I recently stayed in Big Meadows campground at Shenandoah and it was right in the heart of everything I wanted to do with my group. You have an similar drive from either end of the park as well as if you enter from Thornton Gap or Swift Run Gap. It's really in the middle of it all.

The sites are generally wooded with facilities relatively close to all sites. There was a bit of traffic going until 10pm as it is a busier campsite, but I didn't mind as we were looking at some amazing stars with a fire pit and a beer until we crashed.

Many campers hiked right out of their sites on to the Appalachian Trail which seemed awesome, but there are also more than 20 great hiking trips within a drive of less than 20 minutes either North or South on Skyline Drive.

Big Meadows lodge is very close which offered a nice restaurant when we didn't want to cook. There is also a gas station, store, and hot showers within the Big Meadows area making this convenient if you need anything that you left at home. Also, Skyland (no campground) was a short drive away and offered horseback riding as well as some pub nightlife.