How much does camping cost at Middle Meadows?

Camping fees at Middle Meadows range from $12.5-$50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Middle Meadows first-come first-served or reservation?

Middle Meadows accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Middle Meadows before I book?

Yes! Middle Meadows has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Middle Meadows?

Middle Meadows is open May 9 through September 8 (2025 and 2026). The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Middle Meadows?

Middle Meadows does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Middle Meadows?

Fire policies at Middle Meadows: Campfires may be restricted during fire danger periods.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Middle Meadows have?

Middle Meadows has 2 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Middle Meadows?

Yes, pets are allowed at Middle Meadows. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Middle Meadows?

Middle Meadows offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Middle Meadows?

Popular activities at Middle Meadows include Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Middle Meadows

2.71

10 reviews

GEORGETOWN RANGER STATION, 7600 WENTWORTH SPRINGS ROAD, GEORGETOWN, CA, 95634

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

4,777 ft

Price

$12.5 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Open May 9 through S...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Georgetown Ranger Station, Eldorado National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

4,777 ft

Price

$12.5 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Open May 9 through S...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Georgetown Ranger Station, Eldorado National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Middle Meadows

$12.50 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees vary depending on the group site and date. Peak season group sites range from $12.50 to $50 per night. Reservation fees are non-refundable....

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$50.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530-333-4312

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What Campers Say

2.71

Mixed Reviews

Based on 10 reviews

8 Google reviews

"User reviews for Middle Meadows Campground are mixed, with an average sentiment rating of 3.5 for general experiences and 3.0 specific to campgrounds. Common themes in user reviews include the isolated setting, wildlife, and proximity to recreational opportunities, but also notes of limited facilities and mosquito presence."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

GEORGETOWN RANGER STATION, 7600 WENTWORTH SPRINGS ROAD, GEORGETOWN, CA, 95634

Middle Meadows

GEORGETOWN RANGER STATION, 7600 WENTWORTH SPRINGS ROAD, GEORGETOWN, CA, 95634

Nearby places

Georgetown (22 miles), Sacramento (approximately 80 miles), Auburn (approximately 50 miles)

Nearby supplies

Big Meadows Campground, 2.5 miles northeast, offers potable water. Other supplies likely available in Georgetown, approximately 22 miles away.

Driving directionsFrom Sacramento, California, take Interstate 80 east to Auburn. Take the Elm Street exit and turn left at the stoplight. Follow Highway 49 down the canyon, across the American River, to Cool. Turn onto Highway 193 towards Georgetown. Turn left at the stop sign, then continue 22 miles to 11 Pines Road. Make a left and stay on this road (Forest Highway 2) for about 25 miles to the campground.

Accessible by paved roads with directions including major highways and turns. Requires approximately 25 miles of driving on Forest Highway 2 to reach.

Best Time to Camp at Middle Meadows

Summer brings the warmest and most reliable conditions, with daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F and cool nights in the 40s to 50s°F. The season runs May through September, when facilities are open and creek-based activities peak. Mosquitoes are a persistent issue during warmer months. Multiple reviews specifically call out high mosquito activity. Spring can bring occasional rain, and early autumn mornings turn crisp. Winter snow closes the area to all but backcountry users.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Open May–Sept; summer best for swimming/boating but mosquitos and facilities noted.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 9 through September 8 (2025 and 2026). Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 9 through September 7 (2025 and 2026). Closed October 13 through May 21.
Current Alerts: Potable water is unavailable due to contamination problems; visitors must bring drinking water or filters. Forested areas surrounding the campground have been affected by previous fires.

About Middle Meadows

Middle Meadows Campground sits along South Fork Long Canyon Creek in Eldorado National Forest, about 15 miles northeast of Georgetown. The campground has two group sites only: one for up to 25 people and another for up to 50, with fees ranging from $12.50 to $50 per night. Dense cedar, pine, and fir forest provides isolation and shade at 4,777 feet elevation.

Middle Meadows Campground provides primitive, group, and tent camping facilities. There are no RV-specific amenities such as hookups, and the campground lacks modern facilities like flush toilets and potable water on-site.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the warmest and most reliable conditions, with daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F and cool nights in the 40s to 50s°F. The season runs May through September, when facilities are open and creek-based activities peak. Mosquitoes are a persistent issue during warmer months. Multiple reviews specifically call out high mosquito activity. Spring can bring occasional rain, and early autumn mornings turn crisp. Winter snow closes the area to all but backcountry users.

