About Big Meadow Campground - US Forest Service Sequoia National Forest (CA)
Overview Big Meadows Campground is located 75 miles east of Fresno, California, in the Sequoia National Forest and Sequoia National Monument. The campground sits at an elevation of 7,500 feet. Please note, this campground IS NOT within Shenandoah National Park. Recreation Hiking into the Jennie Lakes Wilderness and fly fishing in Big Meadows Creek are popular options. Horseback riders have access to the nearby Horse Corral Pack Station. Numerous trailheads provide access to popular wilderness areas including Jennie Lakes, Monarch and National Park wilderness destinations. Guests looking for water activities can visit Hume Lake, only 15 miles away.Facilities The campground offers 43 single campsites and one double-family campsite. Picnic tables and campfire rings are provided, as are vault toilets. THERE IS NO POTABLE WATER AVAILABLE AT THIS LOCATION. Natural Features Big Meadow is a beautiful, higher altitude campground, uniquely arranged into 5 separate units with approximately 5 - 9 campsites per unit. The campground has a primitive feel but with amenities. Each unit has a maintained vault toilet and trash dumpster. Sites each have a fire ring, picnic table and a food storage box. Campground is near numerous meadows and sits along a serene creek that hosts plenty of wildlife.Buck Rock Lookout, perched at an elevation of 8,500 feet, is a short drive away. Hume Lake is approximately 15 miles from the campground. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420.
How to Get There
Take Highway 180 east to the Kings Canyon National Park entrance, where you will be required to purchase a forest/park permit. After entering the park, continue 2 miles where you will stay to the right as though you were going to Sequoia National Park. Continue on the General's Highway approximately 6 miles to the turn off to Big Meadows. The Big Meadows Road (Forest Road 14S11) is located on the left-hand side of the road. Follow this road approximately 5 miles, where you will find the campground on right side of the road. Please refer to the small scale map, or contact the Hume Lake District office for more specific directions.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 6 mph).
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Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 9)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun 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 Campground - US Forest Service Sequoia National Forest (CA)
Heading to Big Meadow Campground - US Forest Service Sequoia National Forest (CA)? 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 Campground - US Forest Service Sequoia National Forest (CA)?
No central reservation system listed for Big Meadow Campground - US Forest Service Sequoia National Forest (CA). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/256932) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Big Meadow Campground - US Forest Service Sequoia National Forest (CA)?
Take Highway 180 east to the Kings Canyon National Park entrance, where you will be required to purchase a forest/park permit. After entering the park, continue 2 miles where you will stay to the right as though you were going to Sequoia National Park. Continue on the General's Highway approximately 6 miles to the turn off to Big Meadows. The Big Meadows Road (Forest Road 14S11) is located on the …
How do I contact Big Meadow Campground - US Forest Service Sequoia National Forest (CA)?
You can reach the park at phone: 559-325-2232 or email: jgross@goexplorus.com.
References & Official Resources