooms at Skyline Drive’s highest point, 3,680 feet above sea level, where breathtaking views abound everywhere you turn.
When you’re not enjoying the spectacular views of the Shenandoah Valley, Shenandoah River, or starry night skies, take advantage of the on-site horseback riding tours, educational courses, live entertainment, and dining in the Pollock Dining Room or Mountain Tap Room.
A Premium 2 Queens Room gives you a pair of queen-size beds and an additional rollaway bed or crib upon request. You’ll also have a private patio, LCD TV, coffee maker, a private bathroom with a combined shower and tub, and complimentary toiletries.
The views, convenient park access, excellent on-site restaurant, and overall comfortable stay make Skyland Lodge a perfect home base for your Shenandoah National Park adventures. And you’ll only be a few minutes from the heart of Luray, VA, a popular destination for park visitors.
2. Big Meadows Lodge
Location & Nearest Entrance: Stanley, VA (similar distance from Thornton Gap and Swift Run Gap Entrances)
INSIDE Shenandoah National Park
Address: Mile 51, Skyline Dr, Stanley, Virginia 22851
Type of Accommodation: Cabins and Lodge Rooms
Capacity for Guests: up to 5 guests
The second of our Shenandoah National Park lodging options is Big Meadows Lodge, which sits near mile 51 on Skyline Drive, just a stone’s throw from the park’s famous grassy meadow where night sky viewers congregate to take in mesmerizing celestial scenes.
The striking high mountain property supplies a variety of accommodation options, including cabins, suites, traditional rooms, and preferred rooms.
Check out an air-conditioned cabin with 2 bedrooms, each containing a wood-burning stove and double bed, within walking distance of the main lodge building. Or stay in the main lodge rooms, where you can book a traditional room with 2 double or 2 twin beds.
Enjoy a meal at the Spottswood Dining Room overlooking the lower valley floor, or have a cocktail in the New Market Taproom as you watch the sunset behind the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Bring the whole squad along with you, including the animals, as pet-friendly rooms are available for a minimal extra cost.
3. Lewis Mountain Cabins
Location & Nearest Entrance: Elkton, VA (Swift Run Gap Entrance)
INSIDE Shenandoah National Park
Address: Skyline Dr Mile 57.5, Shenandoah National Park, VA 22835
Type of Accommodation: Cabins
Capacity for Guests: up to 4 guests
The last of the accommodations available inside Shenandoah National Park, Lewis Mountain Cabins, is an idyllic hillside site with a rich history and nearly all the creature comforts you could ask for.
When not taking in the outstanding mountain views or learning fascinating historical facts, prepare a meal in your outdoor grill pit or grab a snack at the Lewis Mountain Camp Store.
When it’s time to rest, you have your pick of comfy yet rustic cabins. The Two Room Cabin has 2 bedrooms and 2 double beds, heating, ceiling fans, towels, linens, a private picnic table, and a fire pit.
Feeling more adventurous? Spend a night in the Hiker’s Cabin, equipped with 2 bunk beds, a pot belly stove, and an outdoor cooking space.
Pet-friendly cabins are also available at Lewis Mountain Cabins, just an hour or so from Luray, VA, and the family-friendly Luray Caverns. This property is a great option for families who want a near-camping experience without giving up the modern amenities.
Best Family Lodging OUTSIDE Shenandoah National Park
4. Montfair Resort Farm
Location & Nearest Entrance: Crozet, VA (20 miles from Rockfish Gap entrance)
OUTSIDE Shenandoah National Park
Address: 2500 Bezaleel Drive, Crozet, Virginia 22932
Type of Accommodation: Cabins and Cottages
Capacity for Guests: up to 6 guests
Opt for an awesome A-frame house or a quaint cottage. Either way, at Montfair Resort Farm, your family is in for a treat on this property nestled deep in the forest next to a gorgeous lake where you can enjoy kayaking, fishing, and swimming.
The pet-friendly A-Frame Pawpaw Cottage features a queen bed, 2 twin beds, a double futon, a large porch, a well-stocked kitchen, a living room, a private bathroom, a picnic table, a grill, and more.
Don’t need that much space? Take a look at a Standard Cottage with a queen bed and a double futon, plus a porch, full kitchen, a private bathroom, outdoor dining area, and a grill.
There are also bike rentals, a tennis court, a spa, free Wi-Fi, a business center, a garden, a library, an electric vehicle charging station, and laundry on the premises.
For wine connoisseurs, you’ll be less than 10 minutes from 3 excellent vineyards, where tastings are available. Why not savor a glass while watching the sun slowly drop behind the Blue Ridge Mountains?
Afterward, return to Montfair Resort Farm to unwind and enjoy dinner on the property’s picnic tables, giving you a pristine view of the starlit evening sky.
