Swimming holes & river access in the Shenandoah Valley
When the Valley hits 90°F, locals head for the water. The Shenandoah River's South Fork is the easiest float, Sherando Lake is the cleanest sit-and-swim, and a handful of forest-service creeks reward anyone willing to walk a quarter mile.
Shenandoah National Park — Skyland
Luray, PageMile-high lodge area with overlooks, dining, and trailheads.
Lewis Mountain Campground
PageSmallest, quietest NPS campground in Shenandoah at Mile 57.5 — first-come, first-served all season.
Dundo Campground
Group-only NPS campground at Mile 83.7 in Shenandoah's South District — reservation-required for organized groups of 7+.
Matthews Arm Campground
PageShenandoah National Park's northernmost campground at Mile 22.1 on Skyline Drive — quiet, wooded, reservation-only May through October.
Big Meadows Campground
PageShenandoah National Park's flagship campground at Mile 51 on Skyline Drive — central location, full amenities, ranger programs.
Loft Mountain Campground
CrozetLargest NPS campground in Shenandoah at Mile 79.5 — open ridge-top sites with sunrise and sunset views.
Shenandoah River State Park
Bentonville, WarrenRiver access, kayaking, fishing, and easy trails.
Douthat State Park
Millboro, BathMountain lake park with swimming beach, cabins, and 40 miles of trails.
Shenandoah River Outfitters
Luray, PageGuided kayak, canoe, and tube trips on the South Fork.
Chessie Nature Trail
Lexington, Rockbridge7-mile rails-to-trails path along the Maury River.
Front Royal Outdoors
Front Royal, WarrenTube, kayak, and raft rentals on the Shenandoah.
- Montgomery Hall Park Playground
Montgomery Hall Park Playground
Staunton, AugustaSprawling park with playground, trails, and disc golf.
- Betsy Bell Hill Loop
Betsy Bell Hill Loop
Staunton, AugustaShort hill climb with panoramic Valley views.
- Friendship Park Loop
Friendship Park Loop
Harrisonburg, RockinghamShaded paved loop ideal for strollers and toddlers.
- Glen Maury Park Playground
Glen Maury Park Playground
Buena Vista, RockbridgeRiverside playground inside a sprawling municipal park.
- Virginia Capital-to-Capital — Lexington Loop
Virginia Capital-to-Capital — Lexington Loop
Lexington, RockbridgePaved town loop perfect for casual riders.
- Lime Kiln Theater
Lime Kiln Theater
Lexington, RockbridgeOutdoor theatre and concert venue in 19th-century lime kiln ruins.
- Smithland Road Park
Smithland Road Park
Harrisonburg, RockinghamModern inclusive playground with shaded picnic areas.
- James River Float — Glasgow
James River Float — Glasgow
Glasgow, RockbridgeLazy float section on the upper James — easy for first-timers.
- Westover Park Playground
Westover Park Playground
Harrisonburg, RockinghamLarge public playground with splash features and walking trails.
- Blue Hole at St. Marys Wilderness
Blue Hole at St. Marys Wilderness
Steeles Tavern, AugustaHidden swimming hole reached via a forested hike.
- Back Home on the Farm
Back Home on the Farm
Harrisonburg, RockinghamFamily farm with playscapes, animals, and seasonal pumpkin patch.
- Goshen Pass
Goshen Pass
Goshen, RockbridgeBoulder-strewn river gorge perfect for swimming and tubing.
Shenandoah River Campus at Cool Spring Battlefield
ClarkeBattlefield Preservation Effort Provides Access to Historic Site On the brisk morning of April 23, 2013, Shenandoah University embarked on its newest venture — the preservation and protection of land […]
More seasonal guides
- Fall foliage in the Shenandoah Valley →
- Apple picking & orchards in the Shenandoah Valley →
- Christmas & holiday events in the Shenandoah Valley →
- Spring hikes in the Shenandoah Valley →
- Summer farmers markets in the Shenandoah Valley →
- Winter things to do in the Shenandoah Valley →
- Summer festivals in the Shenandoah Valley →