Let’s start with one detail that confuses many out-of-state visitors: the “Harrisonburg Buc-ee’s” isn’t actually located in Harrisonburg. It is in Mount Crawford, Virginia, a small Rockingham County town around 10 miles, or about 10 minutes, south of Harrisonburg. Locals are often quick to correct visitors who use the wrong name, so Mount Crawford Buc-ee’s or Rockingham County Buc-ee’s is more accurate.

Virginia’s first-ever Buc-ee’s opened on June 30, 2025, at 6:00 AM at 6500 Buc-ee’s Boulevard, Mount Crawford, VA 22841. Located directly off Interstate 81 at Exit 240, it sits between Harrisonburg and Staunton in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. Governor Glenn Youngkin and Buc-ee’s CEO Arch “Beaver” Aplin III attended the 10 AM ribbon-cutting, while thousands of visitors lined up before dawn. Opening-day guests even included Buc-ee’s fans from other states and countries. This guide covers everything you need to know  the correct address, nearby JMU and Shenandoah Valley attractions, distances from Washington, DC, and Richmond, the local naming debate, and what’s next for Buc-ee’s in Virginia, including the New Kent project delayed to December 2031 and the approved Stafford County location, which still has no confirmed opening date.

Quick Facts at a Glance:

• Location: 6500 Buc-ee’s Boulevard, Mount Crawford, VA 2284, located in Mount Crawford, not Harrisonburg
• Highway Access: Interstate 81, Exit 24
• County: Rockingham County, Virginia
• From Harrisonburg: About 10 miles south (approximately 10–15 minutes)
• From Washington, DC: Around 130 miles west (roughly 2 hours 30 minutes)
• From Richmond: About 120 miles northwest (around 2 hours)
• From Charlottesville: Approximately 50 miles west (about 1 hour)
• Opening Date: June 30, 2025 Virginia’s first Buc-ee’s location
• Store Size: 74,000 square feet
• Fueling Stations: 120 pumps
• EV Charging: 24 charging stations
• Employment: More than 200 full-time jobs
• Hours: Open 24/7, every day of the year
• Future Virginia Locations: New Kent is now delayed until December 2031, while Stafford County was approved in May 2026 with its opening timeline still unconfirmed

No, there isn’t a Buc-ee’s within Harrisonburg city limits. However, the nearest location is only about 10 miles south in Mount Crawford, Virginia. For most visitors and locals, the Mount Crawford store is essentially the Buc-ee’s serving the Harrisonburg area.

Distance from downtown Harrisonburg:

• Around a 10–15 minute drive south on I-81
• Take Exit 240 for Friedens Church Road / Mount Crawford
• Buc-ee’s Boulevard is located directly off the exit

Whether you’re a James Madison University student, a Rockingham County local, or traveling through the Shenandoah Valley, the Mount Crawford Buc-ee’s is close enough for a quick stop rather than a major road trip detour.

Wait — Is It in Harrisonburg or Mount Crawford?

If you skipped the introduction, here’s the important clarification: the Buc-ee’s is located in Mount Crawford, Virginia not Harrisonburg. And yes, locals care about the difference.

The official location details:

• Physical location: Mount Crawford, Virginia, in Rockingham County
• Address: 6500 Buc-ee’s Boulevard, Mount Crawford, VA 22841
• Highway access: I-81 at Exit 240
• Nearest major city: Harrisonburg, around 10 miles north

Why does the name matter to locals?

Mount Crawford is its own small community in Rockingham County with a distinct local identity. When visitors or national media automatically call the store the “Harrisonburg Buc-ee’s,” many locals are quick to point out that the location is actually in Mount Crawford. The distinction regularly comes up in local Facebook groups and community discussions.

Better ways to refer to the location:

• Mount Crawford Buc-ee’s: the most accurate name
• Rockingham County Buc-ee’s: also correct
• Virginia’s first Buc-ee’s: useful in a broader context
• Shenandoah Valley Buc-ee’s: geographically accurate

The name locals may not appreciate:

• Harrisonburg Buc-ee’s: nearby, but technically incorrect
• Northern Shenandoah Buc-ee’s: Mount Crawford is part of the central Shenandoah Valley

Bottom line: the store is in Mount Crawford, so calling it the Mount Crawford Buc-ee’s is the safest and most accurate choice.

