Big Meadows Campground - Shenandoah (VA)
Shenandoah National Park
Secluded in the thick trees and rolling hills of Shenandoah National Park, the Big Meadows Campground is the ideal spot for an outdoor family getaway.
This expansive campground offers more than 200 campsites, including sites that can accommodate larger groups. Picnic areas are provided, as well as conveniences like flush toilets, showers and a dump station which creates a comfortable camping experience. There is limited WIFI access at the Byrd Visitor Center and Big Meadows Lodge. Cell phone reception is available at the Amphitheather.
Notifications and Alerts
Inclement weather may necessitate closure of Skyline Drive at any time.
For the most up-to-date information about Skyline Drive status and conditions in the Park, opt into our alert system. Text SHENALERTS to 888777.
If Skyline drive is closed due to inclement weather, you may still enter the Park on foot at one of the entrance stations or from a boundary access point.
All or part of Skyline Drive maybe closed for days or weeks following a weather event.
Starting May 5, 2023, all sites at Big Meadows Campground are by reservation only. 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.
Need to Know
Black bears, deer, skunks, raccoons and other wildlife share this space with you; please plan to store all food, hygiene items and trash in appropriate containers or your vehicle.
You are responsible for following all park and campground regulations here.
There are no RV hook-ups but there is a dump station with potable water available.
- Bring a wash basin for washing your dishes, utility sinks are not provided for all sites; dirty water may be dumped in toilets.
Generator hours are 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. with a 60 decibel limit.
There is a $30 fee per vehicle to enter the park. The pass issued is valid for one week.
Upon arrival to the campground, please check in at the registration office. If you arrive after hours, directions will be posted at that office.
Unleaded and diesel fuel is available 24/7 at Big Meadows Wayside (milepost 51.2)
Electric Vehicle charging stations are only available at Skyland Lodge (milepost 41.7)
- Firewood may not be available for purchase after 5 p.m. If you plan to arrive late, you may want to consider purchasing firewood in route. Due to the spread of invasive insects, only kiln dried USDA approved firewood is permitted. Help protect our forest, Click here for more information.
Cell phone reception is very limited throughout the park.
No propane or propane fill up is available in the park.
Check out time is noon.
Campground map
"Walk up" sites are sites that are only available on a first come/first served basis. We cannot hold these sites-you must be present to occupy the site. The inventory shown on this site only shows how many sites are walk ups, it does not show the current occupancy. These sites typically sell out late Thursday evening or early Friday morning. There are seldom any available by Saturday. To call the campground office directly, call: 540-999-3231.
No Show Policy: A no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. For more information on Rec.gov Rules and Reservation Policies.
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 Big 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.
Nearby Attractions
Two visitor centers with bookstores and exhibits are located in the park (milepost 5 and milepost 51). Byrd Visitor Center is a short one mile walk by either trail or sidewalk if you choose not to drive. There are concession managed restaurants, gift shops and lodging facilities scattered throughout the park. Big Meadows Lodge and Restaurant is a 5 minute walk from the campground and Big Meadows Wayside is located beside Byrd Visitor Center.
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.
Changes & Cancellations
Changing Reservations:
There is no change fee if a visitor extends or shortens a reservation, as long as the change includes dates from the original reservation. Additionally, there is no change fee if the visitor wants to switch sites that are the same price with the same reservation dates in the same facility.
If a visitor wants to switch dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates, there is a $10 change fee.
If a reservation is made that includes dates beyond the maximum booking window, that reservation cannot be changed until 18 days have passed from the original booking date.
Once a reservation date has begun, visitors cannot change a reservation using the online system or through the Call Center. Onsite staff will assist with changes or cancellations.
Cancellations:
Visitors may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation.
A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's approved rate including tax and applicable add-on. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.
Visitors who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days prior to arrival date will pay a $10 service fee AND forfeit the first night’s rate.
No-Shows:
A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date.
No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite.
Early Departures:
Visitors are requested to notify staff at the facility if they depart early to allow others to use the site.
If the visitor chooses to depart early, they may forfeit the approved rate and applicable tax and applicable add-on for the day of departure. If a visitor departs prior to the scheduled check-out date, they may be eligible for a partial refund. Visitors may notify the Recreation.gov call center to request a refund of remaining unused nights. If a visitor requests a refund for an early departure after the facility check-out time (10 am) has passed, the visitor will not be refunded for that night and is eligible for a refund on any additional nights that will not be used.
Refunds:
Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Visitors may also initiate a refund request through the call center at any time after their reservation has ended.
Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay.
For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive.
In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.
Contact Information
Default
Shenandoah National Park Headquarters,
3655 U.S. Highway 211 East Luray VA 22835
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 540-999-3500 X 3747
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
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 Crossroads, 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.
Available Campsites
- Site D144, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site E180, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site I221, Loop I Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A064, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D164, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D162, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B120, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B110, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A068, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site E177, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 040, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site F202, Loop F Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 027, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site E182, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site E181, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site E197, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 043, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site E190, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D148, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A069, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B116, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 051, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site A091, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A094, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site E188, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 029, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site A072, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site H217, Loop H Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D168, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A071, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D147, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A081, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B107, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 023, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 048, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site C131, Loop C Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site C141, Loop C Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B115, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 009, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site A061, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A073, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 028, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 033, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site B111, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B105, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A079, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site C138, Loop C Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site E172, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site C133, Loop C Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site G207, Loop G Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site E185, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site C127, Loop C Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 024, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site D145, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site E187, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 006, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site B109, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site I220, Loop I Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site I219, Loop I Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 042, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site I231, Loop I Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A074, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site C136, Loop C Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 052, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site E178, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A070, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A087, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site H211, Loop H Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site F203, Loop F Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site E192, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 014, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site C134, Loop C Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site I230, Loop I Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site E191, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D151, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A101, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site C121, Loop C Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site E196, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D158, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A082, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A100, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D157, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A078, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A058, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 038, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site C123, Loop C Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site C126, Loop C Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site G208, Loop G Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site G209, Loop G Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A062, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 037, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site E186, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A096, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 047, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site A080, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D153, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site C129, Loop C Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site G206, Loop G Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B108, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D166, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site E184, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 001, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 041, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site D159, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site E176, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A086, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 021, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site D161, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site G205, Loop G Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site C128, Loop C Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site C140, Loop C Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D156, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 022, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site F200, Loop F Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site H216, Loop H Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site I223, Loop I Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D149, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site F198, Loop F Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A103, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site E174, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site C132, Loop C Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 003, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site A077, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D142, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site H213, Loop H Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B119, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 046, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site A095, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site G204, Loop G Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A092, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 031, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site A104, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D160, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site E193, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 018, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site A083, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D167, Loop D Loop, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site 039, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 030, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 016, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site D165, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B114, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site I222, Loop I Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 008, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site E194, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 050, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 020, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 035, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site A099, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A102, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 049, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 013, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site D146, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A085, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A066, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 010, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site D155, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B117, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site I226, Loop I Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site C137, Loop C Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 002, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site E183, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 015, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site B113, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A089, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site H215, Loop H Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site E173, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site E189, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site F201, Loop F Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A090, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site C135, Loop C Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A088, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site E179, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site E195, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site C124, Loop C Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site H214, Loop H Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A067, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 011, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site A076, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A065, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site G210, Loop G Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A098, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 053, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site C139, Loop C Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site I227, Loop I Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A059, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Rv Nonelectric
- Site B106, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site I228, Loop I Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 044, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site B112, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site C130, Loop C Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site I229, Loop I Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 036, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site D150, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D143, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D154, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 032, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site H212, Loop H Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D169, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 019, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site E175, Loop E Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A075, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 012, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site F199, Loop F Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site D163, Loop D Loop, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site A063, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 017, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site I225, Loop I Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 045, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site C125, Loop C Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A060, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A084, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site I224, Loop I Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site A093, Loop A Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 007, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site D152, Loop D Loop, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B118, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 034, Loop Generator Prohibited, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
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