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    Home » Travel » US National Parks

    Published: Oct 19, 2021 · Updated: Aug 29, 2026 by JohnTillison · This post may contain affiliate links

    Skyland Resort - Shenandoah National Park

    TL;DR Don't have time to read the full article? Here are my top finds:
    🏨Hotels and Vacation Rentals
    📍Tours
    🐻 Save time! Buy your National Park Pass before your trip

    Skyland Resort - Shenandoah National Park

    Skyland Resort is the perfect spot to stay in Shenandoah National Park! Skyland has 28 separate buildings along milepost 42 (mile 41.7- mile 42.5) of Skyline Drive.  The area is known as Skyland and is located along the mountain ridge at 3,680 feet in elevation, the highest point of Skyline Drive.

    Here you will find breathtaking views of the valley below, the Pollock Dining Room,  Mountain Taproom, Grab 'N Go, and Skyland Gift Shop. Skyland is centrally located to everything you will need for a great weekend in Shenandoah National Park and only an hour from Washington D.C.!

    Click Here to Book Your Stay at Skyland Resort

    We stayed in the Stony Man Building in a Suite with 1 double and 1 twin bed. This room included a separate living/sitting room area with 2 chairs and a couch with a pull-out bed.

    The sitting room had a stone fireplace, flat screen tv with DirectTV access, and a side door to the small sitting area/balcony outside of our room. The fireplace has all of the tools you will need for a fire but we did not have firewood provided.

    The bedroom has a small table with two chairs and a lamp, microwave, small refrigerator, dresser, and another flat screen tv. We did not have a room phone but did have cellular service in the park so don't forget your phone chargers.

    This room did not have a view of the Shenandoah Valley but there are other rooms that may have a view in the lower section of the lodge buildings.

    The Skyland Lodge rooms are in individual buildings that have multiple rooms in a row. It is a short walk from the parking lot to the room entrances. The pathway is concrete but a bit uneven. If you have mobility restrictions you will want to be careful along the walkway.

    Room Types

    Premium Rooms

    Premium rooms are the newest and most recently renovated accommodations at Skyland Resort, located along the ridge of the mountain facing the Shenandoah Valley to the west. They include televisions, air conditioning, and private balconies or patios with valley views. Available with one king bed or two queen beds. Blue Ridge Parkway

    • Premium Room with One King Bed, Balcony, and Valley Views
    • Premium Room with Two Queen Beds, Balcony, and Valley Views
    • ADA Accessible Premium Room

    Preferred Rooms

    Preferred rooms offer a comfortable mid-tier option with television and air conditioning and are located in buildings along the ridge. Most have balconies or decks with mountain or valley views. Available with one king bed or two queen beds.

    • Preferred Room with One King Bed and Balcony
    • Preferred Room with Two Queen Beds and Balcony

    Traditional Rooms

    Traditional rooms are the most straightforward and affordable option at Skyland, offering comfortable accommodations without televisions or air conditioning in a rustic setting within easy walking distance of the dining facilities and trailheads.

    • Traditional Room with One Double Bed
    • Traditional Room with Two Double Beds

    Suites

    The suites at Skyland are the most spacious accommodations on the property and include a separate living and sitting area with additional sleeping space. We stayed in the Stony Man Building suite with one double and one twin bed alongside a sitting room with two chairs and a pullout sofa, and the valley views made it genuinely difficult to leave.

    • Suite with One Double Bed, One Twin Bed, and Separate Sitting Room with Pullout Sofa
    • Suite with One King Bed and Separate Sitting Room

    Cabins

    The historic cabins at Skyland are nestled in the woods and provide a peaceful retreat with a unique way to experience the beauty of the park, with some including kitchenettes. Several are pet-friendly. The cabins carry the original rustic character of the Pollock era and are among the most sought-after accommodations at the resort for guests who want maximum privacy and atmosphere. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    • Historic Cabin with One Double Bed
    • Historic Cabin with Two Double Beds
    • Cabin with Kitchenette
    • Pet-Friendly Cabin

    Book the Skyland Resort Now

    Room Amenities

    • Coffee Maker (all rooms)
    • Hair Dryer (all rooms)
    • Clock Radio (all rooms)
    • Television (Premium and Preferred Rooms only)
    • Air Conditioning (Premium and Preferred Rooms only)
    • Heat (all rooms)
    • Private Balcony or Deck (most rooms)
    • Valley Views (select rooms)
    • Kitchenette (select cabins)
    • No In-Room Telephone
    • No In-Room WiFi (available in common areas)
    • Pet Friendly (select cabins)
    • ADA Accessible Premium Room Available
    • Non-Smoking Property
    • Pollock Dining Room with Full Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Service
    • Outdoor Dining Terrace with Valley Views
    • Mountain Taproom with Craft Beer, Virginia Wine, and Nightly Entertainment
    • Grab N Go with Starbucks Coffee and Grab-and-Go Items
    • Skyland Gift Shop
    • Horseback Riding (seasonal)
    • Rock Climbing
    • Appalachian Trail and Stony Man Trail Access from Property
    • Ranger Programs
    • Seasonal Operation (spring through late fall)
    • Only an Hour from Washington D.C.

