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.
Necessary Upgrades Underway at Dickey Ridge Visitor Center in September
For visitor safety, please avoid the construction area and follow all signage and fencing. Visitor center operations will not be impacted.
Shenandoah National Park Moves to Fully Cashless Fee Collection July 1
On July 1, 2025, the park transitioned to a fully cashless system at our fee entrance stations. Only credit cards, debit cards, or mobile payments will be accepted.
Parking at Boundary Access Areas
Visitors are reminded to park in designated parking areas when accessing the park via boundary trailheads. Parking in unauthorized locations may result in your vehicle being towed at the owner's expense.
Get Skyline Drive Status Updates
Sign up for Shenandoah Alerts by texting SHENALERTS to 888777. Any time there are closures, re-openings, or other important safety-related alerts, subscribers will receive a notification via text. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Ticket Required to Hike Old Rag
March 1 - November 30 those wishing to hike Old Rag are required to obtain a day-use ticket before arriving.
Potential delays during stone wall rehabilitation project
The stone wall that lines Skyline Drive is being rehabilitated between miles 72.8 and 75.7. There will be a single lane closure for the duration of this work, with an established work zone that will be managed by flaggers. Visitors should expect delays.
Charging Stations are Currently Unavailable
The charging stations at Skyland are currently out of service.
High Wind Warning issued December 29 at 6:52PM EST until December 30 at 4:00PM EST by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
* WHAT...West winds 20 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. * WHERE...Central Virginia Blue Ridge and Northern Virginia Blue Ridge. * WHEN...Until 4 PM EST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
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 |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!