Sky Meadows State Park Campground

Sky Meadows State Park Campground, near Delaplane, Virginia, offers a unique backcountry camping experience that’s perfect for those looking to escape into nature. The campground is accessible via a one-mile hike, which adds a sense of adventure right from the start, and it features well-spaced sites that provide a good amount of privacy among the trees.

Campers appreciate the amenities, including picnic tables, fire rings, and bear boxes at each site, making it easy to enjoy a cozy evening around the fire. Visitors have noted the cleanliness of the facilities, including the vault toilets, and the availability of firewood on an honor system. As one camper mentioned, “For a backcountry campground, I was SO impressed with how stocked and clean everything was.”

The surrounding area is a haven for hiking enthusiasts, with trails leading to stunning views and opportunities to spot wildlife like deer and various bird species. The park’s rolling hills and scenic landscapes make it a great spot for a day hike or a leisurely picnic. Just keep in mind that the hike-in can be a bit challenging, especially if you overpack, so pack smart!

While the campground is remote, it’s not without its charm. Many campers have enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, with quiet hours respected even during busier times. If you’re looking for a place to unwind and connect with nature, Sky Meadows State Park Campground is a solid choice.

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Warning 5 Alerts are In Effect

There are 5 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

Late Cabin/Lodge/Yurt/Camping Cabin/Bunkhouse Arrivals:
A sealed packet of information with your last name will be left for you. This packet will be at one of the following places: contact station, visitor center or park office. Claytor Lake and First Landing will leave your packet at the cabin. Your last 4 digits of your confirmation number will be your access code. Please take your confirmation letter with you.

Late Camping Arrivals:
A sealed packet of information with your name will be left for you. This packet will be at one of the following places: contact station, visitor center, park office or the campground camp host site. Please take your confirmation letter with you. If you have a site specific reservation please look for your site highlighted by the yellow post along with your site number. If you have a non-site specific reservation please look for your site type to set up your equipment.

The renter is responsible for any damages or excess cleaning created during their visit. The renter agrees to being charged the full cost to cover such damages and / or excess cleaning. A letter will be mailed giving details of the damages / cleaning and break down of the cost involved to rectify the problem. Should a credit card be on file, it will be charged. If not, an invoice will be included with the letter for immediate payment.

Guarded lake swimming is generally available at the designated swimming beach during scheduled hours between the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day. One day of swimming is free for each night reserved for overnight guests. During this time period the weather and other issues beyond our control may reduce the availability of guarded swimming. No refunds will be given if guarded swimming is not available. Outside of guarded swimming times, park guests may swim at the designated beach within marked areas. Swimmers using these areas do so at their own risk. Swimming anywhere else in the park at any time is prohibited.

Reservations only guarantee the facility or site being rented. Programs and park amenities may be cancelled or closed for various reasons and do not constitute a refund.

Pursuant to the Code of Virginia, all open fires (including wood and charcoal) are prohibited between February 15 and April 30 annually (except between the hours of 4PM to midnight). Camping stoves that are self-contained are permitted (ex. Coleman Stove). We have received permission from the Department of Forestry to allow open fires between midnight and 4 p.m. in our campgrounds if we have a camphost. Failure to observe the burning law could result in a fine of up to $500.00.

As part of your trip planning, before you arrive at the park, check out our events database to see the programs scheduled at your park. You can find the database here: http://bit.ly/vspevents. The events are sometimes added as late as the start of the month they will occur, so check back right before you leave. Another way to keep in touch with programs and offerings is to subscribe to our weekly enewsletter. It takes just a few minutes to sign up here: http://bit.ly/vspenews. You can also follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/virginiastateparks) and Twitter (@VAStateParks).

Campers cannot be assured of access to reserved sites before 4 p.m. on their arrival date, but early check-in is often available. Camping check-out is 1 p.m. Generators are not permitted in the campgrounds.

Cabin/Lodge/Camping Cabin/Camping Lodge/Trailer/Yurt check in time is 4:00 p.m. Check out is 10:00 a.m.

State law prohibits state employees from accepting gratuities. If you are so inclined, you may direct gifts or donations to: The State Park Projects Fund, c/o The Department of Conservation and Recreation, 600 E. Main St., 16th Floor; Richmond, VA 23219. These funds will be used for the development, maintenance, and operation of Virginia State Parks.

