Shenandoah National Park Ready To Move Into Spring Season

Published Date

March 17, 2014

Shenandoah National Park is just about ready for the spring season. NPS photo.

Winter might be tossing its last fits of the season at the eastern sweep of the country, but that's not altering plans to move Shenandoah National Park's facilities into the spring season later this month.

The park's Harry F. Byrd Visitor Center will continue serving visitors on weekends (weather permitting) until March 29, when the visitor center will begin operating seven days a week. The Dickey Ridge Visitor Center will open Thursday through Monday beginning April 4. Beginning May 10, the visitor center will be open seven days a week.

Campgrounds will operate on the following schedule: Big Meadows Campground will open April 25; Lewis Mountain Campground will open April 2; Mathews Arm and Loft Mountain campgrounds will open May 7.

Elkwallow, Pinnacles, South River, and Dundo Picnic Grounds are currently open. The remaining picnic grounds will operate as follows: Lewis Mountain picnic grounds will open April 2; Dickey Ridge will open April 4; and Big Meadows Picnic Grounds will open April 25.

Delaware North Companies (DNC), the park's concessioner, will undertake the rehabilitation of concessions-operated buildings throughout the park this year. Visitors can expect improvements in public restrooms at Skyland, Big Meadows Wayside, and Loft Mountain Campstore, as well as the Loft Mountain and Big Meadows shower and laundry facilities.

Overnight guests will benefit from rehabilitation of 48 guest rooms, eight of which will be converted to meet accessibility standards.

DNC has partnered with the National Trust for Historic Preservation HOPE crew to rehabilitate the historic Skyland stables. Visitors to Skyland Resort will enjoy the redesign of the lobby area to include a new Grab-n-go area.

'We're excited to see the improvements in our guest facilities and operations,' said Chad Tinney, Shenandoah's concessions specialist. 'This is the first year of many under the contract that DNC is investing in our visitor facilities and working to reduce the maintenance backlog.'

Concessioner-operated restaurants, lodges, and associated facilities will operate as follows: Skyland Resort will open March 27; Lewis Mountain Cabins and Lewis Mountain Campstore will open April 2; Big Meadows Wayside will open April 4; Elkwallow and Loft Mountain waysides will open April 11; Big Meadows Shower/Laundry will open April 25; Loft Mountain Campstore and Loft Mountain Showers and Laundry will open May 7; Big Meadows Lodge will open May 14.

Story Categories:

Parks in the News

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

form.antibot { display: none !important; } You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks