Shenandoah National Park186
Campsite #186 at Big Meadows Campground, Shenandoah National Park, VA
$30
Campsite #186
| Drive-In | 6 people |
| 15 ft | Back-In |
| 2 | fair |
7/9
7/13
Campsite #186 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 (4)
5.0 out of 5
| 5 star | | 25% |
| 4 star | | 50% |
| 3 star | | 0% |
| 2 star | | 25% |
| 1 star | | 0% |
@StevenS990 · Camped on Aug 18, 2021 at Campsite #186
Very clean , good food at restaurants, well maintained, great showers
@AllanR180 · Camped on Jul 22, 2021 at Campsite #186
Campsites are too cramped together. Not a good campground for privacy or small children. Campground rangers are kind of dogmatic. I would look for other options in the future if I was to return to the area.
@AngelaS449 · Camped on Jun 13, 2021 at Campsite #186
Can hike right out of the campground which is wonderful. Sites are a little tight and my picnic table/fire ring was in a weird spot, also communal water was right behind me too. It wasn't really an issue. Do the Old Rag hike if you head to the park it's super fun.
@HeatherD633 · Camped on Jun 11, 2021 at Campsite #186
I enjoyed my stay at Big Meadows. The best campsites are along the very back loop with the Appalachian Trail running behind them. I stayed across from those sites. There are less big rigs in that area, which I appreciate as a tent camper. The campground doesn't offer much privacy, but it's still a lovely setting.
The hike to Dark Hollow Falls is nice, but a bit busy. Note that the entire hike there is down hills, so the entire hike back is uphill. It's easy to hop on the Appalachian Trail from the campground. It's very lush and you can easily find salamanders and newts. Turn right out of the campground and head to the nearest overlook to watch the sunset. Big Meadows should be good for stargazing, but it was too foggy during my visit. Head to the Lodge for ice cream. We were able to purchase ours quickly at the bar downstairs, just know that children can't be at the bar while you order.
Wood was over $7 a bundle, so keep that in mind if you plan on doing your cooking over the fire. If you can't handle older dirtier bathrooms, don't stay in the back loop. It didn't bother me. Be prepared for caterpillar poop raining down from the trees. You will want a tarp over your hammock.
All in all, it's a pleasant place to visit with less visitors than some other national parks. Make a visit to Luray Caverns during your stay. They are amazing! I love that the tours are currently self-guided as we could take our time and even felt alone in the cavern at one point.
The hike to Dark Hollow Falls is nice, but a bit busy. Note that the entire hike there is down hills, so the entire hike back is uphill. It's easy to hop on the Appalachian Trail from the campground. It's very lush and you can easily find salamanders and newts. Turn right out of the campground and head to the nearest overlook to watch the sunset. Big Meadows should be good for stargazing, but it was too foggy during my visit. Head to the Lodge for ice cream. We were able to purchase ours quickly at the bar downstairs, just know that children can't be at the bar while you order.
Wood was over $7 a bundle, so keep that in mind if you plan on doing your cooking over the fire. If you can't handle older dirtier bathrooms, don't stay in the back loop. It didn't bother me. Be prepared for caterpillar poop raining down from the trees. You will want a tarp over your hammock.
All in all, it's a pleasant place to visit with less visitors than some other national parks. Make a visit to Luray Caverns during your stay. They are amazing! I love that the tours are currently self-guided as we could take our time and even felt alone in the cavern at one point.
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