Big Meadows Campground, named for its vast high-altitude open area, is the ideal place to go camping in Shenandoah National Park. For starters, you'll be camping right inside the park, offering hikers and drivers convenient access to Shenandoah's most popular attractions. Plus, it's open for most of the year (if you want to go winter camping, check out these glamping yurts), meaning you don't need to wait until summer to dust off your camping gear.

By the numbers: Big Meadows is located at milepost 51.2 on Skyline Drive and offers 221 sites, 51 of which are tent-only and two of which are group sites. The RV spaces are dry-only, meaning there's no electricity, water, or sewage hook-ups. All sites are reservation only, so you'll want to reserve your camping spot ahead of time. There's an entrance fee to get into Shenandoah National Park, plus the campground fee; however, by all accounts, this campground is worth it.

The campsites are clean and well-maintained. They include a fire ring, picnic table, and parking space. Plus, there's a small camp store open seasonally with all the amenities you'll need during your stay, including gas and firewood. Restrooms are scattered throughout the campground, and there are even laundry and shower facilities for additional pay.

One of the best parts about camping at Big Meadows is the proximity to hiking trails. In fact, there are a few hiking trails you can access right from the campground! Some trails near the campground include Dark Hollow Falls via Rose River Loop and Blackrock via the Appalachian Trail.

If you're planning to camp at Big Meadows Campground during the fall or early spring, it's worth noting that temperatures can get quite cold. Packing a quality sleeping bag and plenty of warm layers is a must, even when you don't expect chilly weather.

When you get there, you'll pull into the registration lane to register your vehicle. There will also be a ranger there to answer any questions you may have about the campground or park in general. They'll also share any pertinent information about wildlife in the area (hint: you'll want to use food storage boxes!)

If you're in need of some refreshments, Big Meadows Lodge is about a ten-minute walk from the campground and offers a restaurant and taproom. The views alone are worth a visit!

To learn more about camping at Big Meadows Lodge in Shenandoah National Park, be sure to visit the the National Park Service website.