Customer satisfaction is a priority with State Parks and our Reservation Center. Please feel free to call the Operations Director, Nancy Heltman, with your compliments or concerns regarding your treatment by our staff. Nancy can be reached at 1-800-933-7275 (786-5057 if local Richmond). For changes to your reservation, please call 1-800-933-7275 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Please tell us what you think. Fill out our online survey for your chance to win a $50 gift certificate and other prizes in our monthly drawing. http://bit.ly/surveyvsp.

Virginia State Parks offer numerous opportunities for volunteers. If you are interested, please contact Email.

Notice for Campers and Cabin Guests:

We're hiring! dcr.virginia.gov/jobs

Linens are not provided, so guests will need to bring their own sheets, pillowcases, blankets, towels, washcloths and dish towels.

Portable showers that do not drain to wastewater storage tanks are prohibited by state law. Collected wastewater must be disposed of properly.

There is a per night per pet fee for cats and dogs in all cabins and lodges (pets are not allowed in the yurts). Customers making reservations via the web are responsible for visiting the park office to pay all applicable pet fees. Customers may also call the reservation center at 800-933-7275 to pay the pet fees in advance.

Play it safe - Leave your firewood at home.

One of the most important things we can do to protect Virginia's trees and forest diversity is to stop moving firewood. New infestations of tree-killing insects and diseases are often first found in campgrounds and parks. Why? Because people have accidently spread invasive species when they brought firewood along with them. In Virginia, there are numerous counties under quarantines issued by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services due to an invasive insect pest or disease. These quarantines restrict the movement of firewood or wood by products from certain tree species. For more information on areas under quarantine, go to http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/firewood-quarantine. Virginia State Parks recommends that you do not bring firewood from home but buy it at the park or in the parks locality. Any wood brought to the park should be fully burned before leaving.

Campsites require a one mile hike from the overnight parking area.

Cancellations must be made by calling the Park or Customer Service Center by the day prior to your reservation. Cancellations can also be made online for most sites. If you choose to cancel your reservation, the reservation service fee will not be refunded and, once a reservation is paid for, a cancellation fee will be charged. Depending on the facility and/or the length of the advance notice, this fee may be a significant portion of the amount paid. Cancellation fees are as follows:

Standard campsites (up to 6 occupants): $10 per reservation, includes horse stalls.

Group campsites (sites that allow 7 or more occupants): $30 per reservation.

Camping Cabins: $10 if cancelled more than 30 days before the scheduled arrival, $10 per night within the last 30 days.

Yurts and Bunkhouses: $30 if cancelled more than 30 days before the scheduled arrival, $30 per night within the last month.

Cabins and Kiptopeke's EW Yurt: $30 if canceled more than 90 days before the scheduled arrival, $30 per night within the last 90 days.

Lodges: $60 if canceled more than 90 days before the scheduled arrival, $60 per night with the last 90 days.

Picnic Shelters: $10 up to 14 days prior to the start of the reservation, no refund within 14 days of the scheduled arrival.

Please verify cancellation fees for other facilities on our website before making your reservation. Once the official check-in time is reached or after a customer checks in (whichever comes first), any reduced stay constitutes an early departure. For camping there is a one night penalty for early departure. For cabin stays, there is a $30 per night penalty ($60 per lodge night) for early departure and the two night minimum is enforced regardless. Due to the week discount for cabins, reducing the stay down from a week will result in a higher nightly fee.

Transfers can be handled by the Customer Service Center or online (most sites). For cabins, lodges, yurts, camping cabins, and bunkhouses, transfers can be requested up until 4 days prior to your reservation start date. Camping transfers can be handled up until the day prior to check-in. Shelter transfers can be handled up until the day before your reservation, or the last day the Customer Service Center is open before your arrival. All transfers are free, but different seasons and sites may incur additional fees.

Our parks are strictly enforcing honor parking rules. To avoid any inconvenience, overnight guests who arrive when the contact station or office is closed are asked to register promptly the next day so park staff will not ticket your vehicle(s) in error. Campers and cabin guests are allowed two vehicles per site. Additional vehicles and visitors are subject to the daily parking fee. If you receive a parking ticket in error, please be sure to report the error to park staff immediately so the ticket can be canceled before it is processed.

