Shenandoah River State Park

We love camping with our kids. It’s one of our favorite family activities. But there is also something really special about mom-and-dad-only camping trips. We don’t do it often, but every once in a while we will do some romamping. I totally made that up. But it’s basically when we celebrate our anniversary with a romantic camping getaway. 

This particular trip was back in 2019 when we celebrated our one-year anniversary at Shenandoah River State Park. 

This park is gorgeous. With mountain and river views, as well as picturesque dining options in a quaint nearby town, Shenandoah River makes for an excellent romantic getaway. 

However, the adventure-seeking family will have much to explore here as well, and we look forward to returning with our kids someday! 

*I did not take many notes or photos during this visit, and this park is at the top of the list of parks to revisit! Much to explore here.

Fast Facts (and Opinions)

Location: Shenandoah River State Park - Bentonville, VA

Equipment: Pop-Up

Date: September 2019

Weather: Warm and sunny, one rainy day

Kid-Friendly: Yes (but we did not bring ours)

Dog-Friendly: Yes (but we did not bring ours)

Site: Site 2 (Non-Site-Specific Reservation - at this time a portion of state parks sites were non-site-specific and were on a first come first serve basis - this was back when I did not take as detailed notes or as many photos as I do now, so our best guess is that we stayed at Site 2.)

• Water/Electric

• Pull-through

• Level

• Gravel

• Sun

• No hammock trees

• Pretty spacious and private

• Not too far from bathhouse

Bathhouse:

• Nice, newer bathhouse

Cell Service: No (Verizon)

Park Highlights:

• Shenandoah River

  • Park has 5.2 miles of shoreline along this beautiful river

  • No designated swimming areas, but wading and floating are permitted

  • Fishing opportunities

  • Kayaking and canoeing, but no rentals available

  • Beautiful views

• Visitor Center

  • Awesome visitor center with great exhibits

Area Highlights:

• Front Royal, VA

  • The Main Street Mill -  We ate here for our anniversary dinner - was nice dining on the front porch facing Main Street and listening to music coming from the nearby gazebo -  about 15 minutes from the park

  • Luray Caverns - Did not visit, but only about 20 minutes from the park

  • Shenandoah National Park - This incredible national park is nearby with much to explore

Park Hikes:

• Campground Trail to Culler's Overlook - 1.2 miles out-and-back

• Moderately easy 

• Great views of Massanutton and the river through the Shenandoah Valley

• Cottonwood Trail to Wildcat Ledge Trail - approximately 1 mile out-and-back

• Short but strenuous

• Nice views

Area Hikes:

• None that we explored (but many in the area)

Other Campsites:

• 11 nice cabins

• 3 yurts

• 4 camping cabins

• Primitive campground on the river with walk-in/canoe-in sites

• Campground with electric/water has nice sites and is one of the few Virginia State Parks that remains open year-round

Things to Do Next Visit (Because There's Just Never Enough Time!):

• Hike more trails!

• Play/float in the river!

• Bring the kids!

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