About Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah NP
Shenandoah's most popular campground sits atop the Blue Ridge at mile 51 of the famous Skyline Drive. Big
Meadows offers spectacular ridge-top camping with open meadows, abundant wildlife, and access to both AT
sections and stunning valley overlooks.
Highlights
- Direct access to Skyline Drive for sunset drives
- Open meadows for deer and bear viewing at dawn
- Appalachian Trail access from camp
- Dark Hollow Falls — a beautiful short hike
- Perennial blueberry picking in summer
Directions & How to Get There
From Washington D.C.: Take I-66 W to US-340 S at Front Royal, then enter Shenandoah NP's north entrance and
drive south on Skyline Drive to mile 51. Approximately 2 hours from D.C. From Charlottesville: Take I-64 W to
US-250 W to Swift Run Gap (park entrance) and drive north on Skyline Drive to mile 51.
Nearby Attractions
- Dark Hollow Falls (0.7 mi)
- Hawksbill Summit (4 mi)
- Stony Man Trail (4 mi)
- Luray Caverns (25 mi)
- Skyline Drive overlooks (throughout)
Insider Tips
- Fall foliage in October is spectacular — book well in advance
- Bears are very common — store all food properly
- Skyline Drive is only 35 mph — allow extra time for driving
- Bring layers — ridge-top temperatures are 10°F cooler than the valleys
Best Time to Visit
Best months: May–June (wildflowers), October (foliage)
Season: Late March–November
Access difficulty: Easy access (paved Skyline Drive)
What to Pack for Virginia Camping
- Navigation: downloaded offline maps, compass, and GPS device
- Water: at least 3 liters per person per day (more in desert parks)
- Food: bear canister or use provided bear boxes where required
- Shelter: 3-season tent, rain fly, and ground tarp
- Clothing: moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layer, waterproof shell
- First aid kit: including blister treatment, pain reliever, and any personal medications
- Sun protection: SPF 50 sunscreen, wide-brim hat, UV-blocking sunglasses
- Lighting: headlamp with extra batteries, lantern for camp
- Safety: whistle, emergency bivy, and knowledge of your emergency exit route