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.
Winter Weather Advisory issued October 29 at 11:13AM PDT until November 1 at 7:00AM PST by NWS Sacramento CA
* WHAT...Snow expected for elevations above 7000 feet. Total snow accumulations up to 8 inches, with up to 12 inches at the highest peaks. Minor accumulations of up to 2 inches possible down to 6000 feet. * WHERE...Northern Sierra above 7000 feet, including Highway 50 and Interstate 80. * WHEN...From 8 AM PDT Saturday to 7 AM PST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels initially 7000 to 8000 feet Saturday, lowering to 6000 to 7000 feet Saturday night into Sunday. Heaviest snowfall expected Saturday evening into Sunday.
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.…
Stanislaus National Forest issues temporary road closure order for Forest Order 4N90
Stanislaus National Forest issues temporary road closure for portion of Forest Road No. 4N90
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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