Jeffrey pines and wildflowers in late June
Historic Cabin at Big Meadows
Big Meadows in early summer

Big Meadows Cabin

Closed — Closed for the season. The cabin operates from mid-June through mid-October depending on weather and snow conditions. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.

National Forest System Roads

Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads

Western Divide and Kern River Ranger Districts Winter Road Closures

To provide for public safety and protect natural resources, using any type of motorized wheeled vehicle on the National Forest System roads the Exhibit and attached map, except persons using a tracked over-the-snow vehicle when there is a minimum of twelve inches of snow on the road.

Hume Lake Ranger District Road Closure Except ATV/OHV and Tracked Vehicles - 2025

To provide public safety and protect natural resources, using any type of motorized wheeled vehicle on the National Forest System roads listed below and shown on the attached map (Exhibit A) is prohibited.

Hume Lake Ranger District Road Closure Except Tracked Vehicles - 2025

To provide public safety and protect natural resources, the following act is prohibited within the Hume Lake

Hume Lake Ranger District Winter Roads Closure - No Exceptions - 2025

To provide public safety and protect natural resources, using any type of motorized wheeled vehicle on the National Forest System roads listed below and shown on the attached map (Exhibit A) is prohibited.

Wildlife Alert - BEARS

Be Bear Aware During Your Visit.Are you prepared to store your food properly on your next camping or backpacking trip?Much of the Sequoia National Forest is American black bear habitat. They belong here.

Sequoia National Forest Camping and Parking Restrictions

The following acts are prohibited within the Sequoia National Forest. 1. Camping for more than 14 consecutive days within any 30-day period anywhere on National Forest System lands within the Sequoia National Forest. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(a).

Day Use Only Prohibition FOREST ORDER NO. 0513-25-04

The following is prohibited within the Sequoia National ForestBeing in an area designated as Day Use Only after sunset or before sunrise.

Kings River Scenic Byway Dispersed Camping Prohibition 2025

To protect natural resources, camping within 250 feet of the Kings River Scenic Byway (State Highway 180) from its intersection with Tenmile Road (Forest Road No. 13S09) and continuing east approximately 21.1 miles to the Sequoia National Forest boundary. See map.

Kern River Ranger District Glass Container Prohibition

The following act is Prohibited within the Kern River Ranger District of the Sequoia National Forest: Possessing or storing food or beverages in glass containers in the Kern Canyon and Isabella Lake Glass Container Prohibition Areas, as described in Exhibit A, and shown on Exhibits B, C, and D.

North Fork Kern Wild and Scenic River Camping Prohibition

Camping is prohibited outside of the developed campgrounds and designated dispersed camping areas listed in the Exhibit and locations shown on the map.

Brush Creek Dispersed Camping Area Prohibition

Camping is prohibited within 50 feet of the Brush Creek water’s edge, between the intersection of Brush Creek with the Kern River and points 0.5 miles east of the Kern River along both branches of Brush Cree

Chico Flat Dispersed Camping Area Prohibition

Kern River Ranger DistrictChico Flat Dispersed Camping Area Prohibition

About

Big Meadows Guard Station is a historic rental cabin nestled at 7,600 feet elevation at the edge of Big Meadows in Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument. Built between 1933 and 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps as a residence for Forest Service fire patrolmen, the cabin was restored in 2001 while retaining its original character including vintage cabinets, flooring, and bath fixtures. The 900-square-foot cabin features a bedroom with a queen bed, twin bunk beds, and closet; a fully-equipped kitchen with refrigerator, stove, oven, and microwave; a living room with a sofa sleeper, rocking chair, and desk; and a bathroom. The kitchen is stocked with cookware, utensils, and cleaning supplies. Outside, guests can enjoy a fire ring/barbecue and picnic table while taking in views of the expansive meadow and surrounding peaks. The cabin sleeps up to 6 people but guests must bring their own bedding and linens. The cabin sits across from Big Meadows, a large meadow surrounded by lodgepole pine, Jeffrey pine, and red fir forest. Big Meadows Creek runs through the meadow, and the Big Meadows Trailhead provides direct access to the Jennie Lakes Wilderness. Multiple giant sequoia groves are accessible by vehicle in the area. Buck Rock fire lookout, a granite dome with a historic fire tower open to visitors, is a short drive away. Hume Lake offers fishing and non-motorized boating opportunities 15 miles from the cabin. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are nearby.

Directions

Take Highway 180 east to the Kings Canyon National Park entrance, where you will be required to purchase a forest/park permit. After entering the park, continue 2 miles to the park Wye. At the Wye, turn right toward Sequoia National Park and continue on the Generals Highway approximately 6 miles to the Big Meadows Road turnoff (Forest Road 14S11) on the left. Follow Big Meadows Road approximately 4 miles to the cabin on the left side of the road.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $125

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (559) 338-2251

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Jeffrey pines and wildflowers in late June
Historic Cabin at Big Meadows
Big Meadows in early summer

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