Is Meadowview Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Meadowview Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

What is the best time to visit Meadowview Campground?

Meadowview Campground is open Open annually from May 8 to October 20; peak season aligns with summer.. 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 Meadowview Campground?

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

How many campsites does Meadowview Campground have?

Meadowview Campground has 100 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Meadowview Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Meadowview Campground. 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 Meadowview Campground?

Meadowview Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Meadowview Campground?

Popular activities at Meadowview Campground include Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Meadowview Campground

3.99

94 reviews

SwimmingSummer Destination

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

5,600 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Open annually from M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort under Special Use Permit from Stanislaus National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

5,600 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Open annually from M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort under Special Use Permit from Stanislaus National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Meadowview Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

209-965-3116

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Meadowview Campground

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Campground Map

Meadowview Campground

38.1881, -120.0031

Nearby places

Sonora (30 miles, approximately 40 minutes), Pinecrest Lake (1 mile, 5 min drive), Dodge Ridge Resort (1 mile, 5 min drive)

Weather at Meadowview Campground

Best Time to Camp at Meadowview Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the warmest daytime temperatures (highs in the mid-70s F) with cool, crisp nights in the low-to-mid 40s, making lake swimming, boating on Pinecrest Lake, fishing, and day hikes comfortable and enjoyable. Campground facilities (potable water, flush toilets, paved parking pads) are fully open and trailheads are snow-free, so everything listed activities are at their peak. Expect the busiest crowds on holiday weekends and mid-July through August, so make a Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season: mid‑70s daytime, lake activities, trails and facilities fully open May–Oct.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open annually from May 8 to October 20; peak season aligns with summer.

About Meadowview Campground

Meadowview Campground sits in the mid-elevation forest of Stanislaus National Forest near Pinecrest Lake. Operated by Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort under special use permit, this large campground offers spacious sites with flush toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors fish, explore scenic hiking trails, and enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife of the area.

The campground is designed for tent and RV camping with no electrical, water, or sewer hookups. Sites are first-come, first-served and suitable for small groups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the warmest daytime temperatures (highs in the mid-70s F) with cool, crisp nights in the low-to-mid 40s, making lake swimming, boating on Pinecrest Lake, fishing, and day hikes comfortable and enjoyable. Campground facilities (potable water, flush toilets, paved parking pads) are fully open and trailheads are snow-free, so everything listed activities are at their peak. Expect the busiest crowds on holiday weekends and mid-July through August, so make a Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation5600 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits in a mixed conifer forest of pines and firs with meadow areas between sites. Wildlife includes marmots, deer, coyotes, and woodpeckers. Pinecrest Lake lies a mile away in a mountain basin. The surrounding Sierra Nevada terrain shows granite peaks and glacier-carved valleys. Wildflowers appear seasonally in the meadows.

Programs & ActivitiesEducational programs at Pinecrest Lake include evening programs and ranger-led sessions, enhancing the recreational experience.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights during peak season.

Guests Allowed Per Site

6guests per site maximum.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

AccessibilityRestrooms have flush toilets and sinks, and utility sinks are also available. No specific ADA-compliance details provided.

Site SizeSites are variable but suitable for small groups. Some sites can accommodate two to three vehicles.

PrivacyThe privacy of sites varies, with some sites closer together and others more spaced apart. User feedback suggests that sites at Meadowview Campground offer better spacing compared to Pinecrest Campground.

Total Campsites100 campsites

Recommended SitesArrive early in the morning to secure a spot during peak season. Aim for shaded sites for comfort in summer.

Best CampsitesSites away from the highway receive less road noise. Some sites can fit two to three vehicles. Spacing varies, but reviewers note Meadowview offers better site separation than nearby Pinecrest Campground.

Amenities available

Meadowview Campground is located within the Pinecrest Basin, approximately one mile from Pinecrest Lake Day Use Area and half a mile off Highway 108. The campground provides 100 sites, each with a metal stove/fire pit and table. Roads and parking areas are paved, and water hydrants serve several sites. Restrooms are equipped with flush toilets and sinks. There are no shower facilities available on-site. Potable water is accessible through hydrants strategically placed for several sites. Ice and firewood are sold at the entrance kiosk.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Meadowview Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including proximity to Pinecrest Lake for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. The Pinecrest Lake National Recreation Trail provides a scenic walk for nature lovers. Evening programs and educational opportunities are available at nearby locations.

Fishing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredLockers provided at each site for bear safety; suitable for standard camping-sized food containers.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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

4.0

94 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Meadowview Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Meadowview Campground receives praise for its cleanliness, its proximity to Pinecrest Lake, and its spacious sites providing better privacy than Pinecrest Campground. However, the lack of showers and occasional noise complaints are noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 94 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive feedback emphasizes the convenient location near Pinecrest Lake, clean restrooms, spacious campsites, and availability of fire pits and picnic tables. Guests also appreciate the natural...

Based on 94 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include the absence of showers, limited cell phone reception, and occasional noise disturbances at night. Reviews also mention that the campground can fill up quickly during peak...

Based on 94 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsites near the meadow and shaded areas are particularly praised for their scenic value. Some sites are reportedly better for privacy and noise reduction.

Based on 94 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot. Having exact change and a pen for site registration is also advised. Guests suggest bringing water containers for fetching...

Based on 94 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Reviews highlight quieter and more enjoyable experiences during weekdays or off-peak seasons. Fall brings a more serene atmosphere compared...

Based on 94 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Restroom well stocked with toilet paper, trash was emptied daily, clean except for the bugs, but what do you expect, it’s better than porta-potties.' 2. 'Great camp grounds, easy walk to the...

Based on 94 reviews

Accessibility Features

Details on accessibility are limited. However, restrooms include flush toilets and sinks, which may be suitable for some individuals with limited mobility.

Based on 94 reviews