Big Meadow Lake Campground

Star4.33
39 reviews

Quick Facts

3,400 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Colville National Forest site

Official Website
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Big Meadow Lake Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping at Big Meadow Lake Campground is donation-based, currently free according to recent user reviews.
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

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What Campers Say

4.33

Recommended

Based on 39 reviews

32 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewslakewell-maintained

Some mention

reservation

"User reviews praise the campground for its peaceful atmosphere, free campsites, and wildlife viewing opportunities. However, there are concerns about mosquitoes and leeches in the lake water. Some campers also mention issues with site reservations by groups."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Big Meadow Lake Campground

48.7296, -117.5635

Driving directionsFrom Colville, WA: Head north on N Maple St toward E 2nd Ave for 0.1 miles. Turn right at the 2nd cross street onto WA-20 E/E 3rd Ave continue to follow WA-20 E for 0.9 miles. Turn left onto Aladdin Rd continue for 19.4 miles. Turn right onto Meadow Creek Rd continue for approximately 6.5 miles to campground entrance. From Ione, WA: Head west on Main St toward S 2nd Ave/International Selkirk Loop N for 0.3 miles. Turn left onto Houghton St for 0.2 miles. Turn left at the 3rd cross street onto 8th Ave/Cedar Creek Rd continue for 0.7 miles. Turn right onto Stecker Rd continue for 2.5 miles. Turn left onto Meadow Creek Rd for 4.3 miles to campground.
Roads are gravel; accessible throughout the year, but directions must be carefully followed as some GPS tools may direct down incorrect, challenging paths.
Nearby places
Colville (26.9 miles, approx. 40 min)
Ione (8 miles, approx. 15 min)
Nearby supplies
The closest grocery store is approximately 8 miles away in Ione. Cedar RV Park in Ione offers potable water and an RV waste station for a fee. Gas stations available in towns of Colville and Ione.

Best Time to Camp at Big Meadow Lake Campground

Summer arrives gently at Big Meadow Lake, bringing moderate temperatures that make hiking and water activities pure pleasure. When autumn paints the landscape in gold and crimson, the mosquitoes retreat and crisp air invigorates every outdoor pursuit—many consider this the campground's finest season. Winter transforms the area into a snow-draped wonderland, where the cold creates a crystalline beauty that rewards the hardy souls who venture forth.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Moderate summer temps but high mosquito activity; peak season Memorial Day–Labor Day services active.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 2% in WA

Fall noted as best season for colors and fewer mosquitoes; campground open through Oct 27.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Shoulder season with variable weather and early mosquito activity; trails and wildlife viewing available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Services end after Labor Day; some reviewers report winter camping but access and services limited.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Memorial Day through Labor Day is deemed the peak season.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from Memorial Day through October 27; services provided only through Labor Day.

About Big Meadow Lake Campground

Tucked away in the heart of Colville National Forest, Big Meadow Lake Campground offers an intimate escape where rustic charm meets natural beauty. This hidden gem operates on a donation basis, welcoming both tent campers and trailer enthusiasts to its peaceful shores. The campground embraces the southern edge of a serene man-made lake, where interpretive trails wind through the forest, a boat launch invites aquatic adventures, and a fishing dock extends over waters teeming with possibilities. Here, the symphony of nature replaces the din of daily life, creating a sanctuary where wildlife roams freely and tranquility reigns supreme.
Big Meadow Lake Campground offers primitive camping options, with 16 combined tent/trailer sites. RV camping is not supported due to the lack of pull-through sites and hookups. Group camping and cabin lodging are unavailable.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
  • First-come, first-served basis
  • no specific check-in time.
Check-out
Check-out time is not explicitly indicated.
Stay Limit
Maximum length of stay: 14 days.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Big Meadow Lake Campground provides various recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, and non-motorized boating. Wildlife viewing is a highlight, especially around the lake and in the adjacent meadow. However, swimming is not recommended due to leeches in the water.
HikingTwo main trails are available for hiking. Meadow Creek Trail #125 is 1.5 miles long and is wheelchair-friendly, while Lakeside Trail #126 is also 1.5 miles long, suitable for foot traffic and mountain biking.
FishingFishing is available for Rainbow Trout and Largemouth Bass. The fishing pier provides a dedicated space for anglers.
BikingMountain biking is permitted on both Meadow Creek Trail #125 and Lakeside Trail #126.
BoatingNon-motorized boating is permitted on the 72-acre Big Meadow Lake. There is a boat ramp and carry-down access available.
Wildlife viewingThe lake and adjacent meadow are excellent for wildlife viewing, including Loons, ducks, and occasional sightings of Eagles.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThis is bear country, so food storage protocols must be followed. User reviews indicate the presence of leeches in the water and a high mosquito population during summer.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Big Meadow Lake Campground

Reviews

4.3
39 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Big Meadow Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews praise the campground for its peaceful atmosphere, free campsites, and wildlife viewing opportunities. However, there are concerns about mosquitoes and leeches in the lake water. Some campers also mention issues with site reservations by groups.
Review Summaries
Based on 39 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the campground's scenic views, well-maintained vault toilets, and excellent wildlife viewing around the lake and meadow.
Based on 39 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include mosquitoes, leeches in the water, and site reservation practices by groups. Additionally, reviewers note that directions provided by Google Maps can be inaccurate.
Based on 39 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips include bringing bug repellant for mosquitoes, packing in water, and verifying directions with local sources. Fall is recommended as the best time to visit due to fewer insects.
Based on 39 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall is highlighted as the best season to visit due to fewer mosquitoes. Summer is marked by high mosquito activity, and winter accessibility is appreciated by some reviewers.
Based on 39 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Nice free campsites with picnic tables and fire rings.' - Martha Hokenson 2. 'A lovely primitive campground for viewing the plentiful wildlife in the area.' - Autumn Estes 3. 'Bring your own...
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Based on 39 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews highlight both private and lake-view campsites. Some campers express frustration over groups reserving prime sites for weeks in advance.
Based on 39 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews note the campground's paved, wheelchair-accessible trail and accessible vault toilets.
Based on 39 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash. No specific amenities for pets are mentioned, and no complaints or praises regarding pets were noted in user reviews.
Based on 39 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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