01/09/2024: Finding dog friendly lodging when traveling with a dog can sometimes be a challenge, but not at Shenandoah National Park.
Shenandoah National Park has plenty of dog friendly lodging options both inside the park and in the surrounding areas. Which one you choose will depend on a number to factors like:
- How much you want to spend?
- What you are looking to do?
- How long you are staying?
- How far you are willing to drive?
- What amenities you are looking for?
It’s important to point out that Shenandoah National Park is a long but at times narrow park. The only public road that passes through the park is the Skyline Drive.
Skyline Drive runs along the ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains starting in the north at the Front Royal, North Entrance. It then continues for 105-miles south until it meets up with the Blue Ridge Parkway at the South Entrance.
There are only two other entrances/exits along the road, the Thornton Gap Entrance and the Swift Gap Entrance. Outside of these four entrances, there are no other roads that lead into or out of the Blue Ridge Mountains from Skyline Drive.
It is also important to point out that most of the activities within the park are located in the middle section of the park. This is where you will find most of the popular trailheads, Big Meadows and many of the outlooks.
So, if you decide to stay outside of the park, plan to do a lot of driving.
Dog Friendly Lodging in Shenandoah National Park – Rooms and Cabins
Before booking a dog friendly place to stay, please confirm with the venue that pets are still allowed. Information in this post is subject to change without notice. While we strive to insure accuracy on Happyoodles.com, accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Also, the mentioning of a business in this post should not be viewed as an endorsement.
Best pet friendly place to stay when visiting Shenandoah
If you plan to spend all your time in the park, then staying at one the park’s lodges, cabins or campgrounds makes the most sense as it will save you drive time.
But don’t expect a 5-star hotel. The main draw of staying in Shenandoah National Park is the convenience of being close to the activities in the park and for some rooms, the view.
Shenandoah operates two rustic lodges and one cabin-only area inside of the park. Both the Skyland Lodge and Big Meadow Lodge offer both motel type rooms and cabins. The cabin-only area is called the Lewis Cabins.
There are also five campgrounds in the park; Mathews Arm Campground, Big Meadows Campground, Lewis Mountain Campground, Loft Mountain Campground and Dundo Group Campground.
While all in-park lodging locations have pet friendly options, not all rooms are pet friendly. Therefore, it’s best to book your accommodations early to ensure you have a place to stay.
All accommodations run by the parks department in Shenandoah including, lodges, cabins and campgrounds are open seasonally and close for the winter.
If this is your first time traveling with a dog, you might not know where to start or what to bring. To help you, we have put together a list of our best tips for hotel stays with a dog.
Please remember that every dog and every person is different, but this is what has worked for us.
Skyland Lodge
The historic Skyland Resort was the first resort built in Shenandoah National Park. Founded by George Freeman Pollock Jr., a naturalist in 1888, he developed and promoted the land as a way for families to escape the city during the summers.
Some of the original building like Pollack’s personal cabin can still be seen today. Though, most of the accommodations were built after the area was designated as a national park in the 1930’s.
You will find the Skyland Lodge between mile markers 41 and 42 along Skyline Drive. It’s the closest accommodation to the North Entrance.
Part of the Skyland Lodge’s draw is that it is located on the highest point along the Skyline Drive. At 3,680 feet above sea level it offers some of the best views in the park.
Skyland is also close to the trailheads for popular hikes like the Hawksbill and White Oak Canyon.
This map of the trails near Skyland will show you the trails in the area.
Skyland has a total of 178 guest rooms, spread out across 36 acres. Rooms are located in 28 small lodges and cabins. Some of the rooms have been updated with new flooring, baths, AC, while other are not. The premium and preferred rooms are the more updated rooms.
Rooms labeled as “Traditional” are not as updated. But remember, part of the charm of staying in the park is the rustic charm of the rooms.
Suites and Cabins may also have kitchenettes and fireplaces, but not all suites and cabins have them.
Dining Options:
- Skyland’s Pollock Dining Room is a full-service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with a beautiful view of the mountains.
- Mountain Taproom features a selection of salads, sandwiches and burgers, along with beer, and wine.
- The Grab ‘n Go offers sandwiches, salads, pastries, snacks and drinks for meals to go.
- Pet dogs are not allowed in any inside dining areas.
Pet Policy: Limit of two pets. Only dogs and cats are allowed. A per pet, per night fee is required. Please refer to their pet policy for additional information before you book.
WiFi/Cell phones: WiFi is not available here. Cell phone service will depend on your carrier.
For more information on accommodations at Skyland Lodge and to book your visit, please visit the National Parks Reservation System.
Big Meadow Lodge
Big Meadow Lodge is located about 10-miles south of Skyland Lodge at mile 51.2 on Skyline Drive. At 3,510 feet above sea level, this lodge offers panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley below.
