USDA Forest Service · Idaho
Meadow Lake Campground
USDA Forest Service · Idaho, United States
- Sites
- 2
- Hookups
- 2 no hookups
- Season
- July 1 to September 2
- Max RV length
- 23 ft
- Drinking water
- Yes
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Pets
- Yes
- Elevation
- 9,173 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 1
- Cell coverage
- T-Mobile none · AT&T none · Verizon none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
- Access road
- MEADOW LAKE (NFSR 60002) · native material · suitable for passenger cars
- Lake
- Salmon-Challis National Forest
- Nearest town
- Leadore
- Address
- PO Box 180 Ranger Street, Leadore, ID, 83464
- Phone
- RECREATION PERSONNEL (208)756-5209 OR LEADORE OFFICE (208)768-2500
- Activities
- Camping, Day Use Area, Fishing, Hiking, Non-Motorized Boating, Picnicking, Water Access
2 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.
About
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.
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16° | 3° | -19° | 25° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 18° | 3° | -23° | 32° | 11 of 11 |
| March | 27° | 10° | -4° | 43° | 11 of 11 |
| April | 31° | 14° | -5° | 45° | 11 of 11 |
| May | 45° | 25° | 11° | 58° | 11 of 11 |
| June | 57° | 37° | 22° | 74° | 9 of 11 |
| July | 71° | 49° | 31° | 79° | 1 of 11 |
| August | 69° | 47° | 34° | 78° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 58° | 38° | 23° | 70° | 8 of 11 |
| October | 41° | 23° | 5° | 60° | 10 of 10 |
| November | 30° | 14° | -21° | 47° | 10 of 10 |
| December | 18° | 2° | -20° | 33° | 10 of 10 |
Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.
Nearby campgrounds
- Mill Creek Trailhead · USDA Forest Service · 5 mi
- Timber Creek Campground · USDA Forest Service · 5 mi
- Timber Creek Reservoir Upper Campground · USDA Forest Service · 12 mi
- Timber Creek Reservoir Lower Campground · USDA Forest Service · 13 mi
- Big Creek Campground · USDA Forest Service · 14 mi
All public campgrounds in Idaho · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-02-25. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.