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Meadow Lake Campground in Idaho
Hard to BookNational Forest

Meadow Lake Campground

Salmon-Challis National Forest, Idaho

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As of October 2026, Meadow Lake Campground is a campground in Salmon-Challis National Forest, Idaho with 2 campsites. Meadow Lake Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.

  • PermitSnag checks Meadow Lake Campground for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
  • Meadow Lake Campground is located at 44.4348ยฐ N, 113.3176ยฐ W.
people allowed on 1 of 2 sites
8
people allowed on the largest site
16

Meadow Lake Campground reservations and next available dates

October 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Stay and booking rules

  • Maximum consecutive stay: 14 consecutive days
  • Maximum stay: 16 days
  • Minimum stay: 2 consecutive days

Published by Recreation.gov for Meadow Lake Campground, read on September 29, 2026.

Campsites at Meadow Lake Campground

  • Standard 2

Amenities

  • restrooms
  • potable water

At a glance: Setting: Mountain.

Things to do: fishing, boating, hiking, wildlife, photography.

All sites at Meadow Lake Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the MEADOW LAKE CAMPGROUND loop.

SiteTypeSleeps
03Standard16
12Standard8

About Meadow Lake Campground

Overview

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.

Recreation

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.

Facilities

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.

Natural Features

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.

Nearby Attractions

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.

Charges & Cancellations

A $8.00 non-refundable on line reservation fee may be charged for some facilities.

Rules and notices at Meadow Lake Campground

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 29, 2026. Check Meadow Lake Campground on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

No day use parking in campsites.

This campground has 15 first-come, first-served sites, and 2 sites available for advanced reservation.

Reservations are available from July 1st through Labor Day. Camping outside of this date range is first-come, first-served (fee still required, pay onsite) as weather permits.

Road to campground not maintained during winter months. Call Leadore Ranger Station (208-768-2500) for more information on access to campground.

No electric, water or sewer hookups at this campground.

Campground water is only to be used for drinking and cooking; please help us conserve water.

Livestock prohibited in campground.

Please bring garbage bags; this is a 'pack it in, pack it out' facility. This includes packing out fish guts.

Bring reservation confirmation paperwork with you for check-in with campground host.

Click here for more information on the Salmon-Challis National Forest.

Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

Elevation of gampground is 9,160 feet.

No boat dock or boat ramp. Please carry your boat to the lake to put in the water. The only boat motors allowed are trolling motors.

Meadow Lake Campground FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Meadow Lake Campground?

Meadow Lake Campground is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.

How do I find last-minute availability at Meadow Lake Campground?

Cancellations happen frequently at Meadow Lake Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Meadow Lake Campground have?

Meadow Lake Campground has 2 campsites.

More campgrounds in Salmon-Challis National Forest

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