Shenandoah National Park Tempts the Winter Weary with Spring Opening Dates

Rich spring foliage and increasingly visible wildlife are major attractions at Shenandoah National Park as winter wanes. Luckily, the Park's facilities open from March into May. Randy Johnson photo.

Shenandoah National Park is looking ahead to spring. Superintendent Martha Bogle recently announced that facilities closed during the winter will start to open in March and will continue to open throughout the spring.

Shenandoah's popular and historic lodging debuts at Skyland Resort on March 29th. Lewis Mountain Cabins come on line April 6th and Big Meadows Lodge remains shuttered until May 16th.

The park's main visitor center, Harry F. Byrd Visitor Center at Big meadows, will open March 30th. April 6th will see Dickey Ridge Visitor Center debut while Loft Mountain Information Center remains closed.

Campgrounds begin to open March 30th with Big Meadows Campground. Lewis Mountain Campground opens April 6th, and Mathews Arm and Loft Mountain Campgrounds start the season on May 11th.

Some picnic areas are already open, including Elkwallow, Pinnacles, South River and Dundo. The rest of the park's picnic grounds will open either March 30th (Big Meadows Picnic Grounds) or April 6th (Dickey Ridge and Lewis Mountain Picnic Grounds).

The park's many other concessioner-operated facilities debut from late-March through mid-May. Big Meadows Wayside starts the spring season on March 23rd. The shower and laundry facilities at Big Meadows open March 30th.

Lewis Mountain campstore will open April 6th. Elkwallow Wayside opens April 20th, and Loft Mountain Wayside follows on April 27th. Loft Mountain Campstore and Loft Mountain Shower/Laundry start the season on May 11th.

Visit the park's website for more facilities and travel information or call 540-999-3500.