Big Meadows Campground

Overview

2026 Closing Date: November 29 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.

Operator

National Park

Camping types

Tent

Sites

221 campsites

Fee

From $30 per night (confirm with the operator)

Reservations

Reservable online

Phone

540-999-3500

Amenities

Location

Nearby adventures

Outdoor things to do around Big Meadows Campground, shown on the map above. Distances are straight-line from the campground, so driving or walking will be longer; trail details are approximate. Confirm access and conditions with the land manager.

Hikes and trailheads

• Lewis Falls TrailHike · 4-5 Hours · 0.3 mi from camp

  MILE 51.2 | Leaving from Big Meadows amphitheater, this hike leads to an observation point over a beautiful 81’ waterfall. National Park Service

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• Dark Hollow FallsHike · 1-2 Hours · 0.7 mi from camp

  Dark Hollow Falls Parking Area (mile 50.7) | Pets are not allowed on this hike. National Park Service

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• Story of the Forest TrailHike · 0.9 mi long · 1-2 Hours · 0.1 mi from camp

  MILE 51 | Pets are not allowed on this hike. National Park Service

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• Rose River Loop TrailHike · 2.6 mi long · 4-5 Hours · 0.9 mi from camp

  MILE 49.4 | A hike to a dazzling 67' waterfall. National Park Service

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• Appalachian Trail - Tanners Ridge RoadHike · 1-2 Hours · 2.0 mi from camp

  MILE 52.8 | A fairly level hike that takes you through a former homestead on the famous Appalachian Trail. National Park Service

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• Mill Prong - Laurel Prong LoopHike · 7-8 Hours · 2.0 mi from camp

  MILE 52.8 | A circuit hike to Camp Rapidan, the rustic getaway of President Herbert Hoover and First Lady Lou Henry Hoover. National Park Service

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Mountain biking

• Blue Ridge Hills & HollowsBike ride · 1-8 Hours · 15.9 mi from camp

  The Blue Ridge Hills & Hollows Bikepacking Route is a 300-mile cycling experience that connects eight memorials honoring displaced Blue Ridge communities. National Park Service

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• Blue Ridge Hills & HollowsBike ride · 1-8 Hours · 15.9 mi from camp

  The Blue Ridge Hills & Hollows Bikepacking Route is a 300-mile cycling experience that connects eight memorials honoring displaced Blue Ridge communities. National Park Service

  Show on map
• Blue Ridge Hills & HollowsBike ride · 1-8 Hours · 15.9 mi from camp

  The Blue Ridge Hills & Hollows Bikepacking Route is a 300-mile cycling experience that connects eight memorials honoring displaced Blue Ridge communities. National Park Service

  Show on map
• Massanutten Gold LoopBike ride · 6.6 mi long · 17.6 mi from camp

  "The gold loop connects some of the the most fun and flowy singletrack from all three other designated loops in a classic mid-mountain traverse that offers lots of options to extend your… OpenStreetMap

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Scenic sights

• BlackrockPeak · 3,661 ft · 0.3 mi from camp

  A peak near Lewis Spring Falls Trail.

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• Tanners Ridge OverlookViewpoint · 0.9 mi from camp

  A viewpoint near Tanners Ridge Road.

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• Franklin Cliffs OverlookViewpoint · 1.1 mi from camp

  A viewpoint near Red Gate Fire Road.

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• Stony MountainPeak · 3,599 ft · 1.5 mi from campShow on map
• Lewis Spring FallsWaterfall · 0.9 mi from camp

  A 79-foot waterfall along Lewis Spring Falls Trail.

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Climbing and snow sports

• Massanutten Resort Ski AreaSkiing and snowshoeing · 19.6 mi from campShow on map

Trail and sight data: National Park Service and OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

Reviews

Data sources

• National Park Service API — Public domain (U.S. Government work)
• Recreation.gov (RIDB) — Public domain (U.S. Government work)

Listing details come from the sources above and may be out of date. Confirm fees, dates and closures with the operator before you travel.