Big Meadow (Stanislaus National Forest)

Overview

Big Meadow Campground lies at about 6,400 feet elevation on the Stanislaus National Forest. It is located 21 miles east of Arnold, California. Breathtaking views abound, and wildlife viewing opportunities include marmots, squirrels, and deer.

Recreation

Picnicking, birding and hiking are popular pastimes at Big Meadow.

Lake Alpine and Spicer Meadow Reservoir, both just a 15 minute drive away, offer fishing and other water activities.

Facilities

Big Meadow has 65 individual camping sites.

Big Meadow Group camp is easily accessible from Highway 4 and can accommodate a maximum of 50 guests and 20 vehicles.

Natural Features

Big Meadow Campground is situated in Stanislaus National Forest. It is known for exceptional stargazing, remote location, spread out campsites, and large granite boulders.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (209) 753-6350.

Camp site features

Across 136 camp sites:

Pets allowed: 65 of 136 sites
Group sites: 1 of 136 sites
Longest RV: 53 ft
Largest party: 50 people
Equipment: Boat, CAR, CARAVAN/CAMPER VAN, FIFTH WHEEL, Hammock, Horse, LARGE TENT OVER 9X12`, PICKUP CAMPER, POP UP, RV, SMALL TENT, Tent, Trailer, VEHICLE

Services within 25 miles · OpenStreetMap

Nearest water fill: 15.9 mi

Directions

From Arnold, California, take Highway 4 east for 25 miles to the Big Meadow Campground.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 1 PM.

Reviews

12 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

1 stars

Curtis C

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Reviewed 3 months ago

Loved it

John C

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Reviewed 3 months ago

The online site map is not accurate. This caused some confusion at the beginning of our trip. However, the staff at Lake Alpine were helpful and accommodating on this issue. Our Wednesday night was ideal. By Thursday large groups had moved into the group campsite and the site on the other side of us. They were loud with a lot of lights. They were not concerned with the posted quiet times. The other issue were the vault toilets. About 30% of them were open and it seemed as if they hadn't been serviced in several weeks. I'm not picky and have stayed at many campsites. These were the worst I have seen in a long time. I think that both of these issues may be a result of there no longer being a host on site.

Nicholas K

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Reviewed 3 months ago

We left the same day, the red ants were everywhere. They climbed on my toddler who was walking around. Didn’t even get to stay a day. Money waisted.

Eusebio L

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Reviewed 3 months ago

Everything about that place is beautiful, and the sunset is spectacular, but there is one drawback: there are no bathrooms for showering.

Nicole K

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Reviewed 4 months ago

Beautiful campgrounds. Woodsy. Clean areas. There was port styled restrooms near our camp spot. A water spigot was close by also. The parking for a truck was decent. The campground was about 15 minutes from lake alpine. Not a bad drive. Loved it.

Brian W

Loop:A

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Reviewed 4 months ago

Site was pretty nice. Unfortunately the guest did not adhere to the 10om quiet rule and were very loud until midnight. And the camp site host was nowhere to be seen or at least did not monitor the situation.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve