East Meadow Campground

Star4.18
149 reviews
SIERRAVILLE RANGER DISTRICT, 317 SOUTH LINCOLN ST (HWY 89), PO BOX 95, SIERRAVILLE, CA, 96126, USA
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

6,158 ft

Price

$24 - $48/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

44 campsites

Season

Open between August ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Nevada Irrigation District (in cooperation with Tahoe National Forest) site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
East Meadow Campground
$24.00 - $48.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates from August 01 to October 12 range from $24.00 for single non-electric sites to $48.00 for double non-electric sites. Additional $5...
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Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$48.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
530-994-3401
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What Campers Say

4.18

Satisfactory

Based on 149 reviews

36 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanlakefriendly

"User sentiment is largely positive, with an average sentiment score of 3.94 specific to the campground. Highlights include clean restrooms, proximity to the reservoir, and the friendliness of camp hosts. Criticisms focus on occasional water shortages and maintenance issues."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

SIERRAVILLE RANGER DISTRICT, 317 SOUTH LINCOLN ST (HWY 89), PO BOX 95, SIERRAVILLE, CA, 96126, USA

East Meadow Campground

SIERRAVILLE RANGER DISTRICT, 317 SOUTH LINCOLN ST (HWY 89), PO BOX 95, SIERRAVILLE, CA, 96126, USA

Driving directionsTake Interstate 80 to the Truckee/Highway 89 North exit. Follow Highway 89 north for 17 miles, to the turnoff for Jackson Meadows. Travel west on Forest Road 07 for 18 miles to Jackson Meadows Reservoir. Turn into the campground at the Pass Creek Campground sign.
The road access to East Meadow Campground is described as paved but narrow, with poorly maintained sections (noted by user reviews mentioning potholes at the entrance). Seasonal restrictions, such as fire closures, may apply.
Nearby places
Truckee (~35 miles, approx. 45 minutes), Sierraville (~17 miles, approx. 20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Gas stations, groceries, and essentials can be found in Sierraville (~17 miles) or Truckee (~35 miles). Fuel availability may vary.

Best Time to Camp at East Meadow Campground

East Meadow's character shifts beautifully with the seasons, though Mother Nature occasionally reminds visitors of her power. During particularly dry years, the landscape transforms, and water levels may fluctuate, creating unique opportunities to explore areas typically submerged. Winter brings its own dramatic flair to the region, with powerful storms that occasionally leave their mark on the forest. These natural events may sometimes delay the campground's seasonal debut, but patient travelers are rewarded with a landscape refreshed and renewed by nature's cycles.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer is the most popular season with warm weather and high water levels for lake activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Campground is open through Oct 12; fall offers pleasant conditions though water levels can vary.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.0 / 5

Spring conditions unclear; higher elevation and seasonal opening suggest limited spring access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Peak/reservable season listed Aug 1–Oct 12; winter access and services not described.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: August 01 to October 12.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open between August 01 and October 12 (peak season, reservable).
  • Current Alerts: Potential water shutdowns and fire restrictions during drought seasons; closures may occur during wildfire situations.

About East Meadow Campground

Nestled in the heart of Tahoe National Forest, East Meadow Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts to discover the pristine beauty of Jackson Meadow Reservoir. Whether you're seeking a quiet family getaway in a single campsite or planning a larger gathering in one of the double-family sites, you'll find comfort in thoughtfully appointed spaces complete with picnic tables and campfire rings for those cherished evening conversations under the stars. Modern conveniences blend seamlessly with nature here, offering both flush and vault toilets, along with fresh drinking water throughout the grounds. The campground's prime location puts you just moments from the shimmering waters of the reservoir, where days unfold with endless possibilities for boating adventures, fishing expeditions, and refreshing swims in the crystal-clear mountain waters.
East Meadow Campground supports a variety of camping experiences, including options for tent and RV camping. Double-family sites are available, offering flexibility for larger groups.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

East Meadow Campground offers a diverse range of activities catering to outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy boating, canoeing, water skiing, swimming, fishing, hiking, and hunting. The nearby 1,000-acre Jackson Meadow Reservoir and sections of the Pacific Crest Trail enhance the recreational experience.
HikingA portion of the Pacific Crest Trail runs near the campground, providing opportunities for hiking and horseback riding. Visitors have praised it as a highlight: "The Pacific Crest Trail is very beautiful but also quite lacking in signage," a camper noted.
FishingFishing is available in Jackson Meadow Reservoir, where anglers can catch rainbow and brown trout. However, a reviewer noted, "I didn't catch anything, and no one around me caught anything either."
SwimmingSwimming is a popular activity at the designated beach area near the campground. Visitors enjoy the clean, refreshing water.
BikingThe area surrounding the campground is suitable for biking, encompassing forested trails and open spaces.
BoatingBoating is a key attraction, supported by a nearby boat ramp at Pass Creek Campground. Activities include canoeing and water skiing.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight. Campers have reported sightings of deer and bald eagles, adding to the area's natural charm.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSeasonal droughts impact water availability; bears frequent the area, requiring food storage precautions. Narrow and pothole-ridden roads may pose driving challenges.
Active AlertsPotential water shutdowns and fire restrictions during drought seasons; closures may occur during wildfire situations.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredLockers are available for securing food and avoiding bear encounters, though some users complain about overflowing trash dumpsters.

Weather at East Meadow Campground

Reviews

4.2
149 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
East Meadow Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User sentiment is largely positive, with an average sentiment score of 3.94 specific to the campground. Highlights include clean restrooms, proximity to the reservoir, and the friendliness of camp hosts. Criticisms focus on occasional water shortages and maintenance issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 149 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the "clean bathrooms," "beautiful lake," and "peaceful area." The hosts were often praised as being "friendly" and "helpful."
Based on 149 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include water shortages, issues with rowdy campers, and maintenance lapses such as overflowing dumpsters or non-functional facilities.
Based on 149 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water and soap for added convenience. Campers suggest reserving early due to the campground's popularity and preparing for the remote, cell-service-free location.
Based on 149 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is highlighted as the most popular season, with warm weather and high water levels enhancing the experience. However, drought conditions in late summer can lead to water shortages.
Based on 149 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Clean sites, good access to lake," "Nice remote location, heavily wooded," and "Great campground, bring your own firewood," characterize the user experience.
Based on 149 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific remarks include praise for spacious double sites like 28/29 and concerns about tight RV spaces at certain sites, such as 12.
Based on 149 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility feedback is limited but points to basic features like paved roads and well-maintained facilities.
Based on 149 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is praised for being pet-friendly, with leashed dogs welcome. "Dog-friendly so your 4-legged buddies can come too," said one review.
Based on 149 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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