How much does camping cost at Meadow Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Meadow Lake Campground range from $15-$30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Meadow Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Meadow Lake Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Meadow Lake Campground before I book?

Yes! Meadow Lake Campground has 22 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Meadow Lake Campground?

Meadow Lake Campground is open July 01 to September 02. 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 Meadow Lake Campground?

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

How many campsites does Meadow Lake Campground have?

Meadow Lake Campground has 17 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Meadow Lake Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Meadow Lake 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 Meadow Lake Campground?

Meadow Lake 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 Meadow Lake Campground?

Popular activities at Meadow Lake Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Meadow Lake Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Meadow Lake Campground?

Fire policies at Meadow Lake Campground: Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.25

91 reviews

PO Box 180 Ranger Street, Leadore, ID 83464, USA

Top 22% in IDSummer

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

9,160 ft

Price

$15 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Reservations are ava...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Salmon-Challis National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

9,160 ft

Price

$15 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Reservations are ava...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Salmon-Challis National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Meadow Lake Campground

$15.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC-DOUBLE: $30.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(208)756-5209 or (208)768-2500

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

PO Box 180 Ranger Street, Leadore, ID 83464, USA

Meadow Lake Campground

PO Box 180 Ranger Street, Leadore, ID 83464, USA

Nearby places

Leadore - 22 miles (~30 minutes), Salmon - 70 miles (~1.5 hours)

Weather at Meadow Lake Campground

Current alerts(12)

Bring reservation confirmation paperwork with you for check-in with campground host.
Campground water is only to be used for drinking and cooking; please help us conserve water.
Click here for more information on the Salmon-Challis National Forest.
Elevation of gampground is 9,160 feet.

Best Time to Camp at Meadow Lake Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access, warmest daytime weather, and the fullest range of activities — expect daytime highs around 60–75°F and chilly nights dropping to the low 30s–40°F at 9,160 ft. Trails and the lake are free of snow by mid-July, putting hiking, alpine wildflower viewing, shore and boat fishing, and paddling at their peak, while the campground’s small size keeps crowds low to moderate. Reserve a site between July 1 and September 2 to guarantee a spot; bring warm layers for the Peak months: July, August, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 22% in ID

Best window July–early Sept: warm days, active recreation, but very busy.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: July 01 to September 02. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Reservations are available from July 1st through Labor Day. Camping outside of this date range is first-come, first-served (fee still required, pay onsite) as weather permits.

About Meadow Lake Campground

Meadow Lake Campground sits at 9,160 feet in Salmon-Challis National Forest, a high-elevation alpine site near Leadore with lake access for fishing and boating. Operated by the Forest Service, this small campground offers tent and RV sites plus group options, with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors come for the alpine scenery and trailhead access, though the lack of a camp host means maintenance and noise enforcement can be inconsistent.

Meadow Lake Campground accommodates tent camping and RVs but lacks hookups. Group campsites are available for larger parties.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access, warmest daytime weather, and the fullest range of activities — expect daytime highs around 60–75°F and chilly nights dropping to the low 30s–40°F at 9,160 ft. Trails and the lake are free of snow by mid-July, putting hiking, alpine wildflower viewing, shore and boat fishing, and paddling at their peak, while the campground’s small size keeps crowds low to moderate. Reserve a site between July 1 and September 2 to guarantee a spot; bring warm layers for the Peak months: July, August, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation9160 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMeadow Lake Peak rises to 10,720 feet directly above the campground, its slopes falling steeply to the lakeshore. Lodgepole and whitebark pines ring the lake, though they don't provide much screening between campsites. The lake itself is clear and cold, fed by snowmelt from the surrounding ridges. Mule deer browse the edges of camp in early morning. The terrain is rocky and open, typical of alpine zones shaped by glaciers. On calm mornings the peaks reflect cleanly in the water. The elevation puts you above most of the forest; the landscape feels spare and exposed.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges or cabins are available at this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 nights during a single visit and 16 nights total within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Standard campsites allow 1 vehicle and tent pads for appropriate use.

Groups

Four double campsites are available, each accommodating two vehicles, two picnic tables, and two tent pads.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilitySome reviewers note that accessibility features, particularly parking, are not ideal. 'Handy cap spaces and parking not so great!!!' (Jared Wallace).

Site SizeThe campsites include both single and double options. Double sites accommodate larger groups with expanded parking and additional picnic tables and tent pads.

PrivacyUser reviews describe the campground as having limited privacy, with campsites close together and minimal tree cover to separate them.

Total Campsites17 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #12 provides direct access to trailheads and scenic views of the Lemhi divide.

Best CampsitesSite 12 gets consistent praise in reviews for trail access and lake views. Double sites work well for larger groups. They include extra picnic tables, tent pads, and parking.

Need help booking Meadow Lake Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Meadow Lake Campground offers a variety of amenities in a high alpine setting at 9,160 feet elevation. Each of the 17 campsites includes picnic tables, fire rings, and barbecue pedestals. There are also 2 vault toilets, drinking water (when functional), and parking for day use. Larger groups can utilize 4 double campsites with two picnic tables, two tent pads, a campfire ring, a prep table, and parking for two vehicles each. The remaining 13 single campsites include similar amenities but cater to smaller groups. Please note that water availability has been unreliable as some user reviews reported that the water pumps were not working during their visits.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers various recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, picnicking, and non-motorized boating. Meadow Lake, located adjacent to the campsites, is stocked with fish twice annually. Nearby trails include Trail #342, a gentle loop, and Trail #057, leading to a steep ridge above the campground.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at Meadow Lake Campground; only vault toilets are provided.

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.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

Trash & RecyclingThis is a 'pack it in, pack it out' facility, meaning visitors are responsible for removing their own trash. A user emphasized, 'REMEMBER TO KEEP IT CLEAN, KEEP IT BEAUTIFUL PLEASE!!' (Soulja).

Cell CoverageNo information regarding cell phone service quality or availability is provided in the authoritative source or user reviews.

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

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

91 reviews

Satisfactory

Meadow Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's scenic beauty and recreational opportunities but also point out challenges such as overcrowding and lack of site management.

Review Summaries

Based on 91 reviews

What Campers Love

Common praise includes the stunning alpine setting, excellent fishing opportunities, and accessibility of hiking trails: 'Scenery is to die for.' (Dan Shurtliff) 'Amazing place to camp and fish.'...

Based on 91 reviews

Common Concerns

Concerns include lack of campground management leading to chaotic conditions, insufficient maintenance of vault toilets, and unreliable water supply: 'Campground is not really managed... bathrooms...

Based on 91 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #12 received specific mentions for its proximity to the Lemhi divide trail and its popularity. However, issues include squatters occupying reserved spots.

Based on 91 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend visiting in late summer to avoid snow-covered roads and bringing plenty of water due to potential pump issues. 'Would recommend going in the mid to late summer so the snow has all...

Based on 91 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are busiest, with some reviews mentioning overcrowding and unmanaged sites during peak season: 'Very busy campground. Lots of people.' (Cameron Flewellen). Cold weather limits access in...

Based on 91 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful Alpine lake above the ghost town of Gilmore.' (Sled Dog) 2. 'What a lovely place to spend time with family.' (Soulja) 3. 'Hidden gem. Keep this place nice and hidden, its an awesome...

Based on 91 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews are mixed, with some complaints about poorly designed handicap spaces and parking: 'Handy cap spaces and parking not so great!!!' (Jared Wallace).

Based on 91 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but reviews indicate that some campers did not manage their pets responsibly: 'The same family had a dog running around the camps harrassing people.' (Alan Taylor).

Based on 91 reviews

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