Late Cabin Arrivals:
A sealed packet of information with your last name will be left for you. This packet will be at one of the following places: contact station, visitor center or park office. Claytor Lake and First Landing will leave your packet at the cabin. Your last 4 digits of your confirmation number will be your access code. Please take your confirmation letter with you.

Late Camping Arrivals:
A sealed packet of information with your name will be left for you. This packet will be at one of the following places: contact station, visitor center, park office or the campground camp host site. Please take your confirmation letter with you. If you have a site specific reservation please look for your site highlighted by the yellow post along with your site number. If you have a non-site specific reservation please look for your site type to set up your equipment.

RV Road Trip Guides

Location

Public Campground

Sky Meadows State Park Campground is located in Virginia

Detail location of campground

Directions

The park is less than two miles south of Paris, Va., via U.S. Route 50 to Route 17 South; or seven miles north of I-66, Exit 23 on Route 17 North. The park entrance is on State Route 710.

Address

11012 Edmonds Lane
Delaplane, VA 201441710

Coordinates

38.9907220122274 N
77.9749561311899 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Drive Time


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4.5

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10 Reviews

Numerous guests pointed out the spacious, private sites with quality amenities in a peaceful wooded setting. Visitors frequently mentioned the mile hike-in requirement and some noted the complex check-in process as considerations for planning.

Reviewed May. 2, 2023

Please don't treat this like car camping

I understand why people are lugging wheeled carts a mile into this campground, but it is technically not allowed. This is a backcountry/backpacking experience. Most of the hike-in is on Hadow Trail, which is dirt, not gravel. It is technically an equestrian trail too, but there's no way a horse could make it without breaking an ankle right now; the trail is so worn down by wheeled cart usage that the park has created a service project on the American Hiking Society's website calling for volunteers to do restoration work on Hadow Trail on this year's upcoming National Trails Day.

I hiked in while it was raining, and the mud wasn't as bad as I'd feared. However, the worn down parts of the trail attracted rainwater drainage, and the runoff narrowed the trail significantly. When I got to Boston Mill Rd Trail, which is gravel, the hike was easy, until the spur turning into the campground, when the trek goes uphill. If your site is further back, you will be hiking up and down many hills throughout the campground. The hills are fantastic for helping each site feel like a little private oasis. Even if the campground is full, I think most of the sites would still feel shaded and private because of how they're dispersed throughout the hills. 

My site bordered the buddy site and scout group sites at the beginning of the campground, so there was noise from loud kids but not as bad as I thought it might be. I was still able to enjoy peace and quiet, as the group respected quiet hours and was busy hiking the rest of the state park during the daytime, so don't shy away from this site if it's the only one available. The group sites also have their own latrine at the beginning of the campground, which pleasantly surprised me because this meant there were two latrines fairly close to each other, just to accommodate projected usage. There are many thoughtful details like this throughout the design of the campground facilities. 

For a backcountry campground, I was SO impressed with how stocked and clean everything was. Firewood is $8 (honor system), but there was some leftover at my site already. My firepit had a quality grill gate too. There are LOTS of bear trash cans available, and having a bear box at my campsite to store my food/trash/toiletries was so much easier than hanging a bear bag. If it hadn't rained, I also would've been able to use the hammock posts at my site (you could use these to hang a clothesline too if you wanted). When I talked over the phone with a ranger, she told me that only a few campsites didn't have hammock stands. If you think a lantern is worth its weight to carry in, there's a lantern post on the tent pad. I loved how level the tent pad was even on a hill. I couldn't figure out how to use the potable water pump, but there are plentiful creeks you can filter water from.

Overall, this is a fantastic campground for a beginner backpacking experience in the real backcountry. Use the Avenza Maps app that the park has its map uploaded into, and you won't get lost finding the overnight parking/self check-in station like I did. Know the gate code of this area before you go. The gate takes a hard push and pull. If you're prepared for all this, you'll arrive at camp before dusk when the wild animals come out. At night I saw white-tailed deer and heard owls and cattle! During the day I saw/heard SOOO many birds on the South Ridge Trail and found a bear track after the Cpt. Morgan Trail on the creek side of Hadow Trail!! If all this sounds awful rather than exciting to you, just drive in for the day and stick to the historic areas rather than venture into the park's backcountry areas.

