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Campground Overview

Introduction

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.

Campsite Details

Reservable220

First Come First Serve0

Total Sites221

Group2

Horse0

Tent Only51

Electrical Hookups0

RV Only0

Walk/Boat To0

Other0

Operating Hours

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.

Weather

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.

Amenities

Trash & Recycling Collection

Toilets

Showers

Laundry

Amphitheater

Dump Station

Camp Store

Staff or Host On-Site

Potable Water

Ice For Sale

Firewood For Sale

Food Storage Lockers

Directions

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.

Rates & Fees

$75.00

Group Campsite (Nonelectric)

Big Meadows Campground has two nonelectric group sites. Each group site can accommodate 7-15 people.

$30.00

Standard Campsite (Nonelectric)

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.

Rules & Regulations

Fire/Stove Policy

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.

Regulations Overview

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.

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access
Seven ADA accessible sites are available for wheelchair access. Showers and laundry facilities are also wheelchair accessible.
RV Allowed
Yes
RV Information
Big Meadows Campground features pull-through and deep back-in sites which can handle most RVs and a tow vehicle. Although electric and water hookups are not available, potable water and dump stations are available, and limited generator use is permitted (see regulations).
RV Maximum Length
0
Trailer Maximum Length
0
ADA Information
Seven accessible sites are available at Big Meadows Campground. Accessible shower and laundry facilities are also available.
Trailer Allowed
Yes
Access Roads
Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
Classifications
Developed Campground

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