Fishing draws many visitors to Meadow Lake Campground, where the lake is stocked by Fish and Game twice a year and anglers can cast from the shoreline without leaving the campground. A short trail system loops through the subalpine forest, with a 3/4-mile path connecting the two ends of the campground and additional routes climbing toward a small pond and up to Lemhi Pass at 10,200 feet, where sightlines open toward mountain ranges to the west. The campground sits within a cirque of mountain summits in Salmon National Forest, giving it an enclosed, high-elevation character that distinguishes it from lower-elevation Forest Service camps in the region.
Getting here requires navigating a long, narrow uphill road. Reviewers consistently flag the drive as a commitment, though they also note the sites themselves are well-spaced, each with a fire pit and tent area. Only two sites accept advance reservations; the rest are first-come, first-served. On a midweek night in mid-August, at least two sites were still available, though the campground was more occupied than some visitors expected given the access road.
Maintenance is a recurring positive across reviews. "Bathrooms were very clean and well stocked," notes ShayLee C., and drinking water is available throughout the summer season. The campground is open July 1 through September 30 and accommodates RVs up to 28 feet. Nearby alternatives include Mill Creek Trailhead & Campground and Timber Creek to the southwest. Anglers, hikers, and paddlers willing to handle the approach road will find the lake access and trail connections a reasonable payoff.
Description
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.
Facilities
Meadow Lake Campground consists of 17 campsites and a day use area with picnic tables, fire rings and barbecue pedestals. The campground offers 2 vault toilets, drinking water and day use parking. 4 double campsites are available for larger groups with each site including 2 picnic tables, 2 tent pads, a campfire ring, a prep table, and expanded parking for 2 vehicles. The campground also offer 13 single campsites each with a picnic table, tent pad, campfire ring, prep table, and parking for 1 vehicle.
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMeadow Lake Campground is located in Idaho near Leadore
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
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 1 hr 45 min from Idaho Falls, ID
- 2 hrs 28 min from Pocatello, ID
- 3 hrs 27 min from Twin Falls, ID
- 3 hrs 27 min from Bozeman, MT