SiteRED 4
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Sky Meadows State Park Campground by Reba H., May 2, 2023
  • Review photo of Sky Meadows State Park Campground by Reba H., May 2, 2023
  • Review photo of Sky Meadows State Park Campground by Reba H., May 2, 2023
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Apr. 13, 2021

Great views, primitive camping

We hiked the one mile into the campground and stayed for a night. It was a pretty flat walk from the overnight parking area to the campground. In the campground there is one bathroom facility with two vault toilets (although one of the doors was locked while we were there, which was unpleasant with a full campground). No running water or showers in the bathhouses. Non-potable water pump is near the restroom. Boil water at least three minutes before consuming. There are two areas with firewood (purchase when you check in or pay $6 cash at the kiosk - honor system). Each site has a bear box, fire ring, picnic table, tent pad with pea gravel, and a lantern pole. Definitely will be back!

The park has wide open rolling hills and mountain views. Lots of families picnicking and flying kites 🪁💙

Site7
  • Review photo of Sky Meadows State Park Campground by RL , April 13, 2021
  • Review photo of Sky Meadows State Park Campground by RL , April 13, 2021
  • Review photo of Sky Meadows State Park Campground by RL , April 13, 2021
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Mar. 18, 2021

Simple Adventure

Everything at the park is laid out pretty clearly and straight forward enough so you shouldn't have too many issues. Make sure to have cash to simplify paying for things such as firewood (you can pay upfront).

There are camp toilets with toilet paper and hand sanitizer near the Red 1 tent site (not sure if there are others) which were clean enough. The trails are beautiful and I'm sure there was more to do, but didn't have a chance to see. Definitely a reason to return!

  • Review photo of Sky Meadows State Park Campground by Alexander H., March 18, 2021
  • Review photo of Sky Meadows State Park Campground by Alexander H., March 18, 2021
Reviewed Oct. 20, 2020

Hike-in to great tent sites - don't overback!

My brother and I really only got to check out the trails leading to and from the overnight camping spots - but the rest of the park looks like a lot of fun, plenty of things to do.

The campsites are about 1 mile from the overnight lot, which was a great hike-in if you don't overpack! We brought a wagon with extra gear with us, but we definitely took in too many items. Ended up pairing it down after night 1 and took extra stuff back to our cars. The hike-in get mostly uphill in the second half with plenty of tree roots and decent sized rocks - for those of you taking in a wagon.

The campsites themselves were great, with plenty of space for 2-3 tents, bear lockers, bathrooms with hand sanitizers, and friendly park rangers to clean up the trash and re-stock the firewood. Make sure you pay for the wood you take, it's on the honor system with a dropbox. We had a family of deer pay us a visit each morning - didn't come across any bears.

We didn't get to check out the Appalachian Trail - but it was only a few miles from the campsites. I'll def. come back! Worth the 7-8 hour trip from both South Carolina and New Hampshire.

Site15
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Sky Meadows State Park Campground by Russ L., October 20, 2020
  • Review photo of Sky Meadows State Park Campground by Russ L., October 20, 2020
  • Review photo of Sky Meadows State Park Campground by Russ L., October 20, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Oct. 13, 2020

Remote Camping

Other than the antiquated check-in process, we had a great experience camping at Sky Meadows. The reservation email said that check in is after 4, which is not true. You can check in after 1. But you have to drive up to the main building, register, go back to the overnight lot, put in the gate code, hang the lot tag on your mirror, and hike in to the site. Not bad unless you have another car coming later in the day, who then has to get the parking pass from the first person at the campsite and hike back out to their car to place the tag and put the registration in the drop box. Unfortunately we didn’t have cell signal, had never been there, and did not know we needed to coordinaste the parking. So first-timers beware! Seems like a lot of unnecessary steps. But otherwise, we had a great night. Quiet, no bears, easy access to firewood ($6/10 logs), and nice hiking trails steps form the site. There is no camp store at the campground, only at the main visitor center where you check in.

Reviewed Jul. 23, 2019

Peace and quiet!

