China Meadows Campground
3.976 reviewsForest Rd 186, Evanston, WY 82930
China Meadows Campground
$15.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$19.91
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 sites cost $22.00 per night, accommodating up to 8 people and 1 vehicle. Day use fees are $15.00. Extra vehicles are $10.00 per vehicle (cash/check), and trailhead parking is $5.00 per vehicle.
About this campground
Tucked away on the northern slopes of the majestic Uinta Mountains, China Meadows Campground offers an intimate escape into Utah's high country wilderness. This hidden gem serves as a peaceful basecamp for adventurers seeking solitude, where pristine fishing waters, serene paddling opportunities, and miles of untamed trails await just beyond your tent flap. Far from the crowds, this small campground provides an authentic backcountry experience for those who prefer their mountain adventures with a side of tranquility.
China Meadows Campground accommodates tent and small RV camping, with nine standard nonelectric sites. It is a primitive campground with limited facilities.
Weather and SeasonsMountain weather here is as dynamic as the landscape itself, with afternoon thunderstorms that can roll through dramatically, transforming dry creek beds into rushing waterways within hours. Visitors should come prepared for nature's full spectrum – from brilliant sunny mornings perfect for hiking to sudden afternoon downpours that send campers scrambling for rain gear. These weather patterns create an ever-changing canvas that keeps even frequent visitors on their toes, making each trip a unique adventure.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 10,000 feet above sea level, China Meadows sits in the realm where the air grows thin and the stars shine bright. At this altitude, summer nights bring a refreshing chill that has you reaching for your sleeping bag, while days offer that crisp mountain air that makes every breath feel like a gift. This high-elevation paradise provides not just cooler temperatures but also access to alpine ecosystems and recreational opportunities found only in the sky-high reaches of the Uintas.
Natural Features and SceneryHere, ancient timber stands sentinel over a landscape carved by time and ice, where China Lake mirrors the sky like nature's own looking glass. The campground sits at the heart of a wilderness tapestry woven with dramatic canyons, soaring peaks that scrape the clouds, and a network of crystalline lakes, rivers, and streams that sparkle like jewels across the rugged terrain. This is the Uintas at their finest – raw, beautiful, and utterly captivating.
Geological RegionChina Meadows claims its place on the northern ramparts of the legendary Uinta Mountains, where at 10,000 feet, ancient forests of spruce and fir create a natural cathedral around the campground. Just a stone's throw from the shimmering waters of China Lake, this high-altitude haven showcases the unique east-west trending geology of the Uintas – one of the few mountain ranges in North America to run perpendicular to the Continental Divide, creating a distinctive landscape of alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and weathered peaks.
Campsite details
AccessibilitySpecific information about accessibility features is not provided in the source materials.
Sites SizeSites accommodate up to 8 people and 1 vehicle, with an additional vehicle option for a $10 fee.
Sites PrivacyThe sites offer limited privacy. Some user reviews have noted a secluded feeling, especially during periods of low occupancy, but also highlighted the lack of trees or barriers between sites.
Total Campsites9 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring a shade tent as some sites lack sufficient tree cover. Avoid parking under dead trees to prevent safety risks during storms.
Best CampsitesCampsite #5 has been praised as "perfect" with beautiful surroundings. Campsite #7 was reviewed negatively due to missing fire rings, and #8 had layout issues.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Gates open at 7 AM.
Check-out
- Gates close at 10 PM
- reserved sites held until 12 PM the day following scheduled arrival.
Stay Limit
Max occupancy is 8 people per single site. Two-night minimum stay on weekends and three-night minimum on holiday weekends.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Max occupancy is 8 people per single site.
Groups
There are no designated group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground has 9 sites with picnic tables and fire rings. Discrepancies between the map and actual layout have been noted.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season starts June 13, 2025, and closes September 1, 2025. Reservations begin June 25, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or the mobile app. First-come, first-served sites are available in person only.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites available. Sites must be claimed in person on the day of check-in. Availability cannot be predicted, and no waiting list exists.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled online or through the call center. A $10 service fee applies to cancellations. Late cancellations (day before or day of arrival) forfeit the first night's fee and incur the $10 fee. Scan & Pay transactions are non-refundable.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
China Meadows Campground offers abundant recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and horseback riding. The nearby China Meadows Trailhead provides access to the High Uintas, a destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The surrounding Uinta Mountains offer beautiful canyons, pristine lakes, and streams.
