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Big Meadows Campground (mile 51.2) is centrally-located in Shenandoah National Park, providing easy access to many of the most popular destinations in the Park, including Big Meadows, Dark Hollow Falls, and Byrd Visitor Center. All sites include a place for a tent or RV, a fire ring, and a picnic table. Secluded in the thick trees and rolling hills of Shenandoah National Park, the Big Meadows Campground is the ideal spot for camping near Washington. Natural Features: Shenandoah National Park spans 300 square miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the southern Appalachians. The park rises above the Virginia Piedmont to its east and the Shenandoah Valley to its west. The scenery at Meadows Campground never disappoints, with a stunning array of colors in the fall and a blanket of bright wildflowers in the spring. This green and shady campground is a wilderness paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Recreation: Shenandoah National Park has over 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Some trails lead to a waterfall or viewpoint while others wind deep into the forest and wilderness. Big Meadows is near many of the major facilities and popular hiking trails in the park. Three waterfalls are within walking distance, and the Meadow, with its abundant plant growth and wildlife, is an ideal nearby attraction. Wildlife viewing is also a popular pastime, with black bears, wild turkey, deer, birds and countless other animals thriving in the park. The campground is also located right off the famous Skyline Drive, which runs 105 miles north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Stunning views are visible from any of the 75 scenic overlooks. Facilities: This expansive campground offers more than 200 campsites, including sites that can accommodate larger groups. Picnic areas are provided, as modern conveniences like flush toilets, showers and dump stations create a comfortable camping experience. Nearby Attractions: Two visitor centers with bookstores and exhibits are located in the park (milepost 5 and milepost 51). There are concession managed restaurants, gift shops and lodging facilities scattered throughout the park. ACTIVITIES Hiking Visitor Center: Ranger Station Wildlife Viewing Day Use Area: Amphitheater
From Washington, D.C., metro area, travel west on Interstate 66 to exit 43A. Take US Highway 29 south to Warrenton, Virginia, then merge onto US Highway 211 west to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive Thornton Gap Entrance. Take Skyline Drive south approximately 19 miles and turn right into the Big Meadows area. Follow the signs to Big Meadows Campground.
From Richmond, Virginia area, travel west on Interstate 64 to exit 136 for Zion X-Roads, Virginia. Take exit to US Highway 15 North, then turn onto US Highway 33 west and follow 28 miles to the Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive, Swift Run Gap Entrance. Take Skyline Drive North approximately 15 miles and turn left into the Big Meadows area. Follow the signs to Big Meadows Campground.
The nightly campground fee has increased to $30 at all standard campsites and $75 at all group sites.
Reservations: We are now accepting campground reservations for the 2022 season. Big Meadows Campground will operate on a first-come-first-served basis until May 7. Reservations may be made up to 6 months in advance for any dates after May 6.
In early spring, Big Meadows Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis only. Beginning in early May, there are a combination of reservable campsites and first-come, first-served sites available. Group sites are available and can be reserved up to one year in advance.
We camped here for one night on 10/10/2022.
- it was very quiet, even though we have trailers around us. People were very nice and respectful.
- site is not too big but worked for us great. We were tent camping, and the site is overall flat.
- be aware: some sites don’t have a bear box and are not for hanging hammocks, like ours. (we booked online last minute, so not too many choices)
- staff was kind and helpful. Our neighbor needed help and they were very efficient.
- bathroom has heating ( which is great) and is well kept.
- great location, you are close to the lodge restaurant, gas station, visitor center, and a cafe) . And a lot of beautiful trails within 5-15 min drive. We hiked Rose river and the visitor center is our highlight.
We had great time camping here, can’t think of a negative thing really, highly recommend.
This campground is at the top of the mountain and at the halfway point of the beautiful Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Forest! We had a class C motor home and climbing to the top was a bit touch and go at times, down through the clouds was also a little scary. The hiking, wow, this place has hiking for days and I could easily see spending a week or more here exploring! Bring good footwear because these trails are not for the faint of heart! I’m sure there are some mild trails but we took a chunk out of the Appalachian trail, and ventured off to see a waterfall. There is no electric or water, but the sites are level and spacious. I wish there was more trees separating campers but it was still nice. The bathrooms were clean, the showers were $5 for 10 minutes but well maintained and totally worth it, and there was a little shop with some essentials you may need! Overall a great stop on our way south and I wish we had more time here!
I stayed in A94 which was next to the toilets. I did not hear toilet noise from there (flushing, etc). I did have the people camping next to me walking through my campsite to go to the facilities. The site had no shade for most of the day and it was mostly gravel (some sites had tons of trees, some had one or two). The showers cost 5 dollars, quarters only.
There are plenty of trails around the site for late afternoon walking.
Unfortunately I had a bad experience at the end of my trip. The couple in front of my site kept looking at me and walking by my site. Not an hour later, I had a ranger approached me to ask me of I had reserved the site and if it was registered. I had been there for two days and my tent was up both days. I don't know what that was about but as a person of color, it felt intimidating. I ended up packing and leaving a day early.
This campground is centrally located to many of the best hikes in the park. It’s a large campground and not all sites are created equal, so do some research. Over the years I’ve found the walk in tent sites provide the most seclusion.
Use the bear boxes as there is a lot of wildlife around big meadows. Deer wander freely throughout and I’ve seen gray foxes, skunks, barred owls, and the occasional black bear. The campground is very quiet at night and sound travels a bit. Quiet hours start at 10pm, but a noisy neighbor can really dampen the experience.
Some water spigots aren’t functioning (10/1/23) here or at the nearby visitor center, but bathrooms have running water as it’s a developed campground. The Big Meadows Wayside and the lodge are nearby for supplies or food. Firewood is sold on site, seasonally.
Nice campground located in the Shenandoah National Park. I'm not sure when it changed, but at one time, you could drive up and get a first come site. Now, all sites are reservable, so make sure to book online.
There are walk-in tent only sites and a lot of sites where you can park an RV but can also tent or car camp. Some sites and loops allow generator use a few times a day but they cannot run all day/night. Check the rules if you need to bring power. There are not hookups at this campground.
I especially like this campground because it is close to the lodge. When opened you can walk up for a nice meal or just hang out in the longe area and take in the views.
I also like this campground because it is near a number of trails. You can hike short or long distances. I prefer loop style hikes and there are a number of those around.
I also like that you could walk to the camp store to pick up supplies you may have forgotten or just get a Cheeseburger 🍔.
Tip: if you don't have a cell signal, walk toward the western edge of the mountain. Western facing views will often pick up a cell signal. That includes western facing lookouts along Skyline Drive.