Nearby pet friendly trails include Rose River Loop and Lewis Falls Trail. Here is a map of trails near Big Meadow Lodge.
This impressive lodge was built in 1939 with stones cut from the Massanutten Mountain. The entire interior structure including the paneling is make from native oak and chestnut trees.
The Big Meadow Lodge is smaller than the Skyland Lodge. This resort has 29 rooms in the main lodge with an additional 72 rooms in the rustic cabins, smaller lodges, and modern suites spread out over 10 acres.
At Big Meadow Lodge updated rooms are referred to as “Preferred”. “Traditional rooms” and “lodge rooms” are more modest. Amenities vary by room. Some rooms and all cabins have a fireplace. Most rooms do not offer air conditioning.
Only cabin rooms and some of the preferred rooms without fireplaces have A/C. None of the rooms or cabins have kitchens or kitchenettes.
Dining Options:
- The Spottswood Dining Room offers a rustic setting that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- They also have a pet-friendly outdoor terrace where you and your pup can eat while enjoying the view.
- New Market Taproom features a lighter fare of sandwiches, soups, small plates and salads.
- Big Meadows Wayside offers a varied menu for carry-out or sit-down dining.
- Grab ‘n Go offers sandwiches, salads, pastries, snacks and drinks to go. Groceries are also available here
Pet Policy: Limit of two pets. Only Dogs and Cats are allowed. A per pet, per night fee is required. Please refer to their pet policy for additional information before you book.
WiFi/Cell Phones: WiFi is available in the Great Room of the main building. Cell phone service will depend on your carrier.
To find out more about the available accommodations and to book your visit, please see the National Parks Reservation System.
Lewis Mountain Cabins
You will find the Lewis Mountain Cabins at mile maker 57.5. With only 10 historic cabins this is the smallest group of rooms in the park. The cabins can be described as rustic, with just one or two rooms and a private bathroom. Furnished cabins also have heat, electric lights, towels and linens.
Dining Options – there are no dining options at Lewis Mountain Cabins. Cabins come with covered outdoor grill areas and picnic tables
Pet Policy: Limit of two pets. Only Dogs and Cats are allowed. A per pet, per night fee is required. Please refer to their pet policy for additional information before you book. Not all cabins are pet friendly.
WiFi/Cell Phones: WiFi is not available in the cabins. Cell phone service will depend on your carrier.
For more information on Lewis Cabins and to book your visit, please see the National Parks Reservation System.
Dog Friendly Lodging in Shenandoah National Park – Campgrounds
If sleeping under the stars is more to your liking, there are five campgrounds inside of the park. All campgrounds are closed seasonally for the winter. Campgrounds are pet dog friendly, but they must remain on a leash.
Reserving a Campsite
Some campsites can be reserved in advance while others are on a first come, first served basis. For some sites that can be reserved in advance, slots are opened on a rotating schedule.
Reservations can be made through Recreation.gov or via the site map on each campground’s page. Check the map for each campground to see when specific sites are scheduled to be released.
Mathews Arm Campground
Mathews Arm Campground is located at mile marker 22.1 in the northern section of the park. It allows both tent and RV camping on its 165 sites. All sites include a place for a tent or RV, a fire ring and picnic table. The Elkwallow Wayside is two miles away and offers camping supplies and food services.
Big Meadow Campground
Big Meadow Campground is located at mile marker 51.2. It allows both tent and RV camping. In total there are 221 camping sites, with 51 sites reserved for tent camping only. All sites include a fire ring and picnic table. Here you can easily access all the food services at Big Meadow Lodge.
Lewis Mountain
With only 30 camp sites available in Lewis Mountain, it is the second smallest campground in Shenandoah National Park. RV and tents are allowed but the area does not have a dumping station. You can find the Lewis Mountain Campground at mile marker 57.5. The nearest food service is at Big Meadow Lodge.
Loft Mountain Campground
Loft Mountain Campground is located at mile marker 79.5. There at total of 207 campsites, 50 of them are for tent camping only. Food service can be found at the Loft Mountain Wayside.
Dundo Group Campground
Located at mile marker 83.7, Dundo Group Campground is reserved for groups. There are 3 tents only group sites here. The nearest food service is at the Loft Mountain Wayside.
Backcountry Camping
Backcountry Camping is also available at Shenandoah National Park with a permit. Please refer to the Shenandoah Backcountry Camping page for details.
Potomac Appalachian Trial Club Cabins
The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club rents primitive dog friendly cabins in Shenandoah. Membership may be required for rentals.
