Big Meadow
The campground is open for the 2026 season. Reservations are available via Recreation.gov. Water and trash services may be limited early in the season. Check-in is 2:00 p.m., check-out is noon. Quiet hours 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Some sites may be closed at various times due to hazard trees.
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Road closure for Forest Road 1N98 due to repairs for the Cherry Valley Dam Spillway Project
Stanislaus National Forest issues closure for Forest Road 1N98, SFPUC to make repairs for the Cherry Valley Dam Spillway Short-Term Improvement Project June 1, 2026-May 31, 2027.
Stanislaus National Forest extends seasonal MVUM closure for two high elevation roads
Following a series of evaluations by Stanislaus National Forest Recreation Specialists, the Forest has issued Forest Order STF-16-2026-78 cleaving closed Forest Road No. 8N13 and a portion of Forest Road No. 4N12, two roads in the forest’s higher elevations. Although the Forest generally had a…
Mtn. Tunnel Project Temporary Road Closure of Forest Road No. 1S28B
Temporary road closure of Forest Service Road 1S28B for Mountain Tunnel Improvement Projects
Extension of Seasonal Road Closures
Following a series of evaluations by Stanislaus National Forest Recreation Specialists, the Forest has issued Forest Order STF-16-2026-04 cleaving closed several roads in the forest’s higher elevations. Conditions will continue to be monitored on a regular basis and when applicable, roads will…
Beardsley Lake Boat Ramp Closure thru June 15
At the request of Tri-Dam, the Stanislaus National Forest has issued Forest Order STF-16-2026-03; effective April 15 through June 15, 2026, closing the Beardsley Lake Boat Ramp for all use.
Temporary Road Closures
This Forest Order closes the below listed roads beginning Aug 7, expiring on Dec 31, 2026.Calaveras District Roads (Exhibit A):• Forest Road No. 4N40• Forest Road No. 4N80Y (Candy Rock Road), from the gate at approximately 3.5 miles fromHighway 4 then continuing to its terminus. 36 CFR…
Cherry Lake Camping Restrictions
Camping, cooking, building a campfire, or storing fuel on National Forest Lands at, below or within 100 feet above the Cherry Lake high water mark (4702 feet elevation), or on the island within Cherry Lake
About
Big Meadow Campground occupies a scenic forested setting on the Calaveras Ranger District of Stanislaus National Forest, adjacent to Highway 4 about 20 miles east of Arnold. At 6,460 feet elevation, the campground is shaded by a mixed conifer forest of red fir, white fir, and lodgepole pine interspersed with quaking aspen. Natural granitic rock outcrops are scattered throughout the area. The 65 individual campsites are large, private, and well-shaded. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, bear-proof food locker, tent pad, and parking spur. Vault toilets and drinking water from faucets are available when operational. This is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out campground with no garbage service. Popular activities include hiking, birding, and picnicking. Lake Alpine and Spicer Meadow Reservoir are both about 15 minutes away, offering fishing, boating, and other water recreation. Wildlife viewing opportunities include marmots, squirrels, coyotes, and deer.
Directions
From Arnold, California, take Highway 4 east for 20 miles. The campground is on the south side of the highway, nine miles southwest of Lake Alpine, just before Spicer Road.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $19 - $100 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 35ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 35ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (209) 795-1381 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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