Big Meadows Campground

Within Eldorado National Forest, Big Meadows Campground operates under US Forest Service management from May through November. The campground accommodates drive-in, walk-in, and boat-in access, though pets are not permitted on the grounds. Mixed terrain includes both forested and open areas.

Campsites provide substantial space for multiple tents, with reviewers noting room for several large tents at individual sites. Each site includes a well-constructed fire pit designed to block wind while maintaining airflow, along with a large picnic table and bear box. Vault toilets receive daily cleaning. Sites border a stream that runs approximately three inches deep during July, with water temperatures reaching the 80s.

The campground features drinking water, a camp store, firewood availability, and trash service. Jason G. notes "big space, plenty of clean bathrooms, great camp store." Highway proximity means some road noise, though the location remains relatively quiet. Nearby options include Hell Hole Campground and French Meadows.

The campground works well for groups needing multiple tent space and families wanting established amenities with stream access, particularly during the warmer months when water levels support wading.

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Location

Public Campground

Big Meadows Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

39.074505 N
120.427383 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets

Contact

General Info

Drive Time


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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

5 Reviews

Campers regularly cited spacious sites with excellent amenities and peaceful surroundings. The location offers great hiking access and stargazing opportunities while maintaining a quiet atmosphere away from crowds.

Reviewed Aug. 12, 2021

Everything you need

Definitely a great stay, big space, plenty of clean bathrooms, great camp store, and great hikes without having to leave the campground.

SiteA085
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jul. 25, 2018

Sequoia National Forest Lovely Spacious Camp Sites

It sounds like there are multiple Big Meadow camp grounds in California. This review is for Big Meadow Campground, Sequoia NF - FS, CA. The photos are of site 009B. My visit was wonderful. The camp sites are large. We set up two 8 person tents and one 2 person tent and there was plenty of room for more. The firepits are very well made. They block the wind while allowing good airflow. There is a very large picnick table at each site, a bear box, and plenty of shade. There is a vault toilet that is cleaned daily. The sites boarder a stream. The water level is about 3 inches in July with temperatures in the 80's. This is a dog friendly site. There is no potable water at this site.

  • Review photo of Big Meadows Campground by Summer A., July 25, 2018
  • Review photo of Big Meadows Campground by Summer A., July 25, 2018
  • Review photo of Big Meadows Campground by Summer A., July 25, 2018
  • (5) View All
Reviewed May. 17, 2018

Crowded, but a great campground

This is a terrific campground in the middle of Shenandoah National Park. Great hikes close to the area and Big Meadows is terrific for stargazing.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Big Meadows Campground by Matt P., May 17, 2018
Reviewed Aug. 7, 2017

Big meadow

All the lake campgrounds were full. Just stopped for the night. It was nice and quiet considering that it's right next to the highway and right before school started.

Site12
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Big Meadows Campground by Heidi P., August 7, 2017

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there cell phone reception at Big Meadows Campground?

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