Hiking
Several trails, including ATV, hiking, biking, and horseback riding paths, crisscross the area around the campground. The China Meadows Trailhead is nearby and provides access to the High Uintas wilderness.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity in the nearby lakes and streams within the Uinta Mountains. Specific fish species are not mentioned in the source materials.Biking
Biking trails are available in the area, though specific details about terrain or difficulty levels are not provided.Boating
Canoeing and other boating activities are available on nearby lakes. Details about boat rentals or docking facilities are not provided.Wildlife viewing
The area is rich in natural beauty, with opportunities to observe local wildlife. Specific species are not mentioned.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned in the source materials.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as canoeing are available on nearby lakes.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires must only be built within provided fire rings. Fireworks and explosives are prohibited.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife hazards (bears), flooding during thunderstorms, and potential tree hazards (dead trees ready to fall) have been noted.
Weather forecast
60
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 65%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.9 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
Evanston/Mtn View Ranger District at 307-789-3194; no specific hospitals, police stations, or emergency facilities mentioned.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 13, 2025 - September 01, 2025
Trash and recyclingThis is a 'pack it in, pack it out' facility. Campers are required to bring their own trash bags and remove all waste upon departure. Unclean sites may result in fines.
Proximity to water featuresChina Lake is nearby, offering fishing and canoeing opportunities.
Common complaintsComplaints include flooding during thunderstorms, dead trees posing safety risks, disturbances from non-campers using the restroom facilities, and discrepancies between the campground map and actual layout.
HostNo specific host information available.
Campground Map
Forest Rd 186, Evanston, WY 82930
Driving directionsFrom Mountain View, WY, take State Rt. 410 south 6.5 miles to Wasatch National Forest sign. Continue straight at this sign onto an oil and gravel road and go 18.5 miles to the "campground" sign at a "Y" intersection. Bear left at the intersection and go 0.7 miles to China Meadows campground.
Access is via an oil and gravel road for approximately 18.5 miles. The road is suitable for most vehicles, but caution should be exercised with larger RVs or trailers due to narrow and winding sections, as noted in user reviews.Nearby places
Evanston (approx. 40 miles, travel time not specified)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies likely found in Evanston (approx. 40 miles), including groceries, fuel, and camping essentials, but no specific stores or distances given.
Camper Reviews
4.0
6 reviews
China Meadows Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the natural beauty and tranquility of the campground, with some campers praising its seclusion and cleanliness. However, issues such as occasional flooding, dead trees, and missing fire rings at certain sites were also reported.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the campground's beautiful location, clean vault toilets (as noted by some), and a secluded atmosphere during periods of low occupancy. The high elevation provides cool...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include maintenance issues such as missing fire rings, lack of bathroom supplies during busy periods, and disturbances from people using the restroom from nearby pullout sites. Some...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own water, as there is no potable water on-site. A shade tent is recommended due to limited tree cover. Campers with large RVs should exercise caution navigating the narrow loop road.
Based on 6 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews indicate that summer can bring high bug activity and occasional thunderstorms, causing flooding in some areas. The campground is quieter during non-peak periods, providing a more secluded...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Nice secluded feeling at night. Kudos to the cleaners of the outhouse, very clean!" - Ernest Kyed
"Flooded during a thunderstorm and a few of the sites had dead trees that looked ready to fall." -...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #5 was praised for being "perfect" by one reviewer, while site #7 was criticized for maintenance issues like a missing fire ring. A camper in site #8 noted layout discrepancies compared to the...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility features are not mentioned in the source material, and no specific reviews address the experiences of visitors with disabilities.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed at the campground, but no reviews specifically address pet-related experiences. Owners are required to keep pets on a leash and clean up after them.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025