Weekend availability at Big Meadow (Stanislaus National Forest)
Live from Recreation.gov · checked Sep 19, 7:53 AM PTSold out 1 of the next 3 weekends — exactly when cancellation alerts earn their keep.
- Fri, Sep 18Sold out
- Fri, Sep 25Open43/48 sites
- Fri, Oct 2Open44/49 sites
Friday + Saturday nights, sites bookable both nights. Counts come from a rotating sweep and can lag a cancellation by up to a day — alerts watch your exact dates within minutes.
How booked is Big Meadow (Stanislaus National Forest)?
as of September 19Sites are open right now — we found space out to Oct. That changes fast at a campground. We check Big Meadow (Stanislaus National Forest) around the clock, so the moment your dates fill up and a cancellation reopens them, you'll be first to know. Weekdays still have room — for now.
Weekends (Saturday night)
Weekdays (Wednesday night)
Availability checked directly against the reservation system, out to 3 months ahead.
Campsites & amenities
Site-level details from Recreation.gov's official catalog.
- Campsites
- 137
- Max rig length
- 56 ft
About this campground
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.
Getting there
From Arnold, California, take Highway 4 east for 25 miles to the Big Meadow Campground.
Activities
- HIKING
- CAMPING
- BIRDING
Nearby federal campgrounds
- Stanislaus River CampgroundStanislaus National Forest3 mi
- Utica/Union ReservoirsStanislaus National Forest5 mi
- (Lake Alpine) Lodgepole CampgroundStanislaus National Forest6 mi
- Alpine Ranger StationStanislaus National Forest6 mi
- Black Springs OHV AreaStanislaus National Forest6 mi
- Black Springs OHV CampgroundCalifornia6 mi
Never miss an opening at Big Meadow (Stanislaus National Forest)
Popular California campgrounds book out months ahead — but cancellations happen every day. We watch Big Meadow (Stanislaus National Forest) around the clock and alert you the moment a sold-out site reopens for your dates, so you don't have to keep refreshing Recreation.gov.
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We'll email you if Big Meadow (Stanislaus National Forest) opens up for a weekend you pick. No account needed.
Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office or on Recreation.gov before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.