5. Shenandoah Yurt
Location & Nearest Entrance: Stanley, VA (21 miles from Thornton Gap entrance)
OUTSIDE Shenandoah National Park
Address: 260 Circle Dr, Stanley, Virginia 22851
Type of Accommodation: Yurts
Capacity for Guests: up to 8 guests
Secluded in the foothills of Shenandoah National Park, 35 minutes from the lush beauty of the Shenandoah River, 30 minutes from the Thornton Gap entrance, and 25 minutes from Luray Caverns, Shenandoah Yurt is a tranquil, luxurious spot to stay in Stanley, VA.
This new-age take on an old-school abode has 2 queen-size beds, a king-size sleeper sofa, a sleeper couch, 2 bathrooms, a full kitchen, a dishwasher, laundry, a large smart TV, video games, a pool table, and board games.
Outside, you have a huge deck area with a hot tub, a large grill, a fire pit with seating, and an electric vehicle charging station, with plenty of privacy, thanks to the thickly forested surroundings.
There are also e-bike rentals available on the property, allowing you to ride the trails into Shenandoah National Park in under 20 minutes.
6. Creekside Cottage
Location & Nearest Entrance: Madison, VA (27 miles from Thornton Gap entrance)
OUTSIDE Shenandoah National Park
Address: 1195 Quaker Run Road, Madison, Virginia 22727
Type of Accommodation: Cottage
Capacity for Guests: up to 6 guests
Spend the night in the lovely Creekside Cottage as you chill out around the fire pit, listening to the steady rush of fresh spring water flowing through the small stream merely feet outside your door.
This quaint home, erected in a practically untouched tree-lined valley, has all the “homey” feel you could ask for, with a lovely fireplace, a gorgeous bathroom with a rain shower, a fully equipped kitchen, a fridge, a washing machine, comfy furniture, and a flat-screen TV.
Your family will have 3 bedrooms, one providing an extra-large double bed, another a large double bed, and the third a double bed.
When everyone is rested and ready to go, head to one of the nearby trailheads, where you can access many great hikes heading into Shenandoah National Park, including trails maintained by the famed Potomac Appalachian Trail Club.
7. Hotel Laurance
Location & Nearest Entrance: Luray, VA (10 miles from Thornton Gap entrance)
OUTSIDE Shenandoah National Park
Address: 2 South Court Street, Luray, Virginia 22835
Type of Accommodation: Boutique Hotel Rooms
Capacity for Guests: up to 4 guests
A quintessential boutique hotel with a ton of history, the Hotel Laurance contains just 12 rooms, but all are highly unique and exquisitely decorated with the finest decor.
Originally built in 1830 as a commercial office building, the Hotel Laurence was later established here in 1883. Since then, they’ve welcomed countless weary Appalachia travelers and Shenandoah National Park visitors.
On-site, you’ll find rooms with full kitchens, working spaces, meeting rooms, an outside deck, free Wi-Fi, and helpful staff around 24/7.
Families can stay in The Andrew (Room 5) in the main building, with a queen-size bed, a cool loft bed, a kitchen with a refurbished 1950s-era sink, and a cozy private bathroom.
If you need a little more space, go for The Laura (Room 7), which has 2 large queen bedrooms, a spacious sitting area, a full kitchen, a dining area, and a large bathroom with an old-fashioned bathtub and shower.
8. Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges
Location & Nearest Entrance: Syria, VA (24 miles from Thornton Gap entrance)
OUTSIDE Shenandoah National Park
Address: 205 Graves Mountain Lane, Old Blue Ridge Turnpike, Syria, Virginia 22743
Type of Accommodation: Lodge Rooms, Cabins, Cottages & Campground
Capacity for Guests: up to 19 guests
Has your family ever dreamed of staying on a working farm where you can learn about and play with goats and chickens, go on horseback riding tours through the mountains, and take fly fishing lessons in the on-site streams and ponds?
If so, Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges would be a great place to stay for your family’s Shenandoah National Park trip.
Located in the shadows of the Blue Ridge Mountains, just east of the park, this impressive property features an outdoor swimming pool, private yoga classes, soap-making workshops, a farm-to-table restaurant, and more.
You’ll have your choice of lodge rooms, small detached cabins, large detached cabins, or a luxury farmhouse where you can sleep as many as 12 people in the 4-bedroom, 3-full-bath room home overlooking a pond.
Having an event or party? Bigger groups can stay in the rustically quaint Upper Rose Rive Log Cabin, which has 14 beds and sleeps up to 19 people. But be careful because this place has been known to evoke nostalgia for your classic summer camp experience.
