Sky Meadows State Park

This camping trip took a bit more planning than most. And boy was it worth it! Sky Meadows State Park is the perfect park to step into backcountry camping, backpacking, or bike-packing. The backcountry is more attainable and less intimidating, with just one mile separating the parking lot and the campsite. The peaceful pastoral landscape of this historic farm is simply beautiful. Plus, the Appalachian Trail runs through the park, so you know there are great hiking opportunities in this place. 

The four of us loaded our backpacks and pushed our bikes up the trail to the backcountry campground, where our cozy, creekside campsite awaited. We stashed extra drinking water in the car, and we left the dogs with my parents, who decided to rent a nearby Airbnb so that they could join us on a few of our hikes. 

We spent Easter weekend primitive camping in this lovely spot. Talk about a spectacular sunrise service!

Tip: Read more about our adventure on the Virginia State Parks website in my blog, Family-friendly tips for backcountry camping.

Fast Facts (and Opinions)

Location: Sky Meadows State Park, Delaplane, VA

Equipment: Primitive backcountry camping (3-person tent, hammock and rain tarp)

Date: Easter Weekend 2024

Weather: Sunny, chilly, some rain

Kid-Friendly: Yes (ours were ages 11 and 10)

Dog-Friendly: Yes (but for less hassle, we did not camp with them - but they did visit!)

Site: 2

• Primitive

• Partial shade

• Nearby creek

• Surrounded by trees, pretty private

• Bear box, picnic table, fire ring, tent pad

• Firewood for purchase nearby

• Non-potable water available

• Best site in our opinion

Bathhouse:

• No bathhouse

• 2 nearby pit toilets

Cell Service: Yes (Verizon)

Park Highlights:

Click here to watch highlight reel.

• Great hiking, biking, and equestrian trails 

• International Dark Sky Park

• Children's Discovery Area

• Fishing at Turner Pond

Area Highlights:

• Appalachian Trail

Park Hikes:

• Campground to Gap Run Trail to North Ridge Trail (counterclockwise) to Upper Riedmont Overlook to Ambassador Whitehouse Trail (Whitehouse Overlook) to AT Southbound to Northridge Trail to Gap Run back to Campground -  4.5-mile loop

• Parts strenuous

• Great views

• Campground to Gap Run Trail to North Ridge Trail (clockwise) to Southridge Trail to George's Overlook to South Ridge Overlook to Snowden Ruins to Historic Area Overlook to Snowden Trail (loop) to Campground - 4.5-mile double loop

  • More great views

• Lost Mountain Parking to Rolling Meadows Trail (counterclockwise) to Lost Mountain Trail to Rolling Meadows Trail back to Parking - 3.8-mile loop

  • Pasture and woods

  • Parts strenuous

  • Horse trails so watch step

Area Hikes:

• None that we explored

Other Campsites:

• Buddy sites available

• 2 group campsites available

• 1 site reserved for AT backpackers 

Things to Do Next Visit (Because There's Just Never Enough Time!):

• Hike more trails

• Explore historic house that was closed for repairs

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