The Shenandoah National Park has many wonders that you just cannot miss. So, you can witness the beauty of Bearfence Mountain and its waterfalls and explore its endless hiking trails.
As a rich wildlife hub, it is also home to white-tailed deer, black bears, red-tailed hawks, Carolina chickadees, and many more.
So, to cut a long story short, the Shenandoah National Park has everything for everyone. Moreover, it does not matter whether you are a birder or an avid trekker.
However, one thing is certain: you can only enjoy the park to the fullest if you are camping here or at least spending nights at the local lodges. Therefore, I am sharing a brief guide about the campsites and other accommodation options in the park.
In the southern part of the Shenandoah National Park lies the Loft Mountain. Further, it is at the top of the Big Flat Mountain. Also, it is a large camping zone with a total of 207 sites.
Further, you will get a beautiful view of the eastern and western sides from the Loft Mountain Campground. In addition, the waterfalls and the trails to the Big Run Wilderness allow you to explore the park fully. Moreover, the table below shows the amenities available (not available) at Loft Mountain Campground.
Amenities
Available
Cell Phone Network
No
Internet Connectivity
No
Recycling/Trash Collection
Yes, on a seasonal basis
Camp Store
Seasonal availability
Food Storage Lockers
Yes
Ice for Sale
Yes
Staff on Site
Available Seasonally
Amphitheater
Available Seasonally
Firewood for Sale
Firewood is available. However, you must strictly adhere to the park’s fire and stove policy. *
Laundry
Available Seasonally
Dump Station
Available Seasonally
Potable Water
Seasonal Availability
Shower Type
Seasonal Availability (coin-operated)
*You can only use USDA-certified firewood in the park, and this is a measure to stop the unnecessary spread of emerald ash borer. However, you can also use deadwood or brunches in the park to ignite fire in the fire grates provided by the park.
Further, you must fully extinguish the fire before leaving the spot, and you cannot use charcoal.
Fees And Reservation At Loft Mountain Campground
Loft Mountain Campground has non-electric sites for tents and RVs. Further, only six people can stay at a time at a standard campsite. Moreover, a camping site can accommodate one RV at a time.
In addition, the fee for each campsite is $30.
Further, the campsites of Loft Mountain Campground come on a combination basis. Nevertheless, the best method is to reserve a site.
However, campsites are also available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Lewis Mountain Campground
Lewis Mountain Campground is the smallest in the park, with a stretch of only 57.5 miles. Also, just 7 miles away from the Big Meadows, this campground offers a quiet and more private experience.
The sites are available on self-registrations. Further, you can get a site on a first-come and first-served basis.
Amenities
Available
Cell Phone Network
No
Internet Connectivity
No
Recycling/Trash Collection
Yes, on a seasonal basis
Camp Store
Yes, on a seasonal basis
Food Storage Lockers
Seasonal Availability
Ice for Sale
Yes, Available Seasonally
Staff on Site
Seasonal
Amphitheater
No
Firewood for Sale
Available Seasonally**
Laundry
Available Seasonally
Dump Station
No
Potable Water
Seasonal Availability
Shower Type
Seasonal Availability (coin-operated)
**You must abide by the fire safety regulations to stop the spread of the emerald ash borer. Further, remember the following points to avoid fire-related mishaps.
You can use deadwood or dried branches to light a fire in the fire grates.
Further, make sure that you extinguish the fire properly after use.
Also, you can carry camping and backpacking stoves.
However, you cannot use charcoal grills inside the park.
Reservation And Fees At Lewis Mountain Campground
A standard, non-electric campsite at Lewis Mountain Campground will cost you $30. Further, you don’t need to reserve your campsite in advance as all sites are available on a first-come and first-served basis.
The 51.2-mile Big Meadows Campground is the busiest camping zone in the park, with 221 camping sites. Further, with sites available on a reservation basis, this campground offers access to the following park areas.
Big Meadows
Byrd Visitor Center, and
Dark Hollow Falls
Moreover, every campsite for a tent or RV here comes with a picnic table and fire ring.
