Big Meadows Travel Guide

The Big Meadows area is a large, open meadow located in the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. The meadow is bordered by the Appalachian Mountains to the west and the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east. The area is known for its abundant wildlife, including deer, bear, wild turkey, and a variety of songbirds. The Big Meadows area is also home to a number of rare plant species.

History

The area was originally settled by Native Americans who used it as a hunting and fishing ground. The first European settlers arrived in the late 1600s and established farms in the area.

In the early 1900s, the area was developed for recreation and tourism. The Big Meadows Lodge was built in the 1930s, and the area became a popular destination for hiking, camping, and picnicking.

Today, the Big Meadows area is still a popular recreation spot, and the lodge offers a variety of lodging and dining options. The campground is open from late May until mid-October and offers over 100 sites for tents, RVs, and trailers. The campground is situated in a forested area and offers a variety of amenities including flush toilets, showers, a dump station and a playground.

The lodge is set in a beautiful location with stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains. It has a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from camping and RV sites to cabins and suites. There is also a range of facilities and activities on offer, including a swimming pool, a restaurant, a bar, a gift shop, and a range of hiking and biking trails.

Experience Overview

Average Weather

Spring
30 °
Summer
50 °
Fall
30 °
Winter
0 °

Adventure Type

Backcountry Camping, Campground, Hike, Primitive Camping, RV Site, Tent Camping, Trail

Activities

Bird watching, Hiking, Scenic driving, Stargazing, Walking, Wildlife watching, Point of Interest, Observation Point

Natural Features

Nearby

Views

Sunrise, Sunset, Vista, Overlook

Terrain

Forest, Meadow, Mountain, Steep

Traffic

Average, Heavy, Very Heavy, Seasonal

Access Difficulty

Easy

Elevation

3548 ft

Location

Cost & Fees

  • Per Car $30
  • Per Person $15
  • Per Night $20
  • Parking

Contact

Always consult the official website for the most current information.

Must-Know Facts

Amenities

Rules & Regulations

Hours

Dusk to dawn

Reservations

Peak Season Only, Required for overnight stays, First-come-first serve, Recommended

Best Time to go

April, May, June, September, October

Peak Season

April, May, June, July, August, September, October

Off Season

January, February, March, November, December

What's near Big Meadows?

Accommodations

Air BnB, Bed & Breakfast, Cabins, Camping, Hotel, Lodge, RV Site, Tent Camping

Necessities

Gas, Groceries, Hospital, Pharmacy, Dining

Attractions

Brewery, National park, Restaurants, Shopping, Tour, Visitor Center, Winery

Transportation

Rental Car

Video Tour