Reservations possible?
Yes
RV Hookups
No
Potable water
Yes
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Big Meadows is a massive campground located within Shenandoah National Park. A quarter-mile past milepost 51, this large campground comes equipped with an amphitheater, nearby gas station, general store, laundry and shower facilities, numerous picnic grounds, and a general sense of comfort within the park. Less "rustic" than other campgrounds, Big Meadows provides a cozy stay for any guest.

The campground itself has over 200 sites, some of which are large enough to accommodate an RV. From walk-in tent sites, to normal car sites, to group sites, this campground is fully prepared for almost any camper. However, there are no RV Hook-ups, so it may not be the best grounds within the park for an RV camper. Most sites are relatively spacious, and all have a fire pit. Look to the recommended sites in order to see some preferred lots. 

There are numerous trails, including part of the Appalachian Trail, right by the campground. Three waterfalls can be accessed from trails directly off of the campground. Combined with perfect access to Big Meadow, the camp's namesake, there are plenty of things to do within the area. In spring there are often wild berries that can be picked off of the trails by the meadow!

This campground can be highly crowded in-season, so it is best to try and reserve a site ahead of time. There are over a hundred sites that you can reserve, so make sure to check online.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Parking Pass

National Park Pass

Pros

Expansive. Great amenities. Numerous trails.

Cons

Crowds common. Not central in the park.

Pets allowed

Allowed with Restrictions

Managed by

National Parks Service

Features

ADA accessible
Flushing toilets
Showers
Potable water
Picnic tables
Covered picnic areas
Amphitheater
Horseback riding

Recommended Campsites Without Photos

17, 19, A67, A103, B105, C123, C141, E190, E193, I224, H213

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

06/02/2018
I stay here often. The description is accurate, except the comment about Big Meadows not being centrally located. Big meadows is very central to the best hikes in SNP’s Central District. The Central District is considered by most to be the best with the best hikes and the highest density of hikes,

Of course, this also means the most crowds, the fullest campgrounds etc. in one of the country’s most visited National Parks. Still love it, but if you desire solitude, go mid week.
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