Amenities
Available
Cell Phone Network
No
Internet Connectivity
No
Recycling/Trash Collection
Yes, on a seasonal basis
Camp Store
Seasonal availability
Food Storage Lockers
Yes
Ice for Sale
Yes
Staff on Site
Available Seasonally
Amphitheater
Available Seasonally
Firewood for Sale
Firewood is available. However, you must strictly adhere to the park’s fire and stove policy. ***
Laundry
Available Seasonally
Dump Station
Available Seasonally
Potable Water
Seasonal Availability
Shower Type
Seasonal Availability (coin-operated)
*** The fire safety policies at Big Meadows Campground include using USDA-certified firewood. Further, you can use deadwood and branches in the fire grates.
However, even if you can carry backpacking and camping stoves, using charcoal grills is prohibited.
Further, the Big Meadows Campground has standard and group camping sites. Moreover, the group camping site will cost you $75, and the fee for the standard site is $30.
Mathews Arm Campground
If you enter the Shenandoah National Park from Front Royal, you will first encounter the Mathews Arm Campground. Further, this 22.1 campground is home to 165 sites with picnic tables, fire rings, tents, and RVs.
However, this camping site has no camp store or shower facility. It also does not offer wood and ice for sale. So, you will have to walk for 2 miles to Elkwallow Wayside to collect the essentials.
Amenities
Available
Cell Phone Network
No
Internet Connectivity
No
Recycling/Trash Collection
Yes, on a seasonal basis
Camp Store
No
Food Storage Lockers
Yes
Ice for Sale
No
Staff on Site
Available Seasonally
Amphitheater
Available Seasonally
Firewood for Sale
No
Laundry
No
Dump Station
Available Seasonally
Potable Water
Seasonal Availability
Shower Type
No
Reservation And Fees At Mathews Arm Campground
The Mathews Arm Campground combines reserved and first-come, first-served based sites. Further, it has standard and group campsites.
Moreover, standard and group campsite fees are $30 and $75, respectively.
Explore More Lodging Options At Shenandoah National Park
If you don’t want to compromise on comfort, you can explore the three Shenandoah National Park lodging options for an overnight stay.
Further, these lodges are located in the prime locations of the park, and offer the best view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Moreover, they have pet-friendly accommodation. So, if you are traveling with your canine or feline friends, you can enjoy stress-free time.
Along the Skyline Drive, the Skyland Resort offers the most comfortable accommodation options at Skyland Resort.
Further, you can enjoy the most beautiful view of the park from the Skyland Resort. Also, this resort gives you easy access to many popular hiking trails in the park.
Lewis Mountain Cabins
Are you in for some rugged experience at Shenandoah National Park with the comfort factor intact? So, why don’t you get a place at Lewis Mountain Cabins?
Built with stones from the Massanutten Mountains, the Big Meadows Lodge has a natural charm and warmth. Further, residents love spending evenings here watching the sunrise and sharing their park experience.
Exploring The Unique Geology Of Shenandoah National Park
The geology of Shenandoah National Park tells ancient stories that are constantly evolving. Further, you will find many types of rocks that have formed the park’s unique geology. So, let’s have a brief understanding of these rocks.
Basement Rocks
The basement rocks of Shenandoah National Park are older than Appalachians. Further, these rocks are the foundations of the Shenandoah Blue Ridge Mountains. These rocks are also responsible for the dramatic topography of Hogback Mountain, Old Rag Mountain, and Marys Rock.
Moreover, these rocks take you back billions of years.
Greenstone Lava Flows
Have you seen the Hawksbill and Stony Man cliffs in Shenandoah National Park? These all are formed of greenstone lava flows at least 570 million years old.
Further, these lava flows form a staircase-like topography, and you will also find flat benches here and there. Moreover, the major waterfalls in the park cut through the greenstone lava flows and plunge into canyons.
Chilhowee Metasedimentary Rocks
These rocks come from the shores of an ocean older than the Atlantic. Further, these rocks form the park’s steep slopes and rugged terrain. Moreover, you will find these rocks in the Southern District of the park.
Further, they have transformed under pressure and have formed cliffs like the Calvary Rocks, Rocky Mountain, and Blackrock South. In addition, these rocks have formed many boulder fields.
