Established Camping
Big Meadow Campground
About
USDA Forest Service
Stanislaus National Forest
Overview
Big Meadow Campground lies at about 6,400 feet elevation on the Stanislaus National Forest. It is located 21 miles east of Arnold, California. Breathtaking views abound, and wildlife viewing opportunities include marmots, squirrels, coyotes and deer.
Recreation
Picnicking, birding and hiking are popular pastimes at Big Meadow. Lake Alpine and Spicer Meadow Reservoir, both just a 15 minute drive away, offer fishing and other water activities.
Facilities
Big Meadow has 65 individual camping units and a group site. The group camp, easily accessible from Highway 4, can accommodate a maximum of 50 guests and 20 vehicles. Vault toilets and drinking water are among the conveniences found here. Pets are allowed.
Natural Features
Situated in the central Sierra Nevada Mountains, Stanislaus National Forest is sandwiched between the well-known destinations, Lake Tahoe and Yosemite. It boasts gorgeous views of snow-capped mountain peaks and California's Great Central Valley.
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TGood
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
Primitive, but Tucked Away
Very basic campsites with a picnic table, fire ring, bear box, and access to a pit toilet. The setting of the campground is gorgeous with all of the exposed rock and large trees. Campsites can be booked online, and some are available first-come-first-serve as far as I understand. The campsite allows generators which is unfortunate for tent campers seeking quiet. For less noise, book sites near the back of the campground (sites 30 and up). Great mid-distance location for visiting both Sequoia and King's Canyon!
Beautiful campground
Our family camped at this campground many times every summer when my children were young.
The campground is first come first serve. We were always able to find a good spot coming on Friday after work. The camp sites are spaced out nice so your neighboring campers aren't super close. The toiles are the vaulted ones and were well maintained.
Its close to Lake Alpine and Bear Valley about 15-20 mins up the road.
There's a very special camp spot at this campground that is hidden gem. There's a native American grinding rock right at the site with a breathtaking view. To find this spot. Enter the campground and make a right. The very back of this loop, the outside side, close to the back toilet.
Location
Big Meadow Campground is located in California
Directions
From Arnold, California, take Highway 4 east for 25 miles to the Big Meadow Campground.
Address
STANISLAUS
CA
Coordinates
38.4163889 N
120.105 W