Meade State Park Campground

I tent camped at Meade State Park in July 2022. I was the only camper in the Larrabee campground. I picked site 143 because trees almost totally shade it. There was one travel trailer in the Sagebrush campground loop. There were more RVs on the northeast edge of the small lake. I arrived around 4pm and spread out my gear to dry after camping in the rain in Iowa the previous night. It was sunny and breezy and my stuff dried quickly. Then I walked 200 yards to the beach and swam in the lake. It was very refreshing in that summer heat. Afterwards I took a cold shower in the shower house that is connected to the visitor center, which was inexplicably closed on a Wednesday. There was a sign to run the shower until it heats up. Well, I didn’t wait and just took the cold shower, which was also refreshing. After I pitched my then dry tent, I walked the 2 miles around the whole lake. I didn’t want to just hang out at my camp site because there were biting flies that interestingly stopped biting around 7pm and I enjoyed the evening at my site after the swim, shower, and walk. It was a nice waypoint on my road trip.

Great view, quiet and not full. 13-32 dollars.

Good cell (Verizon)

I will camp here again.

General: There are several camping areas situated around Lake Meade, some with as few as three tent sites, and others with electric hookups. We camped on a weekday in April and the visitor center was closed when we arrived so we were a little confused looking for the Lake View campground, where we had a reservation. Google maps does not show any campground with that name but by eventually driving around the lake, we found it, but on the map, it was labeled Scout Campground. There were only a handful of campers in our campground and none in the others that I could see. 

Site Quality/Facilities: The sites in Lake View (aka Scout?) have sites scattered about, all on dirt/sand pads. I can understand why one reviewer said that Site 22 was the most coveted as it offers the most privacy of all the sites in this campground. Sites 18 and 19 would be good IF you have small children as the playground is right behind 19 and next to 18. Don’t reserve these sites if you don’t want the noise and activity of kids nearby. As the name suggests, many of the sites have an unobstructed view of the lake. In summer, the sunsets are likely fabulous but in April, the sun set behind the trees and was a non-event at our site. 

Bathhouse: At Lake View, there are four unisex combo bath/shower units; they were  clean. Soap dispensers and air dyers so, if you are like me, don’t forget to bring your towel so you don’t have to use the air dryers. 

Activities/Amenities: Fishing appears to be a big draw. In season, there is also a small swimming beach and kayak rentals. This area is about a mile walk or drive from the Lake View campground. There was one hiking trail of indeterminant length; I was hoping it would go clockwise around the lake but when I looked at the map, it appeared I would have to cross a stream to do so I only ventured a short distance down the trail. Cell service is spotty, ranging from one bar to no service. 

I would imagine that in the summer and on warm weekends, this place is likely hopping but we enjoyed a quiet night on a lake as we were passing through on our way further west.

There are spots available for all types of camping. We were just passing through the area and needed a spot to spend the night. We got there in the evening on a Saturday and easily found a campsite.

Lake Meade has several campgrounds around the lake. All are por and have full hookups. You also need a permit for your vehicle. Here in the Dyrt only apear a few without the correct name, I tried to add the one I been but if you don’t add it while your camping then it’s late because the location will be shown where you are at the moment of adding it.

Stayed 2 nights in early March.   Lake View site #22, beautiful view from the lake's edge.   Most sought after site.    Was nearly all alone.  Power and Electric hook-ups.   Many hook-up options but no sewer.    Did have a dump station.   Roughly $20/night for premium site.    Some spots are a little close together, but the lake views and otherwise open areas make up for it.

Well maintained sites. Amazing swimming area. Helpful staff

Small store for snacks and bait. The even have an ice cream truck that makes the rounds! Huge catfish have been caught here. They have many dates for family friendly activities that include trick or treating in Oct.

Playground

Boat access but it's a no wake lake

Nearest major town about 25 miles away

Some spots cannot be reserved

Game wardens patrol regularly so make sure you have the correct permits

We stay here quite often for a quick get away. Good trees in some areas for shade.

i love going to a place where you hear nothing but the birds and other animals around you. very peaceful