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Big Meadow Campground
Located on the Calaveras Ranger District, this scenic campground is within a conifer forest of red fir, white fir, and lodgepole pine with scattered quaking aspen. Sites are large, private and shady. Natural granitic rock outcrops are scattered throughout.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Calaveras Ranger District (HWY 4) |
|---|---|
| Reservations: | Big Meadow is a first-come, first-served campground. |
| Fees: | The Forest Service operates the Big Meadow Campground and charges the following fees: New campsite fee prices, 2024 & 2025 $25 per night and fee raises to $30 per night in 2026. The America the Beautiful, Interagency Senior and Access Passes are honored and receive 50% off the nightly rate. Only applicable to the single site the pass holder occupies. Pass number must be written on fee envelope. The Interagency Annual and Volunteer passes do not provide any discounts on camping. |
| Best Season: | summer |
| Busiest Season: | summer |
| Restrictions: | Some sites may be closed at various times due to hazard trees. |
| Closest Towns: | Emergency medical services are available at the Arnold Medical Clinic in the Meadowmont Shopping Center in Arnold, and at Mark Twain St. Joseph Hospital in San Andreas (Highway 49). Food, gas, and camping supplies available in Arnold, Camp Connell, Bear Valley, and Lake Alpine. Public (fee) showers are available at Lake Alpine Lodge. |
| Water: | Yes, potable |
| Restroom: | Vault toilets, no showers |
| Passes: | America the Beautiful passes (Senior and Access versions only) and Golden Age and Golden Access passes are accepted and reduce camping fee to half-price. |
| Operated By: | US Forest Service |
General Information
Directions:Adjacent to Big Meadow Group Campground, nine miles southwest of Lake Alpine on Highway 4, 20 miles east of Arnold.
General Notes:
No garbage service: Pack it in, Pack it out.
Bear boxes are available at campground sites.
The campground is located adjacent to Highway 4; some traffic noise may be apparent in individual sites close to the highway.
Activities
Campground Camping
| No. of Sites | 68 |
RV Camping
Maximum vehicle length is 27 feet. Not all sites are RV accessible.