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.
VA
Shenandoah National Park
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Shenandoah at a glance
- Best time
- March–September, November
- Trip length
- 1–2 days
- Don't miss
- Old Rag Circuit
- Nearby city
- Luray, VA
Explore this park
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!
Weather Information
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.
Entrance Fees
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 - Van
$75.00Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 7-15 passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers.
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.
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
$25.00The total cost is calculated: $25 + $10 per passenger.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Operating Hours
Shenandoah National Park is always open. However, portions of Skyline Drive, the only public road through the Park, are periodically closed during inclement weather. Visitors can still enter the Park on foot to hike, even when the Skyline Drive is closed. Campgrounds, services, and facilities have separate hours; please see descriptions of those facilities elsewhere on our website.
- MondayAll Day
- TuesdayAll Day
- WednesdayAll Day
- ThursdayAll Day
- FridayAll Day
- SaturdayAll Day
- SundayAll Day
Entrance Passes
Annual Entrance - Park
$55.00Provides unlimited entry for one year to the pass holder and passengers in the same vehicle, not to exceed 4 total adults. Children under 16 are admitted for free and are not included in this total. Purchase online or at any of our entrance stations.
Common questions
Planning Shenandoah
The summary above covers timing and highlights. These go deeper on reservations, crowds, and logistics — check Alerts and Permits for live updates.
TrailVerse lists 3 reservation types on the Permits tab, including Shenandoah National Park Backcountry Permits and Old Rag Mountain Tickets. Recreation.gov listings can change seasonally — confirm current rules before you set dates.
