Description

Set at 3,548 feet and surrounded by waterfalls, forest hikes, and sprawling views, the Big Meadows Campground of Shenandoah National Park provides a true immersion into the Blue Ridge Mountains. The campground is based in Big Meadows, a high-altitude meadow with spring flowers, fall foliage, and excellent wildlife watching and stargazing. It’s also right off of Skyline Drive and close to the Byrd Visitor Center and a park-operated restaurant and convenience store. Tent and RV sites at Big Meadows Campground come with fire pits, picnic tables, and access to restrooms, showers, and dump stations.

Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation

  • All of the campsites at Big Meadows Campground are reservable in advance online or by calling (877) 444-6777.
  • For any given day, 50% of the sites become reservable six months in advance, 25% become reservable two weeks in advance, and the remaining 25% become reservable four days in advance.
  • We recommend using this staggered reservation release system to score tickets as soon as you know your travel dates. Summers at this campground are especially popular, so don’t delay.
  • There are no designated walk-in sites, but rangers may be able to make same-day reservations if there are available sites.
  • When to Go

    Spring at Big Meadows Campground is a time for wildflowers and roaring waterfalls. Summer is the park’s busy season, with highs in the mid 80s and lows in the 60s. This campground also books out in autumn for the fall foliage color transformation. Both spring and fall campers should plan for potential rain showers and cold nights. Big Meadows Campground is closed in the winter, typically from Thanksgiving for early May. For specific info about the current open season, contact that park rangers at (540) 999-3500.

    Campsite area
    Tent or RV sites
    221 sites
    Up to 6 guests per site
    Up to 6 vehicles
    No wheelchair access
    Essentials
    Campfires allowed
    Toilet available
    Pets allowed
    Amenities
    Potable water available
    Showers available
    Picnic table available

    Activities

    Offered near the campground.

    Biking

    Many cyclists ride Skyline Drive, but there are no bike lanes or shoulders, and road traffic is heavy. For a less trafficked al...Read more

    Hiking

    The Appalachian Trail meanders right past this campground, and the Lewis Falls and Story of the Forest trails are within walkin...Read more

    Climbing

    Big Meadows is about 20 minutes from trad climbing at the Little Stony Man crag. Local guides lead climbing trips here and in o...Read more

    Wildlife watching

    Keep an eye out for bears, raccoons, deer, and skunks when camping at Big Meadows.

    Fishing
    Horseback riding

    Terrain

    Natural features you'll find at Big Meadows Campground.

    Cave
    Forest
    River, stream, or...
    Swimming hole
    Waterfall
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    11 Reviews

    750
    No one? Bueller? Sharing is caring, y'all.
    Drop some Big Meadows Campground knowledge on us.
    Hipcamper Kathy
    Kathy T.
    recommends this listing.
    November 30th, 2018

    Lots of bears

    Hipcamper Darius
    Darius N.
    recommends this listing.
    November 25th, 2018

    This is a beautiful and central part of the park, but it is also the busiest part of the entire park

    Hipcamper Patricia
    Patricia H.
    recommends this listing.
    October 5th, 2018

    make reservations

    Hipcamper Ian
    Ian H.
    recommends this listing.
    January 17th, 2018

    Lots of gnats in the Summer! Bring bug spray. Weather can be temperamental, it's just a part of life in the Shenandoah Valley.

    Hipcamper william
    William W.
    recommends this listing.
    January 9th, 2018

    Hikers going out in the summer should be aware that Shenandoah can get really dry so bring enough water.

    Hipcamper Lauren
    Lauren S.
    recommends this listing.
    October 15th, 2017

    Hike-in sites vary in distance from your vehicle. Beware of black bears.

    Hipcamper Lauren
    Lauren S.
    recommends this listing.
    October 15th, 2017

    Hike-in sites vary in distance from your vehicle. Beware of black bears.

    Hipcamper Stephanie
    Stephanie O.
    recommends this listing.
    September 6th, 2017

    Be extra safe about bears and food storage

    Hipcamper Dan
    Dan I.
    recommends this listing.
    July 15th, 2017

    One of the few places on the Skyline Drive that you can buy gasoline! A small hotel and rustic cabins are available if camping isn't your thing. Camping is available nearby at Loft mountain. Also has a full service restaurant and a separate recreation/bar room with live acoustic music on some weekend nites.

    Park
    Shenandoah National Park
    State
    Virginia
    Country
    United States
    Phone Number
    540-999-3500 X 3747
    Directions
    View on Google Maps
    Official Website
    View Website
    Coordinates
    38.518° N, 78.433° W
    Unknown price
    Tent Only - Hike In: 51 Sites
    (Up to 6 people per site)
    Unknown price
    Tent / RV / Trailer - Group: 2 Sites
    (Up to 15 people per site)
    Unknown price
    Tent / RV / Trailer: 168 Sites
    (Up to 6 people per site)