Big Meadows Campground
38.5280, -78.4369 · Park boundary: National Park Service
2026 Opening Date: March 25 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. All sites at Big Meadows Campground are by reservation only.
- Every day
- All Day
Big Meadows Campground is open during the spring, summer, and fall. Opening and closing dates vary from year to year and are subject to change at any time. Camping is NOT permitted in the campgrounds when they are closed. All sites at Big Meadows Campground are by reservation only.
- Closed in Winter · Dec 1, 2026 – Mar 25, 2027 · Closed
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
Big Meadows Campground has two nonelectric group sites. Each group site can accommodate 7-15 people.
A standard, nonelectric campsite for tent or RV (motorhome, pop-up, or 5th-wheel). Standard campsites are limited to six people (or 1 immediate family) per site and one RV.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
All sites at Big Meadows Campground are by reservation only. Rangers can make limited reservations on site, but availability is not guaranteed. It is recommended you make your reservation ahead of time. Reservations can be made through Recreation.gov as well as the site map on the campground page. Check the map to see when specific sites are scheduled to be released. Reservable sites will be released in sections: 6 months prior to the date of your arrival - 50% of reservable sites will be released; 2 weeks prior to the date of your arrival - 25% of reservable sites will be released; 4 days prior to the date of your arrival - the remaining 25% of reservable sites will be released. Reservations for Big Meadows Campground can be made online at any time.
- Amphitheater
- Yes - seasonal
- Camp store
- Yes - seasonal
- Drinking water
- Yes - seasonal
- Dump station
- Yes - seasonal
- Firewood for sale
- Yes - seasonal
- Food storage lockers
- Yes - seasonal
- Host on site
- Yes - seasonal
- Ice for sale
- Yes - seasonal
- Laundry
- Yes - seasonal
- Showers
- Coin-Operated - Seasonal
- Toilets
- Flush Toilets - seasonal
- Trash & recycling
- Yes - seasonal
- Cell reception
- No
- Internet
- No
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
- RVs
- Allowed
- Trailers
- Allowed
- Access roads
- Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
- Classification
- Developed Campground
Seven ADA accessible sites are available for wheelchair access. Showers and laundry facilities are also wheelchair accessible.
Seven accessible sites are available at Big Meadows Campground. Accessible shower and laundry facilities are also available.
To help slow the spread of the emerald ash borer, visitors must only use USDA-certified firewood (signified by the USDA stamp on packaging), which can be purchased in the Park. Dead wood may also be used if it is gathered from the ground in the Park; do not cut, saw, or break any standing trees, dead or alive, for firewood. Fires are only allowed in Park-provided fire grates. You must fully extinguish your fire before leaving the area, even for a short amount of time. To do this, simply douse the fire with water and stir with a stick. Repeat this until you no longer feel warmth coming from the fire grate. Camping and backpacking stoves are permitted, but the use of charcoal grills is prohibited.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
Via Thornton Gap Entrance Station (Luray, Route 211): upon entering Skyline Drive, make your way south to mile 51.2 (mile markers can be seen on the side of the Skyline Drive). Follow the signs to Big Meadows Campground, on your right. Via Swift Run Entrance Station (Elkton, Route 33): head north on the Drive to mile 51.2 (mile markers can be seen on the side of the Skyline Drive). Follow the signs to Big Meadows Campground, on your left.
Shenandoah National Park has four very distinct seasons. Spring typically brings mild temperatures, rain, and wildflowers. Summer brings lush green forests, but can be hot and very humid. Fall follows with cooler temperatures and spectacular fall foliage. Winter can bring snow and ice. The mountain is usually 10°F cooler than the valley below. Always check the forecast, dress in layers, and be prepared.
Starting April 9, there will be intermittent power outages in the Big Meadows area for three weeks due to repairs. Campground showers and bathrooms will be closed Mondays through Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. while work is being done. Stays are limited to 30 days. Checkout time is noon. Be sure to clip your camping pass to your site post to show occupancy. Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Generators may be used from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. From opening until April 14, and October 15 through the end of the season, generator hours are extended to 9 p.m. for the purpose of generating heat. Generator use is prohibited in sites designated as “generator-free” and in group sites. Bear, deer, raccoons, and skunks are year-round residents of Shenandoah. Food, garbage, equipment used to prepare or store food, and all scented items must be kept in a locked vehicle or storage locker when not being actively used. It is illegal to feed or disturb wildlife.
A log structure stands on the left side of the road as you enter Big Meadows Campground. There is an overhang supported by wooden beams facing the road. Under the overhang is a kiosk window where a ranger is present during open hours. Next to the kiosk window is a bulletin board with current information.
Drive to Big Meadows Campground
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