Big Meadows Campground

Big Meadows Campground
Stanley, VA 22851

USAVirginiaShenandoah National Park

2 Reviews

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GPS Coordinates: 38.526648 -78.439769

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dido.brack
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Don’t pass this one by
Most recent stay was June 23rd thru June 26th 2017 – I’m “late” in posting my review ~ We camp in a Little Rig “Tear Drop” style RV only 15′ long w/o toilet or shower ~ plus we like to eat outdoors using the picnic table and set up our dining canopy for sun and weather protection and thus rely on condition of campgrounds facilities and being nearby our site ~ so our critique is focused in that area

We had reservations in Big Meadow Campground [recommended] and did get close to the restroom with flush toilets and sinks with warm water [several placed throughout the camp] but showers [private lockable rooms] were further away; the only one in camp at the entrance. Restrooms were cleaned twice a day [am/pm] but showers once daily [am] and they ran out of hot water every night due to full campground; best to take showers early am and bring extra quarters – in case you can’t finish in allotted time. Each shower had bench and hooks for towel and clothes but no rubber mats to keep feet dry when toweling off. Modern cheery bright rooms with full tile walls and floors. Overall still a good experience using both facilities

Campsite B107 was a paved dry camp [no hookups] but potable water was close by. Best thing about government campgrounds is the sites are roomy, and private with wide grassy greenspaces between neighboring sites. Had nice shade trees all around to ward off summer heat, but still somewhat sunny Big Meadow is a great location for a base camp as you explore the park [its very large] to hike the many trails – including the Appalachian Trail which runs through it and be sure to visit the several visitors centers to gather more information of things to do. Don’t miss driving Skyline Drive taking advantage of pulling off the side of the road at the many overlooks and don’t miss the lodge. A camping trip to the Shenandoah is a perfect place to get away from the typical tourist traps laced with commercialism if you want to unwind turn off the phone and enjoy nature along with the peaceful solitude it has to offer.
8 years ago
Superslif
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Overall Rating

Ease of Access

Quality of Sites

Customer Service

Reservation Process

Ambiance

Local Area

We have camped here a number of times on our way down to Myrtle Beach SC. The national park campground is divided into two large loops, one a mix of pull-thru and back in sites and mostly shady. The other loop is a little more open (less shade) with back in RV sites and walk-in tent sites. All pads are paved if I remember right. As far as sites being level, it’s a mix of everything, some level and some not level at all. There is no electric in the campground sites. There is electric outlets in the bathroom for shaving (or charging cell phones). There is water stations thru-out the campground for filling up jugs or running a hose over to fill up your RV’s water tank.

There was a number of bathrooms around the park, but the one shower building (pay showers) was near the check in station. The tent sites each had a “bear-proof” box (4’x 4′ x4′) to keep your food in. Both the bathrooms and showers were kept clean.

The actual “Big Meadow” ( about 700 acres) is about a mile away either by park road or paved bike path. That is where there is a visitor center (Harry F. Byrd Visitor Center) and a camp store. You can get or sign up for park tours and talks there. The AT (Appalachian Trail) hiking trail runs right around the campground in both directions. In the big meadow there are paths all around, where rangers give talks on what every aspect of life is like for all the animals. We have seen a bear or two near the edge of the meadow near the tree line. Next to the campground ( 1/4 mile away) there is the Big Meadow Lodge. There is also a lookout over the valley below. Great sunsets if the smog is not too bad. It used to be called Blackrock lookout, but not sure what it is call now since the Lodge has been changed from being called the Blackrock Lodge to the Big Meadow lodge.

The campground sits at about 3400′ and the valley below at 1000′ It can be over 100 degrees in the valley and only in the low 80’s in the campground. The campground is a perfect location along Skyline Drive if you like this type of camping.
10 years ago

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Secluded in the thick trees and rolling hills of Shenandoah National Park, the Big Meadows Campground is the ideal spot for an outdoor family getaway.

This expansive campground offers more than 200 campsites, including sites that can accommodate larger groups. Picnic areas are provided, as well as conveniences like flush toilets, showers and a dump station which creates a comfortable camping experience. There is limited WIFI access at the Byrd Visitor Center and Big Meadows Lodge. Cell phone reception is available at the Amphitheater.

Shenandoah National Park has over 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Some trails lead to a waterfall or viewpoint while others wind deep into the forest and wilderness. Big Meadows is near many of the major facilities and popular hiking trails in the park. Three waterfalls are within walking distance, and the Meadow, with its abundant plant growth and wildlife, is an ideal nearby attraction. Wildlife viewing is also a popular pastime, with black bears, wild turkey, deer, birds and countless other animals thriving in the park. The campground is also located right off the famous Skyline Drive, which runs 105 miles north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Stunning views are visible from any of the 75 scenic overlooks.

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