Fall Camping and Hiking in Shenandoah National Park with Purple Lizard Maps

Embrace the Magic of Fall Camping in Shenandoah National Park with Purple Lizard Maps

As the fall season unfolds here's no better time to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of fall camping. Shenandoah National Park, with its kaleidoscope of fall colors and scenic beauty, offers the perfect backdrop for a memorable outdoor adventure. And with the Purple Lizard Shenandoah Lizard Maps in hand, you'll have all you need to navigate this stunning terrain. Below are some ideas for your Shenandoah Fall Adventure.

Pro tip: If you can, plan your fall Shenandoah adventure during the week or add a few weekdays as weekends in the fall can be quite popular. 

Big thanks to our friends at Wandering Out Yonder for these fantastic photos from their Shenandoah Adventures with their Purple Lizard Maps last season. Check out @wanderingoutyonder on YouTube and  Instagram at to follow along on their adventures.

Discover the Perfect Campsite

Shenandoah National Park is a camper's paradise, offering a variety of campgrounds, each with its unique charm - and fall is the perfect time to explore the grandure of this gorgeous national treasure. Whether you prefer the convenience of developed campgrounds or the solitude of backcountry camping, the park has something for every camper. The vast majority of campsites are reservation only, so plan ahead. 

• Mathews Arm Campground: Located in the northern section of the park, this campground is a favorite among fall campers. Nestled in the woods, it offers a sense of seclusion and is a great base for exploring hiking trails blanketed with colorful leaves.
• Big Meadows Campground: Central to the park, this campground is perfect for those seeking amenities like showers and a camp store. Nearby, you'll find the picturesque Big Meadows, which comes alive with fall foliage.
• Backcountry Camping: For a truly immersive experience, grab your backpack and explore Shenandoah's backcountry. Consult the NPS website for information on backcountry campsites and regulations.

Exploring the Trails

Shenandoah's extensive trail network provides ample opportunities for fall hikes, and your Purple Lizard maps will be invaluable for planning your routes. Here are a few highlight hikes, but your Lizard Map will open up a world of options for you.

• Old Rag Mountain: A challenging and iconic hike, Old Rag rewards hikers with panoramic views of the park's autumn splendor. Note: NPS day use permits are required to hike Old Rag the majority of the year.
• Hawksbill Summit: Reach the highest point in Shenandoah for breathtaking vistas. The hike is especially enchanting in the fall when the valley is ablaze with color.
• Whiteoak Canyon and Cedar Run Trail: Enjoy a scenic waterfall hike amidst the vibrant foliage. Time this with a rainy day for best results!
• Stony Man: A shorter hike leading to an outstanding viewpoint, perfect for capturing the beauty of fall.

Shenandoah hiking can be strenuous as many trails have significant elevation gain and loss. Remember to practice all your basic hiking safety including: dress in appropriate layers, hike with a friend or let someone know where you are, bring plenty of water and some food, and, of course, bring along a good map.

An excellent map with topographic detail and correct milage makes all the difference, so you won't miss a thing when you explore Shenandoah with Purple Lizard Maps. The Shenandoah Lizard Maps are the most comprehensive, detailed, high quality, easy to read topographic map available of this stunning landscape. Available at Purplelizard.com, at REI or at a local outfitter near you. If you prefer maps on your phone, you can also get the Purple Lizard Digital Shenandoah Maps on Avenza.

Preserve the Beauty

At Purple Lizard Maps, we are passionate about preserving the environment, and Shenandoah National Park is no exception. When camping and hiking in the park, remember to adhere to Leave No Trace principles. Respect the land, pack out all trash, and leave the beauty of fall undisturbed for future generations to enjoy.

Plan Your Shenandoah Fall Camping Trip

With your Purple Lizard Shenandoah Maps, your fall camping adventure in Shenandoah National Park is just a step away.

Explore the park's trails, discover amazing overlooks, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Shenandoah National Park in the fall is a tapestry of colors, and you will have a front row seat to the magic of autumn.

Don't wait – grab your camping gear and your hiking boots, your Purple Lizard Maps, and immerse yourself in the beauty of Shenandoah this fall.

Your adventure awaits!

Shenandoah National Park 2 Pack

 Updated October 2024