ElevationPerched among the peaks and valleys of the majestic Eldorado National Forest, Middle Meadows sits at a mountain elevation that offers refreshing temperatures and that distinctive pine-scented air that only comes with altitude. While specific elevation details remain nature's secret, visitors will feel the characteristic mountain atmosphere in every breath.

Natural Features and SceneryTowering cedars, pines, and firs surround the campground, creating heavy forest cover that extends in all directions. South Fork Long Canyon Creek runs past the sites, its clear water supporting fishing and swimming when flows permit. The terrain is typical Sierra Nevada granite and evergreen forest. Wildlife sightings are common. Reviewers mention the creek's proximity to campsites and easy access to a nearby reservoir for boating.

Geological RegionMiddle Meadows rests along the pristine waters of South Fork Long Canyon Creek, where centuries of geological activity have carved a perfect camping retreat within Eldorado National Forest. The surrounding landscape tells the story of ancient forests and patient streams, with towering cedars, pines, and firs standing as living monuments to the region's rich natural heritage. This heavily wooded sanctuary represents the quintessential Sierra Nevada experience, where granite foundations support a thriving ecosystem of evergreen giants.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Not specified.

Check-out

Not specified.

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Group sites accommodate 25-50 guests.

Groups

The campground offers two group campsites: one accommodates up to 25 guests, and the other accommodates up to 50 guests. These are walk-in sites equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings, and grills.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutTwo walk-in group sites with shared fire rings, picnic tables, bear lockers, and vault toilets. Reviews warn that vault toilets have been locked during some visits, forcing groups to bring portable units. The water system has been reported broken, so plan to bring your own potable water.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online or through the contact center.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; reservations are required.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee and additional penalties for late cancellation. Late cancellations for group facilities are defined as fewer than 14 days before check-in, resulting in forfeiture of the first night's fees.

AccessibilityThere is no specific information about accessibility features at the campground.

Site SizeThere are two group campsites at Middle Meadows: one for up to 25 guests and another for up to 50 guests.

PrivacyThe campground is described as isolated and surrounded by heavily wooded areas, which likely provides a sense of privacy and seclusion.

Total Campsites2 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose creekside sections for proximity to Long Canyon Creek and shade from large trees.

Need help booking Middle Meadows?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Middle Meadows Campground offers several recreational opportunities such as birding, wildlife viewing, fishing, swimming, and boating. The adjacent South Fork of Long Canyon Creek and the nearby Hell Hole Reservoir enhance the recreational experience. A swimming hole is located 0.25 miles west of the campground.

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears frequent this area. Mosquitoes are common, especially in warmer months.

Active AlertsPotable water is unavailable due to contamination problems; visitors must bring drinking water or filters. Forested areas surrounding the campground have been affected by previous fires.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage containers are provided at all campsites free of charge.

Fire PolicyCampfires may be restricted during fire danger periods.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not specified.

Emergency ServicesGeorgetown Ranger Station, 7600 Wentworth Springs Road, Georgetown, CA, approximately 22 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingThe campground is equipped with garbage receptacles and recycling facilities. "Bear proof food containers and garbage receptacles are provided at each camp site."

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Long Canyon Creek for fishing and wading. Located less than 5 miles from Hell Hole Reservoir with swimming hole 0.25 miles west of campground.

Camp HostNo information about campground hosts available.

Weather at Middle Meadows

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

2.7

10 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Middle Meadows has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Middle Meadows Campground are mixed, with an average sentiment rating of 3.5 for general experiences and 3.0 specific to campgrounds. Common themes in user reviews include the isolated setting, wildlife, and proximity to recreational opportunities, but also notes of limited facilities and mosquito presence.

Review Summaries

Based on 10 reviews

What Campers Love

"Nice campsite near the creek and close to the Reservoir that [is] good for boat[ing]." (Review by Chanthy, 2022)

Based on 10 reviews

Common Concerns

The lack of potable water and locked toilet facilities were recurring issues. For example, "The toilets were locked and unusable (and we had to use port o potties), the water system is broken..."...

Based on 10 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors should prepare to bring their own potable water and consider mosquito repellent due to reports of high mosquito activity. It's also advised to verify the status of toilet facilities before...

Based on 10 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is more accessible and enjoyable during the summer months when activities like swimming and boating are viable. However, late spring or early fall might be preferable to minimize...

Based on 10 reviews