We decided to spend Father’s Day weekend a little differently this year by taking our little family camping in the mountains.
Instead of the usual activities, we wanted a chance to slow down, spend time outdoors, and give the boys an experience they could share with their dad.
So, we packed our camping gear and headed to Holey Meadow Campground in Sequoia National Forest.
Surrounded by tall pine trees, fresh mountain air, and a peaceful meadow, Holey Meadow turned out to be a quiet place to unplug and enjoy some much-needed family time.
If you’re considering a camping trip here, here’s what our family experienced during our weekend at Holey Meadow.
Where Is Holey Meadow Campground?
Holey Meadow Campground is located in the southern part of Sequoia National Forest at an elevation of approximately 6,400 feet.
The campground is reached through the Cannel Meadow Ranger District and is surrounded by the forests and mountain scenery that make this area such a beautiful place to explore.
The drive to the campground includes sections of dirt road, so be prepared for a slower and somewhat bumpy ride as you get closer to the campground.
One thing we noticed was that the campground can be a little difficult to identify using Google Maps. Keep an eye out for the Holey Meadow campground sign as you approach the entrance.
Because mountain roads and directions can change, I recommend checking current Forest Service information and road conditions before your trip rather than relying solely on older GPS directions.
What to Bring for Camping at Holey Meadow
Your camping checklist will depend on how long you’re staying, the time of year, and whether you’re camping with kids. For our weekend at Holey Meadow, we brought the basics for tent camping, outdoor cooking, and spending time with the boys.
I also put together a separate guide covering the camping essentials, electronics, and camera gear we brought with us.
If you’re planning your own trip, you may want to check that list before you start packing.
- Link to your camping essentials post
What to Expect at Holey Meadow Campground
A Quiet, Shaded Campground
As you enter the campground, you’ll drive along a dirt road that can be a little bumpy. But once you arrive, the scenery makes the drive worthwhile.
The campground sits beside a beautiful meadow surrounded by tall pine trees. The campsites are tucked among the trees, giving many of them a peaceful and shaded feel.
Holey Meadow has nine campsites, in addition to the host campsite, and the campground is designed for tent camping.
If you’re looking for a smaller campground away from the crowds, Holey Meadow can be a great option.
When we camped here, the campground was wonderfully quiet. During the day, we could hear the wind moving through the trees and the birds singing. At night, the crickets became the soundtrack.
Well… mostly.
Every now and then, we heard one of our boys wake up during the night!
Bathrooms Are Nearby
Each campsite is within a short walking distance of the campground’s vault toilets.
There are two vault-toilet facilities at Holey Meadow. One appeared newer than the other, and both were clean during our stay. Toilet paper was also provided.
For a campground without modern restroom facilities, we were pleasantly surprised by how well-maintained they were.
Bring Your Own Water
One of the most important things to know before camping at Holey Meadow is that there is no water available at the campground.
You’ll need to bring enough water for:
- Drinking
- Cooking
- Washing dishes
- Cleaning up
- Other basic needs
For our weekend trip, we brought about three gallons of water, which was enough for our family during our stay.
We didn’t shower at the campground during this particular trip because we visited a nearby waterfall the following day.
And, as my husband likes to say, a little dirt doesn’t hurt!
Still, if you’re planning to stay longer or want to shower or wash more frequently, you’ll definitely want to bring considerably more water.
Cooking and Campfire Setup
What’s camping without cooking and eating outdoors?
Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring, and separate barbecue grill, making it easy to prepare meals and enjoy them outside.
You may also be able to gather firewood in the surrounding forest, but I’d recommend bringing or purchasing a bundle of firewood before arriving rather than depending on what you can find.
Once the fire is going, there’s something special about cooking a simple meal outdoors and sitting around the table together afterward.
Mosquitoes and Bugs
There were mosquitoes around the campground when we visited, although they weren’t unbearable.
A campfire can help discourage some bugs, but don’t forget to bring insect repellent. It’s much easier to enjoy your evening when you’re not constantly swatting mosquitoes!
A Chance to Unplug
One of my favorite things about camping at Holey Meadow was the opportunity to disconnect.
There was no Wi-Fi, and cell service was limited in the area. Instead of everyone reaching for a screen, we had more opportunities to explore, cook together, talk, and simply enjoy being outside.
For families with busy schedules, that kind of uninterrupted time can be one of the best parts of camping.
Sometimes getting away from the usual routine is exactly what a family needs to reconnect.
Camping at Holey Meadow With Kids
Camping with our boys gave us a chance to slow down and enjoy some quality family time away from our usual routine. They enjoyed exploring the campground, spending time outdoors, and of course, the adventure of sleeping in a tent.
It wasn’t completely effortless, camping with kids never is but the little challenges were part of the experience. With limited cell service and no Wi-Fi, we spent more time talking, exploring, cooking, and simply enjoying being together.
Since this was our Father’s Day weekend, being able to create those memories with their dad made the trip even more special.
Things to Do Near Holey Meadow
There are plenty of ways to spend a day exploring the mountains around Holey Meadow. Here are a few highlights from our trip and nearby attractions worth checking out.
- Holey Meadow
- Trail of 100 Giants
- Waterfalls
- Dome Rock
- Scenic Byway
- Other nearby activities
Bring it all in
For our family, camping at Holey Meadow was a peaceful and memorable experience. The quiet campground, beautiful pine trees, and time away from our usual routine gave us the chance to slow down and enjoy being together.
If you’re looking for a quiet, rustic campground where you can spend time in nature and disconnect from the busyness of everyday life, Holey Meadow is worth considering.
And for us, the best part wasn’t just the camping, it was the memories we made together as a family.