Lower Meadows Campground

Star4.49
98 reviews
Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest UT-39, Huntsville, UT 84317
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

5,300 ft

Price

$15 - $62/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Opens May 16, closes...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Recreation.gov 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
Lower Meadows Campground
$15.00 - $62.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Cancellation service fee: $10 withheld from any refund. Change fee: $10 for switching dates entirely outside original reservation. Late cancellations...
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Standard Site Fee$31.00
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

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
877-444-6777
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What Campers Say

4.49

Recommended

Based on 98 reviews

56 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacycleanfriendlywell-maintained

Some mention

noisereservation

"The campground generally receives positive reviews, with many users praising its spacious sites, proximity to the river, and clean facilities. However, some complaints about road noise and occasional rowdy campers are noted."

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Campground Map

Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest UT-39, Huntsville, UT 84317

Lower Meadows Campground

Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest UT-39, Huntsville, UT 84317

Driving directionsFrom Ogden, Utah travel east on 12th Street through Ogden Canyon. Continue on Highway 39 toward Monte Cristo. The campgrounds are Magpie, Botts, South Fork, Perception Park Family, Upper and Lower Meadows, and Willows in order from west to east. South Fork Campground complex is located approximately 5 to 7 miles east of Huntsville, Utah, on Highway 39.
The campground is located along Highway 39, which is a major road used frequently. The road is paved and accessible year-round. Some reviews mentioned traffic noise as an issue.
Nearby places
Huntsville (9 miles, approximately 12 minutes)
Ogden (approximately 20 miles, around 25 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be acquired in Huntsville, which is approximately 9 miles away. For larger needs, Ogden offers more options, about 20 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Lower Meadows Campground

Summer transforms Lower Meadows into an outdoor paradise where warm, sun-drenched days invite endless adventures, while crisp mountain evenings call for campfire stories and stargazing. From May through September, the campground comes alive as wildflowers bloom, the river runs full, and perfect camping weather settles over the valley. Those refreshing mountain breezes that sweep through camp remind you why summer in the Wasatch is something truly special—warm enough for hiking and playing in the river by day, yet cool enough for cozy sleeping bags and hot cocoa by night.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 17% in UT

Opens mid-May; summer is busiest and described as an outdoor paradise for activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Campground closes Sept 1; early fall may be pleasant but season is short.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Late spring (after May 16) offers good conditions; earlier spring is off-season/closed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Seasonal campground is closed through winter (opens May 16).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 16 - September 1. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Opens May 16, closes September 1 (reservable dates vary annually).
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts noted.

