Meadow Lake Campground

Salmon-Challis National Forest

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.

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.

Need to Know

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.

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.

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.

Changes & Cancellations

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

Contact Information

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PO Box 180 Ranger Street Leadore ID 83464

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: RECREATION PERSONNEL (208)756-5209 OR LEADORE OFFICE (208)768-2500

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

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.

Available Campsites

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