Shenandoah National Park At A Glance
Location: Virginia, United States
Area: Around 198,000 Acres
Highest Point: Hawksbill Mountain (1,234 Meters)
Visitor Centers: Dickey Ridge Visitor Center, Harry F. Byrd, Sr. Visitor Center, and Mobile Visitor Center
Hiking Trails: 500 Miles
Moreover, Shenandoah National Park is home tomore than 50 mammal and 190 bird species with amphibians, reptiles, fish, and insects. Further, this park has more than 12 waterfalls.
So, camping in the park will be a truly amazing experience. However, plan a trip to the park in the spring or fall to have the best experience of the wildlife flora and fauna.
However, the park has multiple entrance gates, and the route directions could be clearer. So, get a detailed idea from the park authority about the entrance gate and route based on your location.
Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!
If you have a fun trip coming up, it's important to bring things that will make it a top-notch experience.
Different trips will call for different things, but here are some basics that can make a difference for your next vacation,
Here Are Five Impotent Things To Pack For Your Next Vacation
1. Entertainment
Of course, wherever you may go, you'll be more than entertained by the city and things to do at your destination. But, if you're planning a chill vacation, you may be left with time to lounge around, which means you'll need something to keep you entertained while lying at the beach for hours.
Get used books or audiobooks before your next trip to keep your mind entertained, whether you're chilling at the beach or taking a long international flight overseas. If you're a parent traveling with kids, packing entertainment can also be helpful for a smooth and successful vacation experience.
2. Great outfits
Going on vacation is an opportunity to go all out with your outfits. You may not be able to wear summer dresses to work, but you can stand out in your favorite dress on vacation.
Pack all those fabulous outfits that you wish you could wear more often. Don't forget to include comfortable shoes, especially if you'll be doing a lot of walking.
Make sure also to check out the weather conditions expected at your destination so that you can be sure to pack accordingly. From rain gear to summer wear, knowing the climate of your destination will make it easy for you to pack the right clothes.
3. Extra money
If you want to enjoy your vacation as much as possible, set aside some extra cash so that you can do all the activities you want to, and spend a little extra on things that you typically wouldn't. Vacation is a time to treat yourself, so make sure you have the means to do so before you board that flight.
Apart from making sure you have extra money to spend, set aside some extra cash so that you always have some money on you, just in case something happens with your credit cards while traveling abroad.
4. Your favorite toiletries
Because you may not be able to find the toiletries you love and depend on in the destination you'll be visiting, it's essential to pack a toiletry bag with lighter versions of your main staples. Whether you need a specific shampoo or anti-acne product, take care of yourself by packing your favorite travel-size toiletries in your carry-on.
5. Extra space
If you have a great vacation planned for somewhere unique, make sure to include extra space in your bag so you can bring home souvenirs and special items from the place you'll be visiting.
You can find anything from tapestry to jewelry while on vacation that you wouldn't find at home, and with extra space in your bag, you don't have to feel concerned about being able to bring it back. Think ahead when packing so you can leave out some things that you may be able to buy at your destination.
In Conclusion
From books to comfortable shoes, there are plenty of things that you'll want to pack for a successful vacation. You will also want to bring your favorite travel-size toiletries and pack the best outfits so you can look your best on your next adventure.
A vacation where you bring everything you need (but not in excess) can allow you to have a smooth and fun experience that is stress-free. What are your go-to's for the perfect vacation? Consider the list above if you need help packing for your next getaway.
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Meghalaya, or the Abode of Clouds, here you will find that nature has to give. It is one of the best places for its biodiversity richness. Known best for its famous monsoon seasons, Meghalaya has the most dramatic natural terrains with rich cultural festivals.
Having such beautiful natural diversities, which are among the best places to visit in Meghalaya. The tribals of Garos, Jaintias, and Khasis make up the majority of the population.
Meghalaya: Abode Of Clouds!
Located in the northeastern parts of India, with Shilong as its capital. During the British rule of India, it was dubbed the “Scotland of the East.”
With a range of beautiful terrains, Meghalaya is surely going to surprise your imagination. With beautiful greenery everywhere, with forests, valleys, waterfalls, and mountains, that are one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya.
But since Meghalaya is known for its monsoon seasons, what is the best time to visit there?
What Is The Best Time To Visit Meghalaya?
