Posted August 14, 2011 | Updated January 28, 2022

Picture the sun setting behind the scenic Massanutten Mountain as you sit in the cradle of the valley with Shenandoah National Park to the east, wandering the cool crisp mornings along the more than 1,600 acres and 5.2 miles of meandering shoreline of Shenandoah River.

This is Shenandoah River State Park, one of the best-kept secrets in the area. As folks flock to Skyline Drive to see the fall leaves, they rarely venture down the mountain to what I think is one of the most beautiful parks in Virginia.

The view from Culler's Overlook after rain at Shenandoah River State Park is breathtaking.

In the beginning years, it was super helpful for me as a Park'r to see photos and information online about cabins and campgrounds at various Virginia State Parks. I paid close attention, gleaning all I could to help as part of my planning phase for future getaways. Noticing dogs in cabins was how my journey began, and I have never looked back. Choosing a Virginia State Park over another state's parks so we could bring along our four-legged family member to stay with us sealed the deal.

Taking advantage of the Thursday Last Minute Cabin Discount made it even more attractive, so I could pick a random park and enjoy a weekend escape for some well-needed R&R.

I am carrying on this same torch, and I wouldn't want you to miss out on these incredible views and the wonderful experiences to be found along this amazing portion of the Shenandoah River. Since I wrote this in 2011, the park has added yurts and nearly ten more miles of trails. 

I think it's time to plan another getaway to this awesome state park for some fresh mountain air and that beautiful scenery that goes on for miles and miles. Leave the crowds on the Parkway.

Plan your next getaway to a Shenandoah River State Park cabin

Hop on a portion of the 2.6 mi Culler's Trail right from the cabin area.

Cabin #5 is very private, with great views and fully accessible.

All cabins have an adjacent picnic and grilling area.

Fire up those marshmallows for s'mores.

I wouldn't call this camping.

Super cozy cabins with plenty of creature comforts.

Sit a spell on a porch rocker to take in the day.

BYO kayak or canoe to explore the river.

ABOUT

Shenandoah River State Park has 10 cabins and 1 lodge available. The cabins each have:

• Kitchen: Refrigerator, stove, coffeemaker, coffee filters, paper towels, dishes, small bottle of dish detergent, silverware, cooking utensils, pots, pans, microwave oven, toaster, can opener.
• No linens are provided. Guests must bring their own linens and towels, dishcloths, dish towels, etc.
• Mission style rustic furniture.
• Deck.
• Fireplace (One complimentary bundle of firewood is provided on the porch. Firewood is available for purchase. Do not bring your own firewood.)
• Bedrooms: Bed(s), nightstands, dresser, closet with hangers, clock radio. You may wish to bring your own pillow and a comforter.
• Bathroom/shower.
• Climate-controlled (this means easy to heat and a/c).
• A picnic table, fire-ring and a charcoal pedestal grill are beside the cabin.
• Wrap-around deck; open porch with rocking chairs and end tables.
• Cabin 2, the lodge and cabin 5 are universally accessible.
• Pets are allowed. There's an extra fee per pet per night, plus tax (this is less than a kennel charge.)

You bring the fun!

The cabins don't have:

• No dishwasher, phone, TV, washer or dryer. No WIFI. No linens are provided. 

What you can bring:

• Bring food, dish detergent, dishcloths, coffee filters, coffee, salt and pepper, nonstick cooking spray, soap, bath towels, sheets, pillowcases, blankets etc. I would bring grated cheese or a cheese grater (the one thing I always forget and wish I had brought.)
• Bring s'mores fixings, matches and sticks/wire hangers on which to roast the marshmallows.
• Bring insect repellent, sunscreen and your phone chargers so you can take lots of photos to share.
• Bring your own pillow if you are particular. Bring your own bar soap and cleansers.
• Bring board games, cards and fun.
• Bring your kayak or canoe to explore the river.

HELPFUL HINTS

1. Bring your bikes, the roads are paved and there are plenty of great rides. There are also 24 miles of trails; 14 are multi-use. For hiking trails and more information on recreation click here.
2. There is a super Walmart just before Luray, VA. It is a convenient place to get your food and supplies for the week. 
3. If you've never seen the native pawpaw, you will along a couple of the trails that go near the river. It's known as the tropical fruit of the new world, the mountain papaya, or poor man's banana. See Andrew Philpot's blog about pawpaws with a cool recipe here. Be sure to ask the park in advance if you can collect them for this recipe.
4. Enjoy a park nature program and see what is happening in the events database here.

YEAR-ROUND

The park is open year-round; it has standard tent-only sites, electric-water camping, four camping cabins (see photo to the right), yurts, regular cabins and a lodge. For information on the availability of overnight accommodations, particular park amenities, or to make a reservation, you can reserve online or call 1-800-933-PARK (7275). 

See the park fees and details on reservation cancellation and transfer policies. There is a charge, plus tax, per pet per night for overnight stays. There are no designated swimming areas at the park. 

Shenandoah River State Park is located at 350 Daughter of Stars Drive, Bentonville, Virginia. Phone: (540) 622-6840.

                         Drive Times: Northern Virginia, one and a half hours; Richmond, two and a half hours; Tidewater/Virginia Beach, four and a half hours; Roanoke, two and a half hours

Click here for a Google map.

#ThinkOutside

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Posted August 14, 2011 | Updated January 28, 2022