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Illustrative landscape
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.
Campsites
215 campsites
Region
Virginia
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Short answer
Check this campground’s official reservation page for its current release schedule and seasonal openings. We have not verified a booking window for this campground.
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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
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Location & trip guide
Luray, Virginia
Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park is in Virginia. Use the official booking provider for current arrival directions and access details.
Get directions ↗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 found during scheduled checks every 30 minutes.
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?+
Check this campground’s official reservation page for its current release schedule and seasonal openings. We have not verified a booking window for this campground.
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 checks every 30 minutes and emails you when a check finds an opening, with a direct booking link. Availability can change before you book.
Parks Near Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park
Don't wait for Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park to open up
Your first alert is free — no card required. We check every 30 minutes and email you when a check finds an opening. Availability can change before you book.
Set Alert for Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park