Natural Chimneys Park and Campground

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Visitor Center Information

The Visitor Center phone number is 540-245-5753. The Visitor Center hours from May 2026 through October 2026 are as follows:

Days of the Week	Open Hours
Sunday through Wednesday	10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Thursday	10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Friday and Saturday	10 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Hold an Event at Natural Chimneys

Want to Hold Your Own Event at Natural Chimneys?

Open space and facilities are available for special events at Natural Chimneys and require the approval of a Special Event Application.

What is a Special Event?

A Special Event is defined as any organized activity using park space that is either:

Open to the public, or
A private function that requires reserved space or special setups beyond a typical facility rental (such as a shelter).

The park staff reserves the right to determine the most suitable location for the event based on the planned activity and the appropriateness of the requested venue.

If you are interested, please contact park staff by email at camping@co.augusta.va.us or call the Augusta County Parks and Recreation Department at 540-245-5727.

Jousting Tournaments

For almost 200 years, jousting has been a mainstay at Natural Chimneys. Two annual special events take place at the park on a seventy-five-yard straight track complete with three evenly spaced timber frames:

National Hall of Fame Jousting Tournament - held in June
Natural Chimneys Jousting Tournament - held in August

This tournament is the oldest continuously held sporting event in North America, outliving the Kentucky Derby and the World Series.

These events are hosted and organized by the Natural Chimneys Jousting Club and the National Jousting Association.

Other Recreational Amenities

Hiking and Biking

Natural Chimneys has over 2.5 miles of combined hiking and biking trails. Approximately one (1) mile of this trail system is level and considered easy for both walking and biking. This trail meanders along the borders of the park, in and out of hardwood stands. The park borders the North River, giving the hiker a cool and refreshing walk beside calm waters when the river is running. Unfortunately, the river retreats underground at times in the summer due to low levels.

The remainder of the trails is on steep hills and ridges and is of medium difficulty. Overlooks give great peeks of the valley below with an unimpeded western view from behind the Natural Chimneys themselves. These trails are suitable for hikers and advanced mountain bikers only.

Illustrated map of the park showing the layout of major features including a pool, joust track, visitor center, playground, stage, Natural Chimneys, four picnic shelters and several trails.

Numerous wildflowers and wildlife are observable while using either trail. It is not uncommon to see a chipmunk or grey squirrel busy about the task of finding food or hear a songbird singing about the morning or an owl ‘hooting’ about its perch in the dark. White tail deer, wild turkey, and the occasional black bear have been sighted in the park. In fact, Natural Chimneys is included as an observation site for the Mountain Trail of the Virginia Birding & Wildlife Trail System. For additional details visit the Department of Wildlife Resources website.

Fishing

With approximately ¾ mile of frontage on the North River, a native trout habitat, the park offers easily accessible fishing holes. A license, issued by the State of Virginia, is required to fish and all state regulations and limits are applicable. Throughout the fall, winter, and spring, the river is stocked with trout by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, and fishing here requires a Trout License from October 1 through June 15. Please check the Department of Wildlife Resources website regarding trout re-stocking schedules.

This portion of the North River traditionally experiences low water levels in the summer and retreats to flow underground in the months of July, August, September, and most of October. This section of the river is not navigable by canoe or kayak at any time of year.

Basketball and Volleyball

A hard-surfaced basketball half-court is located in the front activity field of the park just west of the swimming pool. This court is available for general use during park hours.

A grass-surface volleyball court is located between Shelter #2 and Shelter #3 and is first available to rentals and then to any general use during park hours.

Balls or any other equipment, including posts, rims and nets, are not provided by the park.

Playground

A small playground including swings can be found within the campground at the south end. This playground is available for general use and placed for the convenience of campers. Equipment and structures are designed for children’s use and adult supervision is required.

Jousting Track

This seventy-five yard straight track with three evenly spaced timber frames is used exclusively for Jousting tournaments, exhibits, and practice throughout the year. The track is cooperatively maintained by the Natural Chimneys Jousting Club, the National Jousting Association, and the park staff. Bleachers are provided for spectators and the track is lit for post-dusk rides.

