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Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park
Big Meadows sits along Skyline Drive near the Byrd Visitor Center, next to the open grassy meadow the campground is named for. The meadow is one of the best wildlife-viewing spots in Shenandoah, especially at dawn and dusk when deer come out to graze, and it's a popular wildflower and stargazing spot as well. Big Meadows Lodge and a camp store are both within walking distance.
215 campsitesVirginia
Short answer
Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park books on recreation.gov up to 6 months out. Camp.land watches this campground for cancellations and emails you a booking link when a site opens.
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Campsite Types
Group
2 sites
No hookups · group siteRV OKTent OK
Standard (no hookups)
163 sites
No hookups · tents and small rigsRV OKTent OK
Tent only
50 sites
No hookups · walk-in tent sites, no vehicle accessTent OK
Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park fills up fast — lock in a cabin nearby
Luray's cabins and vacation rentals sit just off Skyline Drive, a solid option if a fall weekend at Big Meadows is already booked.
See cabins & rentals near Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park →We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Guide to Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park
Best Campsites
For Families:D Loop standard sites near the camp store and visitor center are the most convenient
For Tents:The walk-to tent-only sites offer more separation from the RV loops
For RVs:D Loop standard sites accommodate RVs, though the campground has no hookups
When to Go
Fall leaf season along Skyline Drive, typically October, is by far the busiest stretch. Summer weekends are also popular given the cooler mountain elevation.
Tips
- →Deer are common in the meadow at dawn and dusk — a great, easy wildlife-viewing spot right at the campground
- →Fall foliage weekends book out fastest of the whole year; reserve early if you want an October date
- →Dark Hollow Falls, one of the most popular short hikes in the park, starts a short drive from the campground
- →No hookups here, but the camp store and lodge nearby cover most needs
Highlights
Along Skyline Drive near the Byrd Visitor CenterNext to the open meadow the campground is named for, prime deer-viewing territoryPopular wildflower spot in spring and summerBig Meadows Lodge and camp store within walking distanceDark Hollow Falls trailhead is a short drive awayGood stargazing thanks to the open meadow views
Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park — Frequently Asked
Is Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park hard to book?+
Yes — Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park is a federal campground booked through recreation.gov, and its sites fill up on weekends and during peak seasons. Fall leaf season along Skyline Drive, typically October, is by far the busiest stretch. Summer weekends are also popular given the cooler mountain elevation. Reserve early on recreation.gov, and set a Camp.land alert to catch cancellations the moment they open.
How many campsites does Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park have?+
Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park has 215 campsites, including Group, Standard (no hookups), Tent only.
How far in advance should I book Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park?+
Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park is a federal campground, so sites are booked through recreation.gov — typically up to 6 months in advance — not the Texas state park system. If your dates are already full, set a Camp.land alert and we'll email you the moment a cancellation opens.
How can I get a last-minute campsite at Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park?+
Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park occasionally has same-day or cancellation openings on recreation.gov, especially midweek. Camp.land watches Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park for cancellations and emails you the instant one opens, with a direct booking link.
Parks Near Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park
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