Big Meadow - Us Forest Service Stanislaus National Forest (Ca)

Star4.60
30 reviews
STANISLAUS

Quick Facts

6,400 ft

Price

$19 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

65 campsites

Season

Open season is June ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens US Forest Service Stanislaus National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions

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
Big Meadow - Us Forest Service Stanislaus National Forest (Ca)
$19.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Seasonal fees range from $19 for individual sites (both standard nonelectric and tent-only nonelectric) to $75 for group tent-only area.
Standard Site Fee$19.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$75.00
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
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
209-795-1381
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.60

Top-Rated

Based on 30 reviews

28 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspaciouslake

Some mention

noise

"User reviews for Big Meadow Campground are generally positive, with an average sentiment of 4.357 out of 5. Highlights include the scenic environment, spacious campsites, and activities such as hiking and wildlife viewing. However, some issues were noted, including noise from Highway 4 and occasional maintenance lapses."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

STANISLAUS

Big Meadow - Us Forest Service Stanislaus National Forest (Ca)

STANISLAUS

Driving directionsFrom Arnold, California, take Highway 4 east for 25 miles to the Big Meadow Campground.
Big Meadow Campground is easily accessible from Highway 4, which is a paved road.
Nearby places
Arnold (21 miles
approximately 25 minutes by car).
Nearby supplies
null

Best Time to Camp at Big Meadow - Us Forest Service Stanislaus National Forest (Ca)

Summer brings perfect camping weather to Big Meadow, with warm, sun-drenched days and refreshingly cool mountain nights. The dry season delivers endless blue skies and comfortable temperatures that make every outdoor activity a pleasure. While winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, the campground becomes inaccessible during heavy snowfall, making late spring through early fall the sweet spot for your mountain escape.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in CA

Summer is prime: warm days, cool nights, open season and praised in reviews for weather and activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
2.0 / 5

Campground closes early Sept (Sept 7), so only limited early-fall access is possible.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Seasonal opening June 10 indicates spring (pre-open) is not available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed in winter; not available for winter camping/activities.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 10, 2025 - September 07, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season is June 10, 2025, to September 7, 2025. Reservations start June 25, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: null

About Big Meadow - Us Forest Service Stanislaus National Forest (Ca)

Perched at 6,400 feet in the heart of Stanislaus National Forest, Big Meadow Campground offers a front-row seat to nature's grand theater. Wake to the chirping of mountain birds and the sight of curious marmots scurrying among granite boulders, while deer graze peacefully in nearby meadows. This alpine sanctuary invites you to spend your days exploring scenic hiking trails, enjoying leisurely picnics beneath towering pines, or venturing to the crystal-clear waters of Lake Alpine and Spicer Meadow Reservoir for fishing and paddling adventures. As evening falls, watch for coyotes silhouetted against the sunset and listen to the wilderness come alive under star-studded skies.
Campsite options include individual non-electric sites, group tent sites, and tent-only non-electric sites. The group tent area has a capacity of 50 guests and 20 vehicles.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Big Meadow Campground provides a range of recreational opportunities, including hiking, birding, and picnicking within the campground. Additionally, nearby Lake Alpine and Spicer Meadow Reservoir offer fishing and water activities. The natural scenery includes snow-capped peaks and lush forests, making it ideal for wildlife enthusiasts. Some reviews highlight notable experiences, such as spotting hummingbirds and enjoying the aroma of the trees ("The smell of all the trees was so refreshing. I even seen a hummingbird this time.").
HikingHiking opportunities are available within and near the campground. A stream nearby offers additional opportunities for exploration ("There is a stream nearby that provides hiking opportunities.").
FishingFishing is available within a 15-minute drive at Lake Alpine and Spicer Meadow Reservoir. A user also shared catching trout in a local stream ("The little stream was nice and refreshing for the kids to play in; also caught a couple of trout!").
SwimmingSwimming opportunities exist at nearby water bodies such as Lake Alpine and Spicer Meadow Reservoir. No designated swimming areas within the campground are mentioned.
BoatingBoating activities are available at Lake Alpine and Spicer Meadow Reservoir, both within a short drive from the campground.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with opportunities to see marmots, squirrels, coyotes, and deer. Some reviewers mentioned spotting hummingbirds.
Winter Activities
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes are common during early summer, particularly in shaded areas of the campground.
Active AlertsCURRENTLY CLOSED . | null
Food Storage RequiredFunctioning bear lockers are available near most individual campsites.

Weather at Big Meadow - Us Forest Service Stanislaus National Forest (Ca)

Reviews

4.6
30 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Big Meadow - Us Forest Service Stanislaus National Forest (Ca) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Big Meadow Campground are generally positive, with an average sentiment of 4.357 out of 5. Highlights include the scenic environment, spacious campsites, and activities such as hiking and wildlife viewing. However, some issues were noted, including noise from Highway 4 and occasional maintenance lapses.
Review Summaries
Based on 30 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic views, spacious sites, proximity to recreational areas like Lake Alpine, and a clean and well-maintained environment when hosts are present.
Based on 30 reviews

Common Concerns

Highway noise, lack of enforcement of rules in the absence of a host, occasional cleanliness issues such as toilet paper shortages, and mosquitoes during warmer months.
Based on 30 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring mosquito spray, especially during summer. Sites near the road may experience traffic noise, so aim for those further back. Early arrivals increase the chances of securing a better site.
Based on 30 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is less crowded mid-week during summer, making it ideal for visitors seeking solitude. However, weekends can be noisy due to larger groups and high traffic.
Based on 30 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Loved the size, but remember it's close (like right next to) Hwy4." 2. "The campground, Gary, was awesome. He keeps the campground very clean and takes pride in the campground." 3. "The little...
Show more
Based on 30 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site numbers are highlighted. Some reviews suggest sites further away from the road offer better views and less noise.
Based on 30 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews directly address accessibility features.
Based on 30 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcomed at the campground. No specific user reviews address pet experiences.
Based on 30 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Big Meadow - Us Forest Service Stanislaus National Forest (Ca)? 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
Stanislaus National Forest
Big Meadow - Us Forest Service Stanislaus National Forest (Ca)