Jackass Meadow
01 review,,,
Jackass Meadow
$3.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees vary based on the activity type, season, and reservation method. Campsites reservation fees range from $3 (in-person) to $8 (online or app). Additional charges may apply for modifications or cancellations.
About this campground
Nestled in the shadow of Florence Lake, Jackass Meadow Campground offers a serene escape along the rushing waters of the South Fork San Joaquin River. Here, towering Aspen and Lodgepole Pine trees create a natural cathedral, their branches framing breathtaking views of the John Muir Wilderness's jagged peaks. This historic Sierra National Forest sanctuary sits on lands once cherished by Native Americans, with archaeological sites nearby whispering stories of ancient inhabitants who first discovered this mountain paradise.
Jackass Meadow Campground supports tent camping and possibly RV camping, although RVs longer than 25 feet are not recommended due to narrow roads.
Historical SignificanceThis sacred ground holds centuries of human history, with Native American archaeological sites dotting the surrounding landscape like ancient breadcrumbs through time. The campground serves as a gateway to the legendary John Muir Wilderness, a 100-mile ribbon of protected peaks and valleys that follows the Sierra Nevada's dramatic crest. Here, glaciers carved deep canyons and polished granite faces over millennia, creating the dramatic terrain that inspired America's most beloved naturalist to fight for its preservation.
Weather and SeasonsWinter transforms Jackass Meadow into a crystalline wonderland where temperatures hover around 40°F and pristine snowfall blankets the landscape. The dry mountain air carries a crisp clarity that makes every star visible on clear nights. Recent recordings show over 5 inches of fresh powder, creating perfect conditions for snowshoeing and winter photography. Despite the cold, calm winds and low humidity make outdoor activities surprisingly comfortable for properly dressed adventurers.
ElevationHigh in the Sierra Nevada's embrace, this mountain campground offers the thin, pure air of alpine adventure where every breath feels cleaner and every vista stretches farther.
Natural Features and SceneryThe South Fork San Joaquin River sings its way through camp, providing both a natural soundtrack and opportunities for riverside relaxation. Magnificent Aspen groves burst into golden flames each fall, while steadfast Lodgepole Pines stand sentinel year-round. From the campground, the landscape unfolds in layers: nearby rolling foothills dressed in oak, dense middle-elevation forests climbing the mountainsides, and finally the raw, sublime beauty of the High Sierra's granite peaks piercing the sky.
Geological RegionPerched on the western slope of the central Sierra Nevada, Jackass Meadow showcases nature's architectural masterpiece. The surrounding Sierra National Forest reveals geology's artistry through oak-studded foothills that give way to thick coniferous forests, ultimately ascending to the stark, glacier-sculpted granite realm of the High Sierra. This vertical journey through ecosystems offers campers a front-row seat to one of California's most spectacular mountain landscapes, where ancient geological forces created a playground for modern adventurers.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground has an accessible hiking trail that is 0.7 miles long and accessible vault toilets.
Sites SizeNo specific dimensions or descriptions of campsite sizes are mentioned.
Sites PrivacyNo detailed descriptions of the privacy level between sites are available.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites are shaded by Aspen and Lodgepole Pine trees. Select sites near the South Fork of the San Joaquin River for proximity to water features.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No official check-in time provided.
Check-out
NOON (sites must be occupied by check out time or reservation will be forfeited).
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stays of 14 nights are allowed during a visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Two pets per site. Additional vehicle fees may apply. Specific human guest limits not mentioned.
Groups
No details about group sites are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutNo campground layout provided. Descriptions indicate shaded sites grouped around natural water features.
Open and Closed SeasonClosed for camping from 2022–2025 due to hazard tree removal.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, mobile app, or contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo specific details on walk-up site availability provided.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies, and late cancellation penalties include forfeiting the first night's recreation use fee. No-show customers are charged $20 and also forfeit the first night's recreation use fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
Jackass Meadow Campground offers a variety of recreational activities including hiking, fishing, and boating. The nearby Florence Lake enhances the range of activities, with a boat ramp, boat rentals, and opportunities to access the John Muir and Pacific Crest Trails by ferry.
Hiking
A 0.7-mile accessible hiking trail is near the campground. Nature walks are held every Saturday during the summer.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available in the South Fork of the San Joaquin River and around Florence Lake.Boating
Boating is facilitated by a boat ramp and rentals available at the Florence Lake Store.Cultural and Educational Programs
Nature walks, which may provide educational insights, are held every Saturday during the summer.Winter Activities
No information on winter activities is provided.Water Sports
No details about water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are available.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire restrictions may be imposed due to hot, dry weather conditions. Contact High Sierra Ranger District (559-855-5355) for updates.
Hazards
General hazardsFire restrictions may be imposed due to hot, dry weather. Single-lane roads with blind curves may pose driving challenges. Bear-proof lockers are provided to address wildlife risks.
Active alertsCampground remains closed for camping from 2022–2025 due to hazard tree removal.
Weather forecast
63
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Light drizzle
Precipitation: 0.4%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 52%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 5.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Very Light Rain - (0.40% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Light drizzle
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
High Sierra Ranger District (Sierra National Forest) for fire conditions and weather closures at 559-855-5355.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot specified.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available at the facility. Recycling information is not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresNear Florence Lake and the South Fork of the San Joaquin River.
Common complaintsRoad conditions on Kaiser Road can be challenging for large vehicles. Late cancellation policies may result in forfeited fees.
Campground Map
,,,
Driving directionsFrom Clovis, California: Take Hwy 168 north for 70 miles to Huntington Lake Campground office at Eastwood. Turn right and follow Kaiser Pass Road approximately 21 miles to Jackass Meadow campground.
RVs and motor homes over 25 feet are not recommended on Kaiser Road due to single-lane road with blind curves.Nearby places
Clovis (70 miles, approximately 1.5 hours), Huntington Lake (approximately 21 miles from the campground).
Nearby supplies
Supplies and groceries can be purchased half a mile from the campground at the Florence Lake Store.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Jackass Meadow has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews indicate that Jackass Meadow is a favorite for its seclusion and wilderness appeal. However, the campground is currently closed, and no recent reviews are available.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers have praised the campground's natural beauty, seclusion, and wilderness setting. One user stated, 'Absolutely phenomenal. It is my favorite place to be. Love the seclusion and complete...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
No specific complaints are noted in the reviews. The lack of recent data due to the campground's closure limits insights.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend embracing the seclusion and ensuring preparedness for limited facilities.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground's location and closure restrict seasonal trends analysis. Nature walks in summer are a noted highlight.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Absolutely phenomenal. We camped out here for 4 days. It is my favorite place to be.'
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific site reviews are available.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features such as vault toilets and an accessible hiking trail are available, but no user-specific reviews on accessibility are documented.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed with a limit of two per site, and they must be leashed. No additional reviews specifically addressing pet policies are provided.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025