About Lower Meadows Campground

Nestled along the banks of the South Fork Ogden River at 5,300 feet elevation, Lower Meadows Campground offers one of the most spacious camping experiences in Utah's scenic Ogden Valley. Just nine miles from Huntsville, this riverside retreat stands out for its generously spaced sites separated by tall, thick grass, creating a sense of privacy that's increasingly rare in public campgrounds. Cottonwoods and willows provide natural shade and frame the South Fork as it flows alongside the camping area, while moose and deer occasionally wander through, reminding visitors they're sharing space with the valley's wild residents. The campground features 17 single sites and 6 double sites, each equipped with picnic tables and fire rings—everything you need for classic campfire cooking and evening gatherings. Vault restrooms are distributed throughout the property for convenience. While you won't find flush toilets, showers, or hookups here, the trade-off is a more natural setting that feels genuinely remote despite being less than 10 miles from town. The spacious layout means you're not camping on top of your neighbors, making this an excellent choice for families or groups seeking both community and solitude. Recreation opportunities abound both at the campground and nearby. The South Fork Ogden River provides immediate access to fishing, swimming, and tubing (life jackets required for tubers), while Causey Reservoir lies just four miles east, offering excellent canoeing, fishing, and additional hiking and biking trails. The broader Ogden Valley region opens up even more possibilities: Pineview Reservoir is a short drive away for boating and water sports, Highway 39 continues east to Monte Cristo Summit with sweeping mountain vistas, and numerous ATV and horseback riding trails crisscross the surrounding mountains. Whether you're content to spend lazy days by the river or want to explore every trail and waterway in the area, you'll find plenty to fill your days. Reservations are managed through Recreation.gov online or by calling 877-444-6777. Be aware of the cancellation policies: a $10 service fee applies to all cancellations, and late cancellations (day before or day of arrival) will cost you both the service fee and your first night's use fee. No-shows incur a $20 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's fee. Holders of Senior or Access interagency passes receive discounts on individual campsites (though not on double sites or additional fees). Given the campground's popularity and proximity to both Huntsville and Ogden, booking well in advance during summer months is strongly recommended.
Lower Meadows Campground accommodates a variety of camping preferences with 17 single sites and 6 double sites, all featuring picnic tables and fire rings. The campground is ideal for tent camping, with some sites supporting larger tents.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in by 12 PM on the day following the reservation start date.
Check-out
Check-out by 12 PM.
Stay Limit
  • 2-night minimum on weekends
  • 3-night minimum on holiday weekends.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Lower Meadows Campground offers a range of recreational activities that highlight its natural setting. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, swimming, and tubing down the South Fork Ogden River. Nearby attractions provide additional opportunities, such as canoeing and fishing at Causey Reservoir and scenic hiking trails.
HikingThe campground offers access to nearby hiking trails. The trails are described as abundant and scenic, with some leading to Causey Reservoir. Difficulty levels and lengths are not specified.
FishingFishing is a popular activity, with opportunities in the South Fork Ogden River and nearby reservoirs. One reviewer noted, 'The river is nice to float when it's high enough,' and another mentioned catching 'a few fish' during their visit.
SwimmingSwimming is permitted in the South Fork Ogden River and nearby reservoirs. Tubing is also a favored activity, but life jackets are required for safety.
BikingThe main source materials do not mention biking facilities within the campground, but Causey Reservoir nearby offers biking trails.
BoatingBoating activities are available at the nearby Pineview and Causey Reservoirs, offering opportunities for canoeing, paddleboarding, and other water activities.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as moose and deer are frequently seen wandering through the campground. One user noted, 'Several times, there's been a bull moose hanging out by the river.'
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe campground is in bear country; food and trash must be stored securely. Wildlife interactions are possible.
Active AlertsNo active alerts noted.

Weather at Lower Meadows Campground

Reviews

4.5
98 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Lower Meadows Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground generally receives positive reviews, with many users praising its spacious sites, proximity to the river, and clean facilities. However, some complaints about road noise and occasional rowdy campers are noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 98 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive highlights include clean and well-maintained bathroom facilities, ample privacy between campsites, and opportunities for activities such as fishing, tubing, and wildlife viewing. Reviewers...
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Based on 98 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include road noise from Highway 39, occasional rowdy campers, and limited information about the campground, such as maps and brochures.
Based on 98 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips from users include bringing your own drinking water, choosing a site near the river for a more private experience, and reserving sites in advance for weekends due to the campground's popularity.
Based on 98 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal reviews reflect that summer is the busiest season, with weekends and holidays being particularly crowded. Weekday visits are recommended for a quieter experience.
Based on 98 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This is a great campground just up Ogden canyon, we've camped here a couple of times over the years.' -- Matt Larson 2. 'The river is nice to float when it's high enough, and there are two...
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Based on 98 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific feedback includes praise for site 13 for its privacy and site 20 for its beauty and quietness. Some reviewers highlighted issues with site access due to blocked loops or unoccupied...
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Based on 98 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews were mentioned in the source materials.
Based on 98 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, with regulations requiring leashes not to exceed six feet and that owners clean up after their pets. One reviewer noted, 'Dogs are welcome, the river is very close, and the...
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Based on 98 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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