Shenandoah National Park177
Campsite #177 at Big Meadows Campground, Shenandoah National Park, VA
$30
Campsite #177
| Drive-In | 6 people |
| 15 ft | Back-In |
| 2 | fair |
4/16
Campsite #177 Features: Drive-In access, Back-in parking, 15ft driveway, Fire ring w/ Grill, Food Storage Locker, Picnic Table, RV Site, Tent Site, Trailer Site, Pets Allowed
Campsite Reviews (16)
4.0 out of 5
| 5 star | | 69% |
| 4 star | | 19% |
| 3 star | | 6% |
| 2 star | | 6% |
| 1 star | | 0% |
@HsinghuiCB2271 · Camped on Sep 12, 2025 at Campsite #177
Nice shaded lot. The slope makes it a bit hard for a good sleep.
No Service
@ZacharyR242214 · Camped on Jul 5, 2023 at Campsite #177
Good views from the E loop as it backs to the AT and you can see mountains through the trees. There is a downhill slope; this site has a flat spot for a small tent though.
Some Coverage
@JacquelinF4689 · Camped on Oct 6, 2022 at Campsite #177
Campsites are nice enough, but you are right on top of each other. If you like privacy, this is not the campground for you. Showers only in one location near campground entrance, and cost $2.50 (coins only) for 5 minutes. (Change machines accept $1 and $5 bills only.) We picked up firewood at the lodge and the wood was damp, making it difficult to get a fire going that first night. Camp store was good, with camp essentials, souvenirs. Trails were nice, although I would have appreciated some interpretive signs. (These were available at lookouts, but not on trails - at least not the ones we did.) Ranger programs we sat in on were good.
@GiavanaB66F5EB · Camped on Sep 5, 2022 at Campsite #177
We love this place and return every year, sometimes multiple times a year, as a family.
@MattG4515258 · Camped on Jun 5, 2022 at Campsite #177
Park is 5 stars, easily. Beautiful, well maintained hiking trails, and endless places to take in views of the valley. The actual Big Meadows -- the meadows themselves -- are a spectacular backcountry walk that brings you close to wildlife, have surprising vistas, and provide hours of easy strolling.This, however, is a review of the Big Meadows campground.The campsites are tightly packed. And RVs are mixed in with tents. This means (a) you usually have to walk a circuitous path to get to the bathrooms, and (b) you're going to be bombarded by generator noise every morning and evening. The area is car-centric, with the layout discouraging any exploring by foot.The firewood is priced at $7.99 +tax/bundle (each bundle is about an hour of burning time). Put aside the high price itself. Why the +tax? This is the NPS -- they are the tax. And why price it at $7.99 instead of $8? You have a captive audience--there's no need to resort to anti-consumerist tricks. The upshot is that you'll need to use your card or carry around sacks of change to get your firewood.Speaking of carrying around sacks of change, showers are $2.50/five minutes, quarters only. Speaking of nickeling and diming you, you need to pay $30 to get on Skyline drive for 20 minutes to get to the campsite. I guess this saves backpackers cash? Seems like it should be included. All in all, it would have been the same price but quieter and more convenient to stay at a rental or private campsite near the park.
@MargaretS19398 · Camped on May 8, 2022 at Campsite #177
Clean quiet campground right off the Appalachian Trail. Bathrooms on E Loop had a sign saying they were closed which is not appropriate for tent campers. However the door was unlocked and I still used them. Unfortunately camp store was only open three days a week the second week in May and the campground was full. The man that runs the campground store has been there the last three years and he is polite and friendly and very helpful. Joanne who works in the wayside is amazing! Chatted with me each day. Provided lots of tips and info on the surrounding areas. Gave me very good detailed information on some wonderful gems outside the national park . I loved going in every day to see her. So friendly and welcoming. Plenty of bear safe trash cans the indoor showers were spotless. Took a while for the hot water to come through but once it did pressure was great I actually felt clean after my shower. I always get the same campsite E1 77 because it is literally 8 feet off the Appalachian trail and I enjoy talking to all the Thru hikers.
Good
@LauraB158 · Camped on Sep 2, 2021 at Campsite #177
We spent quite a bit of time at the Big Meadows area during our week stay. Our stay involved driving Skyline Drive, some back country camping and lots of hiking. Big Meadows became a wonderful touch point. The campground was beautiful and well kept, and the facilities were very good. Rangers were friendly and helpful. We took in three ranger programs and all of them were great; one on geology of the park, one on heroes of the forest and then the star party which was AMAZING on a clear, moonless night.
For those who eat vegetarian foods, Big Meadows Lodge has a fantastic roasted vegetable pasta, lots of creative salads and tasty vegetable chili. The wayside is a bit more limited, but french fries are always fun.
For those who eat vegetarian foods, Big Meadows Lodge has a fantastic roasted vegetable pasta, lots of creative salads and tasty vegetable chili. The wayside is a bit more limited, but french fries are always fun.
Some Coverage
@TimothyC359 · Camped on Aug 13, 2021 at Campsite #177
We were doing a section hike of SNP and had made reservations for a campsite at Big Meadows. We set up the tent and went to the Tap Room and also the Dining Room for two wonderful experiences. The food was great and while we were there it rained and hailed! After dinner we went back to the campsite and enjoyed the companionship of other campers. One group was quite noisy but eventually they settled down. Excellent facilities and helpful staff.
Good
@JeanneL858 · Camped on Jul 21, 2021 at Campsite #177
Had the place almost to ourself during our nights there during the week! Even on the weekend it was quiet and peaceful—perfect camping weather didn’t hurt either!
Major Issues
@CarrieP256 · Camped on Jul 16, 2021 at Campsite #177
Campsite was nice, staff was friendly. Will definitely be coming back to stay
Major Issues
@MargaretS623 · Camped on May 23, 2021 at Campsite #177
As usual we loved camping at big meadows! E loop with gorgeous views! The only issue was one jerk that insisted on running his generator all the way up until 9:15 PM even after we politely informed him of the rules. He claimed that he was permitted to run his generator after seven for the purposes of air conditioning. That is not permitted and unfortunately the camp host on our loop was out of town at the time. Luckily they left the next day and we were able to to enjoy our our 5 nights in peace! Campsite 177 is literally 3 feet off the Appalachian Trail and I had a great time meeting up with all the thru hikers and discussing their journeys!!!!!
Good
@MaliniR500 · Camped on May 16, 2021 at Campsite #177
Great, clean campground. Our site was right next to the Appalachian Trail, which provided quick access to great hiking. We plan on visiting again in the future!
Some Coverage
@JeffreyO357529 · Camped on Oct 14, 2019 at Campsite #177
Loved the campground and all the facilities, well maintained and beautiful. All the staff were so professional, so nice, and full of good information.
@DavidW7736336 · Camped on Sep 8, 2019 at Campsite #177
Several of the bathrooms were in need of some serious repair and maintenance.
@TatianaAF95C08 · Camped on Aug 6, 2019 at Campsite #177
Our site was next to the AT trail which was nice. Big Meadows was very convenient with washer/dryer, places to eat, store and showers. Big Meadows was also close to some trails from the campground. Butterflies and chipmunks everywhere. We had a wonderful time hiking and camping.
@DeborahH212620 · Camped on Jul 30, 2019 at Campsite #177
We always enjoy our summer tent camping trip to Big Meadows Campground! We hiked, enjoyed cooking some tasty meals on our site, visited the restaurant at the lodge for good food and some entertainment, and basically just loved our time together with nature.
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