Sample Meadow Campground

Star3.94
20 reviews

Quick Facts

7,800 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Open mid-May through...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Sierra National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions
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

Get Notified When Available

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

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
USFS
Provider
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

3.94

Mixed Reviews

Based on 20 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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Sample Meadow Campground

37.3345, -119.1555

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.

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.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open mid-May–Oct 17; summer offers cool mornings, hiking and starry nights.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open into mid-October; fall offers high-country weather and quieter visits but limited season length.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens mid-May; late spring conditions are good but early spring is closed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed mid-Oct through mid-May; winter access not available.

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.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum length of stay is 14 days.

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.
HikingTrailhead 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.
FishingFishing is permitted, with brook trout being mentioned as the primary species available.
BikingUser Erin Carroll mentioned that 'mountain biking opportunities' are available nearby, though no authoritative source provides further details about designated trails.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"This is Bear Country." Practicing safe food storage techniques is essential. Trash should be packed out as no garbage services are provided.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food containers are located at each campsite and are necessary for safe food storage.

Weather at Sample Meadow Campground

Reviews

3.9
20 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Sample Meadow Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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 20 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...
Show more
Based on 20 reviews

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...
Show more
Based on 20 reviews

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 20 reviews

Seasonal 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...
Show more
Based on 20 reviews

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...
Show more
Based on 20 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific campsite reviews are not provided, though the campground has 13 tent sites, all with similar amenities.
Based on 20 reviews

Accessibility Features

No comments about accessibility features or experiences for individuals with disabilities are provided in the reviews.
Based on 20 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews mention pet policies or experiences involving pets.
Based on 20 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Sample Meadow Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in California

Campgrounds
Sierra National Forest
Sample Meadow Campground