9. Kimpton – The Forum Hotel
Location & Nearest Entrance: Charlottesville, VA (35 miles from Rockfish Gap entrance)
OUTSIDE Shenandoah National Park
Address: 540 Massie Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Type of Accommodation: Hotel Rooms
Capacity for Guests: up to 4 guests
Sitting just a few minutes from the University of Virginia, John Paul Jones Arena, and the Charlottesville Historic District, Kimpton – The Forum Hotel gives you the best of both worlds with city amenities just a short drive from Shenandoah National Park.
An IHG Hotel, Kimpton – The Forum Hotel provides high-end luxury accommodations. Go for the One-Bedroom Suite, which has an extra-large double bed, a private terrace, and an additional bed or cot upon request.
The property grounds also feature free Wi-Fi, complimentary bicycles, private parking, a fitness center, and a garden. Dine in the fabulous on-site restaurant to enjoy locally sourced dishes, hearty breakfasts, and delectable cocktails.
Don’t feel like eating at the hotel? Hop in the car or take a few steps in any direction to try one of the many excellent dining options in Charlottesville, a charming city with a rich history.
And if all else fails, try the room service. It’s also great here.
10. The Blackburn Inn
Location & Nearest Entrance: Staunton, VA (29 miles from Rockfish Gap entrance)
OUTSIDE Shenandoah National Park
Address: 260 Circle Dr, Stanley, Virginia 22851
Type of Accommodation: Hotel Rooms & Suites
Capacity for Guests: up to 6 guests
Located a short distance from James Madison University, the Blackburn Inn is among Virginia’s most historic lodges.
In fact, this historic hotel was once the Western State Hospital, constructed in the 1820s by the American Psychiatric Association to offer compassionate care to those in need.
The massive 80-acre property has undergone numerous renovations over the years but was just turned into an elegant boutique hotel in 2018.
Whether your family is big or small, you’ll find a wide variety of accommodations to suit your needs here at the Blackburn Inn.
Larger families can try The Penthouse at the Lofts, a luxurious 2-floor suite with 2 spacious bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, a full kitchen, a dining area, multiple lounge areas with couches, and a private rooftop deck with spectacular views.
Smaller families can opt for the Queen Suite with a large bedroom, a sleeper sofa, a mini-fridge, and a bathroom with a rain shower.
11. Getaway Shenandoah Cabins
Location & Nearest Entrance: Standardsville, VA (11 miles from Swift Run Gap entrance)
OUTSIDE Shenandoah National Park
Address: 2010 Madison Rd, Stanardsville, Virginia 22973
Type of Accommodation: Tiny Cabins
Capacity for Guests: up to 4 guests
A beautiful property encircled by forested hills and numerous hiking trails, Getaway Shenandoah Cabins is the perfect location to escape the daily hustle and bustle and return to the peace and quiet of nature in style.
You’ll sleep in a quaint “tiny home” containing a queen-size bed, a lofted bed (basically queen-sized bunk beds), air-conditioning, heat, a private bathroom with a hot shower, a fully-stocked kitchen with a 2 burner stove, outdoor chairs, a picnic table, and a fire pit with a rack for cooking.
Embrace the solitude of this lovely spot, and be sure to bring your binoculars (and a camera), as white-tailed deer, red foxes, cardinals, and blue jays are known to roam the surrounding forest.
12. Front Royal Outdoors
Location & Nearest Entrance: Front Royal, VA (3 miles from Front Royal entrance)
OUTSIDE Shenandoah National Park
Address: 8567 Stonewall Jackson Hwy, Front Royal, VA 22630
Type of Accommodation: Cabins, Glamping Tents
Capacity for Guests: up to 6 guests
Front Royal Outdoors is a river outfitter, providing canoe, rafting, kayaking, and other adventures down the Shenandoah River. But they also have a small lodging operation, and rent out two cabins as well as three glamping tents (with a tipi soon to be available as well).
If your family is looking for a rustic camping experience without having to pitch your own tent (or sleep on the ground), then this may be the perfect compromise!
Front Royal is an excellent location for those coming to the park from the Washington DC area, as it’s the north-most section, so this spot is great for a weekend trip as it will allow you less time in the car, and more time exploring the park and taking in the other local adventures.
The three glamping tents (Blue Ridge, Massanutten and Valley) each sleep five people with a queen bed, full-size futon, and futon chair. Each unit has a mini fridge, oscillating fan, coffee-maker, and microwave. They each also have access to a grill and campfire ring.
13. Graduate Charlottesville
Location & Nearest Entrance: Charlottesville, VA (22 miles from Rockfish Gap entrance)
OUTSIDE Shenandoah National Park
Address: 1309 West Main St Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
Type of Accommodation: Hotel Rooms
Capacity for Guests: up to 5 guests
Positioned right on West Main Street in the heart of Charlottesville, VA, Graduate Charlottesville is just a hop, skip, and jump from the delightful, historic campus of the University of Virginia and the northern terminus of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The hotel provides a comfortable stay with pet-friendly rooms, free Wi-Fi, a game room, a fitness centre, bike rentals, and delicious on-site dining options, including the Trophy Room restaurant and bar.
