Idiot’s Guides: RV Vacations

Shenandoah National Park is long and skinny, stretching 105 miles (169km) from Front Royal to Rockfish Gap. Exploring the whole park means a lot of driving. If you set up base camp in the Luray area, you can drive in for shorter day trips.

Pack a picnic lunch and meander down Skyline Drive, enjoying the spectacular vistas.

Spring flowers and fall foliage are stunning in Shenandoah. You’ll grapple with heat in the summer, so stay cool with water activities.

This campground offers 61 sites within a state park that has 5.2 miles (8.4km) of shoreline along the Shenandoah River. You also can see Shenandoah National Park to the east. The park has 24 miles (39km) of trails, horseback riding, zip-lining, and fishing. Boat and canoe launches are also available.

Shenandoah River State Park is the perfect choice for RV travelers looking for pristine beauty with a budget price tag. Book far in advance to get a site here.

3402 Kimball Road, Luray, VA 22835. koa.com/campgrounds/luray; camp@luraykoa.com; 540-743-7222. March 13 to November 15. $44 to $69. Pool, snack bar, pavilion, camping kitchen.

The Luray KOA features large, pull-thru sites and deluxe patio sites overlooking a large green. Return customers rave that this European-style park is one of the cleanest campgrounds you’ll ever visit. Surrounded by rolling hills and farmland, the quiet and romantic campground is perfect for couples. The small pool and playground help entertain little campers, and the billiard room and outdoor table tennis keep older kids busy.

In addition to being near the Thornton Gap Entrance Station, the campground is near several famous Civil War battle sites as well.

Arrive prepared with your own supplies because there’s no traditional camp store. On the weekends, you can enjoy homemade pizza from the on-site wood-fired brick oven.

2250 US 211, Luray, VA 22835. campluray.com; yogi@campluray.com; 540-318-7337. March 20 to November 30. $40 to $106. Pool, waterslide, mini-golf, fishing, paddleboats, snack bar, arcade.

There’s no better option for families traveling with kids than Jellystone Luray, renowned for its friendly and efficient staff. Craft sessions, tie-dye, story time, hayrides, and counselor-led games and relay races make it impossible for anyone to be bored while staying here.

The theme park–size slide, spray ground, pools, laser tag, and outdoor theater ensure the campground is a destination in its own right. Many other activities are included, such as mini-golf, catch-and-release fishing, and character photo opportunities. Kids will love beginning every day by saying the Pledge of Allegiance with Yogi Bear, Cindy, and Boo-Boo. Adults will enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains.

24 E. Main Street, Luray, VA 22835. ggrounds.com; 540-743-1121. Monday to Thursday 7 A.M. to 6 P.M.; Friday and Saturday 8 A.M. to 8 P.M.; Sunday 11 A.M. to 3 P.M. $7 to $15. Bakery and café.

This is a wonderful place to go for delicious and healthy meals that keep you energized for your outdoor activities in Shenandoah. The breakfast burritos, quiche, soups, sandwiches, and specialty coffees might have you coming back a few times during your stay. The desserts and pastries are homemade and top notch.

We suggest ordering a picnic to go, driving up to Big Meadows, and enjoying your scrumptious meal with a view.

Whitewater rafting, tubing, or hiking can leave you in the mood for a great burger and shake. Spelunker’s is the perfect place to satisfy that craving.

Fresh burger patties are juicy and delicious on their own or topped with cheese, bacon, and other fixings. Cheesesteaks, fish and chips, hotdogs, and Italian sausages also are on the menu. The homemade french fries are fantastic, and there’s even malt vinegar on the tables to top them off.

Leave room for dessert because the ice cream, custard, and gelati are specialties. The flavor of the day is always creative and fun, but even a simple dish of vanilla custard with a little chocolate syrup on top is delicious.

1079 US 211, Luray, VA 22835. 540-743-5311. Friday to Sunday 11:30 A.M. to 6:30 P.M. $8 to $15. American barbecue.

Triple Crown serves heavenly pulled pork. All the meat here is perfectly cooked and never oversauced. This is road food at its best, with a walk-up window to place your order and picnic tables to sit and enjoy the bounty.

6502 S. Page Valley Road, Luray, VA 22835. shenandoah-river.com; 504-743-4159. Hours vary by season and activity. $22 to $90.

This company has been in business for decades, and it knows how to help you experience the Shenandoah River tubing, canoeing, kayaking, or rafting. Multiday excursions are available, as are shorter trips for beginners.

Advance reservations are highly recommended, and if you can visit during the week, you most definitely should.

101 Cave Hill Road, Luray, VA 22835. luraycaverns.com; 540-743-6551. Tours begin at 9 A.M. Adults $26; seniors $23; children $14; additional fees for other activities.

Even if you’ve seen pictures of this natural phenomenon, the beauty of this underground world is astonishing. Wear a sweater for your tour, because no matter the temperature above ground, the Luray Caverns are a chilly 54°F (12°C).

The caverns can be seen only by guided tour, which takes you over paved paths for about 1.25 miles (2km). The lines for tours can get long, so get there right when the caverns open. The tour ends in the Stalacpipe Organ room, where you’ll hear the instrument played by an automated system.

Extend your visit by enjoying the Garden Maze, the Rope Adventure Park, and the Luray Valley Museum.

Shenandoah National Park. nps.gov/shen; 540-999-3500. Open year round; 24 hours a day. 7-day vehicle pass $20.

Skyline Drive is more than 100 miles (161km) long, with amazing vistas and hundreds of miles of hiking trails shooting off from various stops.

One of the most popular sections of the drive is the Central District, miles 31.5 through 61.5. To see this area, enter at Thornton Gap and exit at Swift Run Gap. The famous Pinnacles and Stony Man overlooks are in this section, as well as Skyland and Big Meadows. The Byrd Visitor Center has regularly scheduled ranger presentations and a fascinating exhibit on the history of the park. Visit Rapidan Camp to see President Herbert Hoover’s summer retreat. The Story of the Forest hike right near the visitor center is great for young children. Dark Hollow Falls offers more of a challenge.

ITINERARIES

If you have 1 week …

Explore the Central District of Shenandoah National Park, taking Skyline Drive from Thornton Gap to Swift Run Gap. Hike the Stony Man Trail. Tour Luray Caverns. Raft or tube the Shenandoah River.

If you have 2 weeks …

All the above, plus explore the North District of Shenandoah National Park. Visit the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center, and hike the Fox Hollow/Dickey Ridge Trail. Pack lunch to eat at Elkwallow Picnic Area. Spend an afternoon shopping in Front Royal, exploring all the boutiques and gift shops.

If you have 3 weeks …

All the above, plus explore the South District of Shenandoah National Park from Swift Run Gap to Rockfish Gap. Hike to the Jones Run falls. Stop at the dozens of overlooks along the southern part of Skyline Drive. Spend some time on the Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail.