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S-n-L's avatar
S-n-L
Explorer
Feb 24, 2018

Shenandoah National Park

Hello Folks,

I'm working on planning a visit to Shenandoah National Park, coming from Great Smokey Mountain National Park on I-81 N, end of April/early May. Since we are in a 45' motor home we will not be driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway or on Skyline Drive. We'll explore those with the toad.

I am trying to get a handle on the best area to stay for about a week and use the toad to visit the park. We love to go hiking, take scenic drives, go to visitor centers and visit the lodges in the national parks.

Which entrance would make the most sense for us to stay near? Any campground recommendations? Favorite hikes to recommend. Any must see things?

Thanks in advance.
Leslie
  • Luray KOA sites in the 60's offer best view of NP skyline and good shade. Clean, well kept campground with full hookups. Close to midpoint of NP, Luray caverns close by.

    When we were there 7 yrs ago, campground was more suited for adults. Not sure if that has changed now that it is a KOA. Seems to still get great reviews.

    Mike
  • Outlanders River Camp... if you enjoy huge quiet sites... great folks that own the CG... minutes from Lauray and close to Food Lion/Walmart... campground is along the historic retreat route on the Lee Highway...

    https://www.outlandersrivercamp.com/
  • we've stayed at Andy Guest in Shenandoah River State park several times. Nice park, not full hookup, water and elect only. We really like it there.
  • What historic retreat are you speaking of?

    dieselbobcat wrote:
    Outlanders River Camp... if you enjoy huge quiet sites... great folks that own the CG... minutes from Lauray and close to Food Lion/Walmart... campground is along the historic retreat route on the Lee Highway...

    https://www.outlandersrivercamp.com/
  • Why not stay in the park. If you go in the southern entrance, Loft Mountain isn't too far from there. It would make it easier to explore the park and do the things you want to do.
  • Atlee wrote:
    What historic retreat are you speaking of?

    dieselbobcat wrote:
    Outlanders River Camp... if you enjoy huge quiet sites... great folks that own the CG... minutes from Lauray and close to Food Lion/Walmart... campground is along the historic retreat route on the Lee Highway...

    https://www.outlandersrivercamp.com/


    Retreat of Stonewall Jackson from Front Royal south through the Shenandoah Valley to the southern tip of the Massanuttens... Elkton

    The campground sits on the southern bank of the Shenandoah River right across from the White House Bridge... which was the scene of one of the battles...

    https://www.google.com/maps/place/White+House/@38.6475757,-78.5375288,16.43z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x89b4511162671d83:0xf56cad232a6fbbad!8m2!3d38.6476446!4d-78.5343249


    https://www.hmdb.org/Marker.asp?Marker=799


    https://www.civilwar.org/learn/articles/stonewall-marches-through-shenandoah
  • Thank you all for the information, it will surely help me with our plans.

    Leslie
  • Sherando Lake is a beautiful and quiet secluded place to stay and it is only 12 miles from the south end of Skyline.

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