Meadow Lake Campground
Closed for the season. Typically opens around July 1, weather and road conditions permitting. First-come, first-served with no advance reservations.
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.…
PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: Madrone Springs Underburn - 185 acres
Tahoe National Forest is planning to conduct a 185-acre prescribed fire off Madrone Springs Road near Nevada City, Calif. starting Oct. 28, 2026. Ignitions may continue for several days, conditions permitting. Smoke will be visible from Highway 20, Madrone Springs Rd., Washington Ridge and the…
About
Meadow Lake Campground sits on the shore of Meadow Lake, a scenic high-elevation reservoir at roughly 7,500 feet in the Tahoe National Forest. Operated by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), this rustic campground provides 15 individual campsites equipped with picnic tables, grills, and vault toilets. An additional 10 sites are available at the adjacent Meadow Lake Shoreline Campground. The campground is a favorite destination for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts, as the Fordyce Jeep Trail is easily accessible from the area. Motorized boating is permitted on Meadow Lake, and an informal boat launch provides water access. The surrounding forest offers opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Access requires traveling the final several miles on unpaved, rough roads, making this campground best suited for smaller trailers and campers rather than large RVs. Campers should bring their own drinking water, as no potable water is available on site. The remote setting and rustic facilities appeal to those seeking a more primitive camping experience in the Sierra Nevada.
Directions
From Truckee, travel north on Highway 89 for 17 miles to Forest Road 7. Turn left (west) to the Meadow Lake turnoff. Turn left on Forest Service Road 86, which becomes Nevada County Road 843, traveling south for approximately 10 miles. Most of the route is paved, but the last few miles are unpaved and very rough.
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 | — |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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