Shenandoah River Access Points for Summer Paddling
Where to launch a kayak or cast a line on the South Fork this August — from a rough Warren County ramp to a barrier-free landing in the Town of Shenandoah
Two public river access points anchor a South Fork Shenandoah paddling day this August: Karo Landing in Warren County, a no-frills trailer ramp off Route 340 near Front Royal, and Shenandoah River Park and Landing in Page County, a barrier-free concrete launch in the Town of Shenandoah. Both are free, public access points for self-guided kayak, canoe, or fishing outings.
A note on this guide: our most recent on-the-ground intel for both of these listings is dated, so treat details like hours or amenities as a starting point and confirm directly with the contacts below before you head out.
- Karo Landing — Front Royal, Warren County; rough trailer ramp off Rt. 340
- Shenandoah River Park and Landing — Morrison Street, Town of Shenandoah, Page County; barrier-free concrete landing; Google rating 4.7
Karo Landing: The Working Ramp
Karo Landing sits on the South Fork Shenandoah roughly a quarter mile off Route 340 in Warren County. It's listed among Virginia's public boating access points via the state Department of Wildlife Resources' access directory — the kind of unglamorous, gravel-and-concrete ramp anglers and paddlers actually use, rather than a manicured park. If you're trailering a boat or launching a fishing kayak, this is the utilitarian option: no amenities to speak of, just water access. Pair it with a stop at Battle of Front Royal Driving Tour if you want to extend the day into a bit of Civil War history around town.
Shenandoah River Park and Landing: The Easier Put-In
Downstream in Page County, Shenandoah River Park and Landing on Morrison Street in the Town of Shenandoah offers a genuinely barrier-free concrete landing — a meaningfully easier launch for families, older paddlers, or anyone hauling gear solo. It doubles as a small riverside town park, so it's a reasonable spot for a picnic or a wade-in swim even if you're not putting in a boat. At a 4.7 Google rating, it's clearly well-loved by locals who use it regularly.
Planning a River Day
Neither site rents equipment on-site, so bring your own kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. Because our latest information on both listings is aged, it's worth calling ahead — using the contact details below — to confirm the ramp or landing is still operating as described before you make the drive.
Planning Your Visit
- Karo Landing — Front Royal, Warren County, VA. Public access, no fee. dwr.virginia.gov/boating/access
- Shenandoah River Park and Landing — Morrison St, Shenandoah, Page County, VA. Phone: (540) 652-8164. visitluraypage.com
Places in this story
Sources
Reporting drew on sources available for these places:
- Karo Landing — venue signals
- Shenandoah River Park and Landing — venue signals
- Battle of Front Royal Driving Tour — venue signals
Frequently asked questions
Is Karo Landing a good spot for a trailered boat?
Yes, Karo Landing off Route 340 in Warren County has a trailer ramp, though it's described as rough and unimproved rather than a paved, manicured launch.
Is Shenandoah River Park and Landing accessible for all abilities?
Yes, its concrete boat landing on Morrison Street in the Town of Shenandoah is barrier-free, making it easier for families and anyone with mobility limitations to launch a boat or access the water.
Are these access points free and open to the public?
Yes, both Karo Landing and Shenandoah River Park and Landing are public river access points with no listed reservation requirement to launch a boat.
How current is the information on these two river access points?
Our most recent intel on both listings is dated, so call ahead using the contact information in the Planning Your Visit section to confirm current conditions before your trip.
This article was written from local venue data and reviewed by AI. Learn how we write these stories
Photo via Unsplash