    Skyland Resort General Information

    Check-in: 4:00 PM

    Check-out 11:00 AM

    All guestrooms are non-smoking

    Cancellations and Modifications: You may cancel or modify your reservation up to 48 hours prior to the 4:00 PM check-in time on the day of your arrival to avoid forfeiture of your full deposit. Changes or cancellations of your reservation within the 48 Hours period will result in a forfeit of your deposit. Click here for detailed terms and conditions. Click here to change, cancel or modify your reservation online.

    Deposit Policy: A deposit equal to the first night room rate plus tax will be charged at the time of booking. Additional Add-On items do not include tax or gratuity and will not be charged in advance.

    Pet Policy: We offer pet-friendly rooms and there is a $30 per pet, per night fee. Pets must be noted on your reservation or declared at check-in. If a pet is found in an Allergen-Free room, the guest will be charged a $250 cleaning fee.

    A $5.00 utility add-on fee will be added to the room rate - per room, per night.

    A voluntary $1.00 Shenandoah National Park Trust donation will be added to your bill. You may opt-out at any time during your stay.

    Reserve Your Room at Skyland Resort

    Things to do When Staying at Skyland Resort

    🏔️ Take in sweeping views of the Shenandoah Valley from the resort's western-facing overlooks and dining room
    🥾 Hike the Stony Man Trail, one of the most rewarding short hikes in the park, to the second highest peak in Shenandoah with panoramic views
    🌿 Walk the Limberlost Trail, an accessible loop through a beautiful old-growth hemlock forest
    🦌 Watch white-tailed deer, black bears, and wild turkeys on the resort grounds and surrounding forest
    🐦 Birdwatch for peregrine falcons, ravens, and warblers along the ridge trails
    🚗 Drive Skyline Drive north and south from the resort for overlooks, wildlife, and classic Blue Ridge scenery
    📸 Photograph the Shenandoah Valley at sunset from the western-facing overlooks near the resort
    🍽️ Dine at the Pollock Dining Room, named in honor of Skyland's founder, with valley views through large windows
    🎭 Enjoy the nightly entertainment and ranger programs offered at the resort's outdoor amphitheater in season
    🌌 Stargaze from the ridge on clear nights, with the Shenandoah Valley spread out in lights below
    🍂 Drive the park's northern section during fall foliage for some of the finest color in the eastern United States
    🛒 Browse the gift shop and pick up Shenandoah essentials at the resort's camp store
    🏇 Join a guided horseback riding excursion through the surrounding forest, a Skyland tradition

    Book the Skyland Resort Before it Fills

    Fun Tours and experiences at Shenandoah National Park

    Shenandoah and Luray Caverns Small Group Day Tour from DC
    ⭐️ Rating: 4.4 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 9 hours |  🚌Check Rates and Availability

    Pack two of Virginia's natural must-sees into one full-day excursion with a guided tour of Luray Caverns and Shenandoah National Park's gorgeous Skyline Drive, where you will stop at scenic overlooks along Skyline Drive and take a walk on a mountain trail.

    Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Shenandoah National Park
    ⭐️ Rating: 3.8 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 hours to one day | 🔊Check Rates and Availability

    Download this self-guided audio tour and you will discover more on your Shenandoah road trip! Hear fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, local tips and directions play automatically along the route, all based on your vacation.

    You'll be guided to all of Skyline Drive's famous highlights, as well as lesser-known gems, including the park's top summit and waterfall hikes, President Herbert Hoover's historic retreat, and a high-elevation meadow that's one of the best places to spot wildlife, such as deer, elk, and black bears.

    Lodging in Shenandoah National Park

    ⭐️ 4.3 of 5 Stars -Big Meadows Lodge -  Click here for Rates and Availability

    Located a mile from the expansive green Big Meadow at mile 51 on Skyline Drive, the Big Meadows Lodge is a spectacular wooden lodge overlooking the park and beyond.

    At the lodge, you'll find lodge rooms, detached petit cabins, suites, pet-friendly rooms, and more. The lodge is home to the iconic Spottswood Dining Room, the top place to dine in the park, an ATM, the New Market Taproom for a chilled beer to wind down from a hot summer day of exploration, and other basic amenities.

