Although not every national park lodge is as spectacular as Yosemite's Awahnee Hotel, Yellowstone's Old Faithful Inn, or the Grand Canyon's El Tovar Hotel, plenty of others are still worth visiting. The Big Meadows Lodge in Virginia's Shenandoah National Park offers families a wonderful combination of rustic charm and natural surroundings. (Prices are nightly rates for a family of four.)
BIG MEADOWS LODGE
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK, VIRGINIA
OVERVIEW: A main lodge with dining room, plus cabins (92 units total).
WHAT'S COOL: The lodge has a stone fireplace and scenic views of the Shenandoah Valley (especially colorful in October).
ACTIVITIES: Hiking, camping, fishing, picnicking and ranger programs.
PRICES: Rooms with two double beds start at around $89 in summer and $100 during October. Call 18 months in advance.
SEASON: Last week of April to November 1, weather permitting.
RESOURCES: Call 540-999-2221 or 800-999-4714 or click here for more information. Park headquarters can be reached at 540-999-3500.
For more lodging ideas, see THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE NATIONAL PARK LODGES by David L. Scott and Kay W. Scott. For park brochures or more information on individual parks or lodges, write the National Park Service, Office of Public Inquiries, 1849 C Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20240, or call 202-208-4747. Click here for the National Park Service's Web site.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated July 2005.
