Forum Discussion

TriumphGuy's avatar
TriumphGuy
Explorer
Jul 06, 2016

Big Meadows CG - Shenandoah: "Walkup" sites midweek in July?

Hi folks,
Just like the title says. We're leaving on a two week trip starting Friday and on the way back to SC we're planning to see Shenandoah NP. Big Meadows is my first choice (based on what I've read). We would be arriving on a Wed and leaving Saturday. There are a few options to reserve Wed-Fri but not many Wed-Sat. So two questions really:
- There 2 sites available Wed-Sat which state 33 & 34ft max length (D159 and D144). We are technically 36ft but I've cheated into plenty of sites before (our jacks are inside the wheelbase so I can overhang off the back of the pad). For all my years RVing I've yet to stay in a NP, believe it or not. Do they care? I'll also need to park the toad somewhere...
- There are about 40 sites (I think) available "walk up" and I thought about taking my chances getting one since we are showing up on a Wednesday. I'm a control freak and always make reservations so the idea of driving all the way up the mountain into the unknown makes me a little crazy. Yep I'm trying to get over that, one day at a time. This is our first trip that doesn't have every day reserved so I'm making baby steps! :)

Thanks!
Mark
  • dahkota's avatar
    dahkota
    Explorer
    Jul 06, 2016
    Check Campsite Photos for any particular sites and what they may hold. 144 would be our choice, but we have solar panels. We love the campground but be careful - if a site states "moderate slant" it will be slanted enough that quite a few leveling blocks will be needed. Enjoy! It is a beautiful place.
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    Jul 06, 2016
    We always stay at the LOFT MTN CAMP SITE. It is a very nice camp ground and a way less crowded then BIG MEADOWS.

    Roy Ken
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    Jul 06, 2016
    We always stay at the LOFT MTN CAMP SITE. It is a very nice camp ground and a way less crowded then BIG MEADOWS.

    BIG MEADOWS has always been the most popular over the years... We would always joing the crowd along the main SKYLINE DRIVE front and watch the open field for WILDLIFE at dusk each night...

    Roy Ken
  • Padlin's avatar
    Padlin
    Explorer
    Jul 06, 2016
    Maybe if you are early enough, and can't get in BM, head south to Loft.
  • TriumphGuy's avatar
    TriumphGuy
    Explorer
    Jul 06, 2016
    dahkota wrote:
    Check Campsite Photos for any particular sites and what they may hold. 144 would be our choice, but we have solar panels. We love the campground but be careful - if a site states "moderate slant" it will be slanted enough that quite a few leveling blocks will be needed. Enjoy! It is a beautiful place.


    Great resource, thank you!

    (Note to self, bring more blocks...)
  • NoVa_RT's avatar
    NoVa_RT
    Explorer
    Jul 07, 2016
    Haven't camped at Big Meadows yet, but from what I've heard, a mid-week arrival without reservations might work - it's a pretty large park, and the lack of hookups limits its appeal for some. For me, it'd depend on what time I was arriving. I'd do it if I was arriving by early or mid-afternoon; maybe not if I was planning on pulling in at dinner time. Can't be sure, but worst case scenario might be having to move from one site to another during your stay. That wouldn't bother me, but I'm in a Class B.

    Weekends in the fall foliage season are really packed up there, but I'm under the impression that the rest of the year isn't that bad.
  • TriumphGuy's avatar
    TriumphGuy
    Explorer
    Jul 08, 2016
    Wow I looked up tunnel clearances and glad I did - Mary's Rock Tunnel (which we would need to clear coming SB from the north) lists 12'8". Our rig is supposed to be 12'10". Either we're going to have to come to Big Meadows from the south or stay outside the park.
  • SpeakEasy's avatar
    SpeakEasy
    Explorer
    Jul 08, 2016
    Are you going for the "no-reservation" approach? Just be aware that, even though Big Meadows has hundreds of sites, the vast majority of those sites are going to be too small for a big rig.

    It's a pretty popular campground in the summer.

    -Speak
  • wbwood's avatar
    wbwood
    Explorer
    Jul 08, 2016
    Be sure to check photos for obstacles at the rear of the site to ensure you will have enough room for that overhang.
  • Nerak's avatar
    Nerak
    Explorer
    Jul 08, 2016
    You may want to call first to check out the bear status of campgrounds before you head there.

    http://www.dailyprogress.com/starexponent/news/unusual-bear-activity-closes-southern-sections-of-shenandoah-np/article_5c039048-4455-11e6-8c22-ef9b6d141f63.html?mode=jqm

About Campground 101

Recommendations, reviews, and the inside scoop from fellow travelers.14,716 PostsLatest Activity: Oct 15, 2013