China Meadows Trailhead Campground
01 reviewForest Rd 186
China Meadows Trailhead Campground
$15.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$18.00
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
$20 per night for single campsites (capacity: 8 people and 1 vehicle); $15 for day-use; $10 per extra vehicle per day (paid via cash/check on-site); $5 trailhead overnight parking per vehicle.
About this campground
Tucked away at an impressive 10,000 feet elevation, China Meadows Trailhead Campground serves as your gateway to the magnificent High Uinta Wilderness. This hidden gem attracts those seeking solitude and authentic mountain experiences, with its small, intimate setting providing the perfect basecamp for wilderness adventures. Dense timber surrounds the campground, creating a natural sanctuary where the nearby China Lake beckons explorers and the untamed wilderness stretches endlessly before you.
China Meadows Trailhead Campground offers only primitive camping facilities and supports tent camping. The campground is particularly suited for individuals seeking a wilderness experience.
Weather and SeasonsWhile specific weather data remains elusive for this remote location, the campground's lofty 10,000-foot perch promises refreshingly cool mountain air even during summer's peak. Expect crisp mornings that demand an extra layer, afternoon sunshine filtered through towering pines, and evening temperatures that make campfires not just enjoyable but essential. The high-altitude environment brings its own rhythm of weather patterns, where afternoon thunderstorms can roll through with dramatic flair before giving way to star-filled nights.
ElevationPerched at 10,000 feet above sea level, this campground places you firmly in the realm of the alpine. Here, the air is noticeably thinner and crisper, carrying the scent of pine and wildflowers. The elevation creates a natural air conditioning system, offering welcome relief from summer heat while reminding visitors to pace themselves as their bodies adjust to the altitude. Each breath of mountain air feels earned at this height, where the landscape transforms into a high-country paradise.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground immerses you in a pristine forest ecosystem where towering conifers create a living cathedral overhead. Just beyond your tent, China Lake mirrors the sky and surrounding peaks, offering both scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. As your launching point into the High Uinta Wilderness, the campground provides access to a landscape carved by ancient glaciers, where crystal-clear rivers tumble over granite boulders, meadow streams meander through wildflower-dotted valleys, and jagged peaks pierce the sky like nature's own monuments.
Geological RegionPositioned on the dramatic northern slope of the Uinta Mountains, China Meadows occupies one of North America's most unique geological wonders. The Uintas stand apart as one of the few major mountain ranges running east to west, their rugged peaks telling a story millions of years in the making. This landscape of sculpted granite, pristine alpine lakes, and tumbling waterways showcases the raw power of geological forces, where glacial activity has carved deep valleys and left behind a playground of peaks, cirques, and crystalline waters that define Utah's premier wilderness area.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were mentioned.
Sites SizeCampsites appear spacious based on user reviews ("a lot of sites with a lot of room and nice trees").
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels are not explicitly detailed, but the campground is described as lightly visited with ample space.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesTwo-night minimum stay on weekends and three-night minimum stay on holiday weekends. Trailers/RVs must arrive with water tanks pre-filled; hook-ups are not available.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsite numbers identified as 'best' in provided sources.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is unspecified.
Check-out
Check-out is at 12 PM on the day following the scheduled arrival date for reserved sites.
Stay Limit
Stay limit not specified.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum occupancy is 8 people per single site.
Groups
No group sites 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 11 single camp sites with ample parking spaces and picnic tables; layout details regarding loops or sections are unspecified.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 30, 2025; first-come, first-serve availability begins June 20, 2025; closes September 1, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov (online and app)
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites must be claimed in person during open seasons. There is no waiting list or guaranteed availability.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled online or via the call center, subject to a $10 service fee. Late cancellations (on the day before or day of arrival) forfeit the first night's fee.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground provides access to various recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, canoeing, biking, horseback riding, and off-road vehicle trails. Numerous nearby lakes enhance options for fishing and canoeing.
Hiking
The area is a gateway to the High Uinta Wilderness, offering access to multiple hiking trails. These trails also accommodate biking, horseback riding, and off-road vehicles.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity in the area, with numerous lakes nearby that provide opportunities.Biking
Biking trails are available and shared with other recreational activities such as hiking and horseback riding.Boating
Canoeing opportunities are available at the nearby lakes.Winter Activities
No information provided on winter activities.Water Sports
Canoeing is mentioned specifically, but no other non-motorized water sports are detailed.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted within fire rings provided at each campsite.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM
Hazards
General hazardsThis campground is in bear country; all food and trash must be securely stored to avoid attracting wildlife. Failure to comply may result in fines up to $5,000.
Active alertsNo active alerts mentioned.
Weather forecast
59
°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 or Utah Recreation at 385-273-1100; nearby emergency services are unspecified.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 20, 2025 - September 1, 2025
Trash and recyclingThis is a 'pack it in, pack it out' facility, requiring visitors to bring trash bags and remove all personal trash upon departure. Failure to comply may result in fines.
Proximity to water featuresNear China Lake; proximity provides opportunities for fishing and canoeing.
Common complaintsNone explicitly provided in user reviews or official content.
HostNo information about campground hosts provided.
Campground Map
Forest Rd 186
Driving directionsTake Wyoming State Highway 410 South out of Mountain View about 8 miles. Where the highway makes a sharp right turn to the west, go straight on to Uinta County Road 283 (gravel) and continue to Forest Service Road 072. Follow the signs past the Stateline Campground and past the China Meadows Campground to the China Meadows trailhead.
Road access includes gravel roads and forest service roads; ensure vehicles are equipped for gravel conditions. Seasonal accessibility is not explicitly stated.Nearby places
Mountain View, WY (8 miles, approximately 15 minutes)
Evanston, WY (distance and time not specified)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can likely be found in Mountain View, WY (8 miles away). Specific locations for groceries, camping supplies, or fuel are unspecified.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
China Meadows Trailhead Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is appreciated for its spaciousness and natural beauty, but no significant volume of reviews are available to draw broader conclusions.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
"This looks like a spacious but seldom used campground. Great access to the trailhead as well. A lot of sites with a lot of room and nice trees."
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
No complaints were mentioned in the user reviews provided.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring all drinking and cooking water, as there is none available on-site. Be prepared to pack out all trash. Strictly follow bear safety guidelines, as the area is in bear country.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No seasonal trends were detailed in the user reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"This looks like a spacious but seldom used campground. Great access to the trailhead as well. A lot of sites with a lot of room and nice trees."
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No site-specific reviews were provided.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews addressing accessibility features or experiences were available.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be controlled by a leash no longer than six feet. Owners are required to clean up after their pets immediately.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025