Upper Meadows Campground
4.4719 reviewsUinta Wasatch Cache National Forest, UT-39, Huntsville, UT, 84317
Upper Meadows Campground
$8.00 - $31.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$31.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$8.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees include $31 for single sites (capacity 8 people, 1 vehicle); $15 for day use; $10 per extra vehicle (paid on-site via cash or check); $8 per walk-in visitor; $9 for firewood (available at Willows and Perception Park Campgrounds).
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine waters of the South Fork Ogden River, Upper Meadows Campground offers an intimate escape into nature's embrace. This charming riverside retreat sits at 5,300 feet elevation, where nine thoughtfully spaced campsites invite you to slow down and savor the mountain air. Each site comes complete with its own picnic table and fire ring, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. Days here unfold with the gentle soundtrack of flowing water, whether you're casting a line for trout, floating down the river on a lazy afternoon tube ride, or setting off on scenic hiking trails that wind through the surrounding wilderness.
Upper Meadows Campground offers a range of camping options primarily focused on individual, tent, and RV camping. The campground includes 9 single sites accommodating up to 8 people per site. Group camping and cabin accommodations are not available.
Weather and SeasonsFrom mid-May through September, Upper Meadows transforms into a summer sanctuary where warm days give way to refreshingly cool mountain evenings. The riverside location creates its own microclimate, bringing welcome humidity and the occasional mosquito - a small price to pay for the lush, vibrant ecosystem. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms and crisp mornings, while late summer transitions into golden autumn days perfect for camping. The campground welcomes visitors from May 16 through September 1, capturing the sweetest months of mountain weather.
ElevationPerched at 5,300 feet above sea level, Upper Meadows offers the perfect balance of accessibility and alpine atmosphere. This elevation delivers naturally air-conditioned summers, where temperatures typically run 10-15 degrees cooler than the valley below. The mountain climate means comfortable days for outdoor adventures and nights cool enough for cozy campfires and sound sleep under star-filled skies.
Natural Features and SceneryA living cathedral of cottonwoods and willows creates a natural canopy over Upper Meadows, their leaves whispering secrets in the mountain breeze and casting dappled shadows across your campsite. The South Fork Ogden River serves as the campground's liquid heartbeat, its clear waters dancing over smooth stones and creating peaceful pools perfect for wading. Keep your camera ready - majestic moose often browse through the willows at dawn and dusk, while deer delicately pick their way along the riverbank. This riparian wonderland offers front-row seats to nature's daily performances.
Geological RegionUpper Meadows rests in the heart of the Ogden Valley, a mountain sanctuary sculpted by ancient geological forces and polished by the persistent flow of the South Fork Ogden River. This verdant pocket of the Wasatch Mountains showcases the region's signature landscape - where cottonwood groves and willow thickets thrive in the rich riverside soils, creating a green ribbon of life through the rugged mountain terrain. The river has carved its course through millennia, creating the gentle valley floor where the campground now welcomes those seeking connection with Utah's wild beauty.
Campsite details
AccessibilitySpecific details about accessibility features for disabled campers are not provided.
Sites SizeStandard-sized sites with gravel spurs suitable for tents and smaller RVs, as per user reviews.
Sites PrivacyMixed privacy levels. Site 9 is noted for its secluded and private location at the end of the campground. Other sites are clustered closer together, affecting privacy.
Total Campsites9 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 9 is recommended for privacy and seclusion; site 6 offers excellent river access and shade.
Best CampsitesSites 9 and 6 are highly rated for privacy and proximity to the river.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 7 AM.
Check-out
Check-out is required by 12 PM.
Stay Limit
- Maximum 2-night minimum stay on weekends
- 3-night minimum stay on holiday weekends.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum occupancy is 8 people per single site.
