Outbound Collective logo

Camp at Big Meadows, Shenandoah National Park

Stanley, Virginia

4.4/5
based on 7 reviews

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.

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Chillin
Camping
Photography
Hiking
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Forest
Groups
Picnic Area
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildflowers
Wildlife
ADA Accessible

Camp at Big Meadows, Shenandoah National Park Reviews

The perfect glamping spot for family trips!

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.

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.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Three Falls Hike

Dark Hollow Falls

Lewis Falls via Lewis Spring

Big Meadows Loop

Hike the Rose River Falls to Dark Hollow Falls Loop

Backpack Rose River Loop