Camping around Big Meadow
Big Meadow is located along Highway 4, twenty miles east of Arnold. Other than being an attractive camping spot, there are few recreation opportunities at Big Meadow itself. The campground is centrally located, however, and can serve as a base for day trips.
The North Fork of the Stanislaus River can be reached by a 2-mile descent on a 4-wheel road. Calaveras Big Trees State Park is 17 miles to the west, and a few miles to the east are Spicer Reservoir, Bear Valley, and Lake Alpine.
Big Meadow Campground
Big Meadow Campground
Big Meadow Campground is set among firs, pines, and aspens near Highway 4 in Big Meadow, 20 miles east of Arnold. Besides standard sites (which hold up to 6 people) there is a group site for up to 50 people. The campground is at an elevation of 6,500 feet. Large campsites interspersed with granite outcroppings make it an attractive campground despite its lack of proximity to any recreation areas. A 4-wheel-road leads 2 miles down to the North Fork of the Stanislaus River. Single campsites are first-come, first-served. The group site must be reserved.
Directions: Take Highway 4 twenty miles east of Arnold.
Fees: $19 for a single site; $50 for the group site.
Group Campsite Reservations: (800) 444-6777 or Recreation.gov - Big Meadow Campground
Big Meadow Campground Amenities
- 21 campsites for tents and RVs up to 35 feet
- Piped water, vault toilets
- Picnic tables, fire rings
Sand Flat Campground
Sand Flat Campground is an unimproved camping area on the North Fork of the Stanislaus River (not to be confused with the Sand Flat Campground in Tuolumne County). It is located near the Boy Scout's Camp Wolfeboro, which is quite active during summer months. Access is by foot or by 4-wheel, high clearance vehicles.
Directions: At Big Meadow, 20 miles east of Arnold, take the 4-wheel drive road 2 miles down to the river and turn right.
Fees: None
Reservations: None
Sand Flat Campground Amenities
- 10 unimproved campsites for tents
- No Water, picnic tables
- Vault toilets, some fire rings
