Big Meadows Campground
304 Big Meadows Access Road, Robertson, VA, 22851
National Park ServiceLast Updated: November 5, 2025
Campsites Starting From
Taxes and fees will be calculated at checkout
Campground Overview
2025 Opening Date: March 26 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.
Reservation Info
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.
Rules
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.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!