The Best Places to Stay Near Shenandoah National Park for Blue Ridge Mountain Views and Appalachian Trail Activities

From historic mountain resorts to charming inns, here are the best places to stay amongst nature in the Old Dominion.Courtesy of airbnbShenandoah National Park became a quick favorite for my husband and me in 2020. Although we’d been Virginia residents for over 30 years and lived just an hour away from the park’s southern end, it took us years before we actually made it there outside our car. While we had taken many road trips through the park, having been in awe of the area's natural beauty—105 miles and 75 overlooks of the scenic Skyline Drive run through it—it wasn't until later that we finally took the plunge into the woods and wandered the hiking trails.​Located just 70 miles outside of DC, avid hikers and outdoor lovers best know Shenandoah for its 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail and roughly 17% of the Blue Ridge Mountains. But no matter your approach to exploring the great outdoors, there are plenty of unique vacation rentals and hotels to enhance the indoor part of your stay. Whether you want to be next to a Virginia Main Street Community packed with locally owned shops and restaurants or take more of a get-away-from-it-all approach, there are some spectacular places to rest your head in between hikes, winding drives, and overlook photo stops. Read on for 11 places to stay near Shenandoah National Park, worthy of returning to again and again.Hotels near ShenandoahRentals near ShenandoahBig Meadows LodgeNumber of guests: VariesBed and bath: VariesWhy we love it: Historic rooms, on-site taproom, quaint park-centric gift shopBig Meadows Lodge offers an ideal walkable experience for those wishing to dine, shop, drink, and explore right outside their front door—no car required. Choose from snug, no-AC rooms in the original lodge building, stand-alone cabins, or suite-style accommodations, where groups can book several rooms in a cluster. Just a mile away is the visitor’s center, which hosted one of my most memorable excursions: a full moon walk, followed by a telescope viewing. While on site, be sure to traverse the half-mile out-and-back hike behind the lodge to Blackrock Overlook, which has a big payoff of breathtaking views at 3,500 feet.Location: Skyline Drive Mile 51Things to do nearby: Byrd Visitor Center, Dark Hollow FallsRead Full ReviewSkyland LodgeNumber of guests: VariesBed and bath: VariesWhy we love it: Guided horseback rides, expansive views, EV charging stationsBecause Skyland resort sits at the highest point along Skyline Drive (an elevation of 3,680 feet), dining on the terrace of the on-site restaurant, Pollock Dining Room, is a must—as is trying a slice of the Mile High Blackberry Ice Cream Pie. The resort’s history predates the park itself, attracting vacationers since the late 1800s. Also on the property is Masanutten Lodge, the 1911 home of the founder’s wife, which now houses a women-focused exhibit and opens for tours during the warmer months.Location: Skyline Drive Mile 41.7Things to do nearby: Hawksbill Mountain, Stony Man TrailRead Full ReviewMimslyn InnNumber of guests: VariesBed and bath: VariesWhy we love it: Moody speakeasy, therapeutic spa, scenic settingJust 16 miles from the park lies the town of Luray, whose caverns draw nature lovers seeking an underground experience. Whether you decide to explore the cave system or roam the town, the Mimslyn Inn will welcome you with its stunning grounds, walking paths, firepits, pools, and hammock garden. Besides the main lodging’s rooms and suites, one of the most notable features on this property is the abundance of historic cottages; each sleeps 10–16 guests and is perfect for generational travel.Location: LurayThings to do nearby: Luray Caverns, Shenandoah RiverRead Full ReviewThe Blackburn InnNumber of guests: VariesBed and bath: VariesWhy we love it: Historic building, set on 80 acres, walking distance to downtownIf you like a little bit of everything and want to hike in the morning but take in a live show at night—with boutique shopping and excellent gastronomy in between—this inn is exactly where you want to check in. Twelve-foot ceilings coupled with modern fixtures give the guest rooms a spacious feel, and the main building (circa 1828) features a jaw-dropping spiral staircase. Relaxing in the spa and roaming the grounds are worthy pursuits, and you can also walk to Zynodoa, my favorite downtown restaurant, which supports local producers in delicious ways.Location: StauntonThings to do nearby: American Shakespeare Center, Blue Ridge ParkwayRead Full ReviewIris InnNumber of guests: VariesBed and bath: VariesWhy we love it: Romantic cabins, breakfast buffet, on-site spaFor honeymooners seeking a relaxing post-wedding respite or duos in need of a quick getaway, the property's cozy cabins overlooking the Shenandoah Valley are the answer. After spending a day exploring, a soak in your private hot tub is rivaled only by sinking into a plush pillow-top mattress covered in buttery-soft Comphy sheets. Or, book a room in the main house, where you can bask in views from your deck. Either way, you’ll wake up to a breakfast buffet that includes house-made granola and the inn’s signature dove-shaped pastries to satiate your