Big Meadows Campground, near Luray, Virginia, is a fantastic base for exploring [Shenandoah National Park](https://thedyrt.com/camping/virginia/near/shenandoah-national-park). With spacious sites that come equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, it’s perfect for gathering around the fire after a day of adventure.

This campground boasts clean facilities, including bathrooms and a camp store that offers laundry services and showers for a small fee. Visitors have noted the convenience of having hiking trails right at your doorstep, with popular spots like Dark Hollow Falls just a short trek away. One camper mentioned, “We loved our 4-night stay in Big Meadows,” highlighting the easy access to stunning park views and trails.

Wildlife is abundant here, with deer frequently wandering through the area, adding to the natural charm. While there are no electric hookups, campers can run generators during designated hours, making it easier to enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort. 

For those looking to unwind, the nearby Big Meadows Lodge offers dining options and a cozy atmosphere to relax after a day of hiking. Whether you’re tent camping or bringing an RV, Big Meadows Campground provides a welcoming environment for all types of campers.

## Overview

 Secluded in the thick trees and rolling hills of Shenandoah National Park, the Big Meadows Campground is the ideal spot for an outdoor family getaway.
## Recreation

 Shenandoah National Park has over 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Some trails lead to a waterfall or viewpoint while others wind deep into the forest and wilderness. Big Meadows is near many of the major facilities and popular hiking trails in the park. Three waterfalls are within walking distance, and the Meadow, with its abundant plant growth and wildlife, is an ideal nearby attraction.Wildlife viewing is also a popular pastime, with black bears, wild turkey, deer, birds and countless other animals thriving in the park.The campground is also located right off the famous Skyline Drive, which runs 105 miles north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Stunning views are visible from any of the 75 scenic overlooks. 
## Facilities

 This expansive campground offers more than 200 campsites, including sites that can accommodate larger groups. Picnic areas are provided, as well as conveniences like flush toilets, showers and a dump station which creates a comfortable camping experience. There is limited WIFI access at the Byrd Visitor Center and Big Meadows Lodge. Cell phone reception is available at the Amphitheather. 
## Natural Features

 Shenandoah National Park spans 300 square miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the southern Appalachians. The park rises above the Virginia Piedmont to its east and the Shenandoah Valley to its west. The scenery at Big Meadows Campground never disappoints, with a stunning array of colors in the fall and a blanket of bright wildflowers in the spring. This green and shady campground is a wilderness paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. 
## Contact Info

 For facility specific information, please call (540) 999-3231. 
## Nearby Attractions

 Two visitor centers with bookstores and exhibits are located in the park (milepost 5 and milepost 51). Byrd Visitor Center is a short one mile walk by either trail or sidewalk if you choose not to drive. There are concession managed restaurants, gift shops and lodging facilities scattered throughout the park. Big Meadows Lodge and Restaurant is a 5 minute walk from the campground and Big Meadows Wayside is located beside Byrd Visitor Center. 
## Charges & Cancellations

 Changing Reservations: There is no change fee if a visitor extends or shortens a reservation, as long as the change includes dates from the original reservation. Additionally, there is no change fee if the visitor wants to switch sites that are the same price with the same reservation dates in the same facility. If a visitor wants to switch dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates, there is a $10 change fee. If a reservation is made that includes dates beyond the maximum booking window, that reservation cannot be changed until 18 days have passed from the original booking date. Once a reservation date has begun, visitors cannot change a reservation using the online system or through the Call Center. Onsite staff will assist with changes or cancellations. Cancellations: Visitors may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's approved rate including tax and applicable add-on. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. Visitors who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days prior to arrival date will pay a $10 service fee AND forfeit the first nights rate. No-Shows: A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite. Early Departures: Visitors are requested to notify staff at the facility if they depart early to allow others to use the site. If the visitor chooses to depart early, they may forfeit the approved rate and applicable tax and applicable add-on for the day of departure. If a visitor departs prior to the scheduled check-out date, they may be eligible for a partial refund. Visitors may notify the Recreation.gov call center to request a refund of remaining unused nights. If a visitor requests a refund for an early departure after the facility check-out time (10 am) has passed, the visitor will not be refunded for that night and is eligible for a refund on any additional nights that will not be used. Refunds: Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Visitors may also initiate a refund request through the call center at any time after their reservation has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive. In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.

Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

Searching for the best camping near Stanley, VA? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Stanley campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Stanley, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Stanley

The Best Camping Near Stanley, Virginia

It is fairly centrally located in the middle of the park and there are showers at this campground.  Pretty big and a little crowded but not too bad.  

Middle of Shenendoah

Stayed here with three other girls and my dog- it was a great spot! Nice and close to some great trails for our evening walk, and nothing beats staying Inside the NP! Easy access to sunsets and sunrises and a great camp store to grab anything you may have forgotten!

Accessibly to trials is great!

Stayed in July of 2016\. Our site had the AT running right behind it. The was plenty of access to trails, and pretty central to the park. The campground is near showers, laundry, campstore, and visitor center. Only down fall is proximity to neighbors.

Great campground, great location.

My sister and I stayed at Big Meadows on March 27th, which I believe is the first week it opened for the season. We had a great experience. Facilities are clean, the campsites are spacious, and the rangers are helpful. Will definitely return. 

Big Meadows Campgound opening week 

Enjoyed Big Meadows very much. Campground was busy but never felt like we were sharing someone else's tent stakes. Will be returning in June. 

Big Meadows, SNP VA

Four + Canine stayed on one of the primitive sites in April 2017. The site was spacious enough for two tents and two hammocks and spaced far enough from other sites to feel comfortable despite the crowd. All the sites I saw were comfortably close to bathroom facilities and the campground is close to a lot of key Shenandoah trails. Wood gathering is allowed and in case roughing it isn't a strong skill for part of your group, there is a cafe that sells warm food and stickers for your already pimped out water bottle. Definitely returning this summer, recommend online reservations. 

Very Spacious, Tons of Hiking Options

This campground has a lot of open, big sites. My favorite sites are the ones on the edge overlooking the mountain. Has a camp store on grounds. Some sitests have platform picnic/dinning spots.

Very open

There are several campsites available at this National Park. I like this campsite particularly because its close to one of my favorite waterfall hikes in VA. The site is run by the National Park so all the basic amenities are available at the site. Depending on what time of the year you go, you might find some solitude. Lots of beautiful hikes and bike course with awesome views of the valley.  

Shenandoah National Park - Big Meadows camp area

Parking spot. Fire pit, picnic table. You may not pick up any wood around your site for preservation purposes. Can only burn wood with a USDA stamp. Heavily regulated. Small camp spot. Running water, flush toilets. Slightly pricey.

Heavily controlled

Shenandoah is a true oasis from urban areas in the eastern U.S. Even though it is only 75 miles from D.C., Shenandoah feels like another world. Big Meadows Campground allowed us a convenient home base for exploring many of Shenandoah’s trails and overlooks.

We visited in late October, slightly past peak fall colors season, but we still saw the end of what was a beautiful leaf season.

