Big Meadow Campground
4.5613 reviewsBig Meadow Campground, Stanislaus National Forest, California
Big Meadow Campground
$25.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$25.00
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
Overnight single site fee is $30 per night starting in 2026; current fee is $25 per night until 2026. Interagency Senior and Access Pass holders receive a 50% discount on single sites. Payment accepted in cash or check only.
About this campground
Escape to Big Meadow Campground, where towering red firs and whispering lodgepole pines create a natural cathedral in the heart of Stanislaus National Forest. This hidden gem on the Calaveras Ranger District offers campers an authentic Sierra Nevada experience, with spacious sites tucked among ancient trees and dramatic granite outcrops. Here, morning light filters through the canopy while quaking aspens dance in the breeze, creating the perfect backdrop for your mountain adventure. Just minutes from the crystal waters of Lake Alpine and the legendary giant sequoias of Calaveras Big Trees State Park, Big Meadow serves as your peaceful basecamp for exploring some of California's most treasured landscapes.
Big Meadow Campground accommodates tent camping and combined sites, providing options for different group sizes and preferences.
Historical SignificanceLong before tents dotted these meadows, the rhythmic sound of cattle bells echoed through the forest as Big Meadow served as the final resting point for weary cowboys driving their herds to Bear Valley's lush summer pastures. This historic cattle camp witnessed countless campfire stories and trail-worn boots, establishing a tradition of hospitality in the wilderness that continues today. The surrounding forest holds generations of stories, from Native American seasonal camps to Gold Rush era explorers, making every trail a journey through California's rich mountain heritage.
Weather and SeasonsBig Meadow welcomes visitors from May through September, offering a refreshing escape from valley heat. Summer days bring warm sunshine perfect for hiking and exploration, while evenings cool down for comfortable sleeping under the stars. Early season adventurers in May might wake to frost on their tents and patches of snow in shaded areas, while September visitors enjoy crisp autumn air and the first hints of fall color. The Sierra's famously dry summer weather means you can count on clear skies for stargazing, though afternoon thunderstorms occasionally roll through, adding drama to the mountain scenery.
ElevationPerched at 5,300 feet above sea level, Big Meadow offers a true mountain experience where the air is crisp and pine-scented. This elevation brings delightfully cool temperatures that provide sweet relief from summer heat, though visitors from lower elevations should take it easy their first day as their bodies adjust to the thinner air. The reward for climbing to this height? Spectacular star-filled nights, refreshing mountain breezes, and temperatures that rarely exceed the mid-70s even on the warmest summer days.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where majestic red and white firs stretch skyward alongside stately Jeffrey pines, their branches creating a natural canopy overhead. Scattered throughout the campground, ancient granite boulders stand like sentinels, their weathered faces telling stories of geological ages past. In spring and early summer, delicate wildflowers paint the forest floor while quaking aspens add splashes of bright green that turn to liquid gold come fall. A gentle stream meanders nearby, its soothing melody providing the perfect soundtrack for afternoon naps in your hammock. From select campsites, peek-a-boo views of distant peaks remind you of the vast wilderness that surrounds this tranquil forest haven.
Geological RegionBig Meadow Campground sits within a fascinating geological wonderland where the forces of nature have sculpted a dramatic landscape over millions of years. The Calaveras Ranger District showcases the Sierra Nevada's volcanic past through its distinctive granite formations - massive boulders that emerged from deep within the earth and now provide natural climbing walls and scenic backdrops for campers. The mixed conifer forest of red fir, white fir, and lodgepole pine thrives in the mineral-rich soils, while scattered groves of quaking aspen mark areas where underground water nourishes their extensive root systems. This unique combination of volcanic geology and diverse forest ecosystems creates a camping environment found nowhere else in California.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features have been mentioned, and the campground is not noted for being wheelchair-friendly.
Sites SizeSites are described as large, private, and shady.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites offer a good level of privacy due to their spacing and the presence of large trees and rock outcrops.
Total Campsites52 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRecommend choosing sites further away from Highway 4 to minimize traffic noise. Sites near the stream are preferred for their scenic value.
Best CampsitesNo specific best campsites mentioned in official sources; some user reviews highlight sites with mountain or canyon views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 p.m.
Check-out
12:00 p.m.
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 days stay per reservation.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Number of guests per site not specified.
Groups
No specific group camping details are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features two loops with 52 sites scattered throughout dense forest. Large boulders and shrubs create privacy and add character to the layout.
Open and Closed SeasonSeasonal operation from May 19 through September 4, weather-dependent.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability not detailed; sites may be reservable and reservation fees apply.
Cancellation PolicyDetails not provided.
Amenities available
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a serene environment ideal for relaxation and exploration. Activities nearby include hiking, wildlife viewing, and proximity to attractions such as Lake Alpine and Calaveras Big Trees State Park.
Winter Activities
No winter activities are described for this campground.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires allowed in designated fire rings. Visitors must adhere to current fire restrictions, which may vary by season.
- Quiet hours are observed from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsSignificant presence of bears; proper food storage is mandatory. Some sites may be closed due to hazard trees.
Active alertsSeasonal opening and closures based on weather. Some sites may close temporarily due to hazard trees.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 38%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 12.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
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
Emergency services available in Arnold, 20 miles west, including nearest hospital and police station.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 19 through September 4.
Trash and recyclingAs there is no garbage service, visitors are expected to pack out their trash. No details on recycling facilities are provided.
Proximity to water featuresA small stream runs near the campground, adding to the scenic and recreational value.
Common complaintsHighway noise affects sites near the road. Vault toilets sometimes run out of supplies such as toilet paper. No consistent presence of a campground host for enforcing rules.
HostNo consistent presence of a campground host; some reviews mention a host and dog in previous years.
Campground Map
Big Meadow Campground, Stanislaus National Forest, California
Driving directionsFrom Arnold, CA take State Route 4 east 18.9 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign into campground.
Adjacent to Big Meadow Group Campground, nine miles southwest of Lake Alpine on Highway 4, 20 miles east of Arnold. Road access is paved and usable for most vehicles.Nearby places
Arnold (20 miles, approximately 25 minutes), Lake Alpine (9 miles, approximately 15 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel available in Arnold, 20 miles away. Additional supplies may be found at Lake Alpine, 9 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.6
13 reviews
Big Meadow Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the scenic and large campsites, but also note drawbacks such as proximity to Highway 4 and occasional maintenance issues with vault toilets. The campground's location is appreciated for its access to nearby attractions.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praise the large, private sites surrounded by scenic forests. The presence of helpful amenities like bear boxes and fire pits is noted. The campground's proximity to Lake Alpine and Big Trees...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Many users complain about the noise from Highway 4, the lack of a camp host at times, and issues with vault toilet maintenance. Mosquitoes are mentioned as a nuisance in certain areas, especially in...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing mosquito spray, being prepared for road noise, and possibly arriving mid-week for quieter and more available sites. They also suggest checking the information board for...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Mosquito issues are noted in early summer, while the campground is quieter and more spacious mid-week and during off-peak times. The campground is described as a good option when other sites are full.
Based on 13 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'Loved the size, but remember it's close (like right next to) Hwy 4.' (Diane Fernandez)
- 'Beautiful site, the only downside is the road noise near half of the sites.' (Kartik Bhamidipati)
- 'It...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Some reviews mention that sites closer to Highway 4 experience more road noise, while others are more tranquil and provide scenic views of the surrounding canyon.
Based on 13 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features were found.
Based on 13 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific details or reviews regarding pets or pet-friendly features are provided.
Based on 13 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025