appetite.Location: WaynesboroThings to do nearby: Blue Ridge Trail Tunnel, Shenandoah Beerworks TrailRead Full ReviewThe Historic Inn at OakdeneNumber of guests: VariesBed and bath: VariesWhy we love it: Stunning architecture, indoor and outdoor sitting areas, walkable to downtownFor a luxurious stay that still maintains the privacy of a rental, Oakdene's contactless approach means you can stay in a historic 1893 mansion without having to brave small talk. What appealed to me initially about the property was the modern, castle-like appearance of the building itself, and the occasional bunny or deer crossing the grounds added to the fairy-tale-esque vibe. While I was impressed by the tall ceilings, frameless glass showers, and self-serve snack station (complete with ice cream!), the highlight was the sunroom adjacent to my room. Book The Echols Suite for a similar experience.Location: StauntonThings to do nearby: Frontier Culture Museum, Virginia Scenic RailwayRead Full ReviewLove Ridge Mountain LodgingNumber of guests: VariesBed and bath: VariesWhy we love it: On-site biking trails, complimentary firewood, lawn gamesPart of the appeal of camping is the communal aspect of playing games, wandering trails, and conversing with other travelers; whether you book a cabin or stay in a glamping tent, social opportunities abound if you choose this property. If you prefer hanging out with your own besties, you can rent a large cabin for a girls weekend, or if you have a smaller crew, book an intimate cabin for two. You can also add a stargazing package onto your stay, which includes binoculars, a night sky chart, and two bags of popcorn to enjoy during nature’s striking show.Location: LyndhurstThings to do nearby: George Washington National Forest, Wintergreen ResortRead Full ReviewL'Auberge ProvencaleNumber of guests: 2Bed and bath: VariesWhy we love it: Wine country location, custom-made toiletries, French-inspired decorSome pairings are just meant to be, like peanut butter and jelly, cheese and crackers, and in this case, Shenandoah National Park and a bed-and-breakfast that transports you to Provence, France. Even the cuisine takes your taste buds on a journey. Wake up to an included house-made breakfast and don’t skip out on the complimentary afternoon snacks. If you choose to dine on-site in the evening, be sure to make reservations, as their award-winning restaurant is well-known for its wine selection and fare. Before booking, check the events calendar, as you may be able to catch a foraging class or live music session during your stay.Location: BoyceThings to do nearby: Briede Family Vineyards, Front Royal River Adventures TubingRead Full ReviewShenandoah yurtNumber of guests: 8Bed and bath: 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathsWhy we love it: Exposed wood features, deck with globe lights, seven-person hot tubOne unique feature of this owner-built Airbnb is that it’s surrounded by the park on three sides, giving guests the feel of an in-park stay. The almost five-star rating is well earned, and visitor notables include the 75" HDTV, amply stocked kitchen, and refreshing rain showerhead. For the best views, grab a glass of your preferred chilled beverage and enjoy a soak in the hot tub at the corner of the deck—or take a walk in the woods, a nap in the hammock, and a reminisce with friends around the firepit.Location: StanleyThings to do nearby: Old Rag Mountain Hike, Rose River FallsHorizon cabinNumber of guests: 4Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathWhy we love it: Gas grill, wood-burning indoor fireplace, thermal circuitImmerse yourself in a day of vigorous hiking, then relax your muscles in a contrast therapy circuit that includes a hot tub, cold plunge, and sauna, all with natural views. Or, stay inside and enjoy the spa-like bathroom featuring a heated floor and a shower with five massage heads. That level of detail is also evidenced in the well-stocked kitchen and cozy touches like throw blankets and candles peppered throughout. This stay in Page Valley, the Cabin Capital of Virginia, is the ideal place to relax while keeping a light itinerary.Location: LurayThings to do nearby: Luray-Hawksbill Greenway, White Oak Canyon FallsGeodesic domeNumber of guests: 6Bed and bath: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathsWhy we love it: Location on eight acres, unique shape, in-house washer and dryerWake up to stunning views of the Shenandoah Valley while soaking in the hot tub, drinking coffee on the deck, or lazily lingering in bed. One of my favorite aspects of this property is being able to peek through the triangular windows, which is a close second to taking in the views from the Adirondack chairs on the deck. The kitchen also features thoughtful touches like a French press and a seven-stage osmosis water system with a UV filter so you can stay hydrated. It’s also located at the northernmost part of the park, making it a popular spot for those coming from Washington, DC, and just beginning their explorations.Location: Front RoyalThings to do nearby: Compton Peak, Mary’s RockJennifer Prince is a freelance writer based in Virginia. Besides writing and travel, Jennifer enjoys spending time by the water, '80s music, being with family, and obsessing over her latest vintage finds. ... Read More