Since Meghalaya is one of the wettest places in India, with the occasional cloudbursts and landslides, you need to know the best time to visit there.
Weather Condition In Meghalaya
Oct-Feb = 9c Apr-Jun = 21c June-Oct =15c
Peak Season
When the temperature is between 16c and 31c, that is the best time to visit Meghalaya. This will probably be from April and June. During this time, Meghalaya has the optimum temperature for you to explore the place.
Shoulder Season
From the months of November to March receives a moderate amount of tourists, as the weather is cold and misty at the same time.
Low Season
The lowest season for tourism in Meghalaya is from July to October. During this time, the state receives about moderate to heavy rainfall.
Best Places To Visit In Meghalaya
Now that you know what the best time to visit Meghalaya is, you need to know what are the top Meghalaya tourist places.
1. Cherrapunji
Popularly regarded as the wettest place on Earth, Cherrapunji has the best lush greenery you will ever see. Here you will find the highest rainfall any time of the year.
Tourists from all over the world come here to see the most beautiful waterfalls, like Dain-Thlen,Nohkalikai, and Kyrem. Cherrapunji is one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya.
Specialty - An abundance of natural scenic beauty and environmental attractions.
Places To Stay - Polo Orchid Resort Cherrapunjee, Jiva Resort Cherrapunjee and Saimika Resort.
Attractions - Krem Mawmluh, Wakaba Falls, Double Decker Living Root Bridge, and also Nohkalikai Waterfalls.
How To Reach - From Guwahati, it's 166km, And from Cherrapunji Umroi Airport, it's 79km.
2. Shillong
Known as the Scotland of the East, Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya. Away from the bustling life of the city, Shillong has beautiful forests, hills, and mesmerizing scenic beauty. Shillong is considered the Meghalayan Gateway.
Popular landmarks of Shillong are Elephant falls, Maharam, Lady Hydari Park, Bhowal, Mylliem, and Langrim.
Specialty - Mesmerizing view, the beauty of nature, and its popular landmarks.
Attractions - Elephant falls, Maharam, Lady Hydari Park, Bhowal, Mylliem, and Langrim.
Places To Stay - Pinewood Hotel, The Loft-Executive Inn, Hotel Polo Towers Shillong, and Tripura Castle.
Location - East Central Meghalaya.
Best Time To Visit - From September to May.
3. Mawsynram
Out of all the places in Meghalaya, Mawsynram receives the most rainfall each year. This is why here you will find the most greenery and beautiful green hills and valleys. Mawsynram receives about 11,872 mm of rainfall each year.
Specialty - The most beautiful waterfalls.
Location - The East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya.
Best Time To Visit - From April to June.
4. Balpakaram National Park
Known as a traveler’s paradise, the Balpakaram National Park is a “Land of Spirits” for its rich natural biodiversity. With its beautiful wildlife with animals like Tiger, Leopard, Deer, Buffalo, Elephant, and Red Panda.
Specialty - It is rich in natural biodiversity.
Location - Western Meghalaya and Garo Hills.
Best Time To Visit - From October to March.
Entry Free - Free.
5. Nohkalikai Falls
The Nohkalikai Falls is the 4th most noted waterfalls in the World. The height of this fall is about 335 meters from the cliff to the ground. The falls are considered “the pride of the territory of Meghalaya.”
Specialty - It is like paradise with an extraordinary scenic view.
Entry Fee - INR 10.
Timing - From 8 am to 5 pm.
6. Double-decker Living Root Bridge
Located in Cherrapunji, the double-decker living root bridge is famous all over, as the bridge is made up of roots. The roots are of rubber trees. The bridge is about 3km long and about 2400ft in height.
Specialty - The oldest of natural bridges.
Location - Cherrapunji, Meghalaya.
Best Time To Visit - Anytime other than from May to September, due to the slippery.
Trek Time - It takes about 4 to 6 hours.
7. Kyllang Rock
This extraordinary rock is made entirely out of red stone. The rock is 54ooft above sea level and 1000ft in width. The hike up the rock gives a beautiful scene with rhododendrons and shrubs.
Specialty - It is on the highest points in all of Meghalaya.
Location - West Khasi Hills, Shillong, Meghalaya.
Best Time To Visit - Anytime, except the monsoon.
