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Big Meadow (Stanislaus National Forest)
FSU.S. Forest Service — California · Stanislaus National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Stanislaus National Forest |
| Location | California · Stanislaus National Forest · 38.41639, -120.10500 · Map |
| Sites | 133 public sites counted from the federal listing — 122 standard nonelectric; 10 tent only nonelectric; 1 group tent only area nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 133 sites Water hookups at 0 of 133 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 133 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 133 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 53 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 54 sites · 30 ft: 42 sites · 35 ft: 28 sites · 40 ft: 13 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 1:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 66 sites, as reported |
| Accessibility | N |
| Amenities, as reported | Vault toilets |
| Phone | 209-795-1381 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-06-26.
From the official listing
Overview Big Meadow Campground lies at about 6,400 feet elevation on the Stanislaus National Forest. It is located 21 miles east of Arnold, California. Breathtaking views abound, and wildlife viewing opportunities include marmots, squirrels, and deer.
Recreation Picnicking, birding and hiking are popular pastimes at Big Meadow.
Lake Alpine and Spicer Meadow Reservoir, both just a 15 minute drive away, offer fishing and other water activities. Facilities Big Meadow has 65 individual camping sites.
Big Meadow Group camp is easily accessible from Highway 4 and can accommodate a maximum of 50 guests and 20 vehicles.
Natural Features Big Meadow Campground is situated in Stanislaus National Forest. It is known for exceptional stargazing, remote location, spread out campsites, and large granite boulders.
Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (209) 753-6350.
Directions, from the listing
From Arnold, California, take Highway 4 east for 25 miles to the Big Meadow Campground.
Nearest federal campgrounds
3 mi straight-line · CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceSandy Flat - Utica Reservoir (Stanislaus NF)
5 mi straight-line · CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceUnion West - Union Reservoir (Stanislaus NF)
6 mi straight-line · CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest Service(Lake Alpine) Lodgepole Campground
6 mi straight-line · CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest Service(Lake Alpine) West Shore
7 mi straight-line · California
Trip Card — Big Meadow (Stanislaus National Forest)
California · Stanislaus National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | California · Stanislaus National Forest |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Up to 53 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 133 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232260 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.