Meadows Campground

4.50

8 reviews

Scenic ViewsGreat Hiking

Quick Facts

6,250 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Typically accessible...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens booking site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,250 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Typically accessible...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens booking site

Official Website

Get Directions

Meadows Campground

$5.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single Site: $10/night. Additional Vehicle: $5/vehicle/night. Digital payment only through the recreation.gov mobile app. Download the app beforehand.

Standard Site Fee$10.00

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

4.50

Recommended

Based on 8 reviews

5 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulhiking

"The campground is praised for its scenic meadows, access to hiking trails, and breathtaking views. However, the minimalist amenities, including the lack of potable water and trash disposal, require campers to come well-prepared."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Meadows Campground

48.7092, -120.6741

Driving directionsFrom Winthrop, drive west on Highway 20 for 15 miles, turn right onto Lost River Road 9140 for 7.5 miles. Paved road turns into gravel Forest Service Harts Pass Road 5400. Follow gravel road for 13 miles then turn left onto Forest Road #5400-500 and drive one mile turn left into Meadows Campground.

Harts Pass Road #5400 is narrow and windy, with steep side cliffs in places. Trailers are not allowed on Forest Road 5400 or Chancelor Road 5400-700 from June 1 to December 31. Snowmobile trailers are allowed November 1 to December 31.

Nearby places

Winthrop is approximately 15 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Meadows Campground

At Meadows Campground, Mother Nature puts on a dramatic show. Days are often bathed in brilliant sunshine, but as the sun dips behind the peaks, temperatures plummet, transforming warm afternoons into crisp, star-filled nights that demand cozy sleeping bags and extra layers. The mountain winds here are legendary among seasoned campers—powerful gusts sweep across the exposed meadows, creating a natural symphony that some find soothing and others find challenging. Experienced visitors recommend packing warm clothing regardless of the season and securing all gear against the enthusiastic mountain breezes that can turn a peaceful evening into an adventure of its own.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 23% in WA

Open July–September; sunlit alpine meadows and peak wildflower displays occur in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Cooler nights and praised clear skies make fall attractive though nights drop quickly.

Spring(Mar-May)

2.0 / 5

Spring access is variable; snow and road conditions often restrict use and services.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Typically inaccessible in winter; seasonal access and road conditions limit use.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Typically accessible July - September.
Current Alerts: The campground is currently temporarily closed.

About Meadows Campground

Perched high in the North Cascades, Meadows Campground lives up to its name with sweeping alpine meadows that stretch as far as the eye can see. This sun-drenched haven in the Harts Pass area has become a cherished basecamp for Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers and weekend adventurers eager to explore the pristine Pasayten Wilderness. Here, where wildflowers paint the landscape in summer and crisp mountain air invigorates the soul, campers find themselves immersed in the raw beauty of Washington's high country.

Meadows Campground supports standard tent camping and limited RV camping. No trailers are allowed due to road restrictions.

Weather and SeasonsAt Meadows Campground, Mother Nature puts on a dramatic show. Days are often bathed in brilliant sunshine, but as the sun dips behind the peaks, temperatures plummet, transforming warm afternoons into crisp, star-filled nights that demand cozy sleeping bags and extra layers. The mountain winds here are legendary among seasoned campers—powerful gusts sweep across the exposed meadows, creating a natural symphony that some find soothing and others find challenging. Experienced visitors recommend packing warm clothing regardless of the season and securing all gear against the enthusiastic mountain breezes that can turn a peaceful evening into an adventure of its own.

ElevationAt 6,250 feet above sea level, Meadows Campground offers a true alpine experience where the air is thin, the views are endless, and the weather can change in a heartbeat. This lofty perch places campers above much of the surrounding landscape, creating a natural balcony overlooking the North Cascades. The high elevation brings its own character to the camping experience—cooler temperatures that provide relief from summer heat, winds that carry the scent of distant glaciers, and a proximity to the sky that makes stars seem close enough to touch.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking up to panoramic views of rolling alpine meadows dotted with vibrant wildflowers and framed by jagged peaks—this is the daily reality at Meadows Campground. The surrounding landscape offers a front-row seat to nature's theater, where curious prairie dogs pop up from their burrows to greet visitors, and eagles soar on thermal currents high above. The open terrain provides unobstructed vistas in every direction, making this an ideal spot for photographers chasing golden hour light or stargazers seeking pristine dark skies far from city lights.

Geological RegionNestled within the spectacular Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Meadows Campground sits in a unique alpine ecosystem where ancient geology meets vibrant life. The surrounding meadows, carved by glaciers and shaped by millennia of mountain weather, create a rare high-elevation habitat that supports diverse plant and animal communities. This remarkable landscape in the Harts Pass area represents one of the most accessible alpine environments in the North Cascades, offering visitors a chance to experience the delicate beauty of mountain meadows without extensive backcountry travel.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is not stated in the available sources.

Guests Allowed Per Site

2vehicles per campsite

Groups

No group sites or details are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe layout is not detailed, but the campground is described as open and sunny.

Reservation PlatformsDigital payment only through the recreation.gov mobile app.

Walk-in AvailabilityNot explicitly mentioned.

AccessibilityNo explicit mention of ADA or other accessibility features.

Site SizeNot specified.

PrivacyNot specified.

Recommended SitesBring warm clothing as it gets cold at night. Carry water, and be prepared to pack out all trash.

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Meadows Campground offers opportunities for hiking, backpacking, scenic drives, and outdoor science and learning activities such as viewing scenery. It’s especially popular for accessing the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail and nearby Slate Peak Lookout.

HikingAccess to the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail and hikes into the Pasayten Wilderness. Reviews mention day hikes and nearby trails as key highlights.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe narrow and steep Harts Pass Road creates a driving hazard. Strong winds and fire bans are mentioned in reviews.

Active AlertsThe campground is currently temporarily closed.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Meadows Campground

Reviews

4.5

8 reviews

Recommended

Meadows Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground is praised for its scenic meadows, access to hiking trails, and breathtaking views. However, the minimalist amenities, including the lack of potable water and trash disposal, require campers to come well-prepared.

Review Summaries

Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

Users highlight the stunning alpine views, clear skies for stargazing, access to hiking trails such as Slate Peak Lookout, and the general peacefulness of the area. "At night we’re able to see the...

Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the challenging drive to the campground, the lack of amenities such as potable water and trash facilities, and environmental issues such as dying trees due to beetle infestations.

Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend: bringing adequate water and warm clothing, preparing for cool nighttime temperatures, and coming with an SUV or all-wheel drive vehicle due to the challenging roads. "Bring water,...

Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that weather and road conditions vary significantly by season, with cooler nights in early fall and restrictions during certain months. Campers praise the clear night skies in fall...

Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Got to spend two nights here in the early Fall. On one of them, was a crazy wind storm ready to blow us right off the mountain." "The alpine meadows are being affected by a destructive beetle and...

Based on 8 reviews