Backcountry Reopens in Shenandoah National Park

The backcountry in Shenandoah National Park, including shelters and huts, has reopened for overnight camping.

The park asks backcountry travelers to be self-reliant and to review camping regulations online or at kiosks to self-register their backcountry permits. Kiosks are located at entrance stations, Loft Mountain Wayside, north and south entry points of the Appalachian Trail, and the Old Rag Trailhead parking area. Backcountry cabins will be available for weekend rental by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club at patc.net. More information on backcountry camping can be found on the park’s website.

All park boundary trailheads are open.

Campgrounds are open at a limited capacity, and are on a first come, first served basis at this time. No new reservations can be made but reservations previously made will be honored.

Picnic grounds are open with the exception of Dickey Ridge Picnic Grounds, which will reopen when construction is completed.

Concession-operated services will open as follows:

June 11: Elkwallow Wayside (mile 24), Skyland Lodge (mile 41.7 or 42.5), Big Meadows Showers and Woodyard (mile 51), Lewis Mountain Cabins and Campstore (mile 57.2), Loft Mountain Campstore (mile 79.5). Masks are required for entry into facilities.

June 25: Big Meadows Lodge (mile 51)

June 26: Loft Mountain Wayside (mile 79.5)

The park store at Byrd Visitor Center (mile 51) is open Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A limited number of patrons are allowed at one time and masks are required.

The following facilities remain closed at this time:

The picnic pavilion within Pinnacles Picnic Grounds (mile 36.6)

Dickey Ridge Visitor Center (mile 4.6) and the information desk and exhibit in Byrd Visitor Center (mile 51)

Massanutten Lodge, and Rapidan Camp historic structures

Featured photo courtesy of Kira Foxfeet Cotter

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