National Park Fee Structures in Shenandoah
Shenandoah National Park, nestled in the heart of Virginia, offers a breathtaking natural landscape for visitors to explore. But before you embark on your journey, it's essential to understand the park's fees and fee waivers.
For those traveling in private, non-commercial vehicles, the entrance fee varies depending on the season. From December through February, the fee is $10.00 and is valid for the day of purchase and the next six days. From March through November, the fee increases to $15.00 for the same period. Motorcycle enthusiasts can enjoy the park for $10.00, while pedestrians and cyclists pay $5.00 or $8.00, respectively, during the same months.
When it comes to commercial tours, the fees are based primarily on the passenger capacity of the vehicle used for the tour. For commercial tours with 6 to 15 passengers, the fee is based on the number of passengers in that range. For groups with 16 or more passengers, the fee is charged per passenger. The exact fee amount varies with the size of the group, but the structure remains consistent. Unfortunately, the precise monetary amounts for these fees by passenger count were not detailed in the provided search results.
Shenandoah National Park no longer accepts cash payments for entrance or campground fees as of July 1, 2025. All payments must be made via debit, credit card, or digital payment methods.
Fee waivers for educational groups do not apply to commercial tour fees or National Parks Pass. However, if your visit is related to the resources of the park, entrance fees for educational or scientific groups may be waived upon request on official letterhead and sent to Shenandoah National Park's Education Office.
For U.S. citizens and permanent residents with a permanent physical, mental, or sensory impairment, the Gold Access Pass offers free park entry. This pass is valid for one year from the date of issue and provides entrance into all NATIONAL PARK entrance fee areas.
For U.S. citizens and permanent residents age 62 and over, the Golden Age Pass offers a one-time fee of $10.00 and provides a lifetime of 50% discounts on entrance fees at national parks and federal recreation areas.
For those planning to visit Shenandoah National Park frequently, the Annual Pass for Shenandoah National Park is available for $20.00 and is good for one year from the date of purchase. The National Parks Pass, priced at $50.00, provides entrance into all NATIONAL PARK entrance fee areas for one year from the date of purchase.
Remember, if you require exact tour prices for specific passenger groups, contacting Shenandoah National Park or affiliated tour operators directly would be advisable. For fee waiver requests, please address your request to Shenandoah National Park, 3655 U.S. Hwy 211 E, Luray, VA 22835, Attention: Education Office, including the number of people, the purpose of the trip, the date of entry into the park, and the duration of the visit.
In conclusion, understanding the fees and fee waivers at Shenandoah National Park is essential for planning a successful and cost-effective trip. Whether you're a solo traveler, a family, or a commercial tour group, there are options available to suit your needs. Happy exploring!
- Shenandoah National Park charges varying fees for visitors depending on the season, vehicle type, and tour group size, with commercial tour fees based on the passenger capacity of the vehicle.
- As of July 1, 2025, Shenandoah National Park no longer accepts cash payments for entrance or campground fees; all payments must be made via debit, credit card, or digital payment methods.
- Fee waivers for educational groups do not apply to commercial tour fees or National Parks Pass, but entrance fees for educational or scientific groups may be waived upon request when the visit is related to the resources of the park.
- The Gold Access Pass offers free park entry to U.S. citizens and permanent residents with a permanent physical, mental, or sensory impairment.
- The Golden Age Pass provides U.S. citizens and permanent residents age 62 and over with a one-time fee of $10.00 and a lifetime of 50% discounts on entrance fees at national parks and federal recreation areas.
- For those planning frequent visits to Shenandoah National Park, the Annual Pass for Shenandoah National Park is available for $20.00, while the National Parks Pass, priced at $50.00, provides entrance into all NATIONAL PARK entrance fee areas for one year.
