Big Meadows Campground campground
Big Meadows Campground
Reservations are required to secure a spot at Big Meadows Campground, as it is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It is recommended to make reservations well in advance, particularly during peak seasons, to guarantee availability. The best time to visit this campground is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is pleasant and the wildflowers are in full bloom. However, it is important to note that the campground is situated at an elevation of 7,600 feet, so visitors should be prepared for cooler temperatures, especially during the evenings.
While exploring the area, campers can indulge in a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The campground is located near Lassen Volcanic National Park, offering access to numerous trails and scenic spots such as Manzanita Lake and Bumpass Hell. However, it is crucial to be cautious of bears in the camping area and practice proper food storage techniques to ensure the safety of both campers and wildlife. With its stunning surroundings and well-equipped facilities, Big Meadows Campground is a fantastic destination for nature lovers seeking a memorable camping experience in California.
What's on-site at Big Meadows Campground
Key facilities Snoflo tracks for this campground. Confirm with the operator before booking -- amenities can change seasonally.
Plan your trip down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max so trends jump out at a glance.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks. Hover any point for the full breakdown.
Other campgrounds in the area
Snoflo-tracked campsites within driving distance of Big Meadows Campground, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hell Hole Campground | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Hell Hole | ✗ | ✓ | → |
| Middle Meadows Group Campground | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| French Meadows Campground | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| French Meadows | ✓ | ✗ | → |
Nearby streamflow
USGS streamgauges within reach of Big Meadows Campground -- pulled live from the National Water Information System.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Blackwood C Nr Tahoe City Ca | 87 cfs | → |
| Pilot C Ab Stumpy Meadows Res Ca | 3 cfs | → |
| Ward C At Hwy 89 Nr Tahoe Pines Ca | 53 cfs | → |
| Pilot C Bl Mutton Canyon Nr Georgetown Ca | 2 cfs | → |
| Truckee R A Tahoe City Ca | 352 cfs | → |
| General C Nr Meeks Bay Ca | 16 cfs | → |
Nearby snow depths
NRCS SNOTEL stations within reach of Big Meadows Campground -- relevant when planning a shoulder-season or alpine trip.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack | 24h Snowfall | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nohrsc Palisades Tahoe | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Alpine Meadows-Base | 9.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Nohrsc Ward Creek #3 | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Ward Creek #3 | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Squaw Valley G.C. | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
| Soda Springs 1.5 Ssw | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, boat launches, and paddle runs so a camping night can grow into a full weekend.
Parks
- Granite Chief Wilderness
- Wilderness Snow Mountain
- Ed Z'Berg Sugar Pine Point State Park
- Donner Memorial State Park
- Tahoe State Recreation Area
- Burton Creek State Park
Boat launches
- Mosquito Ridge Rd, California
- Dry Lakes Trail El Dorado County
- Ice House Road El Dorado County
- Junction Boat Ramp Road El Dorado County
- Oxbow Raft Put-In Site
- Iowa Hill Road Placer County
Fishing spots
- French Meadows Reservoir
- Loon Lake
- Buck Island Lake
- Union Valley Reservoir
- Stumpy Meadows Lake
- Maude Lake
Points of interest
Camping essentials & Leave No Trace
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you to keep campsites clean and protect wildlife.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe animals from a distance, store food securely, and never feed wildlife to maintain natural behavior and safety.
- Know before you go
- Check weather, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and permit requirements to ensure a safe and well-planned trip.
- Minimize campfire impact
- Use established fire rings, keep fires small, fully extinguish them, or opt for a camp stove when fires are restricted.
- Leave what you find
- Preserve natural and cultural features by avoiding removal of plants, rocks, artifacts, or other elements of the environment.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Big Meadows Campground as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, snowpack, freezing temperatures), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Big Meadows Campground
Can I make reservations at Big Meadows Campground?
Yes -- this campground accepts reservations. Snoflo recommends booking early for peak season; check the operator (Recreation.gov / state park system / private operator) for the booking window and cancellation policy.
How fresh is the weather data on this page?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from the NOAA / yr.no public feeds. Streamflow data is pulled live from USGS streamgauges and snowpack from the NRCS SNOTEL network.
What's the best time of year to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation. For longer trips, the 5-day hourly meteogram shows snow + rain accumulation hour-by-hour.
How do I get to Big Meadows Campground?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the campground.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed through the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this campground, set a threshold (temperature, snowpack, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other campgrounds near here
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within driving distance of Big Meadows Campground.