The Deluxe Queen Queen Suite contains 2 queen-size beds and a comfy sleeper sofa in the living room, an ideal option for sizable families. The Graduate Queen Room also contains 2 queen-size beds, which is great for smaller families.
I really like this video (below) from the Graduate Hotel brand. It explains the essence of these hotels that you can find all around the country in college towns, like Charlottesville. Whenever one of these hotels is available, it’s always a top choice for my own family.
14. Boar’s Head Resort
Location & Nearest Entrance: Charlottesville, VA (32 miles from Rockfish Gap entrance)
OUTSIDE Shenandoah National Park
Address: 200 Ednam Drive, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
Type of Accommodation: Hotel Rooms
Capacity for Guests: up to 5 guests
With a focus on luxurious comfort, outdoor activities, athletics, and fine dining, Boar’s Head Resort is a fabulous, family-friendly resort your kids are sure to love.
Take a few swings at the adjacent Birdwood Golf Club or get in a game of tennis, pickleball, or squash in the on-site sports club.
Sports not your thing? The resort’s spa will rejuvenate you with quality massages, body treatments, facials, and more. And while there’s no indoor pool, the property’s outdoor swimming pool is a great place for relaxation.
Suites provide a private bedroom, with either a king-size or queen-size bed and a spacious living room with a pull-out sofa bed, plus full kitchens, private bathrooms, and all modern amenities.
When you’re hungry, swing by the Mill Room, the excellent on-site restaurant that serves farm-to-table fare daily, and grab some commemorative souvenirs in the gift shop on your way out.
15. Keswick Hall
Location & Nearest Entrance: Keswick, VA (30 miles from Rockfish Gap entrance)
OUTSIDE Shenandoah National Park
Address: 701 Club Drive, Keswick, Virginia 22947
Type of Accommodation: Hotel Rooms
Capacity for Guests: up to 4 guests
A sophisticated yet unpretentious boutique hotel, Keswick Hall allows you to begin each day of your Shenandoah National Park trip in plush surroundings where spectacular mountain views are plentiful.
If you tire of gazing at the Blue Ridge Mountains through your floor-to-ceiling windows, go for a swim in the on-site outdoor swimming pool or head over to nearby Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s famous estate.
Families can stay in the Deluxe Family Room, which contains 2 queen-size beds, a marble bathroom, a double vanity, an oversized walk-in shower, air conditioning, and a 65″ HD TV.
Concluding Thoughts: The 15 Best Places To Stay In Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park offers families an excellent opportunity to get outside, enjoy the sunshine, learn about local ecology, and, best of all, savor some quality time together.
With nearby attractions like the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Shenandoah River, Jeffersons’ Monticello and Luray Caverns, there’s no shortage of family-friendly fun to be had.
Among the best places to stay in Shenandoah National Park, you have a collection of the best hotels, “glamping” spots, and rustic outposts (with modern amenities).
So, whether you’d like to stay in the most luxurious resort or lay your head down in a camp-like setting, just with hot showers and comfy beds, there’s definitely something for you here.
I would highly recommend taking your family to see the mesmerizing Blue Ridge Mountains, one of the most scenic places on the east coast of the United States.
Then, when it’s time to relax after a long day exploring the Appalachian countryside, have some fun, and get a good night’s sleep in one of the best places to stay in Shenandoah National Park.
Looking for more information about Shenandoah NP, or travel tips and plans for other amazing US national parks? Be sure to check out these articles, too:
- 11 Best Hikes Shenandoah National Park (For Families)
- 8 Top Shenandoah National Park Things to Do [for Families]
- Blue Ridge Parkway: Everything You Need To Know
- Where To Stay To See Glacier National Park – For Families
- 12 Best Places to Stay in Yellowstone [for Families]
- 8 BEST Yellowstone Glamping Options For Families
- 17 Best Family Glamping Spots: Joshua Tree National Park
- Acadia National Park Closest Airport: 7 Best Options
- 12 Best Family Glamping Spots: Acadia National Park
- Badlands National Park Cabins: Cedar Pass Lodge Guide
- Glamping Zion National Park: 15 Best Family Options
- Where to Stay When Visiting Yosemite NP: 13 TOP Picks
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Those yurts look incredible! We stayed in an airbnb in Elkton when we went to Shenandoah last year. It was wonderful but we did make it a point to eat at a few of the park resorts just to check them out.
This looks wonderful!! I had no idea of how many special places there are to stay near to the park. thanks, Patty
Yes! This park has some awesome lodging options!!