You can’t control the weather, but if your visit to Shenandoah calls for rain, I’d avoid this campground. The drainage must be faulty because when we arrived, most of the available sites were too muddy to set up our tent. We found a higher site, but still struggled with weather woes at our campsite.

Beyond its drainage issues, this campground was a standard national park campground, providing basic but adequate amenities like flush toilets and a picnic table.

We still had a great time at Shenandoah. We were visiting with family, so we hiked a few crowd-pleaser trails: Rose River Loop and Overall Falls were two of our favorites. We enjoyed the views from scenic Skyline Drive, and also would highly recommend visiting the Byrd Visitor Center (one of our favorites in the whole NPS!)

You can read much more about our five days in the park on our blog: [Switchback Kids (Shenandoah)](http://switchbackkids.com/shenandoah/)

Standard NPS campsite with great access to Shenandoah National Park - avoid during rain!

A big, beautiful meadow! This is one of the coolest places I've stayed for sure. We were here in early May and the crowds were minimal and the weather pleasant. We did have to weather an epic thunderstorm one evening but we just hid out in the showers and then the car!

The sites here are nicely laid out with plenty of grass, preferable to the crushed stone found in a lot of places for the longevity of our tent floor. Each site has a well maintained fire ring and picnic table as well as plenty of room to stretch out. Lot's of trees if you want to hang a hammock or too. Our boy Cooper really appreciated all the long soft grass. As you can see from the photos, the paved parking spot nicely backs up to the site in a way that makes it easy to use the back of your vehicle for added space if desired.

Just down the road you will find an amazing NPS Visitor's Center and plenty of trail heads. This is a great spot for anyone looking to stop along Sky Line drive for the evening or simply to base camp out of for a few days to explore the park. Be aware, the deer here are a nuisance and you need to store your food appropriately to avoid less than desirable interactions.

Exactly what the name implies, it's a BIG MEADOW

Not too shabby of an area, with nice access to the center of the NP. You are right behind the Byrd Visitor Center and there is actually a nice paved path the entire way from there back to the campgrounds. Across the Skyline drive from the visitor center is a "Big Meadow" (which because of the waning moon when we visited was really crowded) where you can get some awesome, unobstructed views of the night sky. Bring a blanket or chair.

You do get to be in some pretty large sites which are a mix of secluded and open (see photos) Unlike some of the other campgrounds this one is definitely ADA accessible at all the restrooms and a good number of sites.

The "hike in" sites aren't as close together as in Loft mountain, but they woods are also a bit more open here. That way you can see it someone is actually at these sites and inversely you lose some of that privacy and some of them back up kind of close to the road and you definitely 100% have to walk through some of the sites to get to other sites, which is a poor design.

Because this is the largest and most "reservable" campgrounds it's also seems like the one to get filled up first, which in turn makes it really crowded. Also, because it has a large number of bigger RV spaces it also seems to be a bit noisier during the allowed generator hours.

Nice large sites with decent tree coverage

Even in the middle of the season with all the spots full you never feel like you are on top of everyone. This trip ended up being rainy and extremely misty. The mist added a good bit of magic to our hikes and didn't seem to damper the mood on either the grounds or the trails. Wood is kept covered so we didn't have to fight moisture to get the fire going. It took us longer to get up the mountain because of visibility issues but the staff was supportive and even called to confirm. Another great experience at Big Meadows.

Big Meadows during Summer Rain

The open fields and waterfalls were amazing great place for tons of hikes

Big Meadow has many amenities which make it popular and oftentimes crowded during weekends and holiday's. But, many of these amenities make camping with families a convenience. We saw many deer and bear while camping. Just being in Shenandoah is a soothing experience. With so many hiking trails and waterfalls nearby we love to camp in Big Meadows - and for the star watching at night.

Popular well-accommodated campground

Small but worth every minute you are there..

Nice clean campgrounds 

Always a delight to stay here. The hosts are awesome, the facilities well maintained and clean and the atmosphere is amazing. Families and individuals can stop for a night or make a week out of a visit here. Centrally located on Skyline Drive you're never too far from the best parts of Shenandoah.  Walk-in sites have bear boxes to stow food and gear. The quaint camp store can get you by but the Wayside nearby and the lodge up the street can get you the rest. 

Gem of Skyline Drive

The campsites perfect for tents or smaller campers , they don’t work well with our fifth wheel. bathrooms are adequate. There is a camp store and gas station. Bear coolers at most sites. a camp host is there to help direct you.  Plenty of hiking trails with multiple levels of difficulty. Plenty of wildlife.


beautiful view

This is a glamping site! coin operated showers, camp store open during the day. This is a much bigger campsite than the others in shenandoah and you should reserve spots a week or more in advance. This site generally has more RVs and people than the others.

tons of amenities and close access to great trails

This campground is very clean. The bathrooms were clean and the campground had coin operated showers which was a plus. The firepit has grates to cook your food on which was good. It also had a camp store which sold basic camping supplies and food and of course Shenandoah National Park merchandise. It was also nice because it sold wine and beer, which we liked because we went there for our wedding anniversary and wanted drinks for our anniversary dinner. They also had a cafe that sold lunches, dinners and ice cream. The views of the park were great and the trails were very close by, we enjoyed Stony Man and Dark Hallows Falls. The Park Rangers and employees were very friendly! The wildlife is great, we saw plenty of deer and pretty birds. We would definitely go back.

Relaxing and friendly!

The campground was beautiful and peaceful. We stayed for 5 nights and it was a great location in the park with easy access to trails and amenities but also to see other areas of the park.

Beautiful campground, quiet, peaceful 

Be prepared for bear country and bring cash for showers, laundry. firewood and ice are available to purchase in the campground too. neighboring lodge features a farmers market on fridays. great hiking, AT runs right along the campsite. 

Great Campground

Spent a steamy night here early in the season, and plan to return when it's cooler. Not too crowded, but I reserved in advance. Very convenient to Frazier Discovery and RipRap trails.

Beautiful, wide-open campground

VERY busy and loud over Memorial Day weekend; but GREAT hiking and AMAZING scenery throughout the Shenandoah area!

Busy but Great Hiking

This campground is very very popular and the sites are very close together so it’s a bit overwhelming. Definitely avoid major holidays if you camp to get away from it all. But it’s perfect if you like glamping. You’ll never be at a loss for things to do: hiking, birding, Ranger-led programs, blueberry picking in July, and a Junior Ranger patch program for kids. The wayside has a sit down full service restaurant plus the most heavenly *homemade* blackberry ice cream. Hot showers are available ($1.50 for 5 minutes so bring quarters) and bathrooms are always close by.

I have to give Big Meadows 4 stars simply because it’s so crowded and busy.

Convenient location but crowded. 

The drive in was spectacular. Skyline drive lives up to it's name. It was hot and humid the day we arrived but the humidity was reduced as we headed higher into the mountains.

We arrived after the registration booth had closed but the self check-in instructions were clear and easy to follow. I made the mistake of forgetting to look at my site number before dropping the registration card into the mail-slot. I had to look up my confirmation email from recreation.gov which took a while because the cell phone service(Verizon) is spotty in the park.

Camp was clean and well kept. Lot's of families and kids. There was a small blue-grass band playing at one site and it made the whole campground resonate with pleasant music. They played right up until quiet hours at 10pm. I thought it was sweet... maybe other people would think otherwise.

On our way to buy fire wood (which is available at the Lodge - open 24-hours) my son spotted a black bear. It was just off the campground road not more than 50 feet from the nearest campground. it seemed to keep to itself. We also saw several deer eating grass amongst the sites.

Bathrooms were clean. Showers were clean and there was enough that you didn't have to wait long.

In the morning we hiked the Dark Hollow Falls trail just outside the campground. It was fairly steep but short enough that my 7-year-old was able to do it. Cool waterfall at the end.

I would visit again.

Well Maintained Large Campground with many amenities. Lot's of wildlife.

Really great stay! Very large and clean campground and the bath house seems new and very clean! I’ll definitely be going back, soon!

Shenandoah National Park

Skyline drive is beautiful and has many over looks to stop and take those panorama pictures! Be aware though that the road curves the entire way, so prepare if you get motion sick.

The people at the campground registration are very nice and helpful, even got a "y'all come back now" at our check out.

Campsites are at least partially shaded and while close together, are at least big enough for two tents and all have a picnic table and fire ring. Fire wood is available for sale within the campground along with ice and other necessities. There are also two places to eat on site if you don't feel like cooking or are too busy with the many things to do.

There are trails accessible from the campground, including the A.T., daily programs at the ampitheater or guided walks within the meadow, group activities during thr evening at the main lodge such as a game night. 

There is are several restrooms located around the campgrounds, and while clean and nice, the one on A loop only had two stalls, which amazingly wasn't an issue but could see it becoming one during holidays. The bathroom area in A loop also had a utility sink for washing dishes, a water spigot, and garbage and recycling facilities. Showers are in a separate area and are coin operated, curently costing $1.75 for a 5.25min shower. There is a machine on site that accepts $1 and $5 bills if you need change. There is hot water, showers are small but clean, and have locking doors for privacy.

Wildlife is of course in abundance! We saw deer daily, bear almost daily, all kinds of birds, including waking up to owls calling. 

Only other thing to note is there is WiFi avaliable at the main lodge if you'te not in a hurry. While internet was not important to me, the main lodge was also the only place aside the top of some mountains that I was able to get cell phone service at all on the Verizon network, so keep that in mind in case you're expecting to check in with anyone.

Great for all!

We love this campground, we like the pull in and the walk in sites, bear boxes provided, plenty of room to relax. Good bathrooms, coin hot showers available too. So many trails to explore, walk to the Lodge, Wayside, Visitor Center and more. 

Favorite National Park Campground so far

We were there during a heat wave so there were bugs but being from Georgia the heat was bearable. Speaking of bears- there were lots of siting and they take food clean up seriously. You can be fined for leaving food out. The site was a tent site with lots of shade and not too close to others. Lots of deer walking through and room to hang hammocks and chill lut

Lots of bugs but shady and fun

Giventhe choice to camp anywhere, this is where I go.

No electric, no phone signal....perfection

My absolute favorite place to camp

Big Meadows is definitely the most popular of this national parks campgrounds. Sites fill up fast, and they always seems to be a little busy, but the sites aren't too on-top of each other, so it didn't feel over-crowded, and you can make reservations online (in fact, its recommended).

Restrooms and bathhouses are pretty standard for national parks - relatively up to date &amp; well-kept. Showers are quarter operated.

The park itself is amazing, beautiful and offers tons of activities (lots of trails &amp; ranger led programs). Wildlife is everywhere, neither the bear nor the deer are camera shy! Camp store has all the necessities, and they've got a nice souvenir shop as well. Campers can partake in the activities at the lodge, and stop-in at their restaurant too.

Most popular of Shenandoah National Parks Campgrounds

This campground had lots of wildlife, from bears to birds to lots of insects and even some deer. The bathrooms were tidy enough, no hot water. We did use the laundry facilities to dry out some gear while we did the pay showers. The showers were great. This campground had a visitors center nearby with a small restaurant and store. We will definitely camp here again!

Pretty much everything a family needs to camp!

This campground has nice flat spaces with fire rings and picnic tables at east site. Ample amounts of shade. The walk upsites have bear boxes.

Nice flat campground with ample amounts of shade

This was one of the bigger campgrounds I've stayed in. There were a lot of big families camping together and they were very loud, plus there is not much privacy between sites. It was however a beautiful campground with decent bath/shower facilities. Watch out for bears/deer!

Great campground, but little privacy

Was lucky enough to find an open camp site when we went up on a Thursday night. The camp ground tends to fill up on the weekends, so if you are planning a trip probably worthwhile to reserve a spot.  We found a walk in site that was about 20 yards back from the parking, spot 35.  There was ample room for our tent and two hammocks.  

There are a lot of camp sites and a lot of people in tents which is refreshing.  There are plenty of comfort stations throughout the camp.  There are lots of bears in the area so the rangers go around to remind people to keep food secure in car or in designated storage boxes.  Showers cost $1.75 for 5.25 minutes, as of August 2018.  

The rangers have lots of programs and there are plenty of hiking trails with varying distances and difficulties.  Dogs were allowed in camp sites but some of the more popular hiking trails don't allow dogs.  Overall, we really enjoyed camping here and would return in a heartbeat.  

Great Walk In Camp Sites

This campground is a great way to experience Shenandoah National Park. It's close to many hikes with varying challenge levels, and the beautiful views are breathtaking. It's a nice break from the heat in the summer time.

Campsites: Some sites are close to a swamp, and don't drain as well, especially after rain. I was in site A65 in mid-August, and the firepit wasn't usable due to the large puddle it was in for two days after rain. It was a good site otherwise, with shade and half-gravel, half-grass and close proximity to the bathroom but not on top of it. My sister was at site A64, and their site was lacking gravel and never really dried out. They would not stay at that particular site again. If you are going with other campers, the sites behind you are as close as the sites next to you, so we could have had several options for camping together in addition to looking at side-by-side sites.

Rangers &amp; Wildlife: The rangers are great, definitely need to keep your food put away or it will be confiscated. This is best for the bears. I saw one directly across from my site one morning (as well as others throughout Shenandoah), but never felt threatened. It was exciting and amusing to watch the rangers "herd" a couple of errant bears out of the campsite and back into the swamp with airhorns and paintball guns. Deer are everywhere, like squirrels in a city park. None came right up to people, but they had no problem grazing near us. Barred owls called all night under the Milky Way. Racoons checked out my site overnight as well, no harm no foul, just cute footprints.

Conveniences: It was extremely helpful to be near a camp store with a small grocery, counter food service and gasoline. The showers have hot water, but be sure to bring plenty of quarters. You are very near the Big Meadows Lodge, with food and a gift shop. You can easily head 10 miles north to the Skyland Resort, where the Taproom stays open till 11pm (that was a good alternative one rainy night). Skyland has a sit-down restaurant as well. The Byrd Visitor center is a nice stop.

