How much does camping cost at Big Meadow Campground - Us Forest Service Sequoia National Forest?

Camping fees at Big Meadow Campground - Us Forest Service Sequoia National Forest are $36 - $75/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Big Meadow Campground - Us Forest Service Sequoia National Forest first-come first-served or reservation?

Big Meadow Campground - Us Forest Service Sequoia National Forest 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.

What is the best time to visit Big Meadow Campground - Us Forest Service Sequoia National Forest?

Big Meadow Campground - Us Forest Service Sequoia National Forest is open June 05 to September 25. 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.

What amenities are available at Big Meadow Campground - Us Forest Service Sequoia National Forest?

Big Meadow Campground - Us Forest Service Sequoia National Forest offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Big Meadow Campground - Us Forest Service Sequoia National Forest (Ca)

Q: Can I see photos of campsites at Big Meadow Campground - Us Forest Service Sequoia National Forest before I book?

Yes! Big Meadow Campground - Us Forest Service Sequoia National Forest has 10 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.

Q: Can I have a campfire at Big Meadow Campground - Us Forest Service Sequoia National Forest?

Fire policies at Big Meadow Campground - Us Forest Service Sequoia National Forest: 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.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Q: Are dogs allowed at Big Meadow Campground - Us Forest Service Sequoia National Forest?

Yes, pets are allowed at Big Meadow Campground - Us Forest Service Sequoia National Forest. 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.

Q: What activities can I do at Big Meadow Campground - Us Forest Service Sequoia National Forest?

Popular activities at Big Meadow Campground - Us Forest Service Sequoia National Forest include Fishing, Swimming, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

4.44

307 reviews

P.O.Box 846, Kings Canyon National Park, CA, 93633, USA

Top 15%Summer

B-Report Card

Stargazing

Featured in:Sequoia

Quick Facts

7,500 ft

Price

$36 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

44 campsites

Season

Open from June 6 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,500 ft

Price

$36 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

44 campsites

Season

Open from June 6 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Big Meadow Campground - Us Forest Service Sequoia National Forest (Ca)

$36.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

RV NONELECTRIC: $36.00 (+$2.00 holiday); TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC-DOUBLE: $71.00 (+$4.00 holiday); TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $36.00 (+$2.00 holiday). Plus...

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

559-325-2232jgross@goexplorus.com

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Campground Map

P.O.Box 846, Kings Canyon National Park, CA, 93633, USA

Big Meadow Campground - Us Forest Service Sequoia National Forest (Ca)

P.O.Box 846, Kings Canyon National Park, CA, 93633, USA

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)

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.

Weather at Big Meadow Campground - Us Forest Service Sequoia National Forest (Ca)

Current alerts(5)

Guests will be required to purchase a forest/park permit at the entry of Kings Canyon National Park
Please note, this campground IS NOT within Shenandoah National Park.
There is NO POTABLE WATER AVAILABLE at this location.
There is an extra vehicle fee of $8.00/night on the 2nd vehicle in each single campsite and on the 3rd & 4th vehicle in any double campsite, provided these vehicles are not joined to the 1st vehicle by a hitch and towed onto the site.

Best Time to Camp at Big Meadow Campground - Us Forest Service Sequoia National Forest (Ca)

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the best weather: expect sunny days in the mid-60s to low-80s°F (18–28°C) with cool nights dropping into the 30s–40s°F (0–8°C) and frequent late-afternoon thundershowers. Trails, the creek, and alpine meadows are at their peak for hiking, fishing, wildflower viewing, and wildlife encounters, and the campground is fully open (June 6–Sept 27). Weekends and mid-July through August can be busy, so plan ahead or arrive early to secure one of the 43 sites. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in US

Best season; open and reliably warm days with wildflowers in early summer, peak access.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 05 to September 25. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from June 6 to September 27 during peak season.

About Big Meadow Campground - Us Forest Service Sequoia National Forest (Ca)

Big Meadow Campground sits in the high-elevation alpine terrain of Sequoia National Forest, operated by the US Forest Service near Kings Canyon National Park. This mid-sized campground offers tent, RV, and primitive camping with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, plus fishing and swimming access. Reviewers praise the peaceful setting, spacious sites, and exceptional stargazing, though the campground lacks potable water and mosquitoes can be heavy during peak season.

