Big Meadow Campground - Us Forest Service Sequoia National Forest (Ca)
4.4293 reviewsP.O.Box 846, Kings Canyon National Park, CA, 93633, USA
Big Meadow Campground - Us Forest Service Sequoia National Forest (Ca)
$34.00 - $68.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$34.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$68.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $34 to $68 per night depending on site type and season. An additional holiday charge of $2 or $4 may apply. Extra vehicle fees are $8/night for second vehicles at single sites and third/fourth vehicles at double sites.
About this campground
Nestled among towering lodgepole, Jeffrey, and red fir pines, Big Meadow Campground offers a tranquil mountain escape with 43 single campsites and one spacious double-family site. Each site comes equipped with essential amenities including picnic tables, campfire rings, secure food lockers, and access to clean vault toilets. While the campground embraces a more rustic experience without potable water, visitors find the authentic wilderness setting more than compensates for this simple trade-off.
Big Meadow Campground accommodates tent and RV camping with primitive facilities. It includes 43 single campsites and one double-family site.
Historical SignificanceBig Meadow Campground stands as your perfect basecamp for exploring the majestic Giant Sequoia National Monument, where ancient trees have witnessed millennia pass. Strategically positioned between the renowned Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, the campground offers unparalleled access to both the mystical Jennie Lakes and the rugged Monarch Wilderness areas. This location has long served adventurers seeking to experience the full grandeur of California's Sierra Nevada, continuing a tradition of wilderness exploration that spans generations.
Weather and SeasonsAt 7,500 feet, Big Meadow transforms with the seasons in dramatic fashion. Summer brings sun-drenched days perfect for hiking, with temperatures cooling delightfully as evening approaches—pack layers for those crisp mountain nights around the campfire. Mid-summer afternoon thundershowers roll through like clockwork, bringing brief but spectacular displays of nature's power, while buzzing mosquitoes remind visitors to pack their favorite repellent. When winter arrives, the campground becomes a snow-laden wonderland, offering a completely different but equally enchanting experience for the hardy cold-weather camper.
ElevationPerched at 7,500 feet in the Sierra Nevada, Big Meadow Campground offers a refreshing retreat from valley heat and a front-row seat to spectacular high-altitude scenery. The elevation creates a unique microclimate where warm sunshine gives way to cool, star-filled nights, and where the thin mountain air seems to make colors more vivid and sounds more crisp. This lofty setting provides natural air conditioning in summer and transforms into a winter wonderland when snow blankets the landscape.
Natural Features and SceneryWake up to the gentle babbling of a mountain creek that winds behind many campsites, creating a natural soundtrack for your wilderness retreat. The campground sits at the edge of expansive alpine meadows that burst with wildflowers in early summer, while the surrounding forest of mixed conifers provides dappled shade and homes for curious deer that often wander through camp at dawn and dusk. Mountain vistas frame the horizon, offering ever-changing plays of light and shadow that photographers and nature lovers find irresistible. The interplay of forest, meadow, and stream creates diverse habitats that support an abundance of wildlife and offer endless opportunities for quiet contemplation.
Geological RegionBig Meadow Campground occupies a stunning pocket of the greater Sequoia National Forest and Monument system, where 7,500-foot elevations reveal the raw beauty of Sierra Nevada geology. Here, ancient granite peaks rise above dense coniferous forests, while glacially carved meadows spread between ridgelines like nature's own amphitheaters. The nearby creek has spent countless years carving its path through this high-altitude ecosystem, creating the perfect blend of mountain grandeur and intimate forest settings. This remarkable landscape represents millions of years of geological forces at work, from volcanic activity to glacial sculpting, resulting in the dramatic terrain that makes this region one of California's most treasured wilderness areas.
Campsite details
AccessibilityDetails on accessibility features are not provided.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious, with some able to accommodate multiple vehicles or large families. One review mentions, "Site is large enough to accommodate 1 RV and a car. Also, there were 2 sites for tents."
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary by site. Some are described as secluded, while others are "waaaaaay too close to each other," according to one user.
Total Campsites44 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite #25 is near the creek and offers privacy. Site #5 is quiet. Sites #033 and #018 are spacious and scenic but may have high mosquito activity.
Best CampsitesHighly-rated campsites include #5, #25, #18, and #033.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time begins at 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out time is by 12 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Standard campsites support up to 8 guests.
