Elkwallow Wayside

Just coming up to this Elkwallow picnic area and a black bear runs out into the street. Probably smelling all the food from the picnic area here. Big place. Spread out nicely. Lots of people grilling and … wait, what’s this? hamburger in wrap paper? hmpf. I walk into the country store and I see on the inside is a kind of burger/​ice cream joint with a knick knack store. Food smelled amazing but instead I bought a couple of SNP bookmarkers and coffee mugs. I’m shocked they didn’t have walking sticks. Like the ski pole ones… They didn’t have hammocks either but they did have other camping items.

I love this place! The food is good, hits the spot, and doesn’t dent my wallet as much as other places located in recreational areas. It’s a perfect stop when I have the dogs with me after a hike on one of the many trails. Btw, my jack russells love the burgers, too.

Good to know that this is here for last minute outdoor gear. The prices are outrageous, but hey when you need it… you need it.
Unfortunately they didn’t have camel bak accessories which was what I was looking for. But they did have their share of VA souvenirs and camp food. And of course… beer!
None of which I needed, but it is nice to know that there is a little store here where you can replenish supplies and get some gas.

We camp in Shenandoah a couple times a year and usually stay at Mathews Arm, right up the road from Elkwallow.
It’s an awesome place to fill up on camping essentials, albeit at inflated, «we’re-the-only-thing-going-so-you’ll-pay-anything» prices: ice, firewood, beeeeeer. There’s a section of the store dedicated to camp stuff, too. Forget your water carrier, or the camp saw, or a sleeping bag? Find it at Elkwallow Wayside.
Pick up any number of identification guides or trail maps. Get your brother a SNP shot glass. Buy your kiddo a bug box. Purchase a t-​shirt, postcards, souvenir magnet, Virginia wine. Grab a burger or grilled cheese or some soft serve from their snack stand. Gas up the car. Use a clean bathroom. People watch the AT thru-​hikers — the AT comes straight through Elkwallow’s grounds.
Elkwallow has all your camping, hiking, picnicking, backcountry needs.

Aramark runs the concessions in Shenandoah National Park. As I made my way down Skyline Drive, I noted that I should have fueled up before I entered the park, although I knew I had enough gas to make it to U.S. 211 and exit out of the park for gas.
I had forgotten there are three places in SNP to stop for fuel — and Elkwallow Wayside is one of them! I was thrilled to see the Chevron sign and pulled in. After fueling, I parked and went in to check out the gift shop. I ended up buying a gluten free cookbook, a bag of Route 11 Dill Pickle chips (one of my faves), and some more Christmas gifts.
There is also a food counter where you can order fast food to go or take outside — includes breakfast sandwiches, burgers, fries, and more.