Dog Friendly Lodging Near Shenandoah National Park – Front Royal, VA
Front Royal, VA sits on the northern side of the park. The North Entrance into the park is right in town. Front Royal is a popular spot for people looking to visit the park, but who would prefer to stay outside of the park. Due to this, pet friendly rooms fill-up quickly.
1. TownePlace Suites by Marriott Front Royal
Built in 2019 this is a fairly new hotel. The TownePlace Suites provides free private parking for guest, free WiFi and free breakfast. Many rooms also have either a kitchenette or full kitchen.
Nearby you will find an assortment of chain restaurants and shops. This hotel is located 5.5 miles from the park entrance.
Electric Car Charging Station: Yes
- Non-Refundable Pet Fee, per stay: $75 for 1-4 nights. $125 5+ nights
- Maximum pet weight: 50 pounds
- Maximum Number of Pets in Room: 2 total
- Pets allowed: Please call
Address: 85 Caroline Drive, Front Royal, Virginia 22630
2. Hampton Inn, Front Royal
The Hampton Inn in Front Royal offers free WiFi access, parking and breakfast. Rooms come equipped with microwaves, refrigerators, and TV. A short distance away you will find an assortment of chain restaurants and shops. This hotel is located 4.7 miles from the park entrance.
Electric Car Charging Station: Yes
- Non-refundable Pet Fee: $75.00 per stay up to 4 nights. $125.00 per stay 5 plus nights.
- Maximum pet weight: 60 pounds
- Maximum number of pets in Room: 2 total
- Pets allowed: cats or dogs only
Address: 9800 Winchester Road, Front Royal, VA 22630,
3. Super 8 by Wyndham, Front Royal
The Super 8 by Wyndham is an older, budget friendly hotel in a great location. It is less than a mile from the park’s entrance and about one and half miles away from Skyland Caverns. You can find shops and restaurants along Front Royals Main Street which is around a half mile away.
- Non-refundable Pet Fee: $20 per pet, per night
- Maximum pet weight: up to 40 pounds max.
- Maximum number of pets in room: 2
- Pets allowed: Dogs only
- Pet policy is listed under hotel policy on front page
Address: 111 South Street, Front Royal, VA 22630
Dog Friendly Lodging Near Shenandoah National Park – Luray, VA
The town of Luray is close to the Thornton Gap Entrance to the Shenandoah National Park. This will bring you to the middle section of the park.
Days Inn by Wyndham in Luray
Days Inn is the only pet friendly hotel in Luray, Virginia. The Days Inn is located approximately 8 miles from the Thornton Gap Entrance and 3 miles from Luray Caverns. This hotel offers free Wi-Fi and parking. Rooms are equipped with a microwave and small refrigerator.
- Non-Refundable Pet Fee, per stay: $15 per pet, per night
- Maximum pet weight: up to 50 pounds
- Maximum Number of pets in Room: 2
- Pets allowed: cats or dogs only
- Pet Sanitation Fee is 150.00 USD if applicable
- Pets must be registered at check-in
- Un-registered pets will result in a fee of 250.00
- Pet policy is listed under hotel policy on front page
Address: 138 Whispering Hill Rd, Luray, VA 22835
Quality Inn Shenandoah Valley
The Quality Inn in Shenandoah Valley is 24-miles from the Thornton Gap Entrance to Shenandoah National Park. This Quality Inn only has four (4) pet friendly rooms available so you need to book early to ensure you get a room. Free Wi-Fi and parking are available.
- Non-refundable pet fee: Per pet per night
- Maximum pet weight: 50 pounds or less
- Maximum number of pets in Room: 2
- Pets allowed: Dogs only
Address: 162 West Old Cross Road, New Market, VA 22844
Tip: When looking for a pet friendly vacation home or hotel online make sure the pet friendly filter is on. It can reset when you make changes to your search. Always reach out to the venue to confirm the dog policy and fees before booking.
Dog Friendly Vacation Rentals Near Shenandoah National Park – Luray, VA
Although Luray VA has a limited number of hotels in the area, they do have a number of pet friendly vacation rentals to choose from. Here are a few of the options;
- Cottage on the Hill – If you are looking for a room that is larger than a hotel, but not a large house, the Cottage on the Hill might be just right. This small cottage features a living room area, bed and kitchen all in one room. Pet policy: one pet under 25lbs. with per night pet fee. You can find it on VRBO.com
- Cedar Breeze – is located just outside of Luray, VA. This home offers two bedrooms and a full bath on a private county setting. Pet fees apply. To learn more please visit VRBO.com
- Luray Corner – is located in downtown Luray, Va. This dog friendly home features a fully fenced yard. Home offers 4 bedrooms and two full baths. Pet policy: one pet less that 50lbs. Pet fees may apply. To learn more, go to VRBO.com
For a list of pet friendly vacation rentals go to VRBO.com.