Wine &amp; Whisky Shuttle out of Skyland: Just a heads up, at Skyland Resort, we signed up for the Wine &amp; Whisky Trail to get out of the rain, $40/person including lunch. We were gone 10:30am to 4pm. The communication was very poor--we did not realize the tastings were an additional cost, and when we were just collecting info, the person at the counter said it would be four stops. Upon returning to sign up &amp; pay, we learned it was only three stops and they did not give us a voucher, which we apparently needed to board the shuttle. Fortunately on the day of the shuttle, the person who sold us the tickets was there and remembered that she forgot to give us the voucher. After all that, it was a fun outing and a very welcome change from camping in the rain. The driver added a lot of background info, and also worked part time as a Shenandoah ranger, and was a local. Definitely check out Copper Fox Distillery if that is your thing.

I can't wait to go back, hopefully more than once, and hopefully with clearer skies. We fell in love with Shenandoah National Park.

Great views, great hikes, lots of amenities, some sites swampy in rain

Pros: Location. This campground puts your right in the middle of Shenandoah with multiple beautiful hikes only minutes away. Wildlife is abundant, you will see deer and bears. Weather is lovely not too hot during the day and campfire cool at night. The camp hosts and park rangers were friendly and helpful without being around too much.

Cons: Campsite are very close together, little to no brush between campsites, and tent sites are laid out poorly with some site only having access to the parking lot or facilities by walking through other sites. Normally I don't mind noise at a camp site, but this was particularly bad. Due to the lack of brush, you could hear zippers and gravel crunching all night. Additionally, tent sites are small but have a gravel pad for the tents, the issue was the gravel was poorly maintained, consisted of large chunks of rock and were steeply inclined making it hard to layout a tent so everyone inside is at least somewhat comfortable.

Big pros annoying cons.

I recently stayed in Big Meadows campground at Shenandoah and it was right in the heart of everything I wanted to do with my group. You have an similar drive from either end of the park as well as if you enter from Thornton Gap or Swift Run Gap. It's really in the middle of it all.

The sites are generally wooded with facilities relatively close to all sites. There was a bit of traffic going until 10pm as it is a busier campsite, but I didn't mind as we were looking at some amazing stars with a fire pit and a beer until we crashed.

Many campers hiked right out of their sites on to the Appalachian Trail which seemed awesome, but there are also more than 20 great hiking trips within a drive of less than 20 minutes either North or South on Skyline Drive.

Big Meadows lodge is very close which offered a nice restaurant when we didn't want to cook. There is also a gas station, store, and hot showers within the Big Meadows area making this convenient if you need anything that you left at home. Also, Skyland (no campground) was a short drive away and offered horseback riding as well as some pub nightlife.

Great Camping for Groups

Great centrally located campground on skyline drive. Staff was super friendly, animals are too (we saw 10 bear in 3 days 😊). Bathrooms were nice and clean. Can’t wait to go back again.

Great location, friendly staff, awesome sites 

We’ve camped at Big Meadows in May and October. It has been extremely cold and VERY windy at night! Too windy to enjoy a fire. It’s a fantastic campsite but beware of wind at the beginning and end of season. Otherwise, go for it! Seriously one of the best campsites in the Shenandoah area for sure!

Gorgeous but windy! 

This is a nice size campgroud in the Shenadoah National Park off Skyline Drive. The campground is very peaceful and plenty of wildlife to see. You also have access to trails for hiking, camp store and reataurant nearby.

Peaceful camping

This campground is located in the Shenandoah National Park in Stanley , Va on Skyline drive and offers some amazing views! There are several hikes in close proximity to the campground and the Appalachian Trail goes through this part of the park as well! The staff are very friendly , the park is clean and there is wildlife everywhere. Loved hearing the owl at night! If you don't feel like cooking , the lodge is very close by with delicious food , a warm fireplace , local musicians, games and lodging for those who don't choose to camp. The Big Meadows Lodge is not open all year , so check the schedule if this is a must do !

Lots of wildlife

Nice campground! Very busy for a Wednesday night, probably due to the National Park. Still worth it!

Nice Clean, busy

Best campground in Shennandoah. my boyfriend and I drove in and had a mix up with our reservation (over booked) and the staff accommodated us. We used this campground as a prep for backcountry, and there are about 20 miles of trails in the area, including the AT. we loved it! I HIGHLY suggest making a reservation well ahead of time, especially for tent sites. They have some really secluded sites. 

Beautiful Campground, Great Staff

Big Meadows was the second stop at the halfway point on our tour of Shenandoah National Park. First stop was Mathews Arm which is about 1/4 of the way on Skyline Drive (north to south). After Big Meadows, we stopped at Loft Mountain. These parks are well spaced for viewing and hiking in between each campground.

I'm a big fan of campgrounds in national parks. Why do I like this one?

- Simplicity, i.e. no frills but all the basic needs are available

- This one (and the others in Shenandoah) have generator-free areas.

- First-come, first-served sites: About 20% of the 230+ sites can't be reserved.

- The $20 price is a bargain and our Lifetime Senior Pass cuts the fee in half.

- Hiking: Don't miss the Rose River hike and all the cascading waterfalls. You can start near the campground with a trip to Dark Hollow Falls and continue with the Rose River Loop. Pick up the info sheet on the Big Meadows Area hikes at one of the Visitor Centers. The hiking maps are excellent.

- Steven Mather, the first director of the NPS, wanted to create a park in the eastern US that is like the western parks. This park and its campgrounds have that vibe.

**The Sites**

- Sites are all back in, i.e. no pull throughs.

- Non-reservable sites: Some tent sites, all of C and all of I. Check the photo of the site map.

- Walk-to tent sites: It's not a long walk to your site from a designated parking spot. There are food storage boxes at most sites so you don't have to move food back to your car. These sites are more secluded than the regular sites.

- Generator-free zone: See the site map photo that shows all walk-to tent sites, all of B and part of A in the generator-free zone.

- Choosing a site: Arrive early if you don't have a reservation. Some of the non-reservation sites will be claimed by people staying multiple nights. If you want to be in the generator-free zone, you should probably reserve a site. We were able to get one without a reservation but it was on a weekday in October. If you don't mind having a generator near you, I thought the sites on the outside of E were nice because there is no one behind you.

- Some sites have food storage lockers. Google reviews indicate park rangers insist you keep all food in a locker, camper or vehicle, and you can be fined if you don't. Apparently, bears recognize coolers so you should cover them up in vehicles. (I also heard this at Rocky Mountain NP.) 

**Amenities**

- Restrooms with a utility sink outside some of them. Potable water and trash/recycling stations are spread throughout the park. These are all shown on the site map photo.

- Showers in a central area: $1.75 for 5.25 minutes. Yes, that's what it is! You can do it! These are the classiest showers I've seen in a national park.

- Laundry facility

- Campstore with ice, wood and some food

- Dump station

I feel like I'm in a National Park out west, and that's a good thing!