Groups
Details about group sites are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutDivided into five units with 5-9 campsites each, equipped with maintained vault toilets and trash dumpsters.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from June 6 to September 27 during peak season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or its app.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo specific data on walk-up sites; likely limited availability during peak season.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled with a $10 fee, and late cancellations incur additional penalties including forfeiture of the first night's fee.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Big Meadow Campground is a hub for outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Jennie Lakes Wilderness offers numerous trails, while Big Meadows Creek is ideal for fly fishing. Wildlife sightings such as deer are common.
Hiking
Trailheads to Jennie Lakes Wilderness and other wilderness areas are accessible from the campground. One user notes, "Unit 3 of the campground (site 23) is about a half-mile from the Big Meadow trailhead that leads to Weaver & Jennie lakes."Fishing
Fly fishing is popular in Big Meadows Creek. Specific details about fish types or fishing conditions are not provided.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings, including deer, are a highlight for many campers. "The stream that runs behind the campsite invites many wildlife like deer," according to one review.Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities are mentioned, although the campground's high elevation suggests it may be less accessible in winter.Water Sports
Not applicable.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire restrictions may apply during peak dry seasons. Propane fire pits are recommended during no-fire periods.
- Quiet hours are enforced but specific times are not mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes are heavily reported during mid-summer. Bears are present in this region; food storage rules must be followed.
Active alertsNo potable water is available at this campground. Visitors are advised to bring their own water.
Weather forecast
56
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 53%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.7 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
Emergency Services
Kings Canyon National Park Visitor Center (~30 minutes away) may offer basic emergency support; additional resources such as police stations or hospitals are not explicitly identified.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 6 to September 27.
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are available at each unit. Campers are advised to bring their own trash bags.
Proximity to water featuresA serene creek runs through the meadow. Guests can also visit Hume Lake, located 15 miles away.
Common complaintsComplaints include lack of potable water, generator noise, overcrowding of campsites, and mosquitoes.
HostThe camp host, Larry, is routinely praised for his friendliness and attentiveness. Hosts maintain restroom cleanliness and provide helpful local information.
Campground Map
P.O.Box 846, Kings Canyon National Park, CA, 93633, USA
Driving directionsTake Highway 180 east to the Kings Canyon National Park entrance, where you will be required to purchase a forest/park permit. After entering the park, continue 2 miles where you will stay to the right as though you were going to Sequoia National Park. Continue on the General's Highway approximately 6 miles to the turn off to Big Meadows. The Big Meadows Road (Forest Road 14S11) is located on the left-hand side of the road. Follow this road approximately 5 miles, where you will find the campground on the right side of the road.
The access road is described as relatively quiet and in good condition. However, it is noted that the road is narrow in places, making it slightly challenging for larger vehicles. Seasonal closures or weather-related issues are not mentioned.Nearby places
Kings Canyon National Park Visitor Center (~30 minutes by car), Sequoia National Park (~40 minutes by car), Lodgepole (~30 minutes by car), Grant Grove (~30 minutes by car)
Nearby supplies
Supplies are available at the camp store at Lodgepole (~30 minutes away) and Grant Grove (~30 minutes away). Fuel and basic groceries may be available at nearby small stores and gas stations along Generals Highway.
Camper Reviews
4.4
93 reviews
Big Meadow Campground - Us Forest Service Sequoia National Forest (Ca) is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are generally positive, highlighting the campground's natural beauty and spacious sites. However, the lack of potable water, the presence of mosquitoes, and occasional issues with vault toilets are recurring concerns.
Review Summaries
Based on 93 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the campground's peaceful setting, proximity to hiking trails, spacious campsites, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Many reviewers appreciate the "quiet" atmosphere...
Based on 93 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the lack of potable water, flies and mosquitoes, generators running during the day, and vault toilets that sometimes become unpleasant.
Based on 93 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Tips include bringing plenty of water and bug spray, preparing for cold nights, and arriving with clear directions due to limited signage.
Based on 93 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer is the peak season, with warm days and cool nights. Mosquitoes are most prevalent in mid-to-late summer. Some visitors recommend avoiding holidays due to crowding.
Based on 93 reviewsCamper Quotes
"No water at all and there is NO decent bathroom!"; "Beautiful campground perfectly situated between Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks"; "Vault bathrooms were clean as they could be, so that...
Based on 93 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #15 is noted as being next to a toilet and trash bin, leading to flies and smells. Site #6 is described as "amazing and spacious." Site #25 is highlighted for its secluded feel and proximity to...
Based on 93 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility features.
Based on 93 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews focus on pet policies, but pets are allowed.
Based on 93 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025