NOTE:For first-time visitors, one of the biggest surprises is often the enormous parking area and how quickly the fresh brisket line moves, even when the store is packed.

Everything about the Virginia store, opened June 30, 2025:

Building, Fuel & Store Information

Building & Location:

• Store size: 74,000 square feet
• Address: 6500 Buc-ee’s Boulevard, Mount Crawford, VA 22841
• Highway access: Interstate 81 at Exit 240
• County: Rockingham County
• Nearest major city: Harrisonburg, approximately 10 miles north

Fuel & EV Charging:

• Fueling positions: 120
• EV chargers: 24 stations
• DEF: Available
• Ethanol-free fuel: Available

What’s Inside the Store?

The Mount Crawford Buc-ee’s features the brand’s signature massive retail space along with popular favorites such as the Wall of Jerky, fresh brisket sandwiches, kolaches, homemade fudge, Beaver Nuggets, and freshly baked pastries. Visitors can also shop the full range of Buc-ee’s merchandise and use the chain’s famous award-winning restrooms.

The location remains open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year long.

Jobs & Employee Benefits

The location created more than 200 full-time jobs, with starting wages above the minimum wage. Eligible employees can receive benefits including health insurance, a 6% 401(k) match, and three weeks of paid vacation.

Opening Day Details

• Grand opening: Monday, June 30, 2025, at 6:00 AM
• Ribbon-cutting ceremony: 10:00 AM
• Governor Glenn Youngkin attended
• Buc-ee’s CEO Arch “Beaver” Aplin III attended
• Members of the Rockingham County Board of Supervisors were present
• County Administrator Casey Armstrong also attended

The Grand Opening Story (June 30, 2025)

Virginia’s first Buc-ee’s opening became one of the region’s biggest events. Here’s how it unfolded:

Before the Grand Opening:

A few days before opening, on Friday, June 27, 2025, Buc-ee’s hosted a special event for first responders from 11 AM to 2 PM. Police officers, firefighters, and EMTs from Rockingham County and nearby communities were invited to enjoy complimentary food and drinks at the Mount Crawford location. Around three weeks before opening, Rockingham County Economic Development and Tourism Coordinator Joshua Gooden said the store was approximately 95% complete.

Opening Morning at 6 AM:

The excitement started long before sunrise. Some Buc-ee’s fans camped overnight, while cars began arriving as early as 3–4 AM. By the time the doors opened at 6 AM, hundreds of people were already waiting in line. The first customer to enter the store was a Rockingham County local.

The 10 AM Ribbon-Cutting:

The official ceremony took place at 10 AM, with Governor Glenn Youngkin, Buc-ee’s CEO Arch “Beaver” Aplin III, and members of the Rockingham County Board of Supervisors taking part. Youngkin highlighted I-81, the local workforce, and the area’s business-friendly environment as major reasons the location made sense.

Visitors From Beyond Virginia:

The opening attracted far more than local visitors. WHSV reported that Buc-ee’s fans came from other states and even other countries to experience Virginia’s first location. For many dedicated fans, the Mount Crawford opening became a genuine road-trip destination.

A Busy Opening Day:

Thousands of visitors came through the store during June 30, creating heavy crowds throughout the day. The new Buc-ee’s remained extremely busy before gradually transitioning into its regular 24/7 operations the following day.

Governor Youngkin and CEO Aplin: Buc-ee’s Future in Virginia

One important detail from the June 30, 2025 grand opening was the message about Buc-ee’s future plans in Virginia. Governor Glenn Youngkin and Buc-ee’s CEO Arch “Beaver” Aplin III made it clear that the Rockingham County location was not expected to be the company’s only store in the Commonwealth.

According to WHSV, Youngkin and Aplin said Buc-ee’s was already exploring additional locations across Virginia, confirming that the Mount Crawford store was only part of a larger expansion plan.

The Virginia projects currently being discussed include:

1. New Kent County, east of Richmond: First announced in 2023 and originally expected around 2027, the project is now delayed until December 2031.

2. Stafford County, near Fredericksburg: Approved in May 2026, with further development and zoning steps still ahead.

3. Additional Virginia locations: Statements from Youngkin and Aplin indicate that more locations could eventually be added.

