Come relax under the shade of verdant trees in the campground at Big Meadows.
Photo: NPS Photo
About
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.
Campsites
Location
304 Big Meadows Access Road
Robertson, VA 22851
Fees
Hours
Big Meadows Campground is open during the spring, summer, and fall. Opening and closing dates vary from year to year and are subject to change at any time. Camping is NOT permitted in the campgrounds when they are closed. All sites at Big Meadows Campground are by reservation only.
Reservations
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.
Make a Reservation →Directions
Via Thornton Gap Entrance Station (Luray, Route 211): upon entering Skyline Drive, make your way south to mile 51.2 (mile markers can be seen on the side of the Skyline Drive). Follow the signs to Big Meadows Campground, on your right. Via Swift Run Entrance Station (Elkton, Route 33): head north on the Drive to mile 51.2 (mile markers can be seen on the side of the Skyline Drive). Follow the signs to Big Meadows Campground, on your left.
Weather
Shenandoah National Park has four very distinct seasons. Spring typically brings mild temperatures, rain, and wildflowers. Summer brings lush green forests, but can be hot and very humid. Fall follows with cooler temperatures and spectacular fall foliage. Winter can bring snow and ice. The mountain is usually 10°F cooler than the valley below. Always check the forecast, dress in layers, and be prepared.
Accessibility
Seven ADA accessible sites are available for wheelchair access. Showers and laundry facilities are also wheelchair accessible.
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.
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Big Meadows Campground features pull-through and deep back-in sites which can handle most RVs and a tow vehicle. Although electric and water hookups are not available, potable water and dump stations are available, and limited generator use is permitted (see regulations).
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Seven accessible sites are available at Big Meadows Campground. Accessible shower and laundry facilities are also available.
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Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
Developed Campground