Big Meadow Lake Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. The campground typically operates May through September. Access to the back loop is limited seasonally. First-come-first-served, no reservations.
Air Stagnation Advisory issued December 29 at 11:45AM PST until January 1 at 12:00PM PST by NWS Spokane WA
* WHAT...Stagnant conditions will have potential to trap pollutants near the ground with deteriorated air quality. * WHERE...Portions of North and North Central Idaho and North Central, Northeast, and Southeast Washington. * WHEN...Until noon PST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Periods of air stagnation can lead to the buildup of pollutants near the surface.
Alcohol Prohibitions
This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.
Aquatic Invasive Species
This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.
Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products
This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order.
Snow Peak and Katy Creek Fires - Area Closure Terminated
The Area Closure for the Katy Creek and Snow Peak Fire have been terminated as of October 17, 2025.
Termination Sept. 27, 2025 - Public Use Restrictions Stage 1
Public Use Restrictions Stage 1 ends on Saturday 27, 2025.
Occupancy and Use / Camping Restrictions Order: 06-21-00-25-01
Prohibits camping and/or long term occupancy by any person or group, within the boundaries of National Forest System lands administered by the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and the Colville National Forest, for more than 14 consecutive days in one location and more than 28 calendar days annu
Food Storage Order: 06-21-00-21-02
The goal of this special order is to minimize the potential for bears and other wildlife to access human foods. Animals that have repeatedly obtained unsecured human foods can learn to associate the presence of humans with a food reward and begin to lose their natural fear of man.
Aquatic Invasive Species Order: 06-00-00-21-01
This order prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species on the national Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region.
About
Big Meadow Lake Campground occupies a forested mountain setting at 3,400 feet elevation surrounding a shallow 4.1-acre lake in the Colville National Forest. The campground provides 17 free campsites equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and tent pads, all within walking distance of the lake. The facility caters to tent campers and smaller RVs, though the back loop has limited seasonal access. The lake is stocked annually with rainbow trout and offers fishing from an ADA-accessible dock on the west end or from various shoreline locations. Internal combustion motors are prohibited, making this a quiet spot for canoes, kayaks, and other non-motorized watercraft. A primitive boat launch is available. Two-pole fishing is permitted, but lead weights or jigs measuring 1.5 inches or less are prohibited to protect breeding common loons. Approximately 4.4 miles of easy trails wind through the area. A paved interpretive trail leads to a relocated lookout tower offering views of the lake and Meadow Creek valley. Another trail visits the historic Hess Homestead Cabin, which is available for day use on a first-come-first-served basis. The Lakeshore Trail wraps around the lake, and the Meadow Creek Trail extends into the surrounding forest. The area is excellent for wildlife viewing, particularly waterfowl and common loons in summer.
Directions
From Colville: Head east on WA-20 E for 0.9 miles. Turn left onto Aladdin Road and continue 19.4 miles. Turn right onto Meadow Creek Road (County Road 2695, gravel) and continue 6.5 miles to the campground entrance. From Ione: Head west on Main Street for 0.3 miles, turn left onto Houghton Street for 0.2 miles, turn left onto 8th Ave/Cedar Creek Road for 0.7 miles, turn right onto Stecker Road for 2.5 miles, then turn left onto Meadow Creek Road for 4.3 miles to the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (509) 738-7700 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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