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Established Camping

Big Meadow Campground

Big Meadow Campground is located in Stanislaus National Forest, featuring forested terrain with meadows and nearby streams. The area experiences temperature highs around 80°F in summer and lows near 20°F in winter. Visitors can explore attractions like Calaveras Big Trees State Park and the historic town of Murphys, both offering unique experiences within reach.

Description

US Forest Service

Stanislaus National Forest

Overview

BIG MEADOW CAMPGROUND IS CURRENTLY CLOSED. Trash and Water Services are not available at this time. 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, and deer's.

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 sites and is currently CLOSED. The group camp, easily accessible from Highway 4, can accommodate a maximum of 50 guests and 20 vehicles. Vault toilets are available. THERE IS CURRENTLY NO WATER.

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.

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Location

Big Meadow Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

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

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Connectivity

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    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time


Reviews

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4.0

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2 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 11, 2023

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!

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Big Meadow Campground by Lily H., September 11, 2023
  • Review photo of Big Meadow Campground by Lily H., September 11, 2023
  • Review photo of Big Meadow Campground by Lily H., September 11, 2023
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Reviewed Jun. 18, 2019

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.

  • Review photo of Big Meadow Campground by Jen B., June 18, 2019
  • Review photo of Big Meadow Campground by Jen B., June 18, 2019
  • Review photo of Big Meadow Campground by Jen B., June 18, 2019

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to camp at Big Meadow Campground?

Camping at Big Meadow Campground can cost between $19.00 and $75.00 depending on the site.

What is the max vehicle length at Big Meadow Campground?

Big Meadow Campground allows vehicles up to 35 feet.

Does Big Meadow Campground have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Big Meadow Campground does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Big Meadow Campground?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is excellent coverage for AT&T, no coverage for T-Mobile, and some coverage for Verizon.

How hard is it to get a campsite at Big Meadow Campground?

Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Big Meadow Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Big Meadow Campground, try setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts

Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Big Meadow Campground?

There are 73 campsites at Big Meadow Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts