Help Shape the Future of Shenandoah River State Park: Public Comment Meeting Set for January 20

Local residents and park lovers are invited to help shape the future of Shenandoah River State Park by attending a public comment meeting on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Samuels Public Library in Front Royal.

The meeting, hosted by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), will take place in the White Meeting Room at 330 E. Criser Road. This event marks a key step in updating the park’s 10-year master plan, which guides the park’s future development, conservation efforts, and visitor experience.

Visitors can drop in anytime during the two-hour session to view displays, ask questions, and speak with park planners. A 30-day public comment period will follow the meeting, with written feedback accepted by February 20, 2026, via email, fax, or mail.

Comments may be emailed to:
📧 PlanningResources@dcr.virginia.gov
(Use subject line: “Shenandoah River State Park Comment”)

A Park with Deep Roots and Wide Appeal

Raymond R. “Andy” Guest, Jr. Shenandoah River State Park, located in Warren County, spans more than 1,600 acres and features 5.2 miles of shoreline along the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. It opened to the public in June 1999 and has become a beloved destination for hiking, biking, paddling, camping, fishing, and family outings.

The park offers:

• More than 25 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding
• A riverside picnic area, shelters, and a car-top boat launch
• A variety of camping options, including riverfront tent sites, cabins, camping cabins, and a group campground
• Scenic views of Massanutten Mountain to the west and Shenandoah National Park to the east

The park was named in honor of Delegate Raymond R. “Andy” Guest, Jr., a local leader who strongly supported Virginia’s state parks and played a key role in securing the land for conservation and recreation.

Why the Master Plan Matters

Under Virginia law, all state parks must have a master plan that is reviewed and updated every 10 years. These plans outline how each park can grow, which areas should be protected, and how best to serve visitors while preserving natural and cultural resources.

The Shenandoah River State Park master plan highlights:

• Cultural and historical features, including Indigenous archaeological sites, a historic homestead, the site of Hall’s Mill (c. 1860s), and ties to Civil War troop movements
• Natural resources, such as rare upland ecosystems, floodplains, wetlands, and significant ecological core areas
• Land use history, from Indigenous habitation to 20th-century farming
• Key conservation areas, including acidic oak-hickory forests and riverine habitats

DCR uses this information, along with public input, to shape a long-range vision for how the park should be managed and developed over the next decade.

How to Get Involved

The January 20 meeting will focus on reviewing the draft master plan and giving the community an opportunity to share feedback before it is finalized.

Presentation and meeting materials will be available online afterward for those unable to attend in person. More information, including maps and planning documents, can be found at:
🔗 www.dcr.virginia.gov/recreational-planning/sh-masterplan

With your input, the future of Shenandoah River State Park can reflect the values of both conservation and community. Your voice matters—don’t miss this chance to be part of the conversation.