How much does camping cost at Middle Meadows?

Camping fees at Middle Meadows range from $12.5-$50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Middle Meadows first-come first-served or reservation?

Middle Meadows accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Middle Meadows before I book?

Yes! Middle Meadows has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Middle Meadows?

Middle Meadows is open May 21 to October 16. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Middle Meadows?

Middle Meadows does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Middle Meadows?

Fire policies at Middle Meadows: Campfires may not be allowed during fire restrictions. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Middle Meadows have?

Middle Meadows has 2 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Middle Meadows?

Yes, pets are allowed at Middle Meadows. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Middle Meadows?

Middle Meadows offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Middle Meadows?

Popular activities at Middle Meadows include Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Middle Meadows

2.12

10 reviews

GEORGETOWN RANGER STATION, 7600 WENTWORTH SPRINGS ROAD, GEORGETOWN, CA, 95634

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,777 ft

Price

$12.5 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Open May 9 through S...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Georgetown Ranger Station, Eldorado National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,777 ft

Price

$12.5 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Open May 9 through S...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Georgetown Ranger Station, Eldorado National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Middle Meadows

$12.50 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC-18601: $25.00; GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC-18602: $12.50; Site 2 with potable water: $25.00; With potable water at Site 1:...

Group Site Fee$50.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530-333-4312

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

GEORGETOWN RANGER STATION, 7600 WENTWORTH SPRINGS ROAD, GEORGETOWN, CA, 95634

Middle Meadows

GEORGETOWN RANGER STATION, 7600 WENTWORTH SPRINGS ROAD, GEORGETOWN, CA, 95634

Nearby places

Georgetown (22 miles), Sacramento (approximately 80 miles), Auburn (approximately 50 miles)

Driving directionsFrom Sacramento, California, take Interstate 80 east to Auburn. Take the Elm Street exit and turn left at the stoplight. Follow Highway 49 down the canyon, across the American River, to Cool. Turn onto Highway 193 towards Georgetown. Turn left at the stop sign, then continue 22 miles to 11 Pines Road. Make a left and stay on this road (Forest Highway 2) for about 25 miles to the campground.

Weather at Middle Meadows

Current alerts(4)

Bears frequent the area; all food must be kept in approved containers
Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
Off-road vehicles are prohibited in the campground
Water Outage: No drinking water or flush toilets are available at this campground. Portable toilets are available but campers must supply all drinking water. Please plan accordingly.

Best Time to Camp at Middle Meadows

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather and full facility access, making it the best time to use Middle Meadows for fishing, swimming, and boating. Daytime highs are typically in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F (around 65–85°F) with cool nights in the 40s–50s°F, so creek-side swims are refreshing while evenings are comfortable for campfires (when allowed). Water-based activities and wildlife viewing are at their peak, and while weekends see the most groups, the campground's group-only setup in Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Open May–Sept; warmest, most reliable conditions; swimming/boating viable in summer.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 21 to October 16. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 9 through September 7 (2025 and 2026). Closed October 13 through May 21.

About Middle Meadows

Middle Meadows is a very small campground in Eldorado National Forest near Georgetown, operated by the Georgetown Ranger Station. Set at mid-elevation with creek access and proximity to a reservoir, it offers primitive tent and group camping with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors come for fishing, swimming, boating, and wildlife viewing during the seasonal operating period.

Middle Meadows Campground provides primitive, group, and tent camping facilities. There are no RV-specific amenities such as hookups, and the campground lacks modern facilities like flush toilets and potable water on-site.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather and full facility access, making it the best time to use Middle Meadows for fishing, swimming, and boating. Daytime highs are typically in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F (around 65–85°F) with cool nights in the 40s–50s°F, so creek-side swims are refreshing while evenings are comfortable for campfires (when allowed). Water-based activities and wildlife viewing are at their peak, and while weekends see the most groups, the campground's group-only setup in Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation4777 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryTowering cedars, pines, and firs surround the campground, creating heavy forest cover that extends in all directions. South Fork Long Canyon Creek runs past the sites, its clear water supporting fishing and swimming when flows permit. The terrain is typical Sierra Nevada granite and evergreen forest. Wildlife sightings are common. Reviewers mention the creek's proximity to campsites and easy access to a nearby reservoir for boating.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no mentions of hotel-style lodges or other accommodations on-site.

Programs & ActivitiesThere is no information about cultural or educational programs provided at the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Group sites accommodate 25-50 guests.

Groups

The campground offers two group campsites: one accommodates up to 25 guests, and the other accommodates up to 50 guests. These are walk-in sites equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings, and grills.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online or through the contact center.

Site SizeThere are two group campsites at Middle Meadows: one for up to 25 guests and another for up to 50 guests.

PrivacyThe campground is described as isolated and surrounded by heavily wooded areas, which likely provides a sense of privacy and seclusion.

Total Campsites2 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose creekside sections for proximity to Long Canyon Creek and shade from large trees.

Best CampsitesWith only two group sites, choice is limited. Reviewers mention one site sits close to the creek with convenient access to the reservoir. The 25-person site works for smaller gatherings, while the 50-person site handles larger groups. Both are walk-in only.

Need help booking Middle Meadows?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Currently, potable water is not available due to contamination problems. Please bring drinking water, containers or water filters. Potable water is available from faucets at Big Meadows Campground, which is located 2.5 miles northeast of Middle Meadows Group Campground.

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Middle Meadows Campground offers several recreational opportunities such as birding, wildlife viewing, fishing, swimming, and boating. The adjacent South Fork of Long Canyon Creek and the nearby Hell Hole Reservoir enhance the recreational experience. A swimming hole is located 0.25 miles west of the campground.

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; the campground is equipped with vault and portable toilets. This matches one user review noting, "The toilets were locked and unusable (and we had to use port o potties)."

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage containers are provided at all campsites free of charge.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

2.1

10 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Middle Meadows has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Middle Meadows Campground are mixed, with an average sentiment rating of 3.5 for general experiences and 3.0 specific to campgrounds. Common themes in user reviews include the isolated setting, wildlife, and proximity to recreational opportunities, but also notes of limited facilities and mosquito presence.

Review Summaries

Based on 10 reviews

What Campers Love

"Nice campsite near the creek and close to the Reservoir that [is] good for boat[ing]." (Review by Chanthy, 2022)

Based on 10 reviews

Common Concerns

The lack of potable water and locked toilet facilities were recurring issues. For example, "The toilets were locked and unusable (and we had to use port o potties), the water system is broken..."...

Based on 10 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews don't specifically single out one group site over another, but general feedback about the facilities applies to both.

Based on 10 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors should prepare to bring their own potable water and consider mosquito repellent due to reports of high mosquito activity. It's also advised to verify the status of toilet facilities before...

Based on 10 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is more accessible and enjoyable during the summer months when activities like swimming and boating are viable. However, late spring or early fall might be preferable to minimize...

Based on 10 reviews