    ⭐️ 4.4 of 5 Stars - Skyland Lodge -  Click here for Rates and Availability

    The Skyland Lodge is located in the Skyland region along the Blue Mountain Ridges, at 3,680 feet in elevation, making it the perfect place to begin a new hike or trail from. The rooms are typical wooden lodge rooms with a stone fireplace elevating the space. The lodge comprises individual buildings with several rooms in each. 

    At the lodge, you'll find awe-inspiring views of the wetlands and be able to gorge on delicious meals at the Pollock Dining Room Mountain Taproom and purchase souvenirs to take back home from the Skyland Gift Shop. 

     ⭐️ 4.4 of 5 Stars - Lewis Mountain Cabins - Click here for Rates and Availability

    Located next to the Lewis Mountain Campground and several trailheads. You'll be surrounded by the beautiful and jagged peaks of the Blue Ridges and overlook the forest as you sip on your morning coffee on your cabin's balcony. 

    The cabins themselves don't have any Wi-Fi or cell phone connectivity, making them ideal for a social media detox coupled with a tranquil trip with your partner, family, or friends. 

    Lodging near Shenandoah National Park

     ⭐️ 4.6 of 5 Stars - The Mimslyn Inn - Click Here for Rates and Availability

    A stunning 1931 Georgian Revival landmark perched on rolling hills in Luray, just 10 miles from the Thornton Gap Entrance to Shenandoah National Park! The lobby sets the tone with a warm fireplace and grand spiral staircase, while Circa '31 serves upscale Southern cuisine and the Prohibition-themed Speakeasy downstairs is perfect for a late-night drink. Amenities include a full-service spa, two outdoor pools, hot tub, fitness center, sun terrace, fire pits, hammock garden, and walking paths across seven acres of lush grounds. Free WiFi, free parking, and just 3 minutes from Luray Caverns. Pet friendly!

    ⭐️ 4.6 of 5 Stars - Hotel Laurance - Click here for Rates and Availability.

    A chic, whimsical boutique hotel in the heart of historic downtown Luray, perfectly positioned for hikers, cyclists, and outdoor explorers heading into Shenandoah National Park! Only 12 rooms, each individually designed with premium bedding, designer toiletries, and full kitchens or kitchenettes, plus a complimentary breakfast served each morning. Concierge services, access to hiking and biking trails, free WiFi, free parking, a mini spa, and a terrace round out the amenities. A perfect base for Old Rag Mountain, Skyline Drive, Luray Caverns, and the Shenandoah Valley wine and spirits trail. Pet friendly!

    ⭐️ 4.5 of 5 Stars - Hopkins Ordinary Bed, Breakfast and Ale Works - Click here for Rates and Availability.

    The ultimate hiker's basecamp, a beloved B&B and craft brewery rolled into one, sitting in the tiny village of Sperryville right at the doorstep of Shenandoah National Park! The innkeepers are passionate hikers who know every trail in the park and will loan you maps, suggest routes, and even bring a cold beer up to your porch when you return from a long day on the trail. Rooms feature working fireplaces, private porches with mountain views, rainfall showerheads, Egyptian cotton sheets, and memory foam beds, with a full locally sourced hot breakfast each morning and the on-site cellar brewery open each afternoon. Free WiFi and free parking included!

    Click on the map below to see additional vacation rentals and lodging near the park.

    https://www.stay22.com/embed/625360e19669ef00151e43ca

    Shenandoah National Park Entrance Fee

    Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.

    Park Entrance Pass - $30.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)

    Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $25.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)

    Per-Person Entrance Pass - $15.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.

    Annual Park Entrance Pass - $55.00, Admits pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. Valid for one year from the month of purchase.

    $15.00 for Non-Commercial Group (16+ persons)

    $35.00-75.00 for Commercial Sedan with 1-6 seats and non-commercial groups (16+ persons)

    $75.00 for Commercial Van with 7-15 seats

    $100.00 for Commercial Mini-Bus with 16-25 seats

    $200.00 for Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats

    Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.

    $80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

    2024 America The Beautiful National Park Pass

    Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

    National Park Free Entrance Days  -Mark your calendars with the free entrance days the National Park Service offers for US citizens and residents.

    Additional Shenandoah National Park Information

    • Complete Guide to Shenandoah National Park
    • Shenandoah Camping Guide
    • Visit Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park just North of Shenandoah

    Check out all of the Virginia National Parks along with neighboring National Parks in West Virginia, National Parks in Tennessee, North Carolina National Parks, Maryland National Parks, and Kentucky National Parks

    Make sure to follow Park Ranger John on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok

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    Filed Under: Lodging, US National Parks

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