This track hosts two annual special events. The first is the National Hall of Fame Jousting Tournament in June. The second is the Natural Chimneys Jousting Tournament. This tournament is the oldest, continuously held sporting event in North America, outliving the Kentucky Derby and the World Series.

About Natural Chimneys

It's hard to imagine, but the Shenandoah Valley was once the floor of a great inland sea. Centuries ago, as that sea receded, the forces of nature carefully etched out an awe-inspiring formation of solid rock. The seven Natural Chimneys tower as much as 120 feet above the pastoral terrain of the Shenandoah Valley, offering onlookers a sight unrivaled in majesty.

Viewed from one angle, the formations resemble enormous chimneys standing in bleak contrast to the greenery of the Valley. Take a few steps, though, and the chimneys are transformed into the massive turrets of a foreboding medieval castle.

Natural Chimneys Park in Mt. Solon, Virginia offers more than simply the splendor of towering limestone formations. Both day visitors and those who choose to stay overnight in the seasonal campground find plenty of space and opportunities for recreation, relaxation and fellowship. The park is open for day use from dawn to dusk, seven days a week.

Learn more about Natural Chimneys' Geological & Historical Significance.

FAQs

Are there facilities available to rent?

Natural Chimneys Park has three picnic shelters available to rent for company picnics, reunions, birthday parties and other gatherings. They hold between 60 and 130 people, have water and permanent grills available and rentals cover an entire day's use from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. Check out the facilities you can rent on our Shelter Rentals page!

There is also a stage that may occasionally be rented; please contact our office at 540-245-5727 for further details.
Are there grills in the park? Where are they located and who can use them?

There are charcoal grills located at each of our four picnic shelters, with Shelter 3 having two grills. If a picnic shelter is reserved by a group, the grills are part of that reservation; otherwise they are available for use on a first come, first served basis. Please see our Shelter Rental page for more information.
Are there hiking trails in the park?

There are over two and a half miles of walking, hiking and biking trails in the park. Additional details can be found on our campground map.
Can I hold my wedding ceremony and/or reception at Natural Chimney Park?

Yes, shelter 3 and the immediate surrounding grounds may be rented for weddings or receptions. The maximum number of participants/guests is determined by the published capacity of the shelter and the maximum capacity may not be exceeded. Picnic tables are provided at each shelter for the enjoyment and convenience of Natural Chimneys’ guests. Any picnic tables that are moved by guests for a wedding or reception must be returned to their original location upon conclusion of wedding and/or reception or additional fees will be imposed. Please call our office at 540-245-5727 to discuss the availability of having your wedding at Natural Chimneys.

Also, there are many other wedding locations throughout the County. Check them out on the Augusta County Tourism website!
Do you allow pets in Natural Chimneys Park?

Leashed pets are allowed in all parts of the park and campground. Pets must not be left unattended in the campground for long periods of time and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets in all areas of the park and campground. Proof of license and vaccination is required and may be requested. Dogs creating a consistent noise disruption will need to be removed.
Is fishing available in the park?

The section of the North River that runs along the park boundary flows seasonally and usually retreats underground from mid-July through October. The river is part of the Department of Wildlife Resources’ Designated Stocked Trout Waters and is typically stocked five times between October 1 and May 15. Please see the DWR Website for license requirements and stocking dates.
Is metal detecting or flying drones allowed in the park?

No person shall utilize any type of electronic metal detecting device in any recreational facility.

For information on obtaining permission to fly drones in our park, please contact the Augusta County Parks and Recreation Department at 540-245-5727.
What does it cost to visit the park?

Nothing! Day use at the park is completely free for the majority of the year. Occasionally we have special events where we do charge an admission fee or the park is only open to ticket-holders. Before your visit, please call us at 540-245-5753 to find out if your visit conflicts with one of these private events.

If you are wanting to camp, all campers are responsible for registering and paying the associated fees to camp.
When is Natural Chimneys Park, Campground, Visitor Center and Camp Store open?

Natural Chimneys Park is open for day use (picnicking, sightseeing, hiking, fishing, etc.) from dawn until dusk, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Natural Chimneys Campground is open seasonally for family-style camping from May 1 through at least October 31 each year. Family is identified as immediate unmarried children living with parents.

Natural Chimneys Visitor Center and Camp Store is open seven days a week during the camping season. From November through April please see the hours posted.

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