Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah
Open for the 2026 season as of March 25. All sites are reservation-only through Recreation.gov. Repaving project scheduled for summer 2026; some sites may be temporarily closed or reservations relocated during construction. Intermittent power outages affecting showers and restrooms occurred in April but work has concluded.
Flood Watch issued October 10 at 3:00PM EDT until October 12 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected as the remnants of Isaias track across the region starting early Sunday morning. Storms should be highly efficient rainfall producers given the tropical nature of the air mass. In particular, the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge have the potential to see the most rainfall given the continued easterly upslope winds. A further eastward expansion of these watches may be needed. * WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Portions of central, northern, and northwest Virginia, including the following areas, in central Virginia, Albemarle, Central Virginia Blue Ridge, Greene, Nelson and Orange. In northern Virginia, Culpeper, Northern Fauquier and Southern Fauquier. In northwest Virginia, Madison, Northern Virginia Blue Ridge and Rappahannock. * WHEN...From late tonight through late Sunday night. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - The remnants of Isaias will bring a tropical air mass much into the Mid-Atlantic region late tonight into Sunday. Storms should be highly efficient in this environment and capable of producing several inches of rain throughout the duration of the event. Storm total rainfall is expected to be around 2 to 3 inches, with pockets of 3 to 5 inches along the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Wind Advisory issued October 10 at 3:02PM EDT until October 11 at 11:00AM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
* WHAT...East winds 20 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected. * WHERE...Central Virginia Blue Ridge and Northern Virginia Blue Ridge Counties. * WHEN...From 2 AM to 11 AM EDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
From Recreation.gov
Big Meadow Campground will be **repaved this summer**. Some sites may be **closed or reservations relocated** during the project.
About
Secluded in the thick forests and rolling hills of Shenandoah National Park, Big Meadows Campground provides an ideal base for exploring the central section of the park. Located at mile 51.2 on Skyline Drive, the campground sits at an elevation that offers cooler temperatures than the surrounding valleys. Each of the 221 sites includes a fire ring and picnic table, with options ranging from standard tent/RV sites to walk-in tent-only sites and group camping areas. The campground's central location provides easy access to some of the park's most popular destinations. Big Meadows itself, a 150-acre grassy clearing, is renowned for wildlife viewing and wildflower displays. Dark Hollow Falls, Lewis Falls, and Rose River Falls are all within hiking distance. Byrd Visitor Center, featuring exhibits on park history and natural resources, is a one-mile walk via trail or sidewalk. The Big Meadows Lodge and Wayside offer dining options nearby. Amenities include flush toilets, coin-operated showers, potable water spigots, a dump station, and a seasonal camp store selling firewood, ice, and camping supplies. Food storage lockers help protect belongings from the park's resident black bears, deer, and raccoons. The campground offers both pull-through and deep back-in sites to accommodate most RVs, though no hookups are available. Generator use is permitted during limited hours.
Directions
Do NOT use Tanners Ridge Road to access the campground; it does not connect to Skyline Drive. From Washington D.C., take I-66 west to exit 43A, then US-29 south to Warrenton and US-211 west to Thornton Gap Entrance. Drive south on Skyline Drive approximately 19 miles and turn right into Big Meadows. From Richmond, take I-64 west to exit 136 (Zion Crossroads), then US-15 north to US-33 west to Swift Run Gap Entrance. Drive north on Skyline Drive approximately 15 miles and turn left into Big Meadows.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | Yes |
| Price | $30 - $75 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 70ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 85ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (540) 999-3500 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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