Description
Set at 3,548 feet and surrounded by waterfalls, forest hikes, and sprawling views, the Big Meadows Campground of Shenandoah National Park provides a true immersion into the Blue Ridge Mountains. The campground is based in Big Meadows, a high-altitude meadow with spring flowers, fall foliage, and excellent wildlife watching and stargazing. It’s also right off of Skyline Drive and close to the Byrd Visitor Center and a park-operated restaurant and convenience store. Tent and RV sites at Big Meadows Campground come with fire pits, picnic tables, and access to restrooms, showers, and dump stations.
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
Spring at Big Meadows Campground is a time for wildflowers and roaring waterfalls. Summer is the park’s busy season, with highs in the mid 80s and lows in the 60s. This campground also books out in autumn for the fall foliage color transformation. Both spring and fall campers should plan for potential rain showers and cold nights. Big Meadows Campground is closed in the winter, typically from Thanksgiving for early May. For specific info about the current open season, contact that park rangers at (540) 999-3500.
Activities
Offered near the campground.
Biking
Many cyclists ride Skyline Drive, but there are no bike lanes or shoulders, and road traffic is heavy. For a less trafficked al...Read more
Hiking
The Appalachian Trail meanders right past this campground, and the Lewis Falls and Story of the Forest trails are within walkin...Read more
Climbing
Big Meadows is about 20 minutes from trad climbing at the Little Stony Man crag. Local guides lead climbing trips here and in o...Read more
Wildlife watching
Keep an eye out for bears, raccoons, deer, and skunks when camping at Big Meadows.
Terrain
Natural features you'll find at Big Meadows Campground.
11 Reviews
Lots of bears
This is a beautiful and central part of the park, but it is also the busiest part of the entire park
make reservations
Lots of gnats in the Summer! Bring bug spray. Weather can be temperamental, it's just a part of life in the Shenandoah Valley.
Hikers going out in the summer should be aware that Shenandoah can get really dry so bring enough water.
Hike-in sites vary in distance from your vehicle. Beware of black bears.
Hike-in sites vary in distance from your vehicle. Beware of black bears.
Be extra safe about bears and food storage
One of the few places on the Skyline Drive that you can buy gasoline! A small hotel and rustic cabins are available if camping isn't your thing. Camping is available nearby at Loft mountain. Also has a full service restaurant and a separate recreation/bar room with live acoustic music on some weekend nites.
- Park
- Shenandoah National Park
- State
- Virginia
- Country
- United States
- Phone Number
- 540-999-3500 X 3747
- Directions
- View on Google Maps
- Official Website
- View Website
- Coordinates
- 38.518° N, 78.433° W
- Unknown price
- Tent Only - Hike In: 51 Sites (Up to 6 people per site)
- Unknown price
- Tent / RV / Trailer - Group: 2 Sites (Up to 15 people per site)
- Unknown price
- Tent / RV / Trailer: 168 Sites (Up to 6 people per site)
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