Groups
No designated group camping sites are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground has 9 single sites with gravel spurs, cement table pads, and fire rings. It is surrounded by shady cottonwoods and willow trees.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 16 to September 1, peak season from June 24 to September 1.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via recreation.gov, phone at 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites require physical presence at the campground. No real-time updates are available for site availability. Recommended arrival times vary, especially on weekends and holidays.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations prior to arrival are subject to a $10 service fee. Late cancellations result in forfeiture of the first night's fee and additional penalties for one-night stays. No-shows incur a $20 service fee and loss of the first night's fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors enjoy a wide range of recreational activities at Upper Meadows Campground, including fishing, hiking, tubing, and swimming in the South Fork Ogden River. Tubing is especially popular, with a life jacket being mandatory for all participants. The nearby Causey Reservoir, just three miles east, offers additional opportunities for canoeing, fishing, and trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Wildlife viewing is also a noted activity, with moose and deer occasionally wandering through the campground.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are available both within the campground vicinity and nearby at Causey Reservoir and Monte Cristo Summit. The trails offer scenic views, but specific trail lengths and difficulty levels are not detailed.Fishing
Fishing is a highly popular activity in the South Fork Ogden River and at nearby reservoirs like Causey Reservoir, known for its scenic setting and variety of fish species.Swimming
Swimming is available in the South Fork Ogden River and nearby reservoirs such as Pineview and Causey. Safety measures, such as mandatory life jackets for tubers, are in place.Biking
Biking trails are available near Causey Reservoir. Specific details about terrain or difficulty levels are not provided.Boating
Boating opportunities exist at nearby Pineview and Causey Reservoirs. Canoeing is specifically highlighted as a popular activity at Causey.Wildlife viewing
Moose and deer are occasionally seen wandering through the campground. Wildlife viewing is recommended but no specific locations or species lists are provided.Winter Activities
No winter-specific recreational activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Tubing on the South Fork Ogden River is highly popular, with a mandatory life jacket requirement for safety.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed only in designated fire rings. Firewood is available for $9 at nearby Willows and Perception Park Campgrounds.
- Quiet hours are from 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsCampground is in bear country. Food and trash must be securely stored to prevent wildlife encounters. Failure to comply may result in fines up to $5,000.
Active alertsCampers are advised to bring their own drinking water as running water is not always available.
Weather forecast
71
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 44%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
Nearest hospital and emergency services are in Huntsville, UT, 8 miles away. Additional police and ranger stations may be accessed in Ogden.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 24 to September 1.
Trash and recyclingThis is a 'pack it in, pack it out' facility; campers are required to bring trash bags and remove all refuse upon departure. Dumpsters or trash facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe South Fork Ogden River runs alongside the campground. Causey Reservoir is located three miles away.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include noise from loud music and nearby gunfire, lack of water, presence of mosquitos, and humidity during peak summer.
HostTodd is frequently mentioned as an accommodating and friendly host; some reviews suggest other hosts have been less attentive.
Campground Map
Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest, UT-39, Huntsville, UT, 84317
Driving directionsFrom Ogden, Utah, travel east on 12th Street through Ogden Canyon. Continue on Highway 39 toward Monte Cristo. The campgrounds are Magpie, Botts, South Fork, Perception Park Family, Upper and Lower Meadows, and Willows in order from west to east. South Fork Campground complex is approximately 5 to 7 miles east of Huntsville, Utah, on Highway 39.
The road to Upper Meadows Campground is accessible via Highway 39. Roads are likely paved, but seasonal closures and mountainous terrain may present challenges, particularly in the winter months.Nearby places
Huntsville (8 miles, 15 minutes drive)
Ogden (approximately 20 miles, 30 minutes drive).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Huntsville, 8 miles away, and Ogden, approximately 20 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.5
19 reviews
Upper Meadows Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Upper Meadows Campground generally praise its scenic setting, clean facilities, and the accommodating nature of the hosts. However, some concerns include noise levels, limited privacy in certain sites, and occasional issues with vault toilet maintenance. Highlights include proximity to the river and adequate shade from cottonwoods and willows. Overall, the average sentiment for the campground rates positively.
Review Summaries
Based on 19 reviews
What Campers Love
Commonly noted positive aspects include the clean and well-maintained vault toilets, the accommodating and friendly camp hosts, the scenic beauty of the area with abundant shade, and the variety of...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Negative feedback includes occasional noise issues (e.g., loud music and gunshots late at night), lack of enforcement of pet leash rules, crowded campsites, and sporadic maintenance issues such as...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
1. Bring your own drinking water as it may not always be available. 2. Site 9 is highly recommended for its privacy. 3. Avoid weekends and holidays if seeking a quieter experience as noise levels can...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
During peak summer months, the campground is noted for heat and mosquito prevalence. Fall reviews are less frequent but highlight enjoyable weather and fewer crowds.
Based on 19 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'The river is really close to most of the sites. The bathrooms and sites were very clean.' - Maria Dohnal
2. 'Our little family had a great time. We stayed in Campground number two, which - while...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
1. Site 9: Multiple reviews highlight its privacy and excellent location at the end of the campground.
2. Site 5: Mentioned as challenging for larger trailers, but manageable.
3. Site 6: Noted for...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 19 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Some complaints about lack of enforcement of pet leash rules, with dogs reported to roam freely in the campground. Pet owners are advised to adhere to leash requirements.
Based on 19 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025