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The driveway of a pull through campsite passes between tree trunks. At right, a picnic table and fire ring surrounded by a green lawn. In the background, is a wood cabin restroom building
A deer grazes on grass, while standing next to green bushes. Two campsites with picnic tables in the background.
The picnic table and fire ring of a campsite sit next to a paved parking space, with a row of bushes surrounding the site. More campsites are laid out in a row in the background.
Virginia / Madison County / Shenandoah National Park

Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah

Closed — Closed for the season. Opens March 26 for the 2026 season. All sites are by reservation only through Recreation.gov, with sites released in three waves: 50% at 6 months out, 25% at 2 weeks out, and 25% at 4 days before arrival.

Notify on Availability Reserve

Cold Weather Advisory issued January 19 at 2:00AM EST until January 20 at 1:00PM EST by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC

2:00 AM — 10:00 AM

* WHAT...Very cold wind chills around 10 below zero expected. * WHERE...Central Virginia Blue Ridge and Northern Virginia Blue Ridge. * WHEN...From 8 PM this evening to 1 PM EST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...The cold wind chills could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken. Wind chill values can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The coldest wind chills will be at elevations above 2500 feet between midnight tonight and 9 AM Tuesday.

About

Big Meadows Campground is centrally located at mile 51.2 on Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park, making it an ideal base camp for exploring the park's most popular destinations. The campground sits secluded among thick trees and rolling hills at elevation in the Blue Ridge Mountains, typically 10°F cooler than the valley below. The campground features 220 reservable sites and 1 walk-up site, with a mix of pull-through and deep back-in configurations that accommodate most RVs and tow vehicles. All sites include a fire ring, picnic table, and space for tents or RVs. Seven accessible sites are available. While hookups are not provided, the campground offers seasonal amenities including coin-operated showers, flush toilets, laundry facilities, a camp store, dump station, and potable water. Big Meadows Campground provides exceptional access to park attractions. Three waterfalls are within walking distance, including Dark Hollow Falls. Big Meadows itself, known for abundant wildflowers and wildlife viewing opportunities for black bears, deer, wild turkey, and birds, is a short walk away. Byrd Visitor Center and Big Meadows Lodge are both nearby. The campground sits along Skyline Drive, which features 75 scenic overlooks across its 105-mile route along the Blue Ridge crest. With 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail passing through the park and over 500 miles of trails total, hikers have extensive options ranging from short waterfall walks to deep wilderness excursions.

Directions

Do NOT use Tanners Ridge Road, which does not provide park access. Enter Shenandoah National Park via one of four entrance stations: Front Royal, Thornton Gap, Swift Run Gap, or Rockfish Gap. From Thornton Gap Entrance Station (Luray, Route 211): head south on Skyline Drive to mile 51.2 and follow signs to Big Meadows Campground on the right. From Swift Run Entrance Station (Elkton, Route 33): head north on Skyline Drive to mile 51.2 and follow signs to Big Meadows Campground on the left.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station Yes
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers Yes
Electric Hookups No
Water Hookups No
Sewer Hookups No
Camp Store Yes
Price $30 - $75

Vehicle

Max RV Length 70ft
Max Trailer Length 85ft
Big Rig Friendly Yes
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (540) 999-3500

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile Yes

Useful Links

Virginia State Tourism
Virginia State Road Conditions
View on Recreation.gov
Reservations
Regulations
NPS Campground Website

Availability

Photos

The driveway of a pull through campsite passes between tree trunks. At right, a picnic table and fire ring surrounded by a green lawn. In the background, is a wood cabin restroom building
A deer grazes on grass, while standing next to green bushes. Two campsites with picnic tables in the background.
The picnic table and fire ring of a campsite sit next to a paved parking space, with a row of bushes surrounding the site. More campsites are laid out in a row in the background.
A narrow road winds between trees, past a stone post holding a wooden sign that reads "North Entrance Shenandoah National Park" with the National Park service arrowhead logo.
A stone water fountain next to a road that is lined with campsites. Each campsite is surrounded by trees and bushes.
An open grass lawn surrounds the picnic table, fire ring, and parking space of a campsite, with a second campsite in the background. Large trees form a line behind the sites.
A wooden cabin with stone chimney and signs reading "Big Meadows Campground Elevation 3589" and "Campground Office".
An adult black bear leans against a tree trunk, with a young cub peaking between branches in the background.
Dirt trails pass between green bushes, leading toward food storage boxes and picnic tables of walk to tent campsites in the distance.
A narrow road winds between trees, past a stone post holding a wooden sign that reads "North Entrance Shenandoah National Park" with the National Park service arrowhead logo.
Deer fawns with white spots in their brown fur, graze on grass in front of a picnic table and fire ring.

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