Best Equestrian Camping near Shenandoah National Park

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Shenandoah National Park

144 Reviews of 6 Shenandoah National Park Campgrounds

• M

  Matt

  Traveler

  Oct. 1, 2021

  Graves Mountain Farm Campground

  Fine place, but not really primitive and some major drawbacks

  BOTTOM LINE: 3.5 Stars. We had a fine time camping here, but probably would not stay again unless some friends were going and wanted to stay. Not bad, but not great and not my personal preference for camping. Any recommendation to stay would be dependent on what you're looking for--it might be for you, but just wasn't for us. 

  Acknowledging that reviews are totally subjective, here is a brief summary of some of the pros and cons (in our humble opinion):[

  PROS/CONS

  Pros:

  • Beautiful mountain views
  • charming brook and farm (i.e. things to do for young kids), and okay hiking trails
  • friendly campers and staff
  • ease of check-in process
  • low cost
  • Can (technically) hike intro Shenandoah National Park

  Cons:

  • campground bathrooms and port-a-jons in poor condition
  • street lights in primitive camping area
  • yellow jacket nests in primitive camping area (with no warning signs)
  • the gnats and flies were bad (way worse than I've ever experienced; probably due to the horse and cow poop)
  • decent amount of horse/cow manure in the primitive camping area
  • camping area is mixed with RVs, equestrian trailers, & tent campers
  • camping area was restricted to a smaller area, forcing camps a little too close together (so much room that wasn't allowed for pitching camp and spreading out)
  • few trees in camping area (more of an open field)
  • 35-40 min drive to either entrance of Shenandoah National Park (then you still have to drive to the trail you want to hike)

  Again, we recognize a lot is subjective; but it just wasn't for us. We'd camp here again if others wanted to, but wouldn't choose to come back.

  I'm happy to elaborate on any particular bullets.

  HELPFUL TIPS:

  • Sites are first come, first served -- there are a few "primo" spots, but get there before noon to nab them
  • There is local firewood available at the General Store/Post Office in Syria, VA (~0.2 mi from campground); about $7/bundle (you'll probably need 3-4 bundles for a night)
  • Use trees to block out some of the light from street lights (only a handful of spots can do this bc few trees); or try to get a spot as far away as you can get
  • For kids, there is a duck pond, chicken coop, shallow brook, disable farm tractor, and some other stuff to play with/on/in across the street near the lodge.
  • Free range horses (they're penned-in) come back at dusk and head out at dawn -- fun to watch from the campground, especially for kiddos
  • Bring your own water, if possible

  Read More
• 

  Sam M.

  Legend

  Oct. 17, 2018

  Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

  AMAZING

  Maybe I just have some great childhood memories associated with this place, but I love Big Meadows. This campground is located in Shenandoah National Park and is a great place to get out into nature and away from everything.

  The campsites are mainly tent sites, but I believe they also have cabins to rent. I think the best part about this campground is that it feels more like you're camping in the woods rather than a campground. There is a bunch of wildlife all around the campground, which is nice to see. Also, this place is great for families, because there are plenty of activities for kids to do. Rangers of the park give talks, and there are scavenger hunts that the kids can participate in.

  I love camping in Shenandoah National Park, because there is a ton of hiking in the area. Some of my favorites are Rip Rap Trail, Jones Run Falls, and White Oak Canyon, but there's plenty more to explore.

  Read More
• C

  Charlotte D.

  Guide

  Aug. 29, 2018

  Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

  Lots of wildlife

  This campground is located in the Shenandoah National Park in Stanley , Va on Skyline drive and offers some amazing views! There are several hikes in close proximity to the campground and the Appalachian Trail goes through this part of the park as well! The staff are very friendly , the park is clean and there is wildlife everywhere. Loved hearing the owl at night! If you don't feel like cooking , the lodge is very close by with delicious food , a warm fireplace , local musicians, games and lodging for those who don't choose to camp. The Big Meadows Lodge is not open all year , so check the schedule if this is a must do !

  Read More
• 

  Seth K.

  Guide

  Oct. 27, 2018

  Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

  Centrally located national park campground

  Though Shenandoah national park itself is underwhelming. The campground was a great spot to sleep. There are walk in site and drive through sites available. The stars can be seen though definitely a bit of light pollution. The campsite connects to hiking trials to bring you to the sights of the national park easily, including the dark hollow falls and big meadow

• B

  Brittany B.

  Guide

  May. 5, 2021

  Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

  Popular Campground

  This campground is in a beautiful part of Shenandoah National Park, and is centrally located in the park. There are a number of trails nearby, and many more just a short drive away. This campground is very popular, and is almost always full on the weekends. Reserve your spot in advance if possible, as any first come, first served spots are claimed quickly. Campsites are also close together, but I have hadn't issues with anyone being too loud during quiet hours. There are some trees for hammocking, but it varies depending on your spot.

• J

  Joanne H.

  Scout

  Jul. 20, 2022

  Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

  Beautiful facility !

  We have stayed at this campground many times! It is our favorite! The scenery is fantastic and at the foot of Shenandoah National Park. The sites are large and there is both sun and shade. Upper bathroom is so-so but there is a new one on the lower level that’s great. There are yurts to rent also!

• A

  Alexandra T.

  Ranger

  May. 26, 2021

  Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

  Beautiful Shenandoah

  Beautiful Shenandoah National Park.

  We were tent camping with two young kids on site 93. Sites are hit and miss depending on what you’re looking for. Some are larger than others. 93 was fine except no trees to hang hammocks (which the kids were looking forward to) and the space for the tent was on the opposite side of the parking pad from the fire ring/picnic table. Not a big deal, just FYI. Good location in relation to the restrooms for little kids- close enough to walk but not so close you see the lights all night. Overall this is a large campground and most sites are very close to one another. One side of the campgrounds meets up with the Appalachian Trail which is a nice walk down & back for little kids. Rangers/camp hosts were all pleasant & helpful. There was a small dish washing station in the restrooms which was a nice surprise. Showers are coin operated at entrance. Would be a truly magical place if campsites weren’t so tight.

  Read More
• 

  Gary G.

  Legend

  Jul. 24, 2020

  Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

  Good campground in an excellent location for visiting Shenandoah NP

  We took the grandchildren on their first camping trip without their parents, ages 5 and 2.5, and spent two nights in Big Meadows.  The camping was fine, but the opportunities for hiking, biking, and nature watching were excellent!

  The cost was only $20 per night.  The site we had for our trailer was small and it barely fit our camper and truck.  However, their was plenty of room overall and our neighbors were a good distance away.

  The kids had a great time walking and biking around the campground.  We also hiked up to Blackrock (near the Big Meadows Lodge) and took a couple of other short family hikes.

  There are no hook ups, but the bathrooms were up to date and well distributed through out the campground.  Everyone was friendly and helpful... no complaints there at all.

  We highly recommend this campground if you are visiting the Shenandoah National Park.

  Read More
• M

  Michelle A.

  Guide

  Jun. 22, 2018

  Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

  Relaxing and friendly!

  This campground is very clean. The bathrooms were clean and the campground had coin operated showers which was a plus. The firepit has grates to cook your food on which was good. It also had a camp store which sold basic camping supplies and food and of course Shenandoah National Park merchandise. It was also nice because it sold wine and beer, which we liked because we went there for our wedding anniversary and wanted drinks for our anniversary dinner. They also had a cafe that sold lunches, dinners and ice cream. The views of the park were great and the trails were very close by, we enjoyed Stony Man and Dark Hallows Falls. The Park Rangers and employees were very friendly! The wildlife is great, we saw plenty of deer and pretty birds. We would definitely go back.

  Read More