Middle Meadows

Campground · California · 2 bookable sites ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Eldorado National Forest (NF) · Open Access

2
Bookable sites
25 ft
Max rig length
up to 50
People per site
4,734 ft
Elevation
Lush forest provide shade for Middle Meadows Group Campground
Photo: Forest Service photo · Recreation.gov

Overview

Middle Meadows Campground offers a quiet place to camp, far from the hustle and bustle of city life. The campground is isolated from other campgrounds and offers a variety of recreational activities in its vicinity. Its scenic location also provides for beautiful sightseeing, birding and wildlife viewing.

Recreation

Campers at Middle Meadows enjoy a forested setting and close access to a flowing creek, making it an ideal spot for family trips. Hell Hole Reservoir, located less than 5 miles from the campground, offers a variety of water-related recreation opportunities, including boating and fishing. There is a swimming hole that is located just west of Middle Meadows Group Campground about 0.25 miles.

Facilities

The campground offers two group campsites. The sites can accommodate up to 25 and 50 guests respectively. Each site is equipped with tables, campfire circles and grills. Vault and portable toilets are provided. Bear proof food containers and garbage receptacles are provided at each camp site. Currently, potable water is not available due to contamination problems. Please bring drinking water, containers or water filters. Potable water is available from faucets at Big Meadows Campground, which is located 2.5 miles northeast of Middle Meadows Group Campground.

Natural Features

Middle Meadows is located along the South Fork of Long Canyon Creek with a heavily wooded surrounding. Forests include large cedar, pine and fir trees and shrubs. Although the campground has a primitive, undiscovered feel to it, the serene mountain landscape is well worth the long drive from civilization.

Nearby Attractions

Middle Meadows is located adjacent to Long Canyon Creek for fishing and wading. Hell Hole Reservoir is a short drive north. A boat ramp is available at the reservoir.

The facts

  • Season: June — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
  • 2 bookable sites
  • Vehicles up to 25 ft
  • Up to 50 people per site
  • Loops: 1

Site types

  • 2 Group Standard Nonelectric

Amenities

  • Campfires allowed
  • Fire pits
  • Picnic tables
  • Shade

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, grills, pets allowed.

Book on Recreation.gov

2 campsites at Middle Meadows

Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 1:00 PM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceWaterMax rigPeople
0011Group Standard Nonelectric—GravelRiverfront25 ft50
0021Group Standard Nonelectric—GravelRiverfront25 ft25

Getting there

From Sacramento, California, take Interstate 80 east to Auburn. Take the Elm Street exit and turn left at the stoplight. Follow Highway 49 down the canyon, across the American River, to Cool. Turn onto Highway 193 towards Georgetown. Turn left at the stop sign, then continue 22 miles to 11 Pines Road. Make a left and stay on this road (Forest Highway 2) for about 25 miles to the campground.

39.05111, -120.46611 · 39°3'4.0"N 120°27'58.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in12.210.810.35.13.51.20.20.30.94.27.712.6

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 14.6 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

More photos

Member photos

Common questions about Middle Meadows

Can you reserve a site at Middle Meadows?
Yes, Middle Meadows is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Middle Meadows have?
2 sites.
What is the maximum RV length at Middle Meadows?
25 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are campfires allowed at Middle Meadows?
Campfires are allowed at Middle Meadows. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Also listed by

Middle Meadows also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Middle Meadows's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

  • Two group sites: Unit #1 = $50/night, 50 people maximum. Walk-in to site from central parking area. Unit #2 = $25/night, 25 person maximum. Walk-in to site from central parking area. Interagency Senior and Access passes are not accepted for group units. There is no water available at the campground.

Restrictions:

  • CAUTION: There are bears in the area. Please keep all foods, soaps, and garbage contained.
  • All vehicles must be kept in the unit’s central parking areas.
  • Please keep family pets on a leash at all times.
  • Please use the stove or fire ring provided and make sure your fire is dead out before leaving. Use only water, not soil.
  • Use only dead and down wood for your campfires.
  • Check ahead. Campfires may not be allowed during fire restrictions.
  • Check out time is 1:00 p.m.

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Middle Meadows

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.