Big Creek Meadows Campground
00 reviewBig Creek Meadows Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / 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
Camping and day use are free.
About this campground
Tucked away in a lush riparian corridor along the renowned Blue Mountain Scenic Byway, Big Creek Meadows Campground offers an intimate camping experience with just three peaceful sites. This hidden gem serves as your launching point for adventures into the pristine North Fork John Day Wilderness, with direct access to OHV trails that wind through the surrounding forests. While the campground embraces a rustic, leave-no-trace philosophy—you'll need to bring your own water and pack out all trash—it provides essential amenities including an accessible vault toilet and spacious parking areas that easily accommodate trucks and stock trailers for equestrian adventurers.
The campground is designed for tent camping and OHV users, with minimal facilities and no fees.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of Big Creek Meadows may be sparse, these meadows have long served as a natural crossroads where wildlife paths intersect with human trails, creating a timeless camping spot that continues to draw outdoor enthusiasts seeking authentic wilderness experiences.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Big Creek Meadows in dramatically different colors. Spring arrives slowly here, with snowmelt keeping the meadows wonderfully wet through late May—perfect for wildflower enthusiasts. Summer transforms the campground into a hiker's paradise, with warm days ideal for exploring wilderness trails and filling your bucket with sweet, wild huckleberries. As winter blankets the landscape in snow, the campground becomes a backcountry destination accessible only by snowmobile, offering solitude and adventure for those willing to make the journey.
ElevationNestled in the heart of the Blue Mountains, Big Creek Meadows sits at an elevation that creates its unique microclimate—high enough for cool summer nights and winter snow accumulation, yet positioned perfectly to support the diverse riparian ecosystem that makes this area so special.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground rests in a vibrant riparian wonderland where crystal-clear creek waters nurture a green oasis of willows, grasses, and wildflowers. This moisture-rich environment stays emerald green well into June, creating a stark and beautiful contrast with the surrounding dry forests. Come mid-August, the understory explodes with ripe huckleberries, turning your campsite into nature's own berry patch. Scenic trails beckoning from your tent door lead deep into the North Fork John Day Wilderness, where old-growth forests and hidden meadows await discovery.
Geological RegionBig Creek Meadows occupies a special niche within the Blue Mountain geological province, where ancient volcanic flows created the foundation for today's riparian paradise. The campground's location along the Blue Mountain Scenic Byway places you at the intersection of diverse ecosystems, from creek-fed meadows to pine-covered ridges, all shaped by millions of years of geological forces that carved this unique landscape.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe vault toilet is explicitly stated to be accessible, but no additional accessibility features are mentioned.
Sites SizeThere are three campsites available, but specific measurements or descriptions of their sizes are not provided.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is located in a riparian area, but there is no specific information about the level of privacy at the campsites.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite #1 is recommended for proximity to the trailhead and amenities.
Best CampsitesSite #1 is adjacent to the trailhead and features a large parking area, toilet, and interpretive site.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
No group-specific camping accommodations or details are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThree individual campsites grouped near a trailhead and parking area.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen late May through winter with snowmobile access only during snowy conditions.
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Big Creek Meadows Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. These include hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, OHV trail riding, hunting, and fishing. Additionally, mid-August is noted as a prime time for huckleberry picking in the area.
Hiking
There is direct trail access to the North Fork John Day Wilderness via the Big Creek Trail #3151. Nearby, Tower Mountain Trail #3156 also connects to the wilderness area. Off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails such as Tower Loop Trail #3040, Meadow Creek Trail #3193, and Christensen Trail #3185 are accessible from the campground.Fishing
Fishing is listed as one of the attractions, but there are no specific details about the type of fish or the quality of fishing.Winter Activities
During winter, access to the campground is via snowmobiles only, as the road becomes inaccessible due to snow.Water Sports
Water sports are not mentioned as an activity for this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Not specified.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wet conditions during late spring and potential wildlife encounters.
Active alertsNo current alerts reported.
Weather forecast
71
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Moderate drizzle
Precipitation: 0.8%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 34%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 17.2 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Very Light Rain - (0.80% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Moderate 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
null
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingThere is no garbage service provided. Campers are required to pack out all trash and dispose of it at home.
Proximity to water featuresLocated in a riparian area, the campground may remain wet into June.
Common complaintsNo potable water or garbage service available; reviews emphasize the need to pack out trash and bring water.
Hostnull
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Ukiah, OR, travel south on County Road 1475 (turns into Forest Road 52 after 5 miles). Go about 23 miles to Forest Road 5226/5225 junction. Turn right (south) onto Forest Road 5225 and go a couple hundred yards, then turn right onto Forest Road 5225020. Follow this road about 0.5 miles to a bridge. Once across the bridge, turn left and follow a short distance to the trailhead and campground.
Road access is seasonal, depending on snow conditions. Snowmobiles are required once snow blocks access roads.Nearby places
Ukiah, OR (approximately 23 miles, travel time not specified).
Nearby supplies
null
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Big Creek Meadows Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews were provided in the source material.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
No specific user-generated positive highlights are available.
Common Concerns
There are no complaints or negatives mentioned in the source material.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
No tips or recommendations from users are available.
Seasonal Insights
No user-generated seasonal trends are provided. Official sources note that the campground can be wet through June and is snow-accessible only during winter.
Camper Quotes
No direct quotes from users are included in the source material.
Site-Specific Reviews
There are no reviews specific to the three campsites provided.
Accessibility Features
No reviews addressing accessibility experiences are available.
Pet-Friendly Features
No reviews or comments regarding pet policies or pet experiences are available.
Last updated August 10, 2025