Buc-ee’s is reportedly planning four Virginia stores in total. Mount Crawford is already open, New Kent remains planned despite its major delay, Stafford County is moving forward, and a potential fourth location has not yet been officially confirmed.

The DC-Area Opportunity

The growing Virginia expansion also has implications for the wider Washington, DC metro area. Maryland fans have expressed interest in getting their own Buc-ee’s, although Aplin has not publicly confirmed plans for Maryland. However, future locations in Northern Virginia could potentially serve many travelers from the greater DC region as well.

The JMU Angle (James Madison University)

One thing that makes the Mount Crawford Buc-ee’s especially interesting is its connection to James Madison University (JMU). Located in Harrisonburg, JMU is only about 15 minutes from the Buc-ee’s, making the store a convenient stop for students, parents, faculty, and visitors.

With roughly 22,000 students, JMU creates a major source of traffic throughout the year.

How JMU affects Buc-ee’s traffic:

• Move-in weekends in August: Families and students traveling from Northern Virginia, Richmond, Washington, DC, and other areas often pass the Mount Crawford location on I-81.
• Move-out weekends in May: The same traffic pattern happens in reverse as students head home.
• Football weekends: Home games at Bridgeforth Stadium can bring additional travelers through the Harrisonburg area.
• Holiday breaks: Thanksgiving, Winter Break, Spring Break, and other travel periods create more opportunities for students to stop for fuel and snacks.
• Regular weekends: Some nearby students simply visit Buc-ee’s as a fun weekend outing.

Popular Buc-ee’s picks for college students include:

• Fresh brisket sandwiches for a filling meal
• Beaver Nuggets as an easy dorm snack
• Jerky for quick protein and study sessions
• Buc-ee’s T-shirts, hats, and other merchandise

Advice for JMU parents: If possible, avoid stopping during peak move-in and move-out periods. Weekday afternoons or quieter weekend hours are usually a better choice, while early mornings and late evenings can also help you avoid the biggest crowds.

(For families visiting JMU from out of town, a quick stop at the Mount Crawford Buc-ee’s for fuel, snacks, or fresh brisket can easily become part of the trip.)

Shenandoah Valley Tourism Pairing

The Mount Crawford Buc-ee’s is conveniently located for travelers exploring the Shenandoah Valley. Whether you are heading toward mountain scenery, historic attractions, college events, or a weekend getaway, it can make an easy stop for fuel, food, and road-trip supplies.

Attractions within about 30–45 minutes

• Shenandoah National Park: Around 30 minutes east, with access near Swift Run Gap.
• Skyline Drive: The famous 105-mile scenic route through Shenandoah National Park.
• Massanutten Resort: About 25 minutes northeast and popular for skiing and year-round family activities.
• Bridgewater College: Roughly 5 miles south of Mount Crawford.
• Grand Caverns: Around 20 minutes away and one of the area’s historic cave attractions.
• Luray Caverns: Approximately 45 minutes north and one of Virginia’s best-known cave systems.

Popular destinations within around an hour or more:

• New Market Battlefield: About 30 minutes north for Civil War history.
• Blue Ridge Parkway: Accessible through several regional routes.
• Charlottesville: Around one hour away, with the University of Virginia, Monticello, and wineries.
• Richmond: Roughly two hours away.
• Washington, DC: Approximately 2½ hours away.

Planning Your Shenandoah Valley Route

Whether you’re visiting for fall foliage on Skyline Drive, a Charlottesville winery trip, or a JMU football weekend, Mount Crawford Buc-ee’s can fit naturally into an I-81 road trip. It is an easy place to fill up the tank, grab food, and stock up on snacks before heading toward the mountains.

Pro tip: During peak fall foliage season, typically from mid-October into early November, Skyline Drive can become extremely busy. Consider stopping at Buc-ee’s early and heading toward Shenandoah National Park in the morning to get ahead of the larger crowds.

Distance from Washington DC, Richmond, and Charlottesville

Since Mount Crawford is currently Virginia’s only open Buc-ee’s, many travelers from major Virginia cities make a dedicated road trip to visit it.

