Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley region holds many gems for outdoor enthusiasts. From peaceful farmland and rolling hills to majestic mountains and scenic drives, this diverse area has a little bit of everything. With the Shenandoah River as a centerpiece and three state parks within an hour’s drive from one another, there are many reasons to make a trip to this northwestern part of the state.  

Learn how to enjoy all three of these state parks (plus a fourth bonus one if time allows) while making Shenandoah River State Park your base camp! A great way to visit parks on your Trail Quest journey while exploring other attractions and the area's beauty, this itinerary can be customized to suit your needs. 

 

Stop #1: Set up base camp at Shenandoah River State Park 

View from Cullers Overlook

Of the three parks, Shenandoah River is the only one that provides overnight accommodations with electricity and water. Sky Meadows offers hike-in primitive camping only, and Seven Bends does not have a campground. With its location situated between these two parks, Shenandoah River State Park makes the ideal base camp for your getaway. 

Choose between campsites with electric and water hookups, yurts, camping cabins, two-bedroom or three-bedroom cabins or the six-bedroom lodge. There are also primitive walk-in tent-only sites and a primitive group site. Bonus: All these options are available year-round. My family has experienced both a campsite and a camping cabin, in early fall and in late spring, and we believe that you can’t go wrong with staying overnight at this beautiful park. 

Camping cabin in the campground 

During your visit, hit the trails and float or paddle the river. Cullers Overlook provides a scenic spot to view the river with a mountainous backdrop. Take advantage of the car-top boat launch or access the river via multiple access points along River Trail. Stop by the visitor center and learn about the local wildlife and the region’s history, and find out what ranger-led events are happening during your visit.  

River access along River Trail 

With more than 25 miles of trails and 5.2 miles of shoreline, everyone from anglers and paddlers to mountain bikers and families with kids can find something to enjoy while camping at Shenandoah River. 

To make an overnight reservation, reserve online at ReserveVAParks.com or by calling 1-800-933-PARK.  

 

Stop #2: Hike, float and walk a suspension bridge at Seven Bends State Park 

Virginia LOVE sign at the Lupton Road entrance

Before setting out to explore Seven Bends State Park, less than an hour’s drive away, check the website to see if any ranger-led activities or programs will be taking place while you’re there. If not, there is plenty to discover on your own at this day-use park with two entrances.  

According to Park Manager Tom Stevens, "The Hollingsworth Access is popular with families and homeschool groups, who enjoy the creative play area and picnic area, while locals tend to frequent the Lupton Access for recreation on the river." 

Boat launch at the S. Hollingsworth Road entrance 

I agree with Stevens that the two locations offer great amenities and suggest visiting both! At each access, you’ll find nice pit toilets, picnic tables, small boat launches and river access. A suspension bridge is located near each entry point as well, but the one at Lupton Road is a little more conveniently accessed. A short walk from the parking lot leads to a fun experience of viewing the river from a swinging bridge. 

Suspension bridge at the Lupton Road entrance 

Hiking, paddling and floating are popular activities at Seven Bends. The 3 river miles between the two launches provide a leisurely one to two-hour float. A new addition to the park is the launch of a kayak rental program, giving visitors without access to a boat the ability to reserve a kayak. A kayak rental costs $25 and is available at the Hollingsworth Access and returned to the Lupton Access. For a bird’s-eye glimpse of the river, hike Bass Bight Trail to Pawpaw Hollow Trail to the scenic view on River Bend Rise Trail. This out-and-back trek is approximately 4.4 miles with 728 feet of elevation gain.  

Scenic overlook on River Bend Rise Trail 

Learn more about outdoor recreation offered at Seven Bends on the park’s webpage. 

 

Stop #3: Walk historic grounds and attend a program at Sky Meadows State Park 

Whitehouse Overlook 

An approximate 40-minute drive from your Shenandoah River base camp will bring you to Sky Meadows State Park. Rich in history, this park offers educational resources as well as outdoor recreation. With 22 miles of trails and access to the Appalachian Trail, there is no shortage of excellent hiking opportunities. Click here to discover five must-hike trails to overlooks at Sky Meadows State Park.  

If you are seeking an activity to stretch your legs while expanding your knowledge of the area’s history, check out the Historic Grounds Walking Tour. Using a self-guided brochure and accompanying audio as you walk between points of interest, you will learn about the historic 18th-century farm and its evolution throughout its long history.  

Log cabin on the Historic Grounds Walking Tour 

Sky Meadows is also a designated Dark-Sky Park, so experiencing this park at night is a treat. Whether you attend an expert-led program, such as Astronomy For Everyone, or enjoy a self-guided observation by accessing the park via the Turner Pond entrance, the night sky at Sky Meadows will be a highlight of your trip. 

Viewing field near Turner Pond 

Like Seven Bends, Sky Meadows also has a children’s discovery area with unique play stations focused on agriculture, nature, history, art and creative movement. There is something for all ages to enjoy at each of the stops on this Shenandoah road trip.  

Suppose you are up for an adventure and choose to stay overnight at this park. In that case, the 1-mile hike-in primitive campground provides a fun backcountry experience, with a few amenities like pit toilets, firewood for purchase and bear lockers.  

Campsite in the hike-in primitive campground

Learn more about events at Sky Meadows.

 

Bonus Stop: Sweet Run State Park 

Farmstead Loop

If time allows, an hour and 20-minute drive north from Shenandoah River will bring you to Sweet Run State Park. This park, currently under development, features expansive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With 11 miles of hiking trails and 9 miles of equestrian trails, a picnic pavilion and nature play area, Sweet Run’s recreational opportunities set in a landscape of mature forest, streams, meadows and mountainside terrain is well worth the trip. 

Picnic shelter

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Plan your Shenandoah road trip!  

Setting up your base camp in one of Virginia State Parks’ campgrounds while adventuring to others nearby is not only efficient, but a fun way to immerse yourself in all that our state parks have to offer!