Meadow Lake Campground
Closed — Closed for the season due to snow and winter conditions. Opens July 1. First-come, first-served, no reservations.
Snow Grooming Updates
GROOMING PROGRAM: Snowmobile trail grooming is funded by the State of California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) division winter program.
PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: Nyack - 200 acres
Total acreage: 200 Ignition dates: Jan. 14 - Feb. 28, 2026 (tentative, weather dependent)
Sierraville Ranger District Trail Closure
Forest Trail 16E87 (Boca-Loyalton Trail) is closed for public health and safety.
Camping and Campfire Restrictions-Truckee and Sierraville Districts
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety and toprotect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Truckee and Sierraville Ranger
Highway 20 Area Camping Restrictions
To provide for public safety and to protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Tahoe National Forest.
Cabin Creek Sale Closure
To provide for public safety and to protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Tahoe National Forest.
14-day Camping Occupancy Restrictions
Camping on the Tahoe National Forest is limited to 14 days in a calendar year.
Hoke Valley- Forest Road 860-07 (17E11 Trail) Closed
Forest Road 860 -01 (17E11 Trail) in the Hoke Valley area has been closed to allow for Hoke Valley Meadow restoration.
About
Meadow Lake Campground is a rustic camping destination located on the shores of Meadow Lake in the Tahoe National Forest at 7,500 feet elevation. The campground contains 15 basic campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring with grill. Vault toilets are provided, but campers must bring their own water or treat water from nearby sources. The reservoir is maintained and operated by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). The campground is particularly popular with off-highway vehicle enthusiasts due to its proximity to numerous OHV trails, including access to the famous Fordyce Jeep Trail. Small trailers and campers can be accommodated, though the last few miles of the access road are unpaved and very rough. Each August, the area serves as base camp for Sierra Trek 4x4 events. The lake offers an informal boat launch for motorized and non-motorized watercraft. An additional 10 campsites are available at the nearby Meadow Lake Shoreline Campground. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis for $15 per night, with additional fees for extra vehicles ($3) and pets ($1). The remote location and rough access road make this an ideal destination for experienced campers seeking a more primitive mountain experience.
Directions
From Truckee, travel north on Highway 89 for 17 miles to Forest Road 7. Turn left and travel west to the Meadow Lake turnoff. Turn left on Forest Road 86 (becomes Nevada County Road 843) and travel south for approximately 10 miles. Most of the route is paved, but the last few miles are unpaved and very rough.
Nearby Campgrounds
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 | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Meadow Lake Shoreline Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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