Shenandoah River State Park Review
Shenandoah River State Park is a beautiful park with hiking trails and mountain views located along the Shenandoah River.
Shenandoah River State Park Overview
Shenandoah River State Park opened in 1999. It is a nice sized park with 1,600 acres and about 24 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. There is a large picnic area and river access area with a basic car-top boat launch that enables people to enjoy the river.
In addition to the great hiking at the state park, you can also enjoy the nearby Shenandoah National Park with over 500 miles of hiking trails.
Other area attractions include cave tours such as Skyline Caverns and Luray Caverns. And, there are numerous wineries within a 20 minute drive of the park.
Shenandoah River State Park Video
We share highlights from hiking and camping at Shenandoah River State Park. Check out our Shenandoah River State Park YouTube video.
Shenandoah River State Park Amenities
Hiking at Shenandoah River State Park
Shenandoah River State Park offers 24 miles of trails. There are trails of all different levels, from easy to difficult. However, keep in mind that this park is the mountains, so even easy trails may be a bit more challenging that those in other parts of Virginia.
We hiked most of the trails including easy, intermediate, and difficult. It was a lot of fun to hike here. As with other Virginia State Parks, trails are well marked. One nice thing is that many of the trail swatches also have the name of the trail printed on them.
Keep in mind that some of the trails are mixed use. When hiking the Shale Barrens trail, we encountered horses. As the trail was relatively narrow, there wasn’t a good option for moving to the side to let them pass. Still, it was a great hike.
You may want to consider visiting the park in the spring. The Bluebell Trail provides a beautiful floral display, but only for a a short time. When we visited in the fall, the trail was a nice level hiking trail but without the beautiful blooms. Bluebell trail photo credit JB.
Hiking here can range from level to steep. Views range from the Shenandoah River, Massanutten Mountains, farmland, and woods. It is a good variety of trails and scenery. Along the Bluebell and River trails, you’ll find several river access points.
There is a nice scenic outlook. You can hike to it on a moderately difficult trail or drive to it.
To help you plan your visit, here is a link to the Shenandoah River park and trail map.
Shenandoah River State Park Visitor Center
There is a small but nice visitor center. You can check out the animal exhibits, buy a souvenir, or just enjoy the free wi-fi.
Shenandoah River State Park Kayak Launch
The river is a popular attraction at the park. There is a large picnic area with many picnic tables and several large shelters. People enjoy wading. You can launch a kayak or canoe from the boat launch area.
However, note that this is a more basic boat launch that you might experience at some other Virginia State Parks which have accessible kayak launches. There are no rentals so bring your own kayak if you want to enjoy some time on the river.
Shenandoah River State Park Campground
Shenandoah River State Park has two camping areas. One has 31 RV sites with water & electric. The other is a tent camping area. There is a group camping area.
Other options for staying at the park include yurts; one in the RV campground and two in the tent campground. Several camping cabins are located in the RV campground. And, there are six camping lodges with bedrooms, kitchens, and AC.
RV Campground
The RV Campground, otherwise known as the EW Campground for electric & water, has 31 campsites, one yurt, and four camping cabins.
Sites are generally large and level and most can accommodate larger RVs and travel trailers. Each site comes with standard water and 50/30 amp electric hookups. We fit into our site with no problem. However, as always, do your research to ensure you pick a site appropriate for you. For a bit of advice, we shared 9 Steps to Finding a Great Campsite
Some of the campsites are pull-through sites. Site 2 is an example of a long pull-through site. Note, too, that it is sloped from side to side. We noticed that these were at a 90 degree angle to the road rather than angled. That may make it a bit more challenging for some rigs.
There are two sets of buddy campsite that looked nice. Site 15 & 16 are shown here and would be a great place for two campers to meet up. However, if you aren’t camping with a friend, note that you’ll be pretty close to your neighbor in these sites.
For more sites, be sure to check out your YouTube video where we show more of the campground.
The campground also has several camping cabins. These are cozy cabins where you might enjoy a stay in the park. You get a nice outside area with picnic table and fire ring. There is even a porch with rocking chairs. However, note that the bathroom facilities are in the bathhouse.
Tent Campground
The tent campground is along the river, near the picnic area. There are many nice campsites. Some are right next to the river. In addition to a picnic table and campfire ring, these sites have a bear box for food storage.
There are two yurts located in the tent campground. They are shaded and look like a great place to stay. We recently did our first stay in a yurt. Take a look at our YouTube video Occoneechee State Park Yurt Camping if you want more info on what camping in a Virginia State Park yurt is like.
There is also a nice group site. According to the state park website, this group site can accommodate up to 30 people.
For all of the tent camping sites, there is parking available approximately 50 yards away. There are also vault toilets. Finally, once nice amenity is that carts are provided to help you bring things from your car to your campsite.
Shenandoah River State Park Cabins
Shenandoah River State Park has ten 2 & 3 bedroom cabins and a lodge. The cabins look very nice. They include bedroom, living area, kitchen, bathroom, and outside amenities like a picnic table and charcoal grill.
Shenandoah River State Park Other Information
If you are looking to stay connected, you may be challenged at this park. Verizon cell service doesn’t work. However, you may be able to get some signal from T-Mobile. You can get free wi-fi at the visitor center. Limited signal is also available at the bathhouse.
We were not able to receive any over the air TV from our antenna. This might be a great time to ensure you have some games & DVDs along.
Road and other noise was minimal. For as remote as this park felt, there was a surprising amount of air traffic. Most planes were relatively high and the noise wasn’t disruptive. We didn’t hear any train noise.
Shenandoah River State Park campground is one of the parks that offers camping throughout the year. Other options include Pocahontas, Douthat, and Hungry Mother State Park. Reservations can be made at ReserveVAParks or by calling 1-800-933 7275.
Visiting Shenandoah River State Park With Dogs
Like most Virginia State Parks, Shenandoah River State Park is dog friendly. You can walk the trails with your dog. They can stay in the campground with you. As long as you keep your dog on a leash, you should have a great time exploring the park with them. Note that dogs aren’t allowed inside the buildings.
Shenandoah River State Park Rates
Camping for a water & electric site is $40 per night for Virginia residents, $46 for non-residents. Add taxes and a $5 online reservation fee to the total.
Shenandoah River State Park Directions
Shenandoah River State Park is located near Front Royal, VA. Directions from the Shenandoah River State Park site are:
The park is in Warren County, 8 miles south of Front Royal and 15 miles north of Luray. It’s off Rt. 340 in Bentonville.
Its address is 350 Daughter of Stars Drive, Bentonville, VA 22610; Latitude, 38.854777. Longitude, -78.306552.
Shenandoah River State Park Web Site
- From Northern Virginia, take I-66 West to exit 13 (Linden). Turn left off the ramp. Go one block to a stoplight where you’ll take a right onto Rt. 55 West. At the fifth stoplight, turn left onto 340 South. Drive eight miles; the park’s entrance is on the right.
- From I-81 North, take exit 300 onto I-66 East. From I-66, take exit 6. Turn right off the ramp onto 340 South. Follow 340 South through Front Royal, then drive eight miles to the park’s entrance on the right.
- From I-81 South, take exit 264 to New Market and Luray. Turn right off the ramp. Turn left at the second stoplight, go one block to another stoplight and turn right onto 211 East. Stay on this highway for 15 miles, where you’ll take a right exit onto 340 North. Drive about 12 miles to the park’s entrance on the left.
We found the drive to the park to be relatively easy. We took Highway 340 from Front Royal. Note that once you enter the park, there will be a steep climb and a somewhat tight turn on your way to the RV campground.
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I hope you found this review of Shenandoah River State Park and Campground to be helpful. Leave a comment to share your experiences with the park.
If you liked this, you should check out our review of other state parks such as Belle Isle and Westmoreland.
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