Shenandoah National Park-Big Meadows

A great campground within the park

Most recent stay was June 23rd thru June 26th 2017 ~ 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 our site B107 was very close to the restroom [several placed throughout the camp]. It had flush toilets, sinks with luke warm water, and electrical outlets. The showers [private lockable rooms] were further away; the only one in camp near the entrance in vicinity of the check-in ranger station. 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 room was cheery and bright with modern fixtures. The walls and floors were full on tiled, had a bench and ample # of hooks for towel and clothes but no rubber mats to keep feet dry when toweling off. Overall still a good experience using both facilities

All roadways and sites are paved with mostly level sites though some are not and you’ll need blocks. This is a dry campground (no hookups) although there is ample # of water spigots near all restrooms. The campground is laid out in two loops; 1 has pull-thru and back in sites and has more shade than the other loop with more open back in sites and a separate area for walk-in tent sites which had (4’x 4′ x4′) “bear-proof” food boxes; don’t use your tent or coolers left outside to store food.

The campground is about 3400′ whereas the valley below is around 1000’. Summertime temps can soar to over 100 degrees in the valley, but is usually in the 80’s in the park’s campgrounds. 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

The actual “Big Meadow” area is about a mile away from the campground either by car or paved bike path. That is where there the Harry F. Byrd Visitor Center is along with a camp store. You can get or sign up for park tours and talks there. Big Meadow Lodge is also nearby and a lookout over the valley below. You’ll see great sunsets if the haze clears