2nd tear trip: Shenandoah National Park

[BillZ]

Julia and I decided last minute to take a short weekend trip in the Tear. We stayed in Mathews Arm campground at Shenandoah Nat Park. For those of you not familiar, Shenandoah park is comprised of a group of low lying mountains in North Central Virginia. They range from about 2,500 - 3,500 ft elevation. Along the top of the range is a long scenic route, Skyline Drive. The park is only about two hours from DC and it is a convenient place for us to go when we only have a couple of days.

Other than discovering the campground had no shower facilities, the trip was great. We showed off the tear to admirers at least a dozen times. I tried to mention this forum to anyone who was interested in learning more.

Skyline Drive













Camp Site





Big Meadow





We picked wild blueberries. They were delicious!

[eaglesdare]

one of my favorite places to camp. although i have never been to matthews. i have stayed at loft mountains and big meadows. i haven't camped there this year, but did drive thru.

i have had electric all this year, kind of spoiled now. if i only lived 2 hours from there i would be there more often.

enjoyed your pics, thanks for sharing. you have a real nice looking tear.

[hiker chick]

Gorgeous tear! Perhaps we'll run into you all sometime at Big Meadows -- our usual haunt (showers).

If you have time for a 4-day or more, our favorite place within a few hours of DC is Virginia's Douthat State Park -- especally if you like fishing or boating.

[Alleged User]

Love the pictures, BillZ. And thank you both for the heads-up on the shower facilities...good to know! That's a must for us. Hopefully will be camping at Shenandoah this fall. We need a go-to campground that's not too far for weekend getaways.

[Ratkity]

Love the pictures, BillZ. And thank you both for the heads-up on the shower facilities...good to know! That's a must for us. Hopefully will be camping at Shenandoah this fall. We need a go-to campground that's not too far for weekend getaways.

Bring quarters for the showers. They work like the old college washers. I think you get 5 min for $1, but those might have changed.

I love Shenandoah! I haven't been this year up to Big Meadows.

Great to see you and Gidg again, Hikerchick!

Hugs,
Ratkity

[BillZ]

Gorgeous tear! Perhaps we'll run into you all sometime at Big Meadows -- our usual haunt (showers).

If you have time for a 4-day or more, our favorite place within a few hours of DC is Virginia's Douthat State Park -- especally if you like fishing or boating.

Thanks for the tip on Douthat. The pics look very interesting! I remember the name but we haven't camped much out that way yet. Currently, Our favorite campground in the DC area is New Germany State Park way out in the western end of Maryland. If you haven't been there you should check it out.

Love the pictures, BillZ. And thank you both for the heads-up on the shower facilities...good to know! That's a must for us. Hopefully will be camping at Shenandoah this fall. We need a go-to campground that's not too far for weekend getaways.

alleged,
there are a few campgrounds along skyline drive and the only one I know that has showers is Big Meadow. We had to drive there from Mathews Arm. It takes close to an hour if you go the 35mph limit. Ratkitty is right, it takes 4 quarters for a 5 minute shower.

[hiker chick]

Also check out Virginia's Shenandoah River State Park where a new campground and cabins opened last summer. A beautiful destination, especially during the fall.

http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/and.shtml


The campground is brand new so most of the trees are also new and not providing much shade yet. Also has showers.

This park is near Front Royal.

[RSEAGLE]

Loft Mountain is my favorite campground on the Skyline Drive. I usually go on the Columbus Day holiday weekend to enjoy the cooler temperatures and beautiful autumn colors.

[wingnut]

Big meadow looks a lot greener than it was when we were there the first week of April 2011.