Middle Meadows Group Campground

Hey there, fellow Californians! When the call of the wild echoes through the Golden State, many of us seek out those hidden gems that truly allow us to disconnect and immerse ourselves in nature. If you're planning a group outdoor adventure and are looking for a secluded, rustic, and deeply natural camping experience, then Middle Meadows Group Campground in the Eldorado National Forest might just be the perfect spot for your crew. This isn't your typical RV resort with all the bells and whistles; it's a place for those who appreciate the raw beauty of the Sierra Nevada foothills and are prepared for a more primitive, yet incredibly rewarding, camping trip.

Middle Meadows Group Campground offers a unique opportunity for groups to enjoy a quiet and isolated camping experience, far from the hustle and bustle of city life. Nestled within a heavily wooded surrounding of large cedar, pine, and fir trees along the South Fork of Long Canyon Creek, it provides a serene mountain landscape that, while requiring a bit of a drive to reach, promises a truly unforgettable escape. Whether you're planning a family reunion, a scout troop outing, or a gathering of friends who share a love for the outdoors, Middle Meadows provides the spaciousness and natural beauty to create lasting memories. It's a testament to the diverse camping opportunities available right here in California, catering to those who prefer an authentic wilderness experience over manicured campsites.

Middle Meadows Group Campground is tucked away in a truly scenic part of California, offering a sense of seclusion that's highly valued by many outdoor enthusiasts. You'll find it at Hell Hole Rd, Georgetown, CA 95634, USA, deep within the magnificent Eldorado National Forest. This location places it within Placer County, known for its rich natural landscapes and recreational opportunities.

Reaching Middle Meadows requires a bit of an adventure in itself, emphasizing its isolated charm. From Sacramento, a typical route involves taking Interstate 80 east to Auburn, then following Highway 49 to Cool, and finally Highway 193 towards Georgetown. From Georgetown, it's approximately 22 miles east on Wentworth Springs Road, then about 25 miles northeast on Forest Highway 2 (also known as 11 Pines Road) to the campground. This journey underscores its remote nature, meaning that cell phone reception is likely to be very limited or non-existent in the vicinity, a detail that campers should be prepared for. The drive, however, is part of the experience, winding through beautiful forest scenery. The remoteness contributes to the campground's quiet appeal, making it an ideal destination for those truly looking to disconnect and enjoy the tranquility of nature without constant distractions.

Middle Meadows Group Campground provides essential services designed to facilitate a primitive group camping experience. It's important to set expectations that this is a more rustic setting, focusing on the core necessities for outdoor living rather than extensive amenities.

• Group Campsites: The campground features two dedicated walk-in group campsites. These sites are designed to accommodate larger parties, with one site able to host up to 25 guests and the other up to 50 guests, making it ideal for large gatherings.
• Basic Site Facilities: Each group site is equipped with fundamental camping necessities, including sturdy picnic tables for meal preparation and gathering, campfire circles for evening fires (check for current fire restrictions), and grills for cooking.
• Toilets: Vault toilets are provided at the campground. While not flush toilets, they offer a basic sanitary facility for campers. Some information may suggest flush toilets in one unit, but recent alerts often indicate that potable water for flush toilets may not be available, with portable toilets being the primary offering.
• Bear-Proof Storage: Given that bears frequent the area, bear-proof food containers and garbage receptacles are provided at each campsite. This is a critical service for ensuring the safety of both campers and wildlife, emphasizing the importance of proper food storage.
• Garbage Collection: Designated garbage receptacles are available for waste disposal, helping to keep the campground clean and minimize human-wildlife conflicts.

Middle Meadows Group Campground offers a series of unique features and highlights that define its appeal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a more rugged and authentic camping experience in California.

• Secluded and Quiet Setting: A primary highlight is the campground's isolation. It offers a "quiet place to camp, far from the hustle and bustle of city life" and is "isolated from other campgrounds," providing a truly peaceful and undisturbed environment for group gatherings.
• Proximity to Long Canyon Creek: The campground is located "along the South Fork of Long Canyon Creek," offering opportunities for fishing and wading directly adjacent to the campsites. This natural water feature enhances the camping experience, providing a soothing backdrop and recreational possibilities. There is also a swimming hole located just 0.25 miles west of the campground.
• Close to Hell Hole Reservoir: Hell Hole Reservoir is "a short drive north," typically less than 5 miles from the campground. This nearby attraction provides extensive water-related recreation opportunities, including boating (with a boat ramp available), fishing (known for rainbow trout, brown trout, Mackinaw, and Kokanee salmon), and general water enjoyment.
• Natural Beauty and Wildlife: The campground boasts a "heavily wooded surrounding" with "large cedar, pine and fir trees and shrubs." Its "serene mountain landscape" is noted as "well worth the long drive from civilization." It's an ideal spot for sightseeing, birding, and wildlife viewing, immersing campers in the natural splendor of the Eldorado National Forest.
• Group-Friendly Setup: With two walk-in group sites accommodating up to 25 and 50 guests respectively, it's perfectly configured for large gatherings, allowing groups to camp together in a dedicated space.
• Primitive Experience: While some may see the lack of running water and limited cell reception as challenges, for many, these are highlights of a truly primitive and "undiscovered feel" camping experience. It encourages self-reliance and a deeper connection with nature.
• Challenges to Be Aware Of: It's important to acknowledge some reported challenges. Past reviews mention "lots of mosquitos," so preparing with insect repellent is crucial. The surrounding "burnt forest" is also noted, which might affect the immediate aesthetics in some areas. Importantly, there is "no running water" at the campground (though potable water might be available 2.5 miles away at Big Meadows Campground, campers should bring their own drinking water or filters), and "no cell reception far and wide," making navigation and communication challenging if unprepared. Finding the campground can be "hard to find" without GPS or detailed directions saved offline.

For those ready to plan their group adventure to Middle Meadows Group Campground, direct contact and advance reservations are highly recommended, especially given its popularity and limited number of sites.

Address: Hell Hole Rd, Georgetown, CA 95634, USA (within Eldorado National Forest)

Phone: (530) 333-4312

Mobile Phone: +1 530-333-4312

Reservations for group sites can typically be made through recreation.gov or by calling the provided numbers. It's advisable to book well in advance, as sites can be difficult to secure, especially during peak seasons, sometimes requiring booking up to 12 months in advance. Always check for current conditions and fire restrictions before your visit.

For Californians, Middle Meadows Group Campground offers a distinctive and highly suitable option for those seeking a true wilderness escape, particularly for group camping. Its location within the Eldorado National Forest, accessible from various parts of Northern California, positions it as an ideal retreat from the urban sprawl. The primary suitability lies in its dedicated group sites, which are perfectly designed for larger gatherings of friends, families, or organizations who want to experience the outdoors together.

This campground appeals to locals who are prepared for a more primitive camping style. While reviews highlight considerations such as mosquitoes, the lack of running water, and limited cell service, these elements contribute to the secluded, "undiscovered feel" that many experienced campers actively seek. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect, relying on self-sufficiency and the beauty of your surroundings. The proximity to Long Canyon Creek for fishing and wading, and the short drive to Hell Hole Reservoir for boating and more extensive water activities, adds significant value for outdoor enthusiasts.

The "serene mountain landscape" and opportunities for "sightseeing, birding and wildlife viewing" create a memorable backdrop for any group adventure. For Californians yearning for a break from connectivity and a chance to immerse themselves in nature with their favorite people, Middle Meadows Group Campground provides the ideal setting for a rustic, yet deeply rewarding, outdoor experience. It's a testament to the diverse and wild beauty our state has to offer, perfect for creating those cherished, unfiltered memories around a campfire.

Middle Meadows Group Campground

Hell Hole Rd, Georgetown, CA 95634, USA