Maybe I just have some great childhood memories associated with this place, but I love Big Meadows. This campground is located in Shenandoah National Park and is a great place to get out into nature and away from everything.

The campsites are mainly tent sites, but I believe they also have cabins to rent. I think the best part about this campground is that it feels more like you're camping in the woods rather than a campground. There is a bunch of wildlife all around the campground, which is nice to see. Also, this place is great for families, because there are plenty of activities for kids to do. Rangers of the park give talks, and there are scavenger hunts that the kids can participate in.

I love camping in Shenandoah National Park, because there is a ton of hiking in the area. Some of my favorites are Rip Rap Trail, Jones Run Falls, and White Oak Canyon, but there's plenty more to explore.

AMAZING

Though Shenandoah national park itself is underwhelming. The campground was a great spot to sleep. There are walk in site and drive through sites available. The stars can be seen though definitely a bit of light pollution. The campsite connects to hiking trials to bring you to the sights of the national park easily, including the dark hollow falls and big meadow

Centrally located national park campground

Tons of great hiking trails many with views of beautiful waterfalls. We took our lab and she enjoyed the trails as much as we did! One night we camped out at Big Meadows campground and got to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The next two nights we stayed in an awesome dog friendly cabin at the Big Meadows Lodge. They were so accommodating for our furry friend. We were given a cabin with its our screened in porch just for her to enjoy. (Not many cabins have this feature) They even gave her a cute trail dog bandana which she wore with pride on our hikes. At night there was a nice little spot close to the campsite to hike up and see the beautiful expanse of stars. The best stars I’ve ever seen! Another exciting feature were all the wildlife. We saw so many chipmunks, deer and even a few snakes. The coolest part was seeing some black bears in the trees ! Awesome to see and we also felt very safe for park rangers were very attentive to keeping everyone at safe distances. Totally recommend these gem in VA!

Beautiful views & cozy cabins!

We had a great time at Big Meadows campground despite our hopes that we could still purchase firewood after 5:00! We enjoyed the sunset a few miles down at the Point Lookout and had a small fire with twigs. Still a great time!

Poor planning on our part...

As a youth I camped in Big Meadows for two weeks every summer with my parents, and this was my first trip back in nearly 30 years. We booked walk-in site number 35, which is the first site off the parking area. Despite being so close, it was secluded and well shaded. This site does not include a bear box due to its close proximity to your car, which is a minor hassle when preparing meals, but you absolutely must adhere to the rules regarding food storage when not in use within your vehicle or bear box (where available).  
  
During the week of our stay we saw bears daily, hunting for acorns in the forested areas surrounding the sites that were slightly further back from ours. I've attached some photos I'd captured of them, as well as, some deer that paid us no mind as they meandered right through our site several times a day. The bears were active mid afternoon to shortly before sunset and are very skilled at climbing trees. When we left the site to run errands and such we would check the trees before we walked in, as one afternoon we were sitting by the fire and unbeknownst to us one had climbed up a tree during our absence. He decided to high tail it out of there after we settled in. The tree was a mere 40 yards away in a nearby site. They generally want nothing to do with us humans but if cornered they will feel threatened and become aggressive.  
  
The showers are absolutely the best I have ever encountered in all my years of camping, so I happily paid the $1.75 for 5.25 minutes. The water is hot and the stalls are clean and much nicer than my own bathroom at home.  
  
The laundry facility is $1.00 for each unit and the washer takes :30 minutes to complete and the dryer cycle is about the same, although I had only done a small load towards the end of our trip, and it was completely dry in :15 minutes.  
  
The wood sold at the shower building is hit or miss, they sell two types one in yellow nets and one red. According to the attendant they were the same kiln dried wood but just from different manufacturers. The wood in the yellow burned better and sold out faster during our trip for whatever reason. The Walmart in Luray sells wood (which is okay to use in the park, provided it has the USDA symbol on the packaging) and at nearly half the price burned a lot longer and better.  
  
The camp store is well stocked with camping gadgets, canned goods, bread, snacks, toiletries and cleaning products. There is a small freezer section with individually wrapped meats, such as, burgers, steak and chicken breast which was a plus. They also had a nice beer selection. Prices are reasonable, similar to that of a convenience store. Gas was only .10 cents more than the valley which isn't too bad considering. We had a meal each at both the wayside and the lodge and they were both good and a nice change from prepping meals at the site.  
  
The rangers were great, helpful and informative. I was mildly worried after reading some of the reviews here, because our group included a few musicians and guitars were played and songs were sung. As long as you adhere to the quite hours you will have no issues.  
  
Ranger programs were offered every other day at the amphitheater and there were various presentations at the visitor center  
  
The utility sink near the bathrooms that are scattered throughout the campground is very handy for washing dishes but do not throw food out there. Scrape the food off your dishware/cookware into a bag and throw it out at the trash bins before washing. Twice over the first weekend the sink was clogged and completely unusable and had to be cleared by park maintenance. It can and WILL attract bears if left in that condition.  
  
Overall, this is a beautiful and well maintained place to place to pitch a tent and I highly recommend it.

Simply Amazing!!!

Big Meadows is the ideal place to stay in Shenandoah. A large, community campground in close proximity to the visitor center, store, gas, and a restaurant. Sites are decently spaced but widely vary in length (check before you book because parking off the gravel is not allowed). Bears frequently visit the campground so make sure you put away your trash and food and walk loudly on the trails. Speaking of trails, there are tons of nearby trail options, for every level of intensity. Wifi and cell signal is non-existent (Verizon) but both are available at the visitor center and nearby lodge. Oh, and when it rains, the ground is non-absorbant. The campground is on a slope so expect your site to become soggy, if not an actual river. The showers and bathrooms were decently clean, though not spectacular (the showers cost $1.75 for 5 minutes, hot water was hit and miss). We had to leave early because our battery was not charging, but would have loved to stayed longer. Would recommend and visit again.

A dry campground centrally located in Shenandoah National Park

Pros:
-Bear boxes for hike-in sites
-Numerous trash, recycling and ash bins throughout the site
-Park store(s) in and around the campground
-Some trails in the campground
-Central location in the park
-Lots of wildlife

Cons:
-Sites are hit or miss; luckily I was able to swap out my reserved hike-in site (where I had to walk through two other sites to get to it plus had a hiking trail right behind it) for a non-reservable hike-in site
-Most sites are really close with little to no separation
-Paid 1.75 for the coldest five minute shower of my life
-Bathrooms were okay; I'll thank my fellow campers for keeping things as clean as could be

Could Be Better

Big Meadows is in a great location in the middle of Shenandoah NP. It has numerous trails you can access from the campground. The bathrooms are basic and well maintained. There is potable water available close. The shower facilities were some of the cleanest public showers I've ever used. 

  

We enjoyed the park and the hikes and would definitely return again to this campsite. Tip- the visitor center has air conditioning, a cute little museum, and wifi!

Great access to Shenandoah!

