Sample Meadow Campground
05 reviewsQuick Facts
7,800 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
13 campsites
Season
Open mid-May through...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
7,800 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
13 campsites
Season
Open mid-May through...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Sample Meadow Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
This is a no-fee campground.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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$0.00
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USFS
ProviderWhat Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 5 reviews
15 Google reviews
Most mentioned
quietlocation
"User reviews of Sample Meadow Campground are mixed. Positive feedback highlights the peaceful environment, natural beauty, and proximity to hiking trails. However, some users have expressed dissatisfaction with campground closures and cleanliness issues."
Fees & Passes at Sample Meadow Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum length of stay is 14 days.
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Sierra National Forest website.
Best Time to Camp at Sample Meadow Campground
From mid-May through October 17th, Sample Meadow transforms into a high-country paradise where mountain weather creates its own daily drama. Summer visitors can expect pleasantly cool mornings around 36°F that warm to comfortable afternoons reaching 78°F—perfect for hiking and exploring. Early season adventurers should pack layers and be prepared for surprise snowflakes, especially in May and early June when winter occasionally makes encore appearances. Throughout the season, you'll enjoy predominantly clear, star-filled nights punctuated by dramatic afternoon cloud formations that paint the sky in ever-changing patterns. The crisp mountain air and moderate cloud cover create ideal conditions for both photography enthusiasts and those simply seeking respite from valley heat.
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
- Operating Season: Open mid-May through October 17.
About Sample Meadow Campground
Tucked away in the pristine Sierra National Forest, Sample Meadow Campground offers an intimate escape into nature with just 13 thoughtfully spaced sites. Here, where Kaiser Creek whispers through towering Lodgepole pines, you'll discover a true backcountry experience without sacrificing essential comforts. Each campsite comes equipped with its own picnic table, fire ring, and bear-proof storage box, while vault toilets ensure basic amenities are close at hand. Adventure-seekers traveling with horses will appreciate the campground's equestrian-friendly policy, though riders should note that specialized horse facilities aren't available. This hidden gem serves as your gateway to both the magnificent Kaiser and Ansel Adams Wilderness areas, promising unforgettable mountain memories.
Sample Meadow Campground offers primitive camping options with no fees, including tent sites and accommodations for horse camping. It is not suitable for large RVs or motorhomes due to narrow and informal dirt parking aprons.
Weather and SeasonsFrom mid-May through October 17th, Sample Meadow transforms into a high-country paradise where mountain weather creates its own daily drama. Summer visitors can expect pleasantly cool mornings around 36°F that warm to comfortable afternoons reaching 78°F—perfect for hiking and exploring. Early season adventurers should pack layers and be prepared for surprise snowflakes, especially in May and early June when winter occasionally makes encore appearances. Throughout the season, you'll enjoy predominantly clear, star-filled nights punctuated by dramatic afternoon cloud formations that paint the sky in ever-changing patterns. The crisp mountain air and moderate cloud cover create ideal conditions for both photography enthusiasts and those simply seeking respite from valley heat.
ElevationPerched at 7,800 feet in the heart of the Sierra National Forest, Sample Meadow sits at that sweet spot where the air is crisp, the stars shine brilliantly, and every breath feels refreshingly pure. This substantial elevation means you'll want to take it easy on your first day as your body adjusts to the thinner air. The high-altitude setting also influences everything from cooler temperatures to potentially challenging early-season access when lingering snow may affect mountain roads. Yet this lofty position rewards visitors with stunning vistas, alpine meadows in full bloom, and that incomparable sense of being truly removed from the everyday world below.
Natural Features and ScenerySample Meadow Campground immerses you in a classic Sierra Nevada landscape where majestic Lodgepole pines create a natural cathedral overhead. The soothing sounds of Kaiser Creek provide a constant mountain soundtrack as it tumbles over granite boulders just steps from your tent. Nature provides abundantly here—fallen pine cones and branches offer ready kindling for evening campfires, while the surrounding forest beckons with hidden meadows and secret fishing spots. Morning light filters through the pine canopy in golden streams, and evening brings alpenglow to distant peaks. Wildlife watchers should keep eyes peeled for deer browsing in nearby clearings, while the lucky few might spot a black bear foraging safely in the distance.
Geological RegionNestled within the greater Sierra National Forest ecosystem, Sample Meadow Campground sits at the doorstep of two legendary wilderness areas—the rugged Kaiser Wilderness and the photographer's paradise of Ansel Adams Wilderness. This prime location along Kaiser Creek places you in the heart of classic Sierra Nevada granite country, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of soaring peaks, polished domes, and crystal-clear streams. The surrounding Lodgepole pine forest tells its own geological story, thriving in the decomposed granite soils that characterize this region. From your campsite, you're perfectly positioned to explore the dramatic terrain that has inspired generations of adventurers, from Native American tribes who first traveled these paths to modern-day wilderness enthusiasts seeking the same timeless connection with the mountains.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features for individuals with disabilities are not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.
