East Meadow Campground
4.2087 reviewsSIERRAVILLE RANGER DISTRICT, 317 SOUTH LINCOLN ST (HWY 89), PO BOX 95, SIERRAVILLE, CA, 96126, USA
Quick Facts
Price
$24 - $48/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
44 campsites
Season
Open between August ...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$24 - $48/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
44 campsites
Season
Open between August ...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsEast 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
Total Campsite Fees$72.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider530-994-3401
What Campers Say
4.20
Satisfactory
Based on 87 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."
Fees & Passes at East Meadow Campground
$24 - $48/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Group Site
For large groups
Stay Limit: Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights.
Cancellation: Cancellations must be made as far in advance as possible to avoid penalties. Fees include a $10 canc...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Nevada Irrigation District (in cooperation with Tahoe National Forest) website.
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
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
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: 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.
Weather and SeasonsEast 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.
ElevationWhile the exact elevation remains one of the campground's delightful mysteries, visitors consistently report the perfect balance of mountain air that's crisp enough to invigorate yet comfortable for all ages and activity levels.
Natural Features and SceneryEast Meadow unfolds like a natural amphitheater within its rolling forested valley, where towering pines and stately firs create a living cathedral overhead. Lucky campers securing lakeside sites wake to mirror-like reflections of English Mountain dancing on the water's surface, with the majestic Sierra Crest painting the horizon in ever-changing light. Some fortunate visitors can moor their boats just steps from their campsite, making midnight paddles under starlit skies an irresistible temptation. The interplay of forest, water, and mountain creates a photographer's paradise and a soul's sanctuary.
Geological RegionCradled within Tahoe National Forest's embrace, East Meadow Campground occupies a remarkable geological tapestry where ancient forces carved rolling valleys from Sierra granite. This enchanting pocket of wilderness showcases the region's signature pine and fir forests, their roots anchored in soil enriched by millennia of volcanic activity and glacial deposits. The campground's position near Jackson Meadow Reservoir offers front-row seats to one of nature's grand theaters, where the rugged profiles of the Sierra Crest and English Mountain stand as timeless sentinels. Here, the very ground beneath your feet tells the story of California's dramatic geological past, while overhead, the forest canopy whispers tales of resilience and renewal.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityBasic accessibility features are present, as indicated by paved roads and well-maintained facilities. Some accessibility challenges may exist due to the forested terrain and lack of specific details on ADA-compliant amenities.
Sites SizeThe campsites are described as varying in size, with some large enough for double-family accommodations and others tight for RVs.
Sites PrivacyThe level of privacy at the campsites varies. While some sites are spacious and well-separated, others are clustered closely together, offering less seclusion.
Total Campsites44 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 12 is noted as spacious but has tight parking. Site 42 accommodates large tents but may lack flat ground. Sites 28/29 are suitable for families or groups, offering double capacity.
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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.
Guests Allowed Per Site
6people and 2 dogs maximum for single sites.
Groups
Details on the specific capacity or features of group sites were not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites are spread out among loops, some closely situated and others offering more privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen between August 01 and October 12 (peak season, reservable).
Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov online, app, or contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites are first-come, first-served, but availability is hit-or-miss and these are often highly competitive.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations must be made as far in advance as possible to avoid penalties. Fees include a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of the first night's use fee for late cancellations. Modifications also incur a $10 fee under specific conditions.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
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.
Hiking
A 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.Fishing
Fishing 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."Swimming
Swimming is a popular activity at the designated beach area near the campground. Visitors enjoy the clean, refreshing water.Biking
The area surrounding the campground is suitable for biking, encompassing forested trails and open spaces.Boating
Boating is a key attraction, supported by a nearby boat ramp at Pass Creek Campground. Activities include canoeing and water skiing.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a highlight. Campers have reported sightings of deer and bald eagles, adding to the area's natural charm.Beach activities
A designated swim beach is available, providing opportunities for sunbathing and relaxation close to the water.Winter Activities
Winter activities were not detailed in the information provided.Water Sports
Opportunities for water sports like kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are abundant at the nearby reservoir.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire restrictions are common during dry conditions. Charcoal and campfires may be prohibited; contact Sierraville Ranger District for updates.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly listed.
Hazards
General hazardsSeasonal 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.
Weather at East Meadow Campground
38
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 53%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 2.1 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
Weather History
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Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are likely accessible via the Sierraville Ranger District. Contact: (530) 994-3401. This includes ranger services and fire conditions updates.
Good to know
Peak season datesAugust 01 to October 12.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available, and recycling services are also offered. Bear-proof dumpsters are provided, although some reports mentioned occasional overflow issues.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to the Jackson Meadow Reservoir, offering opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing. A designated swim beach and boat ramp are nearby.
Common complaintsComplaints revolve around water shortages, restroom closures, noisy groups, and inconsistent campsite maintenance.
HostHosts receive mixed reviews for attentiveness, with some praised for exceptional friendliness (e.g., Diane) while others criticized for poor enforcement of rules.
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.2
87 reviews
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 87 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 87 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include water shortages, issues with rowdy campers, and maintenance lapses such as overflowing dumpsters or non-functional facilities.
Based on 87 reviewsPro 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 87 reviewsSeasonal 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 87 reviewsCamper 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 87 reviewsSite-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 87 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility feedback is limited but points to basic features like paved roads and well-maintained facilities.
Based on 87 reviewsPet-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 87 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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