From Washington, DC:

• Distance: Around 130 miles
• Route: I-66 West to I-81 South
• Drive time: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes without major traffic
• Note: I-66 tolls may apply depending on the route and travel time

From Richmond:

• Distance: About 120 miles northwest
• Route: I-64 West to I-81 North
• Drive time: Roughly 2 hours
• Alternate route: US-33 West through Ruckersville

From Charlottesville:

• Distance: Around 50 miles west
• Route: US-250 West toward I-81
• Drive time: About 1 hour
• Advantage: Charlottesville offers one of the easiest drives from a major Virginia city

From Northern Virginia:

• Distance: Approximately 150 miles
• Route: I-495 to I-66 West, then I-81 South
• Drive time: Around 2 hours 45 minutes

From Roanoke:

• Distance: About 130 miles north via I-81
• Drive time: Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes

From Winchester:

• Distance: Roughly 90 miles south on I-81
• Drive time: Around 1 hour 30 minutes

Realistic Travel Advice

• DC residents: Combine your Buc-ee’s visit with a Shenandoah Valley weekend trip.
• Richmond residents: Pair the drive with a Charlottesville visit, or wait for the future New Kent location.
• Charlottesville residents: An easy day trip, with roughly a one-hour drive.
• Norfolk and Hampton Roads residents: The trip is more than 200 miles, so it is less practical as a casual visit.

Other Virginia Buc-ee’s Locations Coming (2027–2031)

Virginia is expected to have at least three Buc-ee’s locations, with the possibility of a fourth in the future. Here’s the current Virginia expansion pipeline:

Mount Crawford (Rockingham County) — Now Open

• Address: 6500 Buc-ee’s Boulevard, Mount Crawford, VA 22841
• Opened: June 30, 2025
• Highway: Interstate 81 at Exit 240
• Size: 74,000 square feet

Stafford County — Approved in May 2026

• Location: Interstate 95 near Exit 140
• County: Stafford County, near Fredericksburg
• Status: Approved in May 2026 and continuing through development and zoning steps
• Possible opening: Around 2028–2029, although this remains speculation and has not been officially confirmed
• Potential service area: Northern Virginia, the DC metro region, and Fredericksburg

New Kent County — Delayed Until December 2031

• Highway: Interstate 64 at Exit 211
• County: New Kent County, east of Richmond
• Original opening goal: 2027
• Current target: December 2031
• Reason for delay: The project depends on a major $84 million VDOT interchange project, currently expected to be completed by September 2029
• State support: Governor Youngkin secured $20 million through the Transportation Partnership Opportunity Fund

Once these locations are operating, Buc-ee’s would have a presence along I-81, I-95, and I-64, covering several of Virginia’s most important interstate travel corridors. A potential fourth Virginia location could further expand the company’s reach across the state.

The New Kent County Delay Story

The planned New Kent County Buc-ee’s has become especially notable because of its long development delay, making it one of the company’s most delayed projects.

The Timeline So Far

• 2023: The New Kent County location was announced with an initial target of 2027.
• December 15, 2025: A New Kent County Planning Commission meeting revealed that the project timeline was connected to the VDOT Exit 211 Interchange Improvement Project.
• December 26, 2025: Buc-ee’s confirmed a new grand opening target of December 2031.
• Current situation: The Buc-ee’s project is being aligned with the completion of major road and interchange improvements.

The Infrastructure Project

The delay is largely connected to the Exit 211 interchange improvement project, which involves major infrastructure work.

• Total project cost: Approximately $84 million
• Transportation Partnership Opportunity Fund support: $20 million secured under Governor Youngkin
• Design phase: 2025–2026
• Expected construction start: Spring 2027
• Expected infrastructure completion: September 2029

Why This Matters for Virginia Buc-ee’s Fans

Until another Virginia location opens, Mount Crawford remains the state’s only operating Buc-ee’s. That means many visitors from Richmond, Northern Virginia, the DC area, and other parts of the state still have to make a significant drive for an in-state Buc-ee’s experience.

The realistic advice: If you want to visit Buc-ee’s in Virginia, there is little reason to wait for New Kent. Mount Crawford is open now, while Stafford County may eventually provide another option before the New Kent project reaches its currently planned 2031 opening.

Nearest Buc-ee’s to Major Virginia Cities

Here’s a practical distance guide for major Virginia cities, using Mount Crawford as Virginia’s only currently open Buc-ee’s location.