For hiking and camping alone as often as I do I was a big fan of this site. I was able to find something fairly secluded from people but still within close range of a store, and a restaurant. Shenandoah is awesome

Big fan

Big Meadows is the most centrally located campground within Shenandoah. It’s near a huge meadow full of paths to explore. Great place to see the stars at night too. The campground itself is popular so if you’re seeking something more remote and private this isn’t the place to sleep for you. Watch out for deer. 

It’s magical 

Conviently located near many hikes and the stores.

Close to tons of hikes and lots of other things to do. 

Nice facilities (shower, bathrooms, garbage, etc.), but the campsites themselves leave a bit to be desired.

Pros: deer wander the grounds, making for some beautiful morning animal encounters. Seems to be family-friendly. Very fair quiet hours. Easy access to a number of great hiking trails! We had a blast hiking the Rose River trail and part of the AT for one whole day.

Cons: Uneven ground all over the reserved site made it so our tent had to be pitched at an angle. The fire pit was strange due to the grilles covering half of it (would prefer to have just had a simple pit instead). Also the firewood we were sold was abysmal; it sputtered and smoked instead of burning cleanly. This made cooking extremely frustrating, so I will be bringing my own (certified and labeled) firewood next time.

Decent casual campground— bring your own firewood though!

Central location to all the scenic hikes and summits. Camp store and restaurant~1.5 mile from the campsite is super convenient. Plenty of black bears wander in the campgrounds in the mornings. In summer months bring a rain canopy for the picnic tables. Down pours come hard and fast, which would drown our campfire within moments.

Best place to camp in Shenandoah National Park

Big Meadows Campground was wonderful. Facilities were clean and well maintained. Bear box for food storage. Loved seeing the deer so close and other wildlife. Fire ring with grate was available. Large site size. We had site 23. Highly recommend!

Beautiful , well maintained 

The park doesn’t take reservations so it’s first-come first-served. Sometimes you’ll get lucky but it’s always a gamble. The time I did end up getting a site here it was small and I felt elbow-to-elbow with other campers. If you don’t mind primitive camping, I’d suggest camping elsewhere in the park, or try for Loft Mountain. This campground provides bear boxes. 

Packed

Huge campground with over 200 sites plus additional tent-only walk-in sites but it appeared to be close to, if not completely, full on a Thursday night in late October, so it was a good thing we had reservations. Upon check-in, the campground rules were reviewed with us, and we even had to initial that we understood that we would be fined if our food was not properly stored, as the campground was in bear country. I’m guessing this is necessary because of stupid people who went before us. We reserved Site A67, which turned out to be a good one as it had no site on one side and tent sites behind us, but a good distance away on the other. Some sites have more privacy/separation than others. There were 12 sites in the A loop that did not allow generators, part of the reason we chose the site we did, but IMO, Sites E175-E185 are even better, as they back up to an expansive view. 

  

This campground has it all, including a shower house (coin-operated) that looked very nice. I made sure I showered the morning of the day we arrived as most national park campgrounds do not have showers. There was also a very nice-looking laundry facility. This may be because of AT through-hikers but again, not something I was expecting in a national park campground. You can also access the trailhead for the popular Dark Hollow Falls trail directly from the campground. We only stayed one night but I would have stayed longer and would definitely consider returning to this large, but well-run campground.

One of the nicest National Park Campgrounds we’ve been in 

We stayed at a "group" site D167, which allows up to 15 people and 4 cars. While the campground is very nice, with clean conveniently located bathrooms, the site itself is probably not suited for a large group of people. First of all, it's located in the middle of a large patch of grass right next to other family campsites, so no privacy at all. If you travel with friends you might want to stay up a little longer and have a good laugh around the fire, but this site isn't really designed this way. The quiet hours are after 10PM and it's enforced. Second, the space is really limited, especially if your group members have larger tents. Also, there's no overflow parking, except at the entrance to the campground.

  

The showers are nice and clean, but they are coin operated.

  

The rangers are very strict. We had some food related items left on the table (salt/pepper shakers) and they were confiscated while we were hiking. I'm not saying it's wrong, but be aware, because these rules are not enforced at the same level in different places. We ended up with a $80 fine.

  

Also, since this is a national park, you cannot bring the firewood from outside, have to buy it in the park.

  

Other than that, we enjoyed our stay. The campground location allow an easy access to many trails within Shenandoah National Park, as well as close by, such as our favorite Old Rag Mountain. It's also technically a part of the NP, so keep your entrance receipt to show at the Old Rag's parking lot.

  

Make sure you taste blackberry ice cream at the general store at the entrance. It's a local specialty and it's delicious!!!

Huge campground, great trails

We took the grandchildren on their first camping trip without their parents, ages 5 and 2.5, and spent two nights in Big Meadows.  The camping was fine, but the opportunities for hiking, biking, and nature watching were excellent!

  

The cost was only $20 per night.  The site we had for our trailer was small and it barely fit our camper and truck.  However, their was plenty of room overall and our neighbors were a good distance away.

  

The kids had a great time walking and biking around the campground.  We also hiked up to Blackrock (near the Big Meadows Lodge) and took a couple of other short family hikes.

  

There are no hook ups, but the bathrooms were up to date and well distributed through out the campground.  Everyone was friendly and helpful... no complaints there at all.

  

We highly recommend this campground if you are visiting the Shenandoah National Park.

Good campground in an excellent location for visiting Shenandoah NP

My partner and our two dogs camped here for a weekend in a tent. Some of the sites are much better than others, a lot are closer together than I'd like. It is a really excellent spot to camp at in the summer as the temperatures are much cooler on the mountain. The bathrooms near the sites do not have showers. The showers are coin operated, pretty far away (we drove) and are only open for very limited hours. Overall, a great spot if you get the right campsite but overpriced. The price to camp, the firewood and the ice are all expensive. The tent sites have a fire ring with a grate. There is no grill so be sure to bring a camp stove, no one wants to have to start three fires a day just to eat.

beautiful with a few annoyances 

Well kept campsites, clean facilities, close camp store for limited supplies, ice, etc. close to bigger Wayside store at Big Meadows VC along with only gas station in Shenandoah NP. 

Solid NP Campground

This is my favorite campground, and general area, in Shenandoah National Park. The campground is nice and well kept. The tent sites are pretty spaced out, but the RV sites are pretty close together. The bathhouses are adequate and clean, but quite small. There was a wait sometimes for the men’s room even. The staff was friendly, but beware: they are very strict and unwavering in their enforcement of bear safety regulations. LEAVE NO FOOD OR KITCHEN ITEMS UNATTENDED EVER. We saw much revenue generated for the NPS that weekend by inattentive campers. 

Big Meadows is centrally located in the park and close to many big attractions. I suggest stony man trail and dark hollow falls, both relatively short hikes to an overlook and nice waterfall, respectively. For a great treat hike down (uphill all the way coming back!) to Rapidan camp, the historic predecessor to Camp David. Try to time your hike with a bus tour to get a guided look inside the restored camp buildings. The visitor center has a great museum as well.

