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.
Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 4:33PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
An Air Quality Alert has been issued by the following agencies: Washington Department of Ecology Colville Confederated Tribes Environmental Protection Agency Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency An Air Quality Alert has been issued for Adams, Asotin, Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Garfield, Grant, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, and Whitman Counties until further notice due to current and expected smoke from regional fires. Particulate matter (PM2.5) may reach Very Unhealthy levels for areas directly downwind from active wildfires. Other areas may reach Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups or worse. Intermittent clearing may occur due to windy conditions, but smoke production continues to be significant. When air quality is Unhealthy, everyone should reduce exposure. Limit time outside, avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and follow tips for cleaner indoor air. When air quality is Very Unhealthy, everyone should reduce exposure. Stay inside and filter indoor air to keep it cleaner. Go elsewhere for cleaner air, if needed.
Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 11:25AM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
An Air Quality Alert has been issued by the following agencies: Washington Department of Ecology Colville Confederated Tribes Environmental Protection Agency Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency An Air Quality Alert has been issued for Adams, Asotin, Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Garfield, Grant, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, and Whitman Counties until further notice due to current and expected smoke from regional fires. Critical fire weather this weekend will produce significant smoke from ongoing and emerging fires. Particulate matter (PM2.5) may reach Very Unhealthy levels for areas directly downwind from active wildfires. Other areas may reach Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups or worse. Intermittent clearing may occur due to windy conditions, but smoke production continues to be significant. When air quality is Unhealthy, everyone should reduce exposure. Limit time outside, avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and follow tips for cleaner indoor air. When air quality is Very Unhealthy, everyone should reduce exposure. Stay inside and filter indoor air to keep it cleaner. Go elsewhere for cleaner air, if needed.
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.
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
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!