City	Distance to Mount Crawford	Drive Time	Alternative After Future Stores
Harrisonburg	~10 mi south	~15 min	(Mount Crawford will always be closest)
Staunton	~20 mi south	~25 min	(Mount Crawford closest)
Waynesboro	~30 mi east	~35 min	(Mount Crawford closest)
Charlottesville	~50 mi east	~1 hour	Stafford County ~85 mi northeast
Lexington	~50 mi south	~50 min	(Mount Crawford closest)
Roanoke	~130 mi south	~2h 15min	(Mount Crawford closest for a while)
Blacksburg	~150 mi south	~2h 30min	(Mount Crawford closest for a while)
Winchester	~90 mi north	~1h 30min	Stafford County ~90 mi east
Fredericksburg	~140 mi east	~2h 20min	Stafford County ~20 mi north
Alexandria / Arlington	~150 mi east	~2h 45min	Stafford County ~55 mi south
Washington DC	~130 mi east	~2h 30min	Stafford County ~60 mi south
Richmond	~120 mi east	~2h	New Kent (2031) ~35 mi east
Newport News / Hampton	~180 mi east	~3h	New Kent (2031) ~70 mi west
Norfolk	~200 mi east	~3h 15min	New Kent (2031) ~85 mi west
Virginia Beach	~215 mi east	~3h 30min	New Kent (2031) ~90 mi west

Takeaways:

• Shenandoah Valley residents in Harrisonburg, Staunton, Waynesboro, and Lexington have the easiest access, with most trips taking roughly 15–50 minutes.
• Charlottesville residents have one of the shortest urban drives, at about 1 hour.
• DC-area travelers currently face a drive of around 2½ hours to Mount Crawford, although the future Stafford location could shorten that trip.
• Richmond-area residents currently drive about 2 hours to Mount Crawford, with the New Kent location expected to provide a much closer option once it opens.
• Hampton Roads and Norfolk residents remain among the most underserved, with Mount Crawford more than 3 hours away and New Kent expected to be more than 2 hours away once operational.

The Mount Crawford location can get very busy, especially on weekends when Shenandoah Valley tourism increases. If you want a quieter experience, timing your visit can make a big difference.

Best times to visit:

• Tuesday–Thursday, 10 AM–2 PM: Usually the quietest part of the week, with easier parking and shorter lines.
• Weekday mornings, 6–8 AM: A good option for grabbing fuel and food before the day gets busy.
• Late evenings, 9 PM–midnight: Generally calmer, while the store remains fully stocked.

Times to avoid:

• Weekend afternoons, Friday–Sunday, 12 PM–6 PM: Heavy tourism traffic can mean longer checkout lines.
• JMU move-in weekends: Mid-August can bring especially large crowds.
• Fall foliage season: Mid-October through early November is busy around Skyline Drive, particularly on weekends.
• Thanksgiving weekend: Holiday travelers from the DC region can add significant traffic.
• JMU football weekends: Home games can create noticeable increases in local traffic.
• For DC-area day trippers: A Saturday morning arrival around 8–9 AM is a good strategy. If you plan to drive back the same day, consider leaving by around 3 PM to avoid some of the heavier afternoon traffic on I-66.

My honest recommendations:

• Live in Harrisonburg, Staunton, or the Shenandoah Valley? Mount Crawford is essentially your local Buc-ee’s, so it can easily become a regular stop.
• JMU student, faculty member, or parent? It is only about 15 minutes from campus and works well for move-in weekends, football games, and school breaks.
• Live in Charlottesville? The roughly 1-hour drive west makes it one of the easiest Buc-ee’s trips from a major Virginia city.
• Live in Washington, DC, or Northern Virginia? Expect around 2½ hours west. Combine it with a Shenandoah Valley day trip or weekend, preferably visiting early or during a weekday.
• Live in Richmond? It is about a 2-hour drive northwest until the New Kent location opens in 2031, making Mount Crawford a realistic day trip.
• Live in Hampton Roads or Norfolk? The drive is 3+ hours, so it makes more sense as a special Buc-ee’s visit rather than a casual stop. New Kent should eventually be a closer option.
• Live anywhere in the DC-Maryland-Virginia region? Keep an eye on the Stafford County project. If its timeline moves forward as expected, it could become a much more convenient option than Mount Crawford.

For Shenandoah Valley trips:

• Skyline Drive fall foliage: Stop at Buc-ee’s before heading into the park.
• JMU football weekends: Grab fuel or food before or after the game.
• Massanutten ski trips: Use Buc-ee’s as a convenient fuel and food stop.
• Civil War history trips: It makes a useful stopping point when visiting New Market, Cross Keys, and nearby historic sites.

What I’ll Be Watching Next

1. Stafford County construction: Approved in May 2026 and still progressing through development. Once construction begins, there should be a clearer timeline for a Northern Virginia/DC-area Buc-ee’s option.

2. New Kent VDOT interchange: The interchange has a September 2029 completion target. Any major delay could also affect the Buc-ee’s timeline.

3. More Virginia announcements: Aplin and Youngkin have indicated they are exploring additional Virginia sites, so future announcements could potentially involve areas such as Hampton Roads, Roanoke, or Northern Virginia.

Best routing tip: If you’re visiting the Shenandoah Valley, plan your Mount Crawford Buc-ee’s stop for an off-peak morning. You’ll have a better chance of avoiding the heaviest crowds on both the interstate and inside the store.

 Buc-ee’s Harrisonburg VA Menu: What Can You Eat?

The Mount Crawford Buc-ee’s offers the full Buc-ee’s food experience, making it more than just a fuel stop. Popular choices include fresh brisket sandwiches, pulled pork, kolaches, jerky, Beaver Nuggets, homemade fudge, fresh pastries, breakfast items, and cold drinks. You can also find a large selection of road-trip snacks and Buc-ee’s merchandise under one roof.

Buc-ee’s Harrisonburg VA Gas Prices & Fuel Options

Fuel is one of the main reasons travelers stop at Buc-ee’s while driving through the Shenandoah Valley. The Mount Crawford location has 120 fueling positions, along with diesel, ethanol-free fuel, and DEF. It also has 24 EV charging stations for electric vehicles. Since fuel prices change regularly, it is best to check the current price before your trip.

4. Buc-ee’s Harrisonburg VA Map & Directions

The Buc-ee’s near Harrisonburg is located at 6500 Buc-ee’s Boulevard, Mount Crawford, VA 22841, directly off I-81 at Exit 240. From Harrisonburg, it is roughly 10 miles south and about a 10–15 minute drive. JMU visitors can also reach the store in around 15–20 minutes, making it an easy stop for students, parents, and travelers exploring the Shenandoah Valley.

 Buc-ee’s Harrisonburg VA Parking & RV Information

The Mount Crawford location has a large parking area designed to handle the heavy traffic that Buc-ee’s attracts. RV travelers can stop and use the location, but overnight parking is not allowed. As with other Buc-ee’s travel centers, 18-wheelers and semi-trucks are not permitted, so the location is primarily designed for passenger vehicles and RV visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there a Buc-ee’s in Harrisonburg, VA?

No, there is no Buc-ee’s within Harrisonburg city limits. Virginia’s first Buc-ee’s is located in Mount Crawford, about 10 miles south of Harrisonburg along Interstate 81. For practical purposes, it serves the Harrisonburg area.

2. Where is the Buc-ee’s near Harrisonburg?

The location is 6500 Buc-ee’s Boulevard, Mount Crawford, VA 22841, at Interstate 81 Exit 240 in Rockingham County. It is approximately a 10–15 minute drive south of Harrisonburg.

3. Is it called the Harrisonburg Buc-ee’s or the Mount Crawford Buc-ee’s?

The official location is the Mount Crawford Buc-ee’s, although many people refer to it as the Harrisonburg Buc-ee’s because Harrisonburg is the nearest major city. Local residents generally prefer Mount Crawford Buc-ee’s or Rockingham County Buc-ee’s.

4. When did the Virginia Buc-ee’s open?

The Mount Crawford location opened on Monday, June 30, 2025, at 6:00 AM. A ribbon-cutting ceremony followed at 10:00 AM, with Governor Glenn Youngkin and CEO Arch “Beaver” Aplin III in attendance.