An Eastern Park in the Western Tradition

Lots of wildlife to see. Deer, Bear and more. Spectacular place! We hammock camper the for two nights.

Lots of wildlife to see. Deer, Bear and more. Spectacular place! 

If you don’t like crowded campgrounds, this isn’t for you. It’s a hopping place! Rolled up on a Wednesday with a reserved site for 2 nights and they easily switched me to a FF site so I could stay the weekend. On my 2nd morning I discovered that the AT was about 30 feet from my tent. There are some trails you can do from the campground, I highly suggest AllTrails Pro. It came in handy for my stay here. Another thing I liked about this site is that it’s halfway through the park, so if you’re into scenic driving it’ll be good for you. I didn’t make it all the way north, but when I was headed home I drove the full 50 miles south on skyline drive. Hazel top overlook is a few miles south of here, you can catch a good sunset.

Big Meadows 

This was a great campground location to many, many National Park Trails. Our stay was during the last week of September. We met up with family who live in the area and got 3 sites hugging the AT. We pitched  two large tents on our E178 site and a hammock in the trees just beyond our fire pit. My brother had a large tent on site E177 and it was just as nice. Our third site E176 was across the road from us flanked by travel trailer campers. That site had less privacy, but gave us a shorcut path to the running water bathroom. There was a sign in the bathroom that said it was ok to pour filter dishwater down the toilets, so we did that quite a bit to keep our campsites clean and safe from bears. My favorite sites were E177 and E178. They were a good size and distance from the other sites. We were close to the water pump and running water bathrooms. The pay showers were a bit of a walk from us, but they were clean. We liked having a nearby store, visitor's center, and gas station at this campground. In the evenings we went to the big meadow to watch the wildlife a few nights.Site E178 had great sunrise vistas through the trees. We positioned our chairs to face the valley and pretended there wasn't a packed campground full of families. It was actually pretty peaceful until the weekend which got rowdy at full capacity.The parking pad is level, on E178 but the grassy area was slightly sloped for our tents. I thought it was not too bad of a tradeoff for the view, but if you've ever slid down on your pad or cot a bit, you might not like it. My brother was at the adjoining site E177 and while his parking pad had a slight slope, he had a fairly level spot for his big tent.

There were bear lockers at each site (about 50 in x 34 in) and we never had any bears visit while we were there. The bear lockers were great for us since we were tent camping and our vehicle was a pickup truck, so we did not have to juggle messing with coolers/food in the truck cab. Deer came through the campground every morning right up to our tents, which was delightful, except it made me paranoid checking for ticks every night. I really enjoyed being right off the Appalachian Trail and enjoyed seeing a few through-hikers each day while we made campfire feasts. 

We brought USDA wood and another camper gave us a few cords of USDA wood he brought from GA when he left. We did purchase one bundle from the campground and it was pretty green, so it burned smokey. The cost was about the same as it is at Lowes or anywhere else like that. We enjoyed multiple hikes and had a group with different hiking abilities, but there were many great Shendoah sites to see that we all could enjoy, including the group's dogs. Shenandoah is one of the few National Parks that allows dogs on most of the trails (leashed of course.) We had two dogs in our group and enjoyed seeing the other dogs in the campground. There was only one instance when we noticed someone bagged their dog poop on a trail, but left the poop in the bag. People! 

Because of Covid-19, the ranger programs at this campground were cancelled. I would return again, but maybe choose dispersed camping for a better view and less people.

Centrally Located Shenandoah NP Campground

Very crowded site. Lots of deer and chipmunks.

Pick your sister carefully..

Chipmunks and deer

Big Meadows Campgrounds is largely unchanged from the way the CCC designed it in the 1930s. There are two sections of the campground the ABC loops and the more RV oriented upper letter loops. The other reviews are right when they say it is big and crowded. We were staying in the B loop Tuesday through Friday the last week of the season in 2020, and Thursday night was a pretty much a constant stream of new arrivals.

The RV loops were full throughout the week. There was availability during the week for all the lodges. Although during Covid, the lodges seemed like an unnecessary risk considering the volume of park goers. We had planned to tent camp and stuck with that plan. 

Couple big differences between the upper loops and the ABC loops. The upper loops are wooded and offer some shade. The ABC loops have partial shade walk in sites along the A loop and B and C and D are very much meadow offering very little shade or protection from wind and it does get quite windy. 

When we set out to choose our site, we walked the loop to get the best sense of each site. B was a no generator loop so we stuck with these sites. We were followed closely by a family of four deer who really didn’t care about our presence. When we found our site it had a little tent clearing surrounded by tall grass. Chipmunks and birds flitting about. It was kinda like a Disney film tbh. 

We had neighbors the whole time and you are so close it is good to introduce yourselves. The bonus of that is trading ideas and rec’s about good hikes, what to try at the wayside, and what to avoid crowd wise. During our four days we did a longer version of hawksbill and dark hallow falls and a few nature trails including the deer trails in the Big Meadow. We also made time each day to explore via car the skyline drive. 

It is important to understand this park was designed to be experienced with a car where you can drove from hike to hike, overlook to overlook, stopping for picnics and taking in the protected wilderness. Whatever the season this design works to an astonishing degree towards inspiring awe and peace. You always feel like a guest in this space and that humbling relationship offers plenty to contemplate on the long slow drives through the park. 

Our final morning was spent meandering through the deer trails of the big meadow at sunrise. The deer grazing mere feet from you. Three nights was too short, we will be back to experience another season.

Vintage Car Camping Experience

Stayed for 3 nights and thoroughly enjoyed it. Each campsite included a fire pit and a picnic table. The tent sites also had bear boxes to store your foods. Place was very clean and quiet. I would definitely recommend this place for anyone who is interested. 

Great place!

Busy place.

The lodge is over populated and very coimmercial.

CAmoinmg down the road North is better.

It's OK but  a bit over visited by tourists.

We stayed in site F200 in mid April and there was hardly anyone there.  The staff was friendly and more than willing to point us towards things to see and do.  We have Verizon and had little to no signal so if being connected is important to you than this may be an issue since there was no wifi in the park either.  There is a laundry facility and it had some of the best prices we have seen at a campground at under $2 per load.  The bathhouse were clean and the showers were great, but they did cost $.  There are no hookups for an RV but there is a dump station and potable water on site.  

Great Place to get back to nature

We visited Shenandoah NP in April when there were not a lot of people. We prefer a more private campground but the sites are nicely spread apart. The trees were just budding and the weather was perfect. 
The campground has water, clean bathrooms, a store to buy ice, firewood ($7.5), or take a shower ($1.75). 
There is a beautiful amphitheater there but not being used when we were there. 
If you are looking for a dispersed site, this is not it. While camping you can see all your neighbors unless you are rent camping or lucky enough to get a spot on the A or E loop. 

Busy campground 

I'm one for more privacy when I'm camping, but we had some gear we wanted to test before going to the backcountry. This was nice for that. Right by the visitor center and easy access to old rag and whiteoak canyon trails.

