Big Meadows, Shenandoah
Luray, VA
An open highland meadow on Skyline Drive where deer graze at dusk, with a lodge, camping and short trails to waterfalls.
Big Meadows in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, is an open highland meadow on Skyline Drive at Mile 51. The visitor center sits at 3,474 feet (1,059 m). Deer roam across the meadow and the campground and often approach campers; rangers advise against feeding them. Black bears and wild turkeys also live in the area. On site there is a lodge, a campground and a wayside with a small store.
In 1935 President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the national park and Skyline Drive here, and the site has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1985. On foot you can reach Dark Hollow Falls on a steep, rocky trail of about 2.2 km (1.4 miles) round trip with roughly 135 m (440 feet) of elevation gain; the Mill Prong Trail takes you to Rapidan Camp, Herbert Hoover’s fishing retreat (1929 to 1933).
In 2026 the campground is open from March 25 to November 29 and the lodge from May 4 to November 29 (as of October 2026). Sites are by reservation only through Recreation.gov, there are no hookups, and a dump station is available. With an RV or trailer, allow extra time for the winding road; Skyline Drive can close in snow, ice or fog, and at about 1,060 m (3,500 feet) nights stay cool even in summer.
- Nearest town
- Luray, VA
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 38.5286, -78.4400
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Big Meadows CampgroundCampsite0 mi from Big Meadows, Shenandoah · 221 pitchesTentsCaravansShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Harrisonburg / Shenandoah Valley KOA HolidayMotorhome stopover14 mi from Big Meadows, Shenandoah · 60 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersWi-Fi
- Matthews Arm CampgroundCampsite18 mi from Big Meadows, Shenandoah · 165 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposal
- Low Water Bridge CampgroundCampsite23 mi from Big Meadows, Shenandoah · 45 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWi-Fi
- Loft Mountain CampgroundCampsite23 mi from Big Meadows, ShenandoahTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsDogs allowed
- Shenandoah State Park CampgroundCampsite23 mi from Big Meadows, ShenandoahTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToilets
All campsites in Virginia · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Big Meadows, Shenandoah?
Big Meadows, Shenandoah is in Luray, VA, at GPS 38.5286, -78.4400. It is about 24 mi from Harrisonburg.
Can you camp near Big Meadows, Shenandoah?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Big Meadows Campground, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 25 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Big Meadows, Shenandoah?
Big Meadows, Shenandoah is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Skyline Drive, Shenandoah.
What is there to see near Big Meadows, Shenandoah?
Places worth a stop nearby: Luray Caverns (10 mi), Skyline Drive overlooks (11 mi), James Madison’s Montpelier (26 mi) and Monticello (36 mi).
When is the best time to visit Big Meadows, Shenandoah?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)