Shenandoah National Park Big Meadows Campground
Set on a broad plateau at milepost 51 of Skyline Drive, Big Meadows sits at 3,500 feet elevation where the air runs 10-15 degrees cooler than the valley. The 217-site campground spreads through open meadows and oak groves, with sites ranging from tent-friendly spots to big-rig capable. Flush toilets, showers, and a camp store keep things civilized, while deer wander through camp at dusk like they own the place.
Access is paved all the way via Skyline Drive, but the entrance station charges $30 per vehicle. Reservations fill up fast April through October, especially for weekends. Dark Hollow Falls trailhead sits right across Skyline Drive, and the Big Meadows Lodge serves decent meals if you’re tired of camp cooking.
High-elevation base camp on Skyline Drive
Place Details
| Type | Established Campground |
|---|---|
| Street address | 16 East Main Street, Luray, Virginia 22835 Get directions → |
| Nearest town | Luray, Virginia |
| Miles from pavement | 0 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Access road surface | Paved |
| Cell service | Partial |
| Capacity (# of rigs) | 217 rigs |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | $30.00 / night |
| Reservation required | Yes — Reservation site |
| Stay limit (nights) | 14 nights |
| Best season | April-October |
| Land manager | NPS |
| Permit required | No |
| Amenities | Drinking water, Fire ring, Picnic table, Showers, Toilets, Trash service |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |