Meadowview Campground

Star3.71
72 reviews
Meadowview Campground

Quick Facts

5,600 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Allowed

Opens Stanislaus National Forest site

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Meadowview Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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What Campers Say

3.71

Mixed Reviews

Based on 72 reviews

90 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietcleanrestrooms

"Reviewers describe Meadowview Campground as a quiet, pretty, and spacious alternative to the main Pinecrest campground, with many people giving it a perfect rating. Campers appreciate the meadow views, relatively large and spread-out sites, and proximity (about a mile) to Pinecrest Lake without the crowds."

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Best Time to Camp at Meadowview Campground

Perched at 5,600 feet in the central Sierra Nevada, Meadowview becomes a summer haven where warm days invite swimming, boating, and trail exploration. When winter blankets the mountains, nearby Dodge Ridge transforms into a premier ski destination, offering year-round recreation opportunities that shift with the seasons—from sun-soaked lake days to powder-filled slopes just minutes away.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
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

    About Meadowview Campground

    Nestled along the southwest shore of the sparkling 300-acre Pinecrest Lake, Meadowview Campground welcomes you at 5,600 feet elevation in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, just 30 miles east of Sonora. Step from your campsite to discover a sandy beach, full-service marina, and scenic hiking trails, with the convenience of both reservable sites (loops 300-400) and first-come, first-served options (loops 100-200).
    The campground consists of multiple loops (100–400); loops 300 and 400 are reservation-only while loops 100–200 are first-come, first-served. Sites include paved parking pads, picnic tables, and campfire rings.
    Historical SignificanceYour campground sits near the legendary Sonora Pass, a rugged mountain corridor that has beckoned travelers across the Sierra Nevada since 1852. This historic route once guided gold rush pioneers, traders, and adventurers through these granite peaks, and today continues to serve as a gateway between California's valleys and high country, connecting you to over 170 years of Sierra Nevada history.
    Weather and SeasonsPerched at 5,600 feet in the central Sierra Nevada, Meadowview becomes a summer haven where warm days invite swimming, boating, and trail exploration. When winter blankets the mountains, nearby Dodge Ridge transforms into a premier ski destination, offering year-round recreation opportunities that shift with the seasons—from sun-soaked lake days to powder-filled slopes just minutes away.
    ElevationAt approximately 5,600 feet above sea level, Meadowview occupies that perfect Sierra Nevada sweet spot—high enough to escape the valley heat and immerse yourself in mountain air, yet accessible enough for a comfortable retreat among the pines and granite peaks.
    Natural Features and SceneryTall conifers cast dappled shade across campsites that spill down toward Pinecrest Lake's southwestern shore, where the water mirrors surrounding peaks within Stanislaus National Forest. The mountain landscape comes alive with wildlife—watch for curious marmots sunning on granite boulders, industrious squirrels darting through pines, and if you're lucky, catch glimpses of deer browsing at dawn or coyotes trotting across meadows at dusk.
    Geological RegionSet within Stanislaus National Forest in the central Sierra Nevada Mountains, where ancient granite formations meet alpine forests and glacially-carved lakes tell the story of ice age sculpting across millions of years.
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    Campsite details

    Sites PrivacyMany campsites are shaded by trees and sit near the southwest side of Pinecrest Lake.
    Total Campsitesnull campsites
    Recommended CampsitesChoose loops 100–200 for walk-up (first-come, first-served) or reserve sites in loops 300–400 in advance. Many sites are shaded and located near the lake for easier water access and wildlife viewing.

    Best Campsites

    Curated by campers, for campers
    Reveal picks

    Reserving a campsite

    Tents
    Tents are not allowed
    RV vehicles
    RV vehicles are not allowed
    Primitive
    Primitive are not allowed
    Reservable
    Reservations are allowed

    Site layoutSites include a paved parking pad, picnic table and campfire ring. Restrooms have flush toilets, sinks and a utility sink. Drinking water is available. There are no RV hookups and no showers. Loops are organized as 100–200 (first-come, first-served) and 300–400 (reservation only).
    Walk-in AvailabilityLoops 100–200 are first-come, first-served; loops 300 and 400 are reservation only.

    Accomodation available

    Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.

    Amenities available

    Potable water
    Fire rings
    Picnic tables
    Lodging and accommodations
    Flush toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    A wide range of water- and land-based recreation is available at Pinecrest Lake and nearby facilities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, biking, and educational programs.
    Hiking
    Pinecrest Lake National Recreation Trail is an easy 4-mile loop around the lake; numerous nearby hiking trails and trailheads are accessible.
    Fishing
    Rainbow trout is a common catch in Pinecrest Lake.
    Swimming
    Swimming is enjoyed at the sandy day-use beach on Pinecrest Lake.
    Biking
    Bike rentals are available and nearby Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort offers mountain bike trails and summer riding.
    Boating
    The area includes a marina and boat rentals; Pinecrest Lake is used for boating.
    Wildlife viewing
    Wildlife viewing opportunities include marmots, squirrels, coyotes, and deer in the mountain landscape.
    Beach activities
    A day-use sandy beach is available for swimming and beach activities.
    Cultural and Educational Programs
    Educational programs are offered in the recreation area.
    Winter Activities
    Nearby Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort is a ski area in winter.
    Water Sports
    Boat rentals and general water recreation on Pinecrest Lake (boating, swimming).
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    Campground rules

    • Pets are allowed
    • Each site includes a campfire ring. No specific fire restrictions or fire permit requirements are provided in the source material.

    Hazards

    General hazardsWildlife is present in the area, including marmots, squirrels, coyotes and deer.

    Weather at Meadowview Campground

    54
    °F
    Dec 11
    Thursday
    Clear sky
    Precipitation: 0%
    Humidity: 41%
    Wind: 4.1 mph
    Clear sky

    Weather History
    Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

    Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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    Reveal forecast

    Good to know

    Proximity to water featuresWithin walking distance of Pinecrest Lake; adjacent to a day-use sandy beach and marina; many sites sit near the lake's southwest shore.

    Campground Map

    Meadowview Campground
    Driving directionsFrom Sonora, take Highway 108 east for 30 miles, take the Pinecrest exit onto Pinecrest Lake Road and continue to the campground.
    Accessible via Highway 108 (Pinecrest exit) from Sonora.
    Nearby places
    Sonora — 30 miles (west)
    Kennedy Meadows — 30 miles east of Pinecrest Lake.
    Nearby supplies
    Small shopping center, restaurants and stores at Pinecrest Lake
    boat rentals and marina nearby.

    Reviews from booking and map sources

    3.7
    72 reviews
    Mixed Reviews
    Mixed Reviews
    Meadowview Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Reviewers describe Meadowview Campground as a quiet, pretty, and spacious alternative to the main Pinecrest campground, with many people giving it a perfect rating. Campers appreciate the meadow views, relatively large and spread-out sites, and proximity (about a mile) to Pinecrest Lake without the crowds.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 72 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Campers highlight the beautiful meadow views and overall attractive setting, noting it as a “very pretty campground” with “lots of spaces.” Many appreciate that it is quieter and less crowded than...
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    Based on 72 reviews

    Common Concerns

    Complaints are minor but include poor cell reception (one reviewer with Sprint said service “sucked”) and occasional confusion about whether a site is truly vacant due to old permits left on site...
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    Based on 72 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Several reviewers recommend arriving well before evening to find a spot and avoid setting up in the dark and bugs, especially since it’s first-come, first-served and you must drive through to locate...
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    Based on 72 reviews

    Seasonal Insights

    Multiple reviews note that weekdays and non-holiday periods are quieter, and that fall in the Pinecrest area is especially peaceful compared to summer. One camper reported visiting in winter while...
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    Based on 72 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    “Great place for camping especially on weekdays. About a mile from pinecrest lake but without the crowd!! Just love it” “Meadowview in my opinion is better than Pinecrest campground. At Meadowview...
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    Based on 72 reviews

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    Last updated December 10, 2025
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