Read Also: Which Is The Largest Freshwater Lake In India?
8. Elephant Falls
Meghalaya is known to have the best waterfalls in all of India. And Elephant Falls is definitely one of that beautiful waterfalls. It is called Elephant falls as it has an Elephant-shaped stone at its foot of it. It is one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya.
Specialty - The falls are surrounded by beautiful scenic beauty.
Location - It is only 12km from Shillong.
Best Time To Visit - During Monsoon.
Read Also: Top 10 Famous Wonders Of India
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Now that you know what the best time to visit Meghalaya and the best tourist places is, you won’t have any other problems. But if you do, here are some questions asked by other people.
1. What Is The Popular Place Of Meghalaya? The most popular Meghalaya places to visit are:1. Mawsynram2. Nohakalikai Falls3. Mawlynnong Village4. Umiam Lake5. Seven Sisters Falls6. Living Root Bridges 2. Does Meghalaya Have Snow? Though the state of Meghalaya has a higher elevation, it doesn’t receive any snowfall throughout the year. But due to humidity and low temperature, frost forms which can look like snow but are not. 3. What Is Famous Food Of Meghalaya? The food that is famous in Meghalaya is a spicy preparation of fish or meat and rice. They are great at rearing pigs, goats, cows, ducks, and fowl for their meat.
Visit Now!
If you are an avid nature lover, then visiting Meghalaya should definitely be on your bucket list. There are some beautiful places to visit in Meghalaya. And if you are a mountain lover, then you need to visit here once.
Hopefully, this article encourages you to book your tickets soon for Meghalaya. Let us know in the comments where in India you wanna visit next.
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So, lucky you – you’re off! Whether you’re doing like an increasing number of people and opting for a good old British beach holiday, or giving global warming a helping hand by jetting off abroad, you need to make sure your case is full of the things that will make your break a belter.
5 Important Things To Buy For Beach Holiday In 2023:
Here are five to get you started.
1. Towel
A towel isn't just to get dry with. It’s a beach statement. It says who you are and what you’re doing on that stretch of sand.
Are you an all-swimming all-surfing beach athlete, only stopping to dab yourself with your Finisterre before grabbing a frisbee, doing some cartwheels, and making everyone else feel tired? Or are you a beach goddess, who regards the shoreline as a place where people come to worship you as you drape yourself over a length of Lacoste luxury? Or do you just like a nice fluffy number?
Your choice of the towel will shout volumes about you, so take time to make sure it’s speaking your language.
2. Wrap
The perfect complement to a beach-beating towel is a game-over wrap. Mark the end of the beach day in style by standing up and swirling something stylish around your shoulders. Pick the right wrap and you’ll be counting the minutes until you can make that truly dramatic exit.
But you don’t have to wait until then. Wraps are useful as a cover for the bits of you that might be going a little pinker than you wanted, or any other bits for that matter.
3. Ebook reader
So, you’re there. The sun’s come through with its end of the deal. The sea’s doing its thing. The sand’s playing a blinder. What’s missing? The perfect book, that’s what. And of course, you don’t want to be lugging half a library with you, so you simply must pick something great from the range of ebook readers available.
They’re light, they contain shelf loads of books, and can go for weeks without a charge. What’s more, you can pick up amazing books for only 99p each. Some classic texts are even free. You can also make notes on books as you go (ideal for those times when you think you could have phrased things a little better than Tolstoy managed).
4. Ebook reader cushion
Why should you be the one with all the comfort? Give your ebook reader a nice cushion to rest against. It’s their holiday too.
5. Torch
One of the things that often surprises holidaymakers is how quickly it gets dark the closer you are to the equator. One minute, sunshine. The next, it’s like somebody switched the light off. Be prepared for those super-quick sunsets with a handy torch.
Also useful when you’ve got your sunglasses on and you want to find something at the bottom of your beach bag. Well, yes, of course, you could just take those sunglasses off. But you didn’t spend all that dosh on a pair of Celine Cat Eyes just to be seen out of them, did you?
Related: Top 10 Best Beaches In Florida
Happy Holidays
What you buy in the next few months can determine how good a holiday you have. Make sure you get the bits you need to make your holiday the best ever.
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