Big Meadow Lake Campground
The campground is closed for the season and opens Memorial Day weekend 2026. Access to the back loop is limited seasonally. No reservations are accepted; all sites are first-come, first-served. No potable water or trash service available.
Heat Advisory issued July 21 at 10:05PM PDT until July 23 at 9:00PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
* WHAT...Hot temperatures with daytime highs in the mid 90s to low 100s Wednesday and Thursday. This will pose a moderate to major risk of heat-related illness. * WHERE...Portions of North and North Central Idaho and Central, East Central, North Central, Northeast, and Southeast Washington. * WHEN...Until 9 PM PDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Wednesday will likely be the hottest day with widespread moderate and major HeatRisk. Limited overnight relief expected across the lower elevations Wednesday and Thursday mornings with low temperatures in the mid 60s to mid 70s.
Air Quality Alert issued July 21 at 12:16PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
An Air Quality Alert has been issued by the following agencies: Washington Department of Ecology Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency An Air Quality Alert continues for Spokane, Ferry, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, and Stevens Counties, effective immediately through Wednesday, July 22nd at 9 AM, due to current and expected wildfire smoke from regional fires. Particulate matter (PM2.5) levels are expected to range in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups and Unhealthy categories. In Eastern Okanogan County near active wildfires, air quality may reach Very Unhealthy to Hazardous levels. When air quality is Unhealthy, everyone should reduce exposure. Limit time outside, avoid strenuous activity, and follow tips for cleaner indoor air.
Air Quality Alert issued July 20 at 12:03PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
An Air Quality Alert has been issued by the following agencies: Washington Department of Ecology Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency An Air Quality Alert has been issued for Spokane, Ferry, Lincoln, Okanogan, Grant, Pend Oreille, and Stevens Counties, effective immediately through Wednesday, July 22nd at 9 AM, due to current and expected wildfire smoke from regional fires. Particulate matter (PM2.5) levels are expected to range in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups and Unhealthy categories. In Eastern Okanogan County near active wildfires, air quality may reach Very Unhealthy to Hazardous levels. When air quality is Unhealthy, everyone should reduce exposure. Limit time outside, avoid strenuous activity, and follow tips for cleaner indoor air.
About
Big Meadow Lake Campground is a peaceful, no-fee destination in the Three Rivers Ranger District of Colville National Forest. The 17 campsites are set among forest with a mix of private and lake-view locations, each equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and tent pad. Vault toilets are available, but there is no potable water or garbage service, so visitors must bring their own drinking water and pack out all trash. The shallow 4.1-acre lake reaches a maximum depth of 15 feet and is stocked annually with rainbow trout that grow to 10-16 inches. A primitive boat launch accommodates canoes and other non-motorized watercraft, as internal combustion motors are prohibited and the lake is a no-wake zone with an 8 mph speed limit. An ADA-accessible fishing dock on the west end and a paved viewing platform provide excellent lake access. The area supports breeding common loons, so lead weights under 1.5 inches are prohibited. Approximately 4.4 miles of easy interpretive trails wind around the lake and through adjacent meadows, including a path to a lookout tower with panoramic views and the day-use Hess Homestead Cabin. Quiet hours are enforced from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., and the maximum stay is 14 days. A Washington state fishing license is required.
Directions
From Colville, WA: Take WA-20 E for 0.9 miles, turn left onto Aladdin Road and continue for 19.4 miles, then turn right onto Meadow Creek Road for 6.5 miles to the campground entrance. From Ione, WA: Head west on Main St, turn left onto Houghton St, left onto 8th Ave/Cedar Creek Rd for 0.7 miles, right onto Stecker Rd for 2.5 miles, then left onto Meadow Creek Rd for 4.3 miles to the campground.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (509) 738-7700 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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