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

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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

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