Big Meadow Campground accommodates tent and RV camping with primitive facilities. It includes 43 single campsites and one double-family site.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the best weather: expect sunny days in the mid-60s to low-80s°F (18–28°C) with cool nights dropping into the 30s–40s°F (0–8°C) and frequent late-afternoon thundershowers. Trails, the creek, and alpine meadows are at their peak for hiking, fishing, wildflower viewing, and wildlife encounters, and the campground is fully open (June 6–Sept 27). Weekends and mid-July through August can be busy, so plan ahead or arrive early to secure one of the 43 sites. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation7500 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryA mountain creek winds behind many campsites, audible from the surrounding mixed conifer forest. Alpine meadows spread nearby, bursting with wildflowers in early summer. Deer wander through camp at dawn and dusk. Granite peaks rise above the ridgeline, shaped by glacial forces over millions of years. The interplay of forest, meadow, and stream creates varied habitats and long mountain views that shift with the light.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available, as this is primarily a primitive camping site.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are referenced.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or its app.

AccessibilityDetails on accessibility features are not provided.

Site 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.

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 SitesSite #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 CampsitesSites #5, #25, #18, and #033 receive high marks from reviewers. Privacy varies significantly. Some sites feel secluded, while others are described as "waaaaaay too close to each other." Many sites are large enough for an RV plus a car, or multiple tents for families.

Need help booking Big Meadow Campground - Us Forest Service Sequoia National Forest (Ca)?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

THERE IS NO POTABLE WATER AVAILABLE AT THIS LOCATION.

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Big Meadow Campground - Us Forest Service Sequoia National Forest (Ca)

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.

Fishing4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Swimming3.0/5

Creek/pools exist and some swim access, but no designated swimming areas noted.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Wildflowers, creek pools, granite peaks and dark skies provide varied photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete 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 ToiletsNo flush toilets are available. Vault toilets are provided and opinions on their cleanliness vary from "cleanest restrooms I have ever ever ever seen in a forest" to "sometimes fine and sometimes gross."

Food Storage RequiredFood lockers are provided at each campsite to ensure bear safety.

Fire PolicyDon'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.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are available at each unit. Campers are advised to bring their own trash bags.

Cell CoverageMultiple user reviews mention the lack of cell service within the campground, such as "No AT&T cell service if you care about that."

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

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

4.4

307 reviews

Recommended

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 307 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 307 reviews.

Site #6Loved
Site #6 is described as "amazing and spacious." Site #25 is highlighted for its secluded feel and proximity to a creek.
Site #15Mentioned
Site #15 is noted as being next to a toilet and trash bin, leading to flies and smells.

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 307 reviews

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 307 reviews

Pro 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 307 reviews

Seasonal 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 307 reviews

Camper 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 307 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features.

Based on 307 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews focus on pet policies, but pets are allowed.

Based on 307 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Big Meadow Campground - Us Forest Service Sequoia National Forest (Ca)

$36.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

RV NONELECTRIC: $36.00 (+$2.00 holiday); TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC-DOUBLE: $71.00 (+$4.00 holiday); TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $36.00 (+$2.00 holiday). Plus...

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

559-325-2232jgross@goexplorus.com

Go if

You want high-elevation alpine access with spacious sites, excellent stargazing, and proximity to Kings Canyon trails.

Skip if

You need potable water on-site or want to avoid seasonal mosquitoes and generator noise.

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4.4

(13)

Big Meadows Cabin (Ca)

35860 KINGS CANYON RD

Big Meadows Cabin sits in the high country of Sequoia National Forest near Dunlap, operated by Recreation.gov as a seasonal rental with electric and water hookups. The cabin serves hikers and anglers exploring Giant Sequoia groves and alpine meadows during summer months. Guests find a well-equipped kitchen, wood-burning stove, and quiet surroundings, though some appliances and heating elements have needed maintenance.

Big Meadow Campground - Us Forest Service Sequoia National Forest (Ca)

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Quick Facts

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