Shenandoah National Park is undoubtedly the crown jewel of Virginia’s outdoor attractions. Considered to be one of the most beautiful national parks in the U.S., Shenandoah offers sweeping mountain views, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, and an escape into nature that’s hard to beat. If you’re planning a trip to Shenandoah National Park, you’ll be delighted to hear that there’s a hotel located right inside the park’s boundaries. This provides a gorgeous and convenient way to experience the park. Here’s more on why you’ll want to book your stay at Big Meadows Lodge the next time you pay a visit to this beautiful national park in Virginia.
Shenandoah National Park’s Big Meadows Lodge is described as a rock-and-timber family retreat.
Tim R/TripAdvisor
It’s nestled in the mountains at a high-elevation, providing exquisite views and the perfect base camp for all of your park activities, whether you’re staying one night or an entire week.
Lissa R/TripAdvisor
The rooms themselves are cozy, blending in seamlessly with the surrounding atmosphere. Units range from traditional spaces to rustic cabins, depending on the experience you’re looking for.
management/TripAdvisor
Start your day off right with a homemade breakfast from the lodge kitchen. Big Meadows offers local cuisine prepared expertly. Enjoy favorites like fried chicken and roasted turkey along with vegetarian-friendly options.
management/TripAdvisor
Perhaps the most appealing aspect of Big Meadows is the panoramic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains that can be enjoyed from almost every corner.
Lissa R/TripAdvisor
Whether you choose to spend your day hiking or sitting on the porch and taking in these views, you’ll feel totally restored by this immersive experience in nature.
management/TripAdvisor
Big Meadows Lodge is open seasonally, generally opening its doors to guests in April. For more information on the accommodations, availability, and rates, you’ll want to consult the Big Meadows Lodge website. In terms of planning your visit to this beautiful lodge within Shenandoah National Park, you’ll find it located at Mile 51 along Skyline Drive in Stanley, Virginia.
Tim R/TripAdvisor
Lissa R/TripAdvisor
management/TripAdvisor
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Address: Big Meadows, Virginia 22743, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
National park to visit in Virginia February 26, 2022 Sarah M. Where else can I stay when I visit Shenandoah National Park in Virginia? If you enjoy camping, there is an absolutely beautiful campsite located just off Skyline Drive that’s one of our favorite places to pitch a tent in this beautiful national park. With its convenient location off the national park’s iconic scenic drive, Loft Mountain Campground is offers campers a chance to reconnect with the natural landscape. It’s the perfect “home base” for your Shenandoah adventures. The campsite is located off of milepost 79.5 of Skyline Drive and just so happens to be the largest site in the park. Each camp space is large enough to accommodate the whole family, and you can refer to the NPS page for more information on campground fees, rules, and reservations. What is there to do at Shenandoah National Park? What isn’t there to do at Shenandoah – that’s the real question! Due to the convenience of Skyline Drive, many visitors treat Shenandoah as a “drive-through” park, which is an absolute travesty. Of course, Shenandoah’s roadside overlooks are sublime – but the park is so much more. Nearly all the hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park branch off of this road, so you’ll want to plan ahead and map out your must-visit treks. For instance, the acclaimed Appalachian Trail roughly parallels Skyline Drive, and there are several access points off the road for those wishing to experience this bucket-list-worthy hike. There are over 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail within this park; arguably some of the most scenic parts of the iconic trail. There is an absolute abundance of adventure waiting to be had here. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the park, and for good reason: Shenandoah National Park boasts remarkable topography, filled with lush forests, rushing waterfalls, and magnificent mountains and gorges. Really – the possibilities for outdoor recreation and adventure are endless!
The OIYS Visitor Center
National park to visit in Virginia
February 26, 2022
Sarah M.
Where else can I stay when I visit Shenandoah National Park in Virginia? If you enjoy camping, there is an absolutely beautiful campsite located just off Skyline Drive that’s one of our favorite places to pitch a tent in this beautiful national park. With its convenient location off the national park’s iconic scenic drive, Loft Mountain Campground is offers campers a chance to reconnect with the natural landscape. It’s the perfect “home base” for your Shenandoah adventures. The campsite is located off of milepost 79.5 of Skyline Drive and just so happens to be the largest site in the park. Each camp space is large enough to accommodate the whole family, and you can refer to the NPS page for more information on campground fees, rules, and reservations. What is there to do at Shenandoah National Park? What isn’t there to do at Shenandoah – that’s the real question! Due to the convenience of Skyline Drive, many visitors treat Shenandoah as a “drive-through” park, which is an absolute travesty. Of course, Shenandoah’s roadside overlooks are sublime – but the park is so much more. Nearly all the hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park branch off of this road, so you’ll want to plan ahead and map out your must-visit treks. For instance, the acclaimed Appalachian Trail roughly parallels Skyline Drive, and there are several access points off the road for those wishing to experience this bucket-list-worthy hike. There are over 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail within this park; arguably some of the most scenic parts of the iconic trail. There is an absolute abundance of adventure waiting to be had here. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the park, and for good reason: Shenandoah National Park boasts remarkable topography, filled with lush forests, rushing waterfalls, and magnificent mountains and gorges. Really – the possibilities for outdoor recreation and adventure are endless!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
If you enjoy camping, there is an absolutely beautiful campsite located just off Skyline Drive that’s one of our favorite places to pitch a tent in this beautiful national park. With its convenient location off the national park’s iconic scenic drive, Loft Mountain Campground is offers campers a chance to reconnect with the natural landscape. It’s the perfect “home base” for your Shenandoah adventures. The campsite is located off of milepost 79.5 of Skyline Drive and just so happens to be the largest site in the park. Each camp space is large enough to accommodate the whole family, and you can refer to the NPS page for more information on campground fees, rules, and reservations.
What is there to do at Shenandoah National Park?
What isn’t there to do at Shenandoah – that’s the real question! Due to the convenience of Skyline Drive, many visitors treat Shenandoah as a “drive-through” park, which is an absolute travesty. Of course, Shenandoah’s roadside overlooks are sublime – but the park is so much more. Nearly all the hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park branch off of this road, so you’ll want to plan ahead and map out your must-visit treks. For instance, the acclaimed Appalachian Trail roughly parallels Skyline Drive, and there are several access points off the road for those wishing to experience this bucket-list-worthy hike. There are over 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail within this park; arguably some of the most scenic parts of the iconic trail. There is an absolute abundance of adventure waiting to be had here. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the park, and for good reason: Shenandoah National Park boasts remarkable topography, filled with lush forests, rushing waterfalls, and magnificent mountains and gorges. Really – the possibilities for outdoor recreation and adventure are endless!
