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Meadow Lake Campground is located on the Leadore Ranger District of the Salmon-Challis National Forest. This high alpine campground sits at an elevation of 9,160 feet in the Lemhi Mountain Range, 22 miles from Leadore, Idaho.
There's no lack of recreational opportunities around Meadow Lake Campground. The lake is stocked twice a year so the fish are always biting. Fish from the bank or carry your boat down to the lake and try from the water, as there is no boat ramp or boat dock at the lake.
Hiking opportunities are available right out of the campground and include trail # 342 which provides a gentle loop around the backside of the campground. Try trail # 057 which takes you up to the steep ridge above the campground (the trail to Meadow Lake Peak is not maintained by the Forest Service).
If a slower pace is appealing, pull up a chair and soak-up the incredible views from the campground.
Meadow Lake Campground consists of 17 campsites and a day use area with picnic tables, fire rings and barbecue pedestals. The campground offers 2 vault toilets, drinking water and day use parking. 4 double campsites are available for larger groups with each site including 2 picnic tables, 2 tent pads, a campfire ring, a prep table, and expanded parking for 2 vehicles. The campground also offer 13 single campsites each with a picnic table, tent pad, campfire ring, prep table, and parking for 1 vehicle.
Meadow Lake Campground is located at the base of the 10,720-foot Meadow Lake Peak and along the banks of the 13.3-acre Meadow Lake. The high elevation campground is dotted with lodge pole pine and white bark pine trees and is frequented by deer and mountain goats.
There are plenty of other attractions in the vicinity of Meadow Lake including the Gilmore Ghost Town and a number of other Forest Service recreation sites and trails. Stop at the Leadore Ranger Station and pick up a visitor map for more information.
A $8.00 non-refundable on line reservation fee may be charged for some facilities.
From Leadore drive 17 miles south on Highway 28 and turn right (west) on to Forest Service Road #002 at the old Gilmore Townsite. Follow the gravel road for 6 miles as it climbs 2,080 feet to the campground.
Great place
I do wish people would keep their dogs on leashes. Other than the occasional mutual run amuck, this place is my escape.
Too bad it's overrun with out of staters. This campground needs a host. There were kids running around screaming until well after 10, multiple tents/trailers on one spot, the toilets were disgusting, and people were camped in day use spots. On the Saturday we left, a dozen+ kayakers, ATV people, and someone FLYING A DRONE OVER SITES (major privacy violation there) showed up. A previous reviewer seems to have been there at the same time we were, but we're not affiliated.
Meadow lake is a great place to take the family. It’s a developed campground meaning there are tent pads and fire rings with cooking grate, water spigots, vault toilets. These things are great for the novice outdoorsmen (youngsters) to get a feel for spending time in the woods. There are foot trails to hike up and around the campground and the surrounding mountains or take a stroll around part of the lake (the rest requires light scrambling). If fishing is your thing you can do that too. Not much in the way of mountain biking but that’s ok cause the little ones will be plenty entertained practicing shifting gears around the campground.
Amazing place to camp and fish. I haven't been on the hike yet, but people told me it's stunning!
The water pumps don't work, so bring water to drink.
It can also get a little crowded, but the camp sites are spread out enough that it's not so bad.
The fishing is great, but don't expect to catch anything too large.
I highly recommend this place! It's amazing!
Great little spot tucked back by Meadow Lake with developed camp sites, a vault toilet and water spigots.
The views are phenomenal and the fishing is good for kids and adults. The weather is usually cooler at night and during the day due to the altitude, this makes camping in mid summer much more tolerant.
Camping sections are tiered, but close. One of my favorite places to enjoy scenery, wild life and fishing.
