Holey Meadow
4.0931 reviewsQuick Facts
6,400 ftPrice
$32/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
10 campsites
Season
Opens May 9th, close...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
Quick Facts
6,400 ftPrice
$32/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
10 campsites
Season
Opens May 9th, close...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
Holey Meadow
$32.00 - $32.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate is $32. Additional $2 fee applies for holidays. Fees for extra vehicles are $8 per night. Payment is cash-only for first-come,...
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Standard Site Fee$32.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$32.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider661-455-6010sschmidt@goexplorus.com
What Campers Say
4.09
Satisfactory
Based on 31 reviews
28 Google reviews
Most mentioned
scenery
"User reviews describe Holey Meadow as a small, serene, and remote campground with beautiful natural surroundings. While many praised its tranquility and scenic beauty, frequent complaints included the lack of water, proximity of campsites, and occasional odor from vault toilets."
Fees & Passes at Holey Meadow
$32/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: You may stay up to 14 nights total within rolling 30 days.
Cancellation: "Changes to reservation dates incur a $10 change fee. Cancellations before check-in day subtract a $...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Rocky Mountain Recreation Company, a division of ExplorUS website.
Best Time to Camp at Holey Meadow
Summer transforms Holey Meadow into an alpine paradise, with crisp mornings giving way to pleasantly warm afternoons. Temperatures dance between a refreshing 49°F at dawn and a comfortable 76°F by midday, while dry mountain air and crystalline skies create perfect conditions for hiking, wildlife watching, and nighttime stargazing. The low humidity means you'll stay comfortable even during peak afternoon hours, and those clear skies promise spectacular sunsets painting the surrounding peaks in golden hues.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 9 to October 12.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Opens May 9th, closes October 12th.
- Current Alerts: "No bear lockers and increased bear activity reported."—User review.
About Holey Meadow
Escape to the pristine wilderness of Holey Meadow Campground, where ten secluded tent sites await those seeking an authentic backcountry experience in Sequoia National Forest. This remote sanctuary strips camping down to its essence—no running water, just vault toilets, and the raw beauty of nature. Here in the heart of bear country, adventurers embrace the wild, storing food properly and respecting the magnificent creatures that call these forests home. It's primitive camping at its finest, where the absence of modern amenities amplifies the presence of ancient trees and starlit skies.
The campground is tailored for primitive camping with no modern facilities. It accommodates tent camping exclusively, with no RV or glamping facilities.
Historical SignificanceHoley Meadow sits within the majestic Giant Sequoia National Monument, placing campers at the doorstep of living history. Just a short journey away, the legendary Trail of a Hundred Giants invites visitors to walk among ancient sequoias that have stood sentinel for over a millennium. These towering monuments to time have witnessed countless generations pass beneath their branches, from Native American tribes who first called these mountains home to the pioneers and conservationists who fought to preserve this incredible landscape for future generations.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Holey Meadow into an alpine paradise, with crisp mornings giving way to pleasantly warm afternoons. Temperatures dance between a refreshing 49°F at dawn and a comfortable 76°F by midday, while dry mountain air and crystalline skies create perfect conditions for hiking, wildlife watching, and nighttime stargazing. The low humidity means you'll stay comfortable even during peak afternoon hours, and those clear skies promise spectacular sunsets painting the surrounding peaks in golden hues.
ElevationPerched at 6,400 feet above sea level, Holey Meadow offers a high-altitude haven where the air is crisp, the nights are cool, and the cosmos feels close enough to touch. This elevated sanctuary provides natural air conditioning during summer months and transforms into one of California's premier stargazing theaters after dark. The thin mountain air at this elevation reveals constellations with stunning clarity, making every night an astronomical adventure for those who venture far from city lights.
Natural Features and SceneryTucked into a pocket of towering evergreens at 6,400 feet, Holey Meadow lives up to its reputation as a hidden gem in the Sierra Nevada. The campground borders a serene mountain meadow where wildflowers paint the landscape in summer and wildlife emerges at dawn and dusk. Massive pines and firs create a natural cathedral overhead, their branches filtering sunlight by day and framing a jaw-dropping celestial display by night. Previous visitors rave about the incredible star views, describing nights so clear you can trace the Milky Way's path across the heavens.
Geological RegionHoley Meadow rests within the geological wonderland of the Giant Sequoia National Monument, where the southern Sierra Nevada showcases nature's dramatic range. This remarkable landscape spans from 1,000 to 12,000 feet in elevation, encompassing everything from sun-baked foothills to snow-capped peaks. Ancient groves of giant sequoias stand as living testaments to the region's unique climate and geology, while crystal-clear mountain streams carve through granite canyons, creating a diverse ecosystem that supports an incredible variety of plant and animal life. The area's volcanic and glacial history has sculpted a terrain of remarkable beauty and ecological significance.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground includes a vault toilet, but no further accessibility features such as paved paths or special facilities for wheelchair users were mentioned.
Sites SizeIndividual campsites are described as small, with some sites having sloped terrain, such as Site #7. Other sites like Site #5 offer flatter ground.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is limited due to the close proximity of campsites to each other. One user mentioned that 'campsites are too close together.'
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid sites near restrooms (#5). Sites #3 and #9 are recommended for shade and layout.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
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Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights total within rolling 30 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
There are no designated group sites available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layout"Campsites are close together with very little privacy."—User reviews.
Open and Closed SeasonOpens May 9th, closes October 12th.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable as first-come, first-served from June 20 through October 12.
Cancellation Policy"Changes to reservation dates incur a $10 change fee. Cancellations before check-in day subtract a $10 fee plus the first night's use fee."
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Campers at Holey Meadow can engage in hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the serene natural environment. Proximity to attractions like the Trail of a Hundred Giants and Dome Rock enhances the recreational opportunities.
Hiking
Hiking is a major activity, with popular trails like the Trail of a Hundred Giants located nearby. The trail features a wheelchair-accessible section, although one part was reported as blocked due to a fallen tree. Dome Rock is another nearby hiking destination.Biking
Biking is permitted on trails outside the wilderness areas. Note that bicycles are not allowed in nearby wilderness regions.Wildlife viewing
The campground hosts diverse wildlife, including black bears, mosquitoes, hornets, butterflies, ladybugs, and squirrels. Campers are advised to secure food and trash to avoid attracting bears.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not applicable; the campground operates seasonally from May to October.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports were not mentioned.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed in designated pits depending on fire restrictions.
- Quiet hours begin at 10 PM.
Hazards
General hazards"Bears are active due to fires. Mosquitoes, hornets, and yellow jackets are common."—User reviews.
Active alerts"No bear lockers and increased bear activity reported."—User review.
Weather at Holey Meadow
43
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 33%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.5 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesMay 9 to October 12.
Trash and recyclingTrash is not collected regularly. Campers are encouraged to pack out their trash. However, the Forest Service conducted trash collection on a weekend during one user's stay.
Proximity to water features"Kern River was said to be 15-20 minutes away but under evacuation during fires."—User review.
Common complaintsIssues noted include slope at some campsites, lack of bear lockers, proximity to restrooms resulting in unpleasant smells, and occasional noisy neighbors ignoring quiet-hours rules.
Host"Camp hosts praised for being friendly and helpful."—User reviews.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Highway 99, turn east on J22. Travel on J22 through California Hot Springs, then turn left at onto M50. After approximately 10 miles turn left at M107. The entrance to Holey Meadow Campground is on the left about a mile after the turn.
"The roads up to the campground are very winding, especially if you come in from the North." — User review by Ann M.Nearby supplies
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Reviews from booking and map sources
4.1
31 reviews
Holey Meadow is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews describe Holey Meadow as a small, serene, and remote campground with beautiful natural surroundings. While many praised its tranquility and scenic beauty, frequent complaints included the lack of water, proximity of campsites, and occasional odor from vault toilets.
Review Summaries
Based on 31 reviews
What Campers Love
Common highlights include the beautiful meadow setting, proximity to the Trail of a Hundred Giants, and the opportunity to stargaze due to minimal light pollution. One user called it 'a true hidden...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Issues raised include the lack of potable water, steep and uneven terrain at certain campsites, limited privacy between sites, and the prevalence of hornets and mosquitoes. Some users also...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing sufficient water, bear spray, and mosquito repellents. For hornet management, one user suggested using food nets. Another advised avoiding campsites near the restrooms due...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews highlighted pleasant weather but noted high mosquito activity. Fall reviews appreciated the tranquility and cooler temperatures but experienced reduced amenities as the season ended.
Based on 31 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'The stars are incredible at night. Be prepared, no on-site water.' - Marissa K. 2. 'Vault toilets are clean, but proximity to restrooms can be an issue due to smell.' - Joshua S. 3. 'Plenty of...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #7 was noted for its sloped terrain, making it difficult for tents, while Site #9 was praised for its shade. Site #5 was considered too close to the restroom. Site #8 was deemed ideal due to its...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features were provided.
Based on 31 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Multiple reviews positively mentioned the campground's pet-friendly policy, but campers were advised to keep pets leashed due to wildlife activity.
Based on 31 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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