Meadows Campground
03 reviewsMeadows Campground
$5.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
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
Single Site: $10/night. Additional Vehicle: $5/vehicle/night. Digital payment only through the recreation.gov mobile app. Download the app beforehand.
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About this campground
Perched high in the North Cascades, Meadows Campground lives up to its name with sweeping alpine meadows that stretch as far as the eye can see. This sun-drenched haven in the Harts Pass area has become a cherished basecamp for Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers and weekend adventurers eager to explore the pristine Pasayten Wilderness. Here, where wildflowers paint the landscape in summer and crisp mountain air invigorates the soul, campers find themselves immersed in the raw beauty of Washington's high country.
Meadows Campground supports standard tent camping and limited RV camping. No trailers are allowed due to road restrictions.
Weather and SeasonsAt Meadows Campground, Mother Nature puts on a dramatic show. Days are often bathed in brilliant sunshine, but as the sun dips behind the peaks, temperatures plummet, transforming warm afternoons into crisp, star-filled nights that demand cozy sleeping bags and extra layers. The mountain winds here are legendary among seasoned campers—powerful gusts sweep across the exposed meadows, creating a natural symphony that some find soothing and others find challenging. Experienced visitors recommend packing warm clothing regardless of the season and securing all gear against the enthusiastic mountain breezes that can turn a peaceful evening into an adventure of its own.
ElevationAt 6,250 feet above sea level, Meadows Campground offers a true alpine experience where the air is thin, the views are endless, and the weather can change in a heartbeat. This lofty perch places campers above much of the surrounding landscape, creating a natural balcony overlooking the North Cascades. The high elevation brings its own character to the camping experience—cooler temperatures that provide relief from summer heat, winds that carry the scent of distant glaciers, and a proximity to the sky that makes stars seem close enough to touch.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking up to panoramic views of rolling alpine meadows dotted with vibrant wildflowers and framed by jagged peaks—this is the daily reality at Meadows Campground. The surrounding landscape offers a front-row seat to nature's theater, where curious prairie dogs pop up from their burrows to greet visitors, and eagles soar on thermal currents high above. The open terrain provides unobstructed vistas in every direction, making this an ideal spot for photographers chasing golden hour light or stargazers seeking pristine dark skies far from city lights.
Geological RegionNestled within the spectacular Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Meadows Campground sits in a unique alpine ecosystem where ancient geology meets vibrant life. The surrounding meadows, carved by glaciers and shaped by millennia of mountain weather, create a rare high-elevation habitat that supports diverse plant and animal communities. This remarkable landscape in the Harts Pass area represents one of the most accessible alpine environments in the North Cascades, offering visitors a chance to experience the delicate beauty of mountain meadows without extensive backcountry travel.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo explicit mention of ADA or other accessibility features.
Sites SizeNot specified.
Sites PrivacyNot specified.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring warm clothing as it gets cold at night. Carry water, and be prepared to pack out all trash.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is not stated in the available sources.
Guests Allowed Per Site
2vehicles per campsite
Groups
No group sites or details are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe layout is not detailed, but the campground is described as open and sunny.
Open and Closed SeasonTypically accessible July - September.
Reservation PlatformsDigital payment only through the recreation.gov mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilityNot explicitly mentioned.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Meadows Campground offers opportunities for hiking, backpacking, scenic drives, and outdoor science and learning activities such as viewing scenery. It’s especially popular for accessing the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail and nearby Slate Peak Lookout.
Hiking
Access to the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail and hikes into the Pasayten Wilderness. Reviews mention day hikes and nearby trails as key highlights.Winter Activities
Not mentioned.Water Sports
Not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fires were noted as prohibited during times of increased fire danger.
Hazards
General hazardsThe narrow and steep Harts Pass Road creates a driving hazard. Strong winds and fire bans are mentioned in reviews.
Active alertsThe campground is currently temporarily closed.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 36%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
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
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash receptacles are not provided, and campers are required to carry out all waste. "Leave No Trace" principles are emphasized.
Common complaintsSome reviews mention challenges due to wind storms and the difficulty of accessing the campground via the narrow road.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Winthrop, drive west on Highway 20 for 15 miles, turn right onto Lost River Road 9140 for 7.5 miles. Paved road turns into gravel Forest Service Harts Pass Road 5400. Follow gravel road for 13 miles then turn left onto Forest Road #5400-500 and drive one mile turn left into Meadows Campground.
Harts Pass Road #5400 is narrow and windy, with steep side cliffs in places. Trailers are not allowed on Forest Road 5400 or Chancelor Road 5400-700 from June 1 to December 31. Snowmobile trailers are allowed November 1 to December 31.Nearby places
Winthrop is approximately 15 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Meadows Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is praised for its scenic meadows, access to hiking trails, and breathtaking views. However, the minimalist amenities, including the lack of potable water and trash disposal, require campers to come well-prepared.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Users highlight the stunning alpine views, clear skies for stargazing, access to hiking trails such as Slate Peak Lookout, and the general peacefulness of the area. "At night we’re able to see the...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include the challenging drive to the campground, the lack of amenities such as potable water and trash facilities, and environmental issues such as dying trees due to beetle infestations.
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend: bringing adequate water and warm clothing, preparing for cool nighttime temperatures, and coming with an SUV or all-wheel drive vehicle due to the challenging roads. "Bring water,...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews indicate that weather and road conditions vary significantly by season, with cooler nights in early fall and restrictions during certain months. Campers praise the clear night skies in fall...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Got to spend two nights here in the early Fall. On one of them, was a crazy wind storm ready to blow us right off the mountain." "The alpine meadows are being affected by a destructive beetle and...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers are mentioned in reviews.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews explicitly mention accessibility experiences.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews mention pets or pet policies.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025