Alongside the meandering 105 miles of Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive, you’ll find a number of accommodation options.
From campgrounds—which we won’t discuss in this particular post—to rustic cabins and historic lodges, these Shenandoah National Park lodging facilities cater to all kinds of different tastes, needs and wishes.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Shenandoah National Park that offers basic comforts like a roof over your head, heating, a comfy bed and a bathroom, you can choose from three different lodging options.
We’ll discuss them in detail below. Hopefully, this helps you figure out where to stay in Shenandoah National Park!
You’ll also find recommended activities and/or attractions near each particular Shenandoah accommodation.
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Shenandoah National Park Accommodation, Lodging and Cabins
Whether you’re exploring Shenandoah National Park in the fall, spring or summer, a visit to this historic park in a historic region isn’t complete without spending a night in a historic lodge.
Or, at the very least, visit one of the park’s historic lodges, perhaps to have a snack or drink with a view, or grab a souvenir.
When driving Skyline Drive, inarguably one of America’s greatest mountain roads, you’ll pass by three accommodation options in Shenandoah National Park. They’re listed from north to south below.
Skyland Resort
Location: Skyline Drive mile 41.7
One of the most iconic historic national park lodges, Skyland Resort is older than Shenandoah National Park itself.
Originally called Stony Man Camp, the resort was built in the 1890’s at what is now the highest point on Skyline Drive, at 3,680 feet of elevation.
Skyland Resort offers panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley and a variety of accommodation options.
There are cabins, traditional rooms, premium rooms and suites, spread out across 28 separate buildings on 27 wooded acres. Pet-friendly rooms are available as well, contributing to Shenandoah’s reputation as one of the most dog-friendly national parks in the country.
Other amenities include a well-stocked gift shop, a dining room and a lively taproom.
You can enjoy spectacular views of the Shenandoah Valley from the resort’s deck, as well as hike to nearby viewpoints such as Millers Head and popular Stony Man.
Other great hiking trails near Skyland Resort include the waterfall-lined Whiteoak Canyon Trail and the climb to Hawksbill Summit, the park’s highest peak.
Additionally, some of the best sunrise locations in Shenandoah National Park, such as the Tunnel Parking, Buck Hollow and Thorofare Mountain overlooks, are just a quick drive from the resort.
Big Meadows Lodge
Location: Skyline Drive mile 51
Nestled in the very heart of Shenandoah National Park, the Big Meadows Lodge area is the main visitor hub in the park.
Across from Big Meadows itself, a sprawling grassy expanse offering fantastic wildlife viewing and stargazing opportunities, there’s an excellent visitor center, convenience store, souvenir shop and snack bar, as well as the park’s only gas station. The large Big Meadows Campground is popular among campers.
Big Meadows Lodge is about a mile from Skyline Drive. The main lodge building, which dates from 1939, houses a gift shop, restaurant, taproom and the impressive Great Room. There are also a number of main rooms in the historic lodge.
Additionally, Big Meadows Lodge offers accommodation in small detached cabins, traditional rooms, suites, as well as pet-friendly rooms. All rooms are within easy walking distance from the main lodge.
From the lodge, it’s an easy walk to Big Meadows, where a dense network of unmarked trails crisscross this historic farming area.
Keep your eyes peeled for white-tailed deer, a variety of birds and insects, and the occasional black bear.
Additionally, Big Meadows Lodge is a great basecamp to explore the heart of Shenandoah National Park. The trail to popular Dark Hollow Falls starts nearby, while Hawksbill Summit is another popular hike in the area.
Lewis Mountain Cabins
Location: Skyline Drive mile 57.5
If you’re looking for rustic and quaint accommodation in Shenandoah National Park, the Lewis Mountain Cabins can’t be beat.
Unlike Skyland and Big Meadows Lodge, there’s no large historic lodge here, nor are there well-stocked bars or restaurants. There are no phones or internet either.
Instead, you get an authentic back-to-nature Shenandoah National Park sleeping experience in the woods, albeit with some basic modern comforts.
These small cabins come with a private bathroom and have a sheltered picnic table and outdoor grill pit. The small Lewis Mountain Gift Store sells basic camping supplies and a limited range of food.
The Lewis Mountain Cabins are my personal favorite place to stay in Shenandoah National Park. I love the feeling of being out in the woods, grilling and eating outside, yet with the chance to clean up in a private bathroom after a long day of hiking in Shenandoah National Park.
Moreover, Lewis Mountain is also close to some of Shenandoah’s greatest sunset viewpoints, especially The Point Overlook and the summit of Bearfence Mountain, which is one of my favorite Shenandoah fall hikes.
Although it’s still very much in the center of the park, Lewis Mountain is the southernmost of these Shenandoah National Park accommodations.
As such, it’s the most strategic place to stay to explore the southern part of the park.
That part also happens to encompass many of the park’s greatest hiking trails, including the Frazier Discovery Trail, South River Falls and, my personal favorite, the Doyles River-Jones Run Loop.
You can find more information about these three Shenandoah National Park accommodations, including opening hours and seasons, here on the park’s website.