Meadow Lake Campground

For Idahoans seeking a genuine escape into the state's rugged and stunning high country, Meadow Lake Campground, nestled within the Salmon-Challis National Forest near Leadore, ID, is a true treasure. Described by visitors as a "Fantastic high mountain lake" and a "slice of heaven," this campground offers an unparalleled outdoor experience that combines serene alpine beauty with excellent recreational opportunities. It’s the perfect destination for those who appreciate undeveloped natural landscapes, abundant wildlife, and a quieter, more traditional camping adventure.

Operating typically from early July through the first weekend of September, weather permitting, Meadow Lake Campground provides a cool respite during Idaho's summer months due to its impressive altitude. Whether you're casting a line into the well-stocked lake, embarking on a scenic hike into the Lemhi Mountain Range, or simply relaxing and soaking in the phenomenal views, this campground promises an unforgettable experience for families, anglers, and nature lovers alike. It's a testament to Idaho's commitment to preserving its wild spaces for all to enjoy.

Meadow Lake Campground is strategically located within the Salmon-Challis National Forest, specifically in the Leadore Ranger District, near Leadore, ID 83464, USA. This high-alpine gem sits at a lofty elevation of approximately 9,160 feet in the majestic Lemhi Mountain Range, roughly 22 miles from the town of Leadore.

Accessing this "slice of heaven" requires a bit of an adventurous spirit. From Leadore, visitors drive about 17 miles south on Highway 28, then turn right (west) onto Forest Service Road #002 at the old Gilmore Townsite. From there, it's a 6-mile drive up a "steep and narrow dirt road" that climbs an impressive 2,080 feet to the campground. While the road is unpaved, it is manageable, and while trailers under 24 feet are recommended, some campers have successfully navigated trailers over 30 feet. This journey, however, is part of the experience, leading you away from the hustle and bustle to a truly secluded retreat. Due to its high elevation, the campground is typically open only from early July to the first weekend of September, depending on snowmelt and weather conditions. This makes it an ideal spot for locals seeking cooler temperatures during the mid-summer heat.

Meadow Lake Campground, managed by the Forest Service, provides essential services to ensure a functional and enjoyable high-mountain camping experience, focusing on a rustic yet well-maintained environment.

• Campsites: The campground features a total of 17 campsites. This includes 4 spacious double sites, ideal for larger groups, and 13 single sites. Each site is equipped with a gravel RV pad and a tent pad, ensuring a level and clean area for setup.

• Site Amenities: Every campsite comes with a picnic table and a fire ring, perfect for cooking, gathering, and enjoying campfires (fire restrictions permitting).

• Vault Toilets: Two clean and well-maintained vault outhouses are available for sanitation, providing a basic but effective solution for campers.

• Drinking Water (Seasonal): A small well provides drinking water, though it's important to note that "it runs out mid-season." Campers should always plan to bring extra drinking water or a filtration system, especially later in the season.

• Day Use Area: There is a dedicated day-use area with a few additional tables and fire rings, perfect for picnicking or enjoying the lake without staying overnight.

• Lake Stocking: Idaho Fish and Game regularly stocks Meadow Lake, ensuring excellent fishing opportunities for both kids and adults.

• Accessible Parking: Despite no paved roads or paths within the campground, accessible parking spots are provided near the lake, enhancing accessibility for visitors.

• Pack-In, Pack-Out Policy: There are no garbage cans on site. Campers are required to "pack it in and pack it out," emphasizing Leave No Trace principles to preserve the pristine environment.

• Leashed Pets Welcome: Pets are permitted but must be kept on a leash, and owners are responsible for picking up after them, maintaining a clean and respectful environment for all.

It's crucial for campers to be self-sufficient as there is "No cell service either" and no electrical or water hookups for RVs, aligning with the rustic, high-mountain experience.

Meadow Lake Campground offers an impressive array of features and highlights that make it a truly exceptional outdoor destination for Idahoans.

• High Mountain Lake Setting: The campground's location on the banks of a "fantastic high mountain lake" at over 9,100 feet in elevation is its crowning glory. The 13.3-acre Meadow Lake, surrounded by the "rugged peaks of the Lemhi Mountains," provides stunning, phenomenal views and a refreshingly cool atmosphere, even in mid-summer.

• Excellent Fishing: The lake is "stocked twice a year," making it a superb spot for fishing. Reviewers highlight it as "good for kids and adults," with ample opportunities to catch fish directly from the bank or from a carry-in boat (no motorized boats allowed, ensuring a peaceful fishing experience).

• Abundant Wildlife: The area is teeming with wildlife. Campers frequently spot "deer, mountain goats, eagles and many other birds and chipmunks." It is "bear country," adding to the authentic wilderness feel and requiring proper food storage, but also offering thrilling wildlife viewing opportunities.

• Secluded and Peaceful: Tucked away "about 6 miles off the HWY" up a narrow dirt road, the campground offers a genuine sense of seclusion and tranquility. The lack of cell service further contributes to disconnecting and immersing oneself in nature.

• Hiking Opportunities: Several "smaller hikes that head off from camp" provide direct access to the Lemhi Mountain Range. These trails offer opportunities for exploration, from gentle loops around the backside of the campground to steeper treks up ridge lines, providing "incredible views."

• Spacious and Well-Equipped Sites: With 17 campsites, including 4 double sites, each featuring gravel RV pads, tent pads, picnic tables, and fire rings, the campground is thoughtfully designed for comfort and functionality. The "camping sections are tiered, but close," offering good views from most spots.

• Cooler Mid-Summer Temperatures: Due to its high altitude, the campground enjoys "cooler weather at night and during the day," making it a much more "tolerant" and enjoyable camping experience during the hottest months of the Idaho summer.

• Proximity to Gilmore Ghost Town: The historical Gilmore Ghost Town is located near the turn-off to Meadow Lake, offering an interesting historical detour for visitors interested in Idaho's mining past.

For Montanans planning a trip to Meadow Lake Campground in the Salmon-Challis National Forest, the primary point of contact for information and reservations is typically through the Leadore Ranger District of the Forest Service.

Address: Salmon Challis National Forest, Leadore, ID 83464, USA (This indicates its location within the larger forest system.)

Official Ranger District Phone: (208) 756-5209 (This is the primary contact number for the Leadore Ranger District, which manages Meadow Lake Campground.)

Mobile Phone: +1 208-756-5209 (This confirms the direct nature of the phone line.)

For reservations, especially for the 2 reservable sites, visitors should utilize Recreation.gov (www.recreation.gov). It is highly advisable to call the Leadore Ranger District office prior to your visit to get the most current information on road conditions (especially given the "steep and narrow dirt road"), water availability at the well, fire restrictions, and any other alerts, as cell service is not available at the campground itself.

For Idahoans, Meadow Lake Campground truly stands out as an exceptional and highly suitable destination for embracing the state's remarkable natural beauty. Its location high in the Lemhi Mountains within the Salmon-Challis National Forest means a relatively accessible, yet profoundly wild, escape right in their backyard. This proximity allows locals to enjoy a genuine high-mountain experience without the extensive travel often required for similar remote areas.

The core appeal for Idahoans lies in its ability to deliver on the promises of a classic Idaho outdoor adventure. The "fantastic high mountain lake" offers not just stunning "phenomenal views" but also fantastic fishing, consistently stocked by Idaho Fish and Game. This makes it an ideal spot for families to introduce children to fishing, as highlighted by reviews praising the abundant perch. The cooler temperatures at 9,160 feet provide a much-needed respite during Idaho's hot summers, allowing for comfortable camping and daytime activities.

The campground’s rustic nature, with well-maintained vault toilets, gravel pads, and fire rings, provides essential comforts without detracting from the wilderness feel. The numerous hiking opportunities, abundant wildlife (including deer and mountain goats), and the tranquil, no-motorized-boat lake offer diverse ways to engage with nature. The "pack it in and pack it out" ethos aligns perfectly with the responsible outdoor ethics often embraced by Idahoans. Meadow Lake Campground embodies the spirit of Idaho's vast, unspoiled wilderness, providing a serene, adventurous, and perfectly suited escape for locals seeking to reconnect with the heart of their home state.

Meadow Lake Campground

Salmon Challis National Forest, Leadore, ID 83464, USA