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Map showing campground location near Kit Carson, California
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Map showing campground location near Kit Carson, California

Martin Meadows Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

4 ReviewsAdd Review

This free Forest Service campground provides dispersed camping with basic amenities along Highway 88, though it's currently temporarily closed. Martin Meadows sits within Eldorado National Forest and offers both drive-in and walk-in access to roughly six camping sites scattered across the area.

The campground features two pit toilets at different locations and allows campfires where fire rings are present. Some sites offer shade under trees while others provide more open positioning. Rebecca S. notes "some sunny spots and some in the trees." Highway noise carries from the nearby road, particularly at night. Rangers make regular rounds to maintain facilities and check on campers.

Silver Lake sits 2.6 miles away, and several hiking trails branch out from the camping area. Mosquitoes can be heavy during certain seasons, with more open sites experiencing fewer issues than those surrounded by trees. The campground operates on a pack-it-in, pack-it-out policy with no trash service provided. Cell service remains spotty, particularly for AT&T users.

Campers seeking additional options in the region can explore campgrounds around Kit Carson or check nearby established sites like Silver lake campground when this location reopens.

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Location

Public Campground

Martin Meadows Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED is located in California

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

38.69694657 N
120.12159767 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 4/29/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 4/29/26
  • 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.

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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Reviews

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4 Reviews

Caroline U.
Reviewed Jun. 23, 2021

Good dispersed camping area

This is a nice camping area, right next to Silver Lake (2.6 miles). It’s off of hwy 88 so you can hear the cars a little. We stayed there for one night. Looked like there were 6+ sites, some of them having fire rings. There were 2 toilets there at two different spots, overall clean. The ranger drove by in the morning to check on things, refilled TP and removed some trash that was there. The only down side is that there were tones of mosquitos when we went. We moved to a spot that was more open and didn’t have much trees around, and it was better. We have AT&T and didn’t have cell connection. No trash service - pack it in pack it out

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Martin Meadows Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED by Caroline U., June 23, 2021
Rebecca S.
Reviewed Jul. 29, 2020

Great spot for dispersed camping.

This is dispersed camping at its best. We just spent 5 days there (July 2020). Pit toilets, bring your own TP, what was there ran out quickly.  You can hear the highway noise at night but still very peaceful.  Some sunny spots and some in the trees. Ranger came by one night to check on things.

Patricia O.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed May. 22, 2018

Hwy 88 - good spot to know about

Found this campground when all the main ones along HWY 88 were full. This campground is east of Silver Lake on the north side of Highway 88. It's dispersed camping, but there are toilets and several sites have fire rings. No picnic tables. If you like more secluded camping, you should be able to find a nice shady spot here!

Several trails can be explored from here.

Month of VisitAugust
Showing results 1-4 of 4 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Martin Meadows Campground?

Martin Meadows Campground offers basic amenities for dispersed camping. The site features pit toilets (bring your own toilet paper as supplies may run out), and several established campsites with fire rings. There are no picnic tables provided. The campground has both sunny spots and shaded areas under trees. Water is available in the area, though you should verify current water access before your trip. The natural setting provides ample open space and tree coverage for a true outdoor experience.

Where is Martin Meadows Campground located in Lathrop?

Martin Meadows Campground is located east of Silver Lake on the north side of Highway 88, not in Lathrop. The campground is approximately 2.6 miles from Silver Lake and also not far from Caples Lake. This dispersed camping area is situated in a forested region with good access from the highway, making it a convenient alternative when other campgrounds along Highway 88 are full.

Do I need reservations for Martin Meadows Campground?

No formal reservations are required for Martin Meadows Campground as it's a dispersed camping area. However, you do need a permit to have a campfire, which costs approximately $20. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, making it a good backup option when other campgrounds are full. Rangers occasionally patrol the area to check on campers and ensure regulations are being followed. Be prepared for self-sufficient camping and verify current permit requirements before your visit.

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