5. How big is the Mount Crawford Buc-ee’s?

The Mount Crawford Buc-ee’s measures 74,000 square feet and features 120 fueling stations and 24 EV charging stations.

6. How many gas pumps does the Mount Crawford Buc-ee’s have?

The store has 120 fueling positions, providing plenty of capacity for travelers stopping along I-81.

7. How many EV charging stations are at Mount Crawford Buc-ee’s?

There are 24 electric vehicle charging stations available at the Mount Crawford location.

8. Is the Mount Crawford Buc-ee’s open 24 hours?

Yes. The store is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

9. How far is Mount Crawford Buc-ee’s from Washington, DC?

The Buc-ee’s is approximately 130 miles west of Washington, DC. The trip takes around 2 hours 30 minutes without traffic, generally using I-66 and I-81. Many DC-area visitors make it a day trip or combine it with a Shenandoah Valley visit.

10. How far is Mount Crawford Buc-ee’s from Richmond?

Mount Crawford is approximately 120 miles northwest of Richmond, with a typical drive of about 2 hours via I-64 West and I-81 North. Richmond travelers will eventually have a closer option when the New Kent Buc-ee’s opens in December 2031.

11. How far is Mount Crawford Buc-ee’s from Charlottesville?

The Mount Crawford location is around 50 miles west of Charlottesville, making the drive approximately 1 hour. This gives Charlottesville residents the shortest urban-metro drive to a Virginia Buc-ee’s.

12. Are there other Buc-ee’s coming to Virginia?

Yes. At least two additional Virginia locations are planned:

• Stafford County: Near Fredericksburg, off I-95 Exit 140. Approved in May 2026, with the opening timeline still TBD.
• New Kent County: East of Richmond, near I-64 Exit 211. The current opening target is December 2031.

13. Why is the New Kent County Buc-ee’s delayed until 2031?

The New Kent project depends on a $84 million VDOT interchange improvement project that is not expected to be completed until September 2029. Buc-ee’s is coordinating its development with the infrastructure work, resulting in the December 2031 opening target. This represents the biggest delay in Buc-ee’s company history.

14. Is Buc-ee’s coming to Northern Virginia or the DC metro area?

There is no directly confirmed Northern Virginia location. However, the planned Stafford County Buc-ee’s, approximately 60 miles south of DC along I-95, should provide a much closer option for DC-area travelers once it opens. Until then, Mount Crawford remains the closest Virginia option.

15. Is Buc-ee’s coming to Maryland?

There has been no official announcement of a Maryland Buc-ee’s. Some DC-Maryland-Virginia media outlets have reported interest from Maryland Buc-ee’s fans, but CEO Arch “Beaver” Aplin III has not publicly committed to a Maryland location.

16. How far is JMU from the Mount Crawford Buc-ee’s?

James Madison University is located in Harrisonburg, approximately 12–15 miles north of the Buc-ee’s. Depending on traffic, the drive from the JMU campus takes roughly 15–20 minutes.

17. Are semi-trucks allowed at Mount Crawford Buc-ee’s?

No. Buc-ee’s does not allow 18-wheelers or semi-trucks at its travel centers, including Mount Crawford. The location is intended for passenger vehicles and RV travelers.

18. Can RVs park overnight at Mount Crawford Buc-ee’s?

RVs are welcome to stop at the Buc-ee’s, but overnight parking is not permitted. This follows the standard Buc-ee’s policy used across its locations.

19. What are the nearest tourist attractions to Mount Crawford Buc-ee’s?

Several popular Shenandoah Valley attractions are within a convenient drive:

• Shenandoah National Park: Approximately 30 minutes east
• Skyline Drive: Around 30 minutes east
• Massanutten Resort: About 25 minutes northeast
• Grand Caverns: Roughly 20 minutes east
• Luray Caverns: Around 45 minutes north
• New Market Battlefield: About 30 minutes north

The Bottom Line

The Mount Crawford Buc-ee’s became Virginia’s first location when it opened on June 30, 2025, marking an important step in Buc-ee’s expansion across the East Coast. Its location along I-81 makes it especially convenient for Shenandoah Valley travelers, JMU visitors, regional road trippers, and DC-area weekend travelers. For Buc-ee’s fans across the Mid-Atlantic, it is a destination worth adding to a road trip.