FacilityCampgroundRecreation.gov⛺ 137 campsites

Big Meadow (Stanislaus National Forest)

Pinecrest, California · Calaveras County · Campground

Overview BIG MEADOW CAMPGROUND IS CURRENTLY CLOSED. Trash and Water Services are not available at this time. 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 includ…

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38.41639, -120.10500
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5-Day Forecast

Weather at Big Meadow (Stanislaus National Forest)

Live forecast for the park. Plan your visit accordingly.

Avg High56°F
Avg Low35°F
Peak Rain Chance17%
Humidity55%
UV (avg)4
Today
❄️
Heavy Snow
45°/31°
💧 17%🌬 13mph
↑ 6:29 AM ↓ 4:58 PM
Wed
☁️
Overcast
50°/32°
🌬 7mph
↑ 6:30 AM ↓ 4:57 PM
Thu
☁️
Overcast
59°/34°
🌬 10mph
↑ 6:31 AM ↓ 4:56 PM
Fri
☁️
Overcast
63°/36°
🌬 10mph
↑ 6:32 AM ↓ 4:55 PM
Sat
☀️
Clear
62°/40°
🌬 9mph
↑ 6:33 AM ↓ 4:54 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About Big Meadow (Stanislaus National Forest)

Overview BIG MEADOW CAMPGROUND IS CURRENTLY CLOSED. Trash and Water Services are not available at this time. 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's.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 and is currently CLOSED.Big Meadow Group camp is easily accessible from Highway 4 and can accommodate a maximum of 50 guests and 20 vehicles. THERE IS CURRENTLY NO WATER & THE VAULT TOILETS ARE CLOSED FOR THE SEASON. Natural Features Situated in the central Sierra Nevada Mountains, Stanislaus National Forest is sandwiched between the well-known destinations, Lake Tahoe and Yosemite. It boasts gorgeous views of snow-capped mountain peaks and California's Great Central Valley. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (209) 753-6350.

Photos

BIG MEADOW STANISLAUS NATL FS
BIG MEADOW STANISLAUS NATL FS

Campsites at Big Meadow (Stanislaus National Forest)

137 campsites at this campground.

Site 52
STANDARD NONELECTRICUp to 50
Site 48
STANDARD NONELECTRICUp to 50
Site 22
STANDARD NONELECTRICUp to 50
Site 57
STANDARD NONELECTRICUp to 50
Site 67
STANDARD NONELECTRICUp to 50
Site 41
STANDARD NONELECTRICUp to 50
Site 17
STANDARD NONELECTRICUp to 50
Site 02
STANDARD NONELECTRICUp to 50
Site 10
STANDARD NONELECTRICUp to 50
Site 09
STANDARD NONELECTRICUp to 50
Site 23
STANDARD NONELECTRICUp to 50
Site 58
STANDARD NONELECTRICUp to 50
Site 29
STANDARD NONELECTRICUp to 50
Site 49
STANDARD NONELECTRICUp to 50
Site 06
STANDARD NONELECTRICUp to 50
Site 35
STANDARD NONELECTRICUp to 50
Site 31
STANDARD NONELECTRICUp to 50
Site 66
STANDARD NONELECTRICUp to 50
Site 36
STANDARD NONELECTRICUp to 50
Site 32
STANDARD NONELECTRICUp to 50
Site 60
STANDARD NONELECTRICUp to 50
Site 16
STANDARD NONELECTRICUp to 50
Site 56
STANDARD NONELECTRICUp to 50
Site 45
STANDARD NONELECTRICUp to 50

Showing 24 of 137 campsites.

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Long-sleeve shirt
    Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
  • 🧥
    Light shell or windbreaker
    Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 13 mph).
  • 👖
    Hiking pants or convertible
    Layer for variable conditions.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners or low boots
    Comfortable, broken in.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection
    Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Plan Your Visit to Big Meadow (Stanislaus National Forest)

Heading to Big Meadow (Stanislaus National Forest)? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Big Meadow (Stanislaus National Forest)?

No central reservation system listed for Big Meadow (Stanislaus National Forest). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232260) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How many campsites are at Big Meadow (Stanislaus National Forest)?

Big Meadow (Stanislaus National Forest) has 137 campsites. Site amenities (hookups, vehicle limits, ADA access) vary — see the individual campsite pages for details.

How do I get to Big Meadow (Stanislaus National Forest)?

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

How do I contact Big Meadow (Stanislaus National Forest)?

You can reach the park at phone: 209-795-1381.

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