Camp at Big Meadows, Shenandoah National Park
Stanley, Virginia
Description
Added by Steph FigPope
Right off of Skyline Drive (MM 51.2). White-tailed deer frequent the campground area. Showers and Laundromat. Great camping spot for thru-hikers, right off Appalachian Trail. 3 Waterfalls within walking distance. Conveniently located next to a Ranger Station, Visitor Center, the Big Meadows Lodge, Gas Station and Store.
Visiting Shenandoah National Park for the first time can be quite overwhelming. The 109 mile long Skyline Drive, combined with over 500 miles of hiking trails, makes camping is a necessity if you truly want to experience Shenandoah.
From the Appalachian thru-hiker to the RV'er, Big Meadows is perfectly located for all types of travelers. Located off of MM 51.2, it's a great campsite for those traveling in either direction through Shenandoah on Skyline Drive. Campers are able to get all the necessities they need, or forgot at home, at the nearby camp store. Even gas is available at the gas station next door (a rare find in any National Park)!
Secluded in the forest, Big Meadows is a great place if you want to see the local wildlife. White-tailed deer are abundantly found feeding off the grass in the area, which is perfect for the wildlife photographer. The campground is located in bear country, so make sure to properly store your food and belongings.
If you have time, make sure to hike to any of the three local waterfalls close to the campground! Big Meadows offers a convenient location near a lot of hiking trails and is directly located next to the Appalachian Trail. This campground is perfect for those who can't get enough hiking in during trips.
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Reviews
The perfect glamping spot for family trips!
5.0
Overnight camping is off limits in the meadow itself (the super convenient campground is literally across the road), but if you have a backcountry permit (easily acquired from the park) you can hike just beyond the meadow to plenty of campsites.
5.0
Great location to introduce my three kids eight and under to camping. There are heated bathrooms within 150 meters of all campsites; plenty of woods to explore from the tent camp sites; and it's easy to get to. Recommend tent site 38 on the edge of the campground. We had multiple deer sightings. This campground is perfect for both the Hawksbill Peak hike and Dark Hollow Falls hike. Three out of five stars because of the volume of people--but I would return and I do recommend it.
3.0
Big Meadows is a beautiful campground right in the park. I would definitely stay there again!
5.0
This Campground was the last camping adventure I went on before starting a year long sojourn into the National Parks. Coincidentally, it is also the last place I visited on that same year. Shenandoah National Park is like the Shire to me...there and back again. These woods have that majestic feel to them. Just reading this makes me want to go back...I think I will.
3.0
Just got back from camping here and it was phenomenal. Quiet, calm, and the views are just amazing. You won't regret camping here.
5.0
My boyfriend and I just camped here this past weekend! It was great. There were many deer hanging around the campsite and it was very close to some great waterfall hikes!
5.0
Leave No Trace
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Nearby
Three Falls Hike
Hike Dark Hollow Falls
Hike Big Meadows
Backpack Rose River Loop
Hike the Rose River Falls to Dark Hollow Falls Loop
Hike to Rose River Falls
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