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Big Meadows Campground

In
Shenandoah National Park
·
95%
·
25 reviews
221 sites · RV, Tent

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.

    What this place offers
    Campfire allowed
    Pets allowed
    Showers
    Toilets
    Potable water
    Picnic tables
    Sewage hookups
    No electric hookups
    221 sites
    RV, Tent
    Explore 922 campgrounds near Shenandoah National Park
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    Pets
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    Pets
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    More to explore nearby

    95%
    120 ratings · 25 reviews
    Recommends
    · May 2025
    Tent · With pets
    Enjoyed my time with friends at the Big Meadow Campground. Neat place, recommend to others, and would like to go back sometime.
    Avatar
    Sam P.
    5 reviews
    Recommends
    · May 2025
    quiet during the off season, clean facilities. beautiful park overall with fun AT section.
    S
    Stacey R.
    13 reviews
    Recommends
    · May 2025
    Beautiful
    S
    Sandy P.
    16 reviews
    Recommends
    · May 2025
    Tent
    Campsites were close together but there were many trees to provide a little privacy! Absolutely stunning park with tons of scenic view spots!!
    A
    Ava M.
    15 reviews
    Recommends
    · May 2025
    Beautiful
    K
    Kris V.
    25 reviews
    Recommends
    · May 2025
    Tent
    It rained at the camp grounds but it turned into snow on the trails. the grounds had a great small hike to go on. they also had very clean bathrooms.
    J
    Joshua S.
    1 review
    Recommends
    · May 2025
    Tent · With pets
    stayed here for 1 night with 2 dogs and it was great!
    C
    Cassidy T.
    5 reviews
    Recommends
    · May 2025
    Tent
    Great views
    B
    Bob B.
    31 reviews
    Recommends
    · May 2025
    The campground is really nice with hot showers and a restaurant. Views on the drive and hikes nearby are beautiful!
    Avatar
    Karl S.
    3 reviews
    Recommends
    · April 2025
    Tent
    Camping at Big Meadow has become a yearly tradition. The campsite is clean and everyone is so friendly. The hiking around Big Meadow is lovely and includes waterfalls to a section of the AT
    K
    Kathleen W.
    5 reviews
    Recommends
    · April 2025
    Tent
    Such a beautiful area to camp in with great amenities and a natural setting.
    Avatar
    Asher R.
    17 reviews
    Recommends
    · April 2025
    Tent · With pets · With kids
    We loved this park and plan to revisit to hike that section of the AT. We went in early spring and it was very cold, windy, and snowed. The rangers were all very nice. We had a great time! I highly recommend hiking hawksbill! It’s steep but so rewarding to see that view!
    S
    Sarah E.
    10 reviews
    Not recommend
    · April 2025
    Safe and clean campground, but nothing to write home about
    J
    Jeremy P.
    8 reviews
    Recommends
    · March 2025
    Amazing place
    Had a wonderful camping experience with my family. And the host Mr. Jhon was very friendly and helpful. And also he was very quick with responding our calls and texts.
    S
    Shashika S.
    7 reviews
    Recommends
    · November 2018
    Lots of bears
    K
    Kathy T.
    6 years on Hipcamp
    Recommends
    · November 2018
    This is a beautiful and central part of the park, but it is also the busiest part of the entire park
    D
    Darius N.
    8 years on Hipcamp
    Recommends
    · October 2018
    make reservations
    Avatar
    Patricia H.
    6 years on Hipcamp
    Recommends
    · January 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.
    Avatar
    Ian H.
    7 years on Hipcamp
    Recommends
    · January 2018
    Hikers going out in the summer should be aware that Shenandoah can get really dry so bring enough water.
    Avatar
    William W.
    7 years on Hipcamp
    Recommends
    · October 2017
    Hike-in sites vary in distance from your vehicle. Beware of black bears.
    Avatar
    Lauren S.
    7 years on Hipcamp
    LocationBig Meadows Campground, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, United States
    Is anything missing?Suggest edits to improve this listing for fellow campers.
    What this place offers
    Campfire allowed
    Pets allowed
    Showers
    Toilets
    Potable water
    Picnic tables
    Sewage hookups
    No electric hookups

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    Your guide to camping in Big Meadows Campground

    Overview

    Biking

    Many cyclists ride Skyline Drive, but there are no bike lanes or shoulders, and road traffic is heavy. For a less trafficked alternative, gravel and mountain bikers can ride one mile of the nearby Rapidan Fire Road.

    Hiking

    The Appalachian Trail meanders right past this campground, and the Lewis Falls and Story of the Forest trails are within walking distance. The popular Dark Hollow Falls and Rose River Falls trailheads are also close by.

    Climbing

    Big Meadows is about 20 minutes from trad climbing at the Little Stony Man crag. Local guides lead climbing trips here and in other areas of the park.

    Wildlife watching

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

    Top parks near Big Meadows Campground

    Manassas National Battlefield Park
    Douthat State Park
    Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
    George Washington National Forest
    New River State Park
    Tionesta Lake
    South Mountains State Park
    Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

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    1. United States
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    2. Virginia
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    3. Shenandoah National Park
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    4. Big Meadows Campground