Little crowded, but nice campground

This campground is in a beautiful part of Shenandoah National Park, and is centrally located in the park. There are a number of trails nearby, and many more just a short drive away. This campground is very popular, and is almost always full on the weekends. Reserve your spot in advance if possible, as any first come, first served spots are claimed quickly. Campsites are also close together, but I have hadn't issues with anyone being too loud during quiet hours. There are some trees for hammocking, but it varies depending on your spot.

Popular Campground

Joined by fellow campers in the group campsite, this place had a beautiful sunrise accompanied by gorgeous golden beech trees. Plenty of room to spread out amongst the grounds. Pit toilet was decent and parking was enough for a busy fall weekend. Would definitely recommend 

Crisp mountain air

While the sites are a little crammed in, we enjoyed the level sites and company. The bathrooms were very well maintained and access to a 120v outlet saved our tails since we ended up in the non-generator loop due to business. This campground had a tight ranger presence, which is reassuring considering we’re pretty sure lots of wildlife visited throughout the night. Would revisit for sure

Nice facilities & still plenty of wildlife

I love Big Meadows on the Sky Line Drive. Really beautiful. Fresh air. Hikes galore. Wonderful night programs. It’s just special being in a National Park. Sites vary but NO hook ups. Pay showers. 

Great campground Great place

What a nice park and campground.

Wood is $7 a bundle and they don’t want you collecting.  Deer everywhere and the occasional bear.

The meadow is just beautiful.  A real nice spot an hour after dark for stars.

Try the 150 yard “hike” to Blackrock (next to the lodge) for an unforgettable sunset.

We’ll go back.

Great campground!

Beautiful Shenandoah National Park. 

We were tent camping with two young kids on site 93. Sites are hit and miss depending on what you’re looking for. Some are larger than others. 93 was fine except no trees to hang hammocks (which the kids were looking forward to) and the space for the tent was on the opposite side of the parking pad from the fire ring/picnic table. Not a big deal, just FYI. Good location in relation to the restrooms for little kids- close enough to walk but not so close you see the lights all night. Overall this is a large campground and most sites are very close to one another. One side of the campgrounds meets up with the Appalachian Trail which is a nice walk down &amp; back for little kids. Rangers/camp hosts were all pleasant &amp; helpful. There was a small dish washing station in the restrooms which was a nice surprise. Showers are coin operated at entrance. Would be a truly magical place if campsites weren’t so tight. 

Beautiful Shenandoah 

Huge number of sites situated in an open area with some trees. Our reserved site, E172, was on a sloping, crumbling  asphalt pad and we couldn't get our 17' travel trailer level. We almost left but heard by word of mouth that C loop is first come first served so we ended up in C130 on a relatively level asphalt pad close to clean bathroom. No services at the site but clean water spigots are sprinkled around the site. Easy access to lovely hike to falls including stint on Appalachian trail. Clean showers in central location plus inexpensive laundry facility. We ate dinner at the lodge one night and enjoyed our food and the accommodating staff on an extremely crowded evening.

Lousy site but saved by first-come-first serve flexibility

We came the first weekend in April and it snowed. Being that you are at the top of the mountain, it gets COLD so be prepared. Otherwise, we had a wonderful time. Sites were great (bear boxes at each site), friendly rangers and wonderful views. I recommend getting a site in advance because the reservable ones are on the outside and have a better view.

Awesome but COLD

With the ability to access beautiful hikes (some along the AT) through fields of wildflowers and down to waterfalls this is a great hikers campground. Simple walk over to the lodge if you do want some of the nicer things like a nice restaurant meal with a view. Read site description before booking as many are walk in only accessible but plenty are park at and good for RVs. 

Beautiful late spring camping 

This is the second time we have taken the grandchildren camping at Big Meadows in SNP.  They absolutely love to camp, and really enjoy Big Meadows!

  

Emmy is 6 and Nathan is 3, which are excellent ages to camp.  Our site this time was in a better spot and they were able to ride their bikes in front of the campsite.

Consistently an excellent place to camp!

Beautiful campground, with easy access to great hiking.  Showers, and toilets were nice, and well maintained. Staff was friendly and helpful. Highly recommend.....I was in a pop up tent in my truck, and it was great.

First time in SNP

This was our first time camping and we couldn’t have asked for a better place to start. The campsites were well kept and it looked like each site was a close walking distance to a bathroom, dumpster, and potable water. Bathrooms were clean as well.

Great campsites and clean facilities

Everything you need for a mountain camping experience.

Great

My wife and I love coming to the big meadows campground. They are awesome. They get full quickly so make sure you reserve your campground wayy in advance! I recommend the D loop campgrounds they’re more into the nature I would say. Very quiet at night and very relaxing. 

The big meadows campground 

My partner and I stayed here on a National Park road trip. Other than patchy cell service (which we only needed occasionally because of work), it had everything we needed. The bathrooms and showers are nice, and there are multiple utility sinks. There are also multiple hiking trails nearby. 

Rooftop Tent Camping

Fairly spacious sites situated in a partially forested area.  That said, the actual parking are of each site is relatively small.  We booked a big site but barely had room for our travel trailer and van. 


Plenty of amenities (laundry, showers, nearby lodge, etc.) to make camping easy but possible to “really camp” without hookups.

Beware that generators are allowed five hours per day so you will get some noise.

Staff is friendly, but strict.  This can be a good thing or course, but can also be annoying if it feels like a nanny is watching over you.

 Clean bathrooms, readily available (overpriced) wood, and plentiful wildlife are bonuses.

Of course, the huge draw is the magnificent NP surrounding this campground.  Beautiful, stunning views are available with a five minute hike or five minute drive.

Worth every penny.

Beautiful and well managed.

We camped several nights in our 23ft. travel trailer.  Our site A85 was just long enough to fit our trailer and truck. We were able to use our generator at this site.  The bathroom  was just a short walk away.  There are no hookups in this campground.   We did drive to the shower house and paid a fee to take a shower.  They were clean and even though the campground was nearly full we never had to wait in line.  We also did our laundry one evening. The machines were all working and it was quite reasonably priced.  Big Meadows campground is so conveniently located to the Visitor's center and many local trails. The horse stables were just down the road.  The lodge/restaurant was near the campground and we enjoyed a special dinner out one evening on the deck overlooking the beautiful Luray Valley.

Perfect place to camp in Shenandoah National Park

Camped for one night in a tent. Bear boxes for each site. Lodge and restaurant are nice if you aren't looking to "rough it". Dog friendly. Easy access along skyline drive and near to hiking spots.

Great place to explore the park

I wish I had more time. The Ranger (a man) was so helpful. I loved every minute of being there. 

Awesome

Camped the last weekend the grounds were open in the fall. It was cold, but still very beautiful.

The logs sold by the camp store were wet. And all sites were first come first serve, so that was a stressful situation en route.

It was a pain to have to go way out of the way to exit the park to do the Old Rag hike.

Late fall is cold, but the colors are worth it

We got there about noon and it sold out an hour later. A+ for walk in sites... would have been crowded otherwise. Look for deer. :) They're everywhere. 

Photos of Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park

Real photos from real campers