Dog Friendly Lodging Near Shenandoah National Park – Harrisonburg
You will find the closest hotels to the Swift Run Gap Entrance are in Harrisonburg, VA. Harrisonburg is about a 30-miunte drive to the entrance. But you can find vacation homes located near the entrance. Below we will show you some of the options available.
Hyatt Place Harrisonburg
This modern, 3-star hotel was built in 2021 making it the newest hotel on this list. Rooms at the Hyatt Place include one or two beds, plus a sofa bed. Two room suites are also available with separate living and sleeping areas. Amenities include: free WiFi, breakfast and parking.
- Pet Fee: 1-6 nights, a $75 non-refundable pet fee will be administered. Guests staying 7-30 nights, the fees will be a $75 non-refundable pet fee plus an additional $100 cleaning fee. For guests staying longer than 30 nights, please contact hotel for fees.
- Maximum pet weight: Limit 50 pounds, if two pets combined weight cannot exceed 75lbs
- Maximum number of pets in Room: Maximum 2 pets per room
Address: 1884 Evelyn Byrd Ave, Harrisonburg, 22801
Comfort Inn & Suites
Located in Harrisonburg, VA the Comfort Inn is close to route 33 allowing easy access to the Swift Run Gap Entrance to Shenandoah National Park. It is also located near the James Madison University. This pet friendly hotel offers free parking, WiFi and breakfast.
- Non-refundable Pet Fee: $ 30.00 USD per pet, per night
- Maximum pet weight: Limit 50 pounds
- Maximum number of pets in Room: Maximum 2 pets per room
Address: 262 Neff Avenue, Harrisonburg, 22801
Sleep Inn & Suites Harrisonburg
The Sleep Inn & Suites is a budget friendly hotel close to Shenandoah National Park and other attractions. Pet Friendly rooms come equipped with a microwave and small refrigerator. Amenities include: free WiFi, breakfast and parking.
- Non-refundable Pet Fee: 50.00 USD Per Pet per stay
- Maximum pet weight: 85 pounds per pet
- Maximum number of pets in Room: 2 pets per room
Address: 1891 Evelyn Byrd Avenue, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Dog Friendly Vacation Rentals Near Shenandoah National Park – Swift Run Gap Entrance
Tip: When looking for a pet friendly vacation home, make sure the pet friendly filter is on. It easily resets when you make changes to your search.
Rustic-Chic Cabin
This rustic cabin is just 5 mins from the Swift Run Gap entrance. Featuring an open studio floor plan with king-sized bed, full bath, and fully equipped kitchen. It is the perfect size for a couple or solo traveler. Up to two pets allowed with a pet fee.
You can find this home on VRBO.com
Stoney Creek
Stoney Creek is a newly renovated home adjoining the Shenandoah National Park. It features modern amenities like a hot tub and large deck. This 4-bedroom and 2.5-bathroom home can accommodate up to 9 people. Pet friendly with a fee.
You can find this home on VRBO.com
For more pet friendly vacation rentals go to VRBO.com
Dog Friendly Lodging Near Shenandoah National Park – Waynesboro, VA
Residence Inn, Waynesboro, VA
The Residence Inn is located just off of interstate 64, this pet friendly hotel offers kitchenettes with a small stove, refrigerator and dishwasher. Amenities include free parking, breakfast and WiFi.
- Non-refundable pet fee: $100 per stay
- Maximum pet weight: 50 pounds
- Maximum number of pets in Room: 2
- Pets allowed: cats, dogs and birds only
Address: 44 Windigrove Drive, Waynesboro, VA 22980
Best Western Plus, Waynesboro
This pet friendly hotel was recently updated. The Best Western Plus hotel offers rooms or suites. Amenities include; free WiFi, parking and breakfast.
Note: Not all rooms are pet friendly. You need to let the hotel know about your pet when booking the room to ensure you are assigned a pet-friendly room.
Pet Policy:
- Non-refundable pet fee: Per night $15 fee for up to 2 pets. Extra pets would incur an additional $15 per pet, per night fee.
- Maximum pet weight: No size limit
- Maximum number of pets in Room: 4
- Pets allowed: cats and dogs
Address: 109 Apple Tree Lane, Waynesboro, VA 22980
Hampton Inn, Waynesboro
The Hampton Inn is a little further out from the park entrance, but it’s still only a 10-minute drive to the entrance. Rooms are equipped with a microwave, refrigerator and coffee maker. Hampton Inn amenities include: Free WiFi, parking and breakfast.
- Non-refundable pet fee: For a 1-4 night stay $75; 5+ night stay $125
- Maximum pet weight: 75 pounds
- Maximum number of pets in Room: 2
- Pets allowed: cats and dogs only
Address: 15 Four Square Lane, Fishersville, VA 22939