Description

The land for this park was donated in 1975 by Paul Mellon of Upperville to the Commonwealth of Virginia. It consisted of 1,132 acres. The name Sky Meadows came from former owner Sir Robert Hadow, who named the property "Skye Farm" after an island in Scotland. A 248-acre corridor between the park and U.S. Rt. 50 containing 3 miles of the Appalachian Trail was added in 1987. In 1988 Mellon donated another 462 acres. This area has been developed into an equestrian staging and bridle trail area. Just an hour's drive from Washington, DC, Sky Meadows State Park in Clarke and Fauquier counties, offers a peaceful getaway on the eastern side of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This park REQUIRES reservations and is a hike-in primitive camping park. Parking is not available near/at the campsites. ALL SITES ARE HIKE-IN 3/4-1 MILE; NO PARKING AT ANY CAMPSITE OR GROUP SITE. Renovations completed December 2010 now allow the non-site specific, primitive tent sites access to potable water, tent pads, lantern posts, picnic table on each site, firering. Primitive toilets. No bathhouse. All campsites have color-coded signage. Please set up on the site that matches your color only. The primitive, HIKE-IN only campground also offers a large group area (Camp Washington for up to 36 people), a small group area (Camp Slater for up to 24 people) and a Buddy site (up to 12 people). Rich in history, the park has rolling pastures and woodlands, scenic vistas and provides a look into a bygone era. The park also has access to the Appalachian Trail and a primitive hike-in campground, as well as picnicking, hiking and riding trails, interpretive programs and a visitor center/gift shop. Size: 1,862 acres.