Sites SizeSites are described as providing ample separation for privacy and are informal dirt aprons. Specific measurements are not provided.
Sites PrivacyThe campground offers 'ample separation between camp sites,' which provides excellent privacy, according to the authoritative content.
Total Campsites13 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near Kaiser Creek are preferred for hearing the river sounds and starry night views.
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum length of stay is 14 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum group size is six people per site.
Groups
Designated group camping sites are not available at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout"Ample separation between camp sites provides excellent privacy."
Open and Closed SeasonOpen mid-May through October 17.
Walk-in AvailabilityReservations are not available; sites are first-come-first-served.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Sample Meadow Campground is located in a natural area near Kaiser Creek, offering opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the wilderness. Users describe the atmosphere as 'quiet,' 'out-of-the-way,' and suitable for relaxation. Specific activities such as fishing and horse camping are supported, though recreational opportunities are limited compared to more developed campgrounds.
Hiking
Trailhead parking is located about 0.5 miles outside the campground, providing access to hiking trails that lead into the Kaiser and Ansel Adams Wilderness areas. User Caleb Saunders noted, 'There's a trail to hike right by the camp site.' Specific trail details like difficulty or length are not provided.Fishing
Fishing is permitted, with brook trout being mentioned as the primary species available.Biking
User Erin Carroll mentioned that 'mountain biking opportunities' are available nearby, though no authoritative source provides further details about designated trails.Winter Activities
No winter recreation opportunities are mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are not applicable due to the lack of suitable water bodies.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed. Ample wood is available around the campground.
Hazards
General hazards"This is Bear Country." Practicing safe food storage techniques is essential. Trash should be packed out as no garbage services are provided.
Weather at Sample Meadow Campground
52
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 39%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 1.1 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
Weather History
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Emergency services are located at Huntington Lake, approximately 13 miles away.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo garbage service is provided; campers need to pack out their trash. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located along Kaiser Creek, which "has enough water to cool off but not deep enough for proper swimming."
Common complaintsSome user reviews noted trash around Kaiser Creek and campsites, and one reviewer mentioned the campground being closed despite the US Forest Service website indicating it was open. Travel conditions on single-lane gravel roads can be challenging.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Lakeshore, CA, take Huntington Lake Rd. east 0.7 miles to Mono Hot Springs sign (Forest Rt. 80/Kaiser Pass Trail). Turn left after sign onto Kaiser Pass Trail/Forest Rt. 80 and go 9.5 miles to Sample Mdw sign. Turn left at sign onto Forest Rt. 5 (dirt and gravel, single-lane) and go 3 miles to campground sign. Turn left after sign and go 0.1 miles to campground. NOTE: After 5.7 miles, Forest Rt. 80 becomes single-lane.
The road to Sample Meadow Campground includes sections of dirt and gravel. Forest Rt. 80 becomes single-lane after 5.7 miles. It's not recommended for large RVs or motorhomes.Nearby places
Lakeshore (approximately 13 miles).
Nearby supplies
The nearest conveniences, including gas, groceries, and camping supplies, can be found at Huntington Lake, 13 miles before the campground.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
5 reviews
Sample Meadow Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Sample Meadow Campground are mixed. Positive feedback highlights the peaceful environment, natural beauty, and proximity to hiking trails. However, some users have expressed dissatisfaction with campground closures and cleanliness issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praised the campground for its 'quiet' and 'out-of-the-way' location. Caleb Saunders wrote, 'A beautiful, out-of-the-way, quiet spot! We really enjoyed hearing the river through the night, and...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Several complaints were noted. Monica Mu expressed frustration after driving 6.5 hours only to find the campground closed despite the US Forest Service website indicating it was open. Erin Carroll...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend confirming with the US Forest Service before visiting to ensure the campground is open. Erin Carroll noted the importance of picking up trash to maintain the site's cleanliness.
Based on 5 reviewsSeasonal Insights
User experiences varied by season. While summer reviews highlight the serene environment and starry skies, Monica Mu's July visit revealed dissatisfaction with unexpected closures. Late summer...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'A beautiful, out-of-the-way, quiet spot! We really enjoyed hearing the river through the night, and the stars were magnificent.' - Caleb Saunders
2. 'Drove 6.5 hours to camp here and it was...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific campsite reviews are not provided, though the campground has 13 tent sites, all with similar amenities.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
No comments about accessibility features or experiences for individuals with disabilities are provided in the reviews.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews mention pet policies or experiences involving pets.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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