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Activities

Established Camping

Meadow Lake Campground

Meadow Lake Campground, near Leadore, Idaho, is a stunning spot that offers a peaceful escape surrounded by breathtaking mountain views and a beautiful lake. Each campsite is spacious, complete with fire pits and picnic tables, making it perfect for cozy evenings under the stars.

This campground is a hit for fishing and hiking, with the lake stocked with fish twice a year. Visitors rave about the clean facilities, including well-maintained bathrooms, and the nearby trails that lead to scenic overlooks. One camper noted, “The lake is beautiful and would be fun to kayak or paddle board on,” highlighting the outdoor activities available right at your doorstep.

If you’re up for an adventure, the area boasts four-wheeler trails and hiking loops that cater to all skill levels. The campground is remote enough to feel like a true getaway, yet still offers a friendly atmosphere where you can connect with fellow campers. Just remember, it’s first-come, first-served for most sites, so plan accordingly!

With its stunning scenery and ample opportunities for outdoor fun, Meadow Lake Campground is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to unwind and enjoy nature. Whether you’re casting a line or exploring the trails, you’ll find plenty to love about this hidden treasure.

Description

National Forest

Salmon-Challis National Forest

Overview

Meadow Lake Campground is located on the Leadore Ranger District of the Salmon-Challis National Forest. This high alpine campground sits at an elevation of 9,160 feet in the Lemhi Mountain Range, 22 miles from Leadore, Idaho.

Recreation

There's no lack of recreational opportunities around Meadow Lake Campground. The lake is stocked twice a year so the fish are always biting. Fish from the bank or carry your boat down to the lake and try from the water, as there is no boat ramp or boat dock at the lake.Hiking opportunities are available right out of the campground and include trail # 342 which provides a gentle loop around the backside of the campground. Try trail # 057 which takes you up to the steep ridge above the campground (the trail to Meadow Lake Peak is not maintained by the Forest Service). If a slower pace is appealing, pull up a chair and soak-up the incredible views from the campground.

Natural Features

Meadow Lake Campground is located at the base of the 10,720-foot Meadow Lake Peak and along the banks of the 13.3-acre Meadow Lake. The high elevation campground is dotted with lodge pole pine and white bark pine trees and is frequented by deer and mountain goats.

Nearby Attractions

There are plenty of other attractions in the vicinity of Meadow Lake including the Gilmore Ghost Town and a number of other Forest Service recreation sites and trails. Stop at the Leadore Ranger Station and pick up a visitor map for more information.

Charges & Cancellations

A $8.00 non-refundable on line reservation fee may be charged for some facilities.

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Location

Meadow Lake Campground is located in Idaho

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Leadore drive 17 miles south on Highway 28 and turn right (west) on to Forest Service Road #002 at the old Gilmore Townsite. Follow the gravel road for 6 miles as it climbs 2,080 feet to the campground.

Address

PO Box 180 Ranger Street
Leadore, ID 83464

Coordinates

44.4347778 N
113.3175556 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Reviews

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 10, 2023

Amazing views!

It’s a long uphill drive on a narrow road to get there but it’s worth it! Each camp site is nice with plenty of space, fire pit and tent site. We took our chances on a Wednesday night in mid August and got lucky. Two sites were still open. With the drive and location we were surprised how many people were there but it was still very quiet and peaceful. The lake is beautiful and would be fun to kayak or paddle board on. We did some hiking up the trails to look over the campsite and the lake but did not take the full trail. Bathrooms were very clean and well stocked.

Site13
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Meadow Lake Campground by ShayLee C., August 10, 2023
  • Review photo of Meadow Lake Campground by ShayLee C., August 10, 2023
  • Review photo of Meadow Lake Campground by ShayLee C., August 10, 2023
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Sep. 27, 2020

Very nice campground

This was a great camping experience. The campgrounds are at the base of a Beautiful lake. There are lots of fish to be caught. Fish and Game stock it twice a year. There are four wheeler trails outside the campground and there is a hike loop right in the campground.

  • Review photo of Meadow Lake Campground by Linda G., September 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Meadow Lake Campground by Linda G., September 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Meadow Lake Campground by Linda G., September 27, 2020
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Jun. 10, 2020

Stunning view and remote feel

This campground is located at the base of sheep mountain, with a gorgeous view of the steep walls and a beautiful lake. We went when the campground was not officially open yet - still tons of snow - but I slept in my truck tent and the dogs had a fantastic time!

  • Review photo of Meadow Lake Campground by Juliana H., June 10, 2020
  • Review photo of Meadow Lake Campground by Juliana H., June 10, 2020
  • Review photo of Meadow Lake Campground by Juliana H., June 10, 2020
Reviewed Sep. 6, 2019

A taste of the alpine

This is a very nice and clean campground situated within a small cirque of mountain summits. The campground is adjacent to a small lake with fishing and small boat opportunities. There is a small trail system with a trailhead at each end of the campground, a 3/4 mile loop between the two through subalpine forest, and two other trails off of that loop that go higher up to a small pond and eventually up to the 10,200 ft Lemhi Pass with views to mountain ranges to the west.

There are two latrines that are well maintained and drinking water is available during the warm season.

Site2
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jul. 11, 2018

Remote and unique

There is great fishing and hiking right at the campground. No need to drive once you park your car. Only two sites can be reserved before hand and all of the other are first come first serve. Clean campsites and bathrooms are always a plus. The views from the campsite is worth the drive.

Site6 & 8
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Meadow Lake Campground by Shayna B., July 11, 2018
  • Review photo of Meadow Lake Campground by Shayna B., July 11, 2018
  • Review photo of Meadow Lake Campground by Shayna B., July 11, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Meadow Lake Campground?

    Meadow Lake Campground allows vehicles up to 28 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Meadow Lake Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Meadow Lake Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Meadow Lake Campground have wifi?

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

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Meadow Lake 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 Meadow Lake Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Meadow Lake Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

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

    There are 2 campsites at Meadow Lake Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts