From it’s pristine and amazing coastlines to it’s most magical mountains, the state of California has a little something for everyone.
On our latest family trip, I got the chance to take my boys camping for Father’s Day and do some of the activities that are sure to build a strong father son bond.
We decided to camp for the weekend at a beautiful and quiet campground in the Giant Sequoia National Monument. Holey Meadows.
Ready to check out the campground? Here’s our experience while camping at Holey Meadows!
How to get there?
Holey Meadow campground is located in the south side of Giant Sequoia National Monument and is at 6400′ elevation. At Cannel Meadow Ranger District, Sequoia National Forest, start from CA 99 in Earlimart, take Sierra Ave (Ave 56) east through Ducor. Continue east through California Hot Springs. At the T intersection Take a left and go 10 miles north on CR M-50 toward Johnsondale. When you reach M-90 (Western Divide Hwy) go Left and the campground will be on the left about a mile down. You will see the sign for Holey Meadow. Though it is hard to recognize the road using google maps but in reality, it is there.
What to bring
One of the most common questions when camping is, “what to pack?” Every camping checklist may vary depending on how long your stay will be and/or if you’re with your family + kids.
READ MORE : Family Camping Checklist
What to expect?
Going inside the campground, you will be driving on a dirt road and it can be a little bumpy.
On the side of the campground is the enchanting meadow surrounded by lots of huge and beautiful pines.
Holey Meadow campground has 9 campsites excluding the host campsite and accommodates tent camping only. Every site is pretty much enclosed and surrounded with Pine trees. That’s why, if you’re looking for a shady and not crowded campground, the Holey Meadow is a good fit for you.
When we camped here in Site #2, it was pretty much a solemn place and all you can hear is the wind gushing through trees at times, crickets at night and a cheerful chirp of the birds every morning (Except when my son had little cries in the middle of the night).
Camping in the mountains gets you off the grid. Wi-fi and cell connections are not available in the area. So, you’re free to really interact with your family members.
If you really need to make a call, you can get a signal heading back towards Calif. Hot Springs about 7 miles.
Each campsite is just a quick walk to the bathroom. There are 2 vault-toilet bathrooms at Holey Meadow Campground. One in which is new, but both are cleaned regularly and well kept. Toilet paper is also provided. But I always take a roll or two just in case.
There is no water in the campground. So, make sure to bring water for drinking, washing, cooking and/or showering.
We brought about 10 gallons and had plenty for our two days.
What’s camping without outdoor cooking and dining? At Holey Meadow campground, each camping spot has solid picnic table, fire ring and a separate barbecue grill. (although we chose to cook on the campfire)
You can pick fire wood from the forest for free and they recommend getting firewood locally. Firewood guidelines can be found on the Forest Service Website
You can light a fire, cook up your camp grub and have a family vacation you’ll never forget!
Mosquitoes are present in the campground but not bad at all. Though the campfire can keep the bugs away, always put on bugs spray for comfortable and safer camping.’
Escape from your family’s busy schedule and restore the connection under the stars and in a tent.
Things to do
It is easy to create a day full of adventure in the mountains but here are a few highlights to get you started.
Holey Meadow – The campground itself provides an access to a stunning meadow that is a perfect backdrop for photos and as majestic as the surrounding pines, this place is something that you will not soon forget.
Get out. Get active. – The Trail of 100 Giants is 2 minutes away from the campground and is a great place to hike while enjoying the amazing giant trees. There are plenty of hiking trails in the area offering biking, touring and/or horseback riding.
Water Falls – about 10 miles away from the campground is a stunning water fall that is not known to many campers and not really marked. Located 1 mile past the mileage sign listing “Camp Nelson” heading north. I believe it is called Nobe Young Creek Falls? There is a parking area and trail-head on the east side of the road with three big boulders. The hike is about a half mile long and very steep toward the bottom. Traversing the trail can be a bit challenging but to view the majestic waterfalls is well worth the effort.
Dome Rock – Hiking, amazing views and nice place to picnic – 15 miles north on Western Divide Hwy.
The Ponderosa Lodge – Small General Store, Restaurant and bar – About 20 Miles north on Western Divide Hwy.
Whether you’re in the mood for a laid back escape or looking for nonstop adventure, Holey Meadow Campgrond is a great base-camp. So nice to come back from a day of exploring to find a beautiful and quiet place to chill. Take my advice and avoid the crowds at Long Meadow Campground(Trail if 100 Giants) and stay here.
If you have any camping questions, just ask away in the comments below and I’ll answer you to the best of my ability.
For more information and to make reservation, please visit HOLEY MEADOWS,CA
4 Responses
Very nice and informative post. How much does it cost to Camp there?
Hi Mike, Thanks for stopping by. It is $14/ night. You can check out their website for more info.
Do they have firewood there?
Yes. There was plenty of wood that can be gathered when we were there last month. I don’t know about now. The forest service offers some guidelines on bringing firewood. Please check out their webpage for more info.