This is a great campground! It is about a mile hike-in. They have wheelbarrows you can borrow to help bring in your stuff from the car. There are pit toilets and non potable water available as well as firewood when you get to the campground. The campsites are pretty secluded and spaced out so you have some privacy. It is so peaceful and quiet! Lots of great hiking to do in the area. When we were there they were having a historical reenactment near the visitors center that was so cool! We came in August and it was super hot, but that is just Virginia. Lots of friendly staff and campers there.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Sky Meadows State Park Campground by Katie M., July 23, 2019
  • Review photo of Sky Meadows State Park Campground by Katie M., July 23, 2019
Reviewed Jul. 17, 2018

Great hike in campground

It's about a mile hike in to the campground, which sits in the woods in the park. Firewood is available for sale and there are fire rings with grates and a picnic table. Sites are large enough for three one person tents. Pit toilets, no showers, cell service. Make sure you bring a bear bag or box with you.

Site12
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Sky Meadows State Park Campground by Amy S., July 17, 2018
Reviewed May. 2, 2018

None

Not that known so there's a lot that still needs to be explored

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jul. 2, 2017

Awesome foray into backpacking

Came here for the first time in February 2017 to do a shakedown on some new backpacking and camping gear. Super friendly staff and easy check in process. Parking is in a locked lot steps away from trail head which leads to campsites about a mile away. Campsites are in a wooded area of park well away from other park attractions so it's very quiet. Sites are spaced far apart and come with tent pad, picnic table, fire pit and lantern pole. Non potable water is available via hand pump near rest rooms. Rest rooms are very nice and clean. No showers. This was one of my favorite camping experiences ever and I will definitely be back!

Site11
Month of VisitFebruary
Reviewed Sep. 30, 2016

Good area!

Nice area to hike around, with access to the AT. There is also a stretch of trail that they deem the "old AT" before it was relocated.

Part of the trail cuts through some areas with cows - beware the cow pies!

  • Review photo of Sky Meadows State Park Campground by David S., September 30, 2016
  • Review photo of Sky Meadows State Park Campground by David S., September 30, 2016
  • Review photo of Sky Meadows State Park Campground by David S., September 30, 2016
  • (8) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the camping options at Sky Meadows State Park?

Sky Meadows State Park offers primitive tent camping in a wooded section of the park. The campsites are hike-in only, located approximately one mile from the overnight parking area. Each site features a fire ring with a cooking grate and a picnic table. The sites are well-spaced and secluded, providing privacy between campers. The camping area is designed for backpacking-style camping, though some visitors use wheelbarrows to transport gear. Sites can accommodate up to three one-person tents. This is primarily a backcountry/backpacking experience with no vehicle access to the campsites.

What amenities and facilities are available at Sky Meadows State Park campground?

Sky Meadows State Park campground offers basic amenities for backpackers and tent campers. The facilities include pit toilets (vault toilets) with toilet paper and hand sanitizer, non-potable water sources, picnic tables, and fire rings with cooking grates at each site. Firewood is available for purchase at the campground. The sites are spacious enough to accommodate multiple tents, and there are wheelbarrows available near the parking area to help transport gear during the one-mile hike to the campsites. No showers are available, but the campground does have cell service. Bear bags or boxes are necessary for food storage.

How do I make camping reservations at Sky Meadows State Park?

Camping reservations at Sky Meadows State Park can be made in advance. Upon arrival, check-in takes place at the main park building before proceeding to the overnight parking lot. While reservation emails may indicate a 4 PM check-in time, you can actually check in after 1 PM. The process involves registering at the main building, returning to the overnight lot, placing the gate code on your dashboard, and then hiking the mile to the campground. Having cash on hand is recommended to simplify payment for extras like firewood. For current reservation details and to book a site, contact the park directly or use the Virginia State Parks reservation system.

Where can I find a map of Sky Meadows State Park campground?

Maps of Sky Meadows State Park campground are available at the park's main building during check-in. The campground layout is straightforward with clearly marked trails leading to the camping area. The primary access route is via Hadow Trail, a dirt path that covers the one-mile distance from the overnight parking lot to the campsites. The campsites are organized in sections (including a Red 1 tent site area mentioned in visitor experiences). For detailed trail and campground maps before your visit, check the Virginia State Parks official website or contact the park office directly. Park staff are helpful in providing orientation information during the check-in process.

Are there cabins available at Sky Meadows State Park?

No, Sky Meadows State Park does not offer cabins for overnight accommodation. The park exclusively provides primitive tent camping in its designated backcountry camping area. All overnight stays require bringing your own tent and camping gear to the hike-in sites located approximately one mile from the parking area. For visitors seeking cabin accommodations, it would be best to check other Virginia State Parks or nearby private facilities.