Shenandoah River State Park Announces Junior Ranger Camp Dates

Shenandoah River State Park is inviting children to spend part of their summer outdoors through its 2026 Junior Ranger Camp programs.

This year, the park will offer two age-based camp sessions. Children ages 10 to 12 can attend camp June 15 through 18. Children ages 6 to 9 can attend camp July 13 through 16. Both sessions will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day at the River Bend Discovery Center, located at 132 Campground Road in Bentonville.

Registration opens Monday, May 11, at noon. Spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

The cost is $50 per child. After registering online, families must call the park office at 540-622-2262 to pay the fee. Payment is required to secure a camper’s spot. If no one answers, callers should leave their name and phone number for a return call.

Ages 10-12: June 15-18 Shenandoah River State Park: Junior Ranger Camp (10-12)

Ages 6-9: July 13-16 Shenandoah River State Park: Junior Ranger Camp (6-9)

Junior Ranger Camp gives children a chance to explore nature while learning outdoor skills in a hands-on setting. Campers will learn about wilderness survival, plant and animal identification, and other outdoor topics. The program is designed to help children better understand the natural resources around them and the role park staff play in protecting those resources.

Campers should bring a packed lunch, water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray, and closed-toed shoes each day. This is a day camp only, and no overnight accommodations are provided.

Park staff ask families to follow several registration guidelines. Each child needs a separate sign-up, and children must register for the camp that matches their age range. Families should only register their own children and not sign up on behalf of another family.

For more information or to complete payment after registering, call Shenandoah River State Park at 540-622-2262.