Big Meadows Guard Station

Sequoia National Forest

Big Meadows, Sequoia National Forest, California
Big Meadows, Sequoia National Forest, California

Big Meadows Guard Station

Sequoia National Forest


Big Meadows Guard Station

Big Meadows Guard Station sits on the edge of scenic Big Meadows in the Sequoia National Forest, near Sequoia National Park. The 900-square-foot cabin was erected in the early 1930s as a residence for Forest Service fire patrolmen, but has since become available for rent to the public. Visitors at the cabin are within easy driving distance of Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks and beautiful Hume Lake.

Big Medows Guard Station, Sequoia National Forest, CA

Big Meadows Guard Station

Cabin Features

Single-story Big Meadows Guard Station has one bedroom with a queen size bed, twin bunk beds, a bookcase, a night stand and small closet. The living room has various chairs and a double sofa sleeper. In the kitchen are a refrigerator with freezer, stove and oven, and a kitchen table with four chairs with four additional folding chairs. The kitchen is fully equipped with pots and pans, utensils, coffee maker, microwave, along with paper towels and cleaning supplies. The bathroom includes a tub/shower and flushing toilet. Outside are a fire ring and picnic table. A maximum of 8 people may be at the cabin.

Nearby Activities

In front of the cabin spreads a beautiful meadow with a creek meaning through it. Groves of giant sequoias are nearby. Find the trailhead for trails leading into the Jennie Lakes Wilderness at your doorstep. A short drive leads to most of the attractions in Sequoia National Park, such as the General Sherman Tree, Giant Forest Museum, and Lodgepole Village. Heading another direction brings visitors to Grant Grove in Kings Canyon National Park. Beyond is Hume Lake.

Read full details about the cabin at Recreation.gov - Big Meadows Cabin

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Big Meadows Guard Station Basics
Big Meadows Guard Station Location: The cabin is located off Big Meadows Road (Forest Road 14S11), 4 miles off the Generals Highway. National Park entry fee required at entrance to park. The cabin is locked with a combination lock. Guests should call 559-338-2251 five days prior to their arrival for the combination.
Elevation: 7,598 feet
Miles/Driving time from Gateway Cities: Fresno - 66 miles, 1:34
Big Meadows Guard Station Season: June 15 - October 15
Max. Occupancy: 8 (including children) Cabin sleeps six, 2 more may tent outside.
Maximum Number Vehicles: 4 (no more than 1 RV)
Pets: No pets allowed on the premises.
Operated by Sequoia National Forest
Hume Lake Ranger District: (559) 338-2251

Big Meadows Guard Station Reservations
Reservation Window Big Meadows Guard Station may be reserved from 2 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival date
Fees: $125 per night
Reservations: Big Meadows Guard Station
2-night minimum, 3 nights on holiday weekends
Maximum Stay:
Check-in and Check-out Times Check-in 3:00 PM
Check-out 12:00 PM

Big Meadows Guard Station Amenities
Cabin Exterior: Picnic table, fire ring
Guard Station Interior: Sleeping: queen size bed, twin bunk beds, double hide-a-bed couch
Kitchen: stove, refrigerator, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, pots and pans, dishes and utensils, and a small table
Other: chairs, heater, folding chairs, rocking chair
NOT included: Visitors need to bring bedding (sleeping bags or linens and blankets), pillows, towels, dish towels, matches, food containers, toilet paper, flashlight, outdoor chairs, garbage bags.
Showers: Yes
Attractions near Big Meadows Guard Station: Hiking trails, mountain-biking, giant sequoia groves, fishing in Big Meadows Creek. Visit Buck Rock Lookout. Trail rides at Horse Corral Pack Station. Visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks. Fifteen-mile drive to Hume Lake for fishing and non-motorized boating.



Big Medows Guard Station map, Sequoia National Forest, CA


Big Medows Guard Station interior, Sequoia National Forest, CA

Big Meadows Guard Station Living Room

Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks
Attractions and Activities

Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park visitors have many wonderful places to explore. Those staying at Big Meadows Guard Station are mid-way between Sequoia and Grant Grove.

  • In Sequoia, tour Crystal Cave, climb to the top of Moro Rock, stand before the towering Sherman Tree, and visit the Giant Forest Museum.
  • Participate in Ranger-led Programs at Grant Grove, Cedar Grove, Wuksachi Lodge, and John Muir Lodge.
  • Do some fishing along the Kings River in Cedar Grove or hike to Mist Falls.
  • Take advantage of a free shuttle to key sites in Sequoia's Lodgepole and Giant Forest area.
  • Take a scenic driving tour of some of the spectacular vistas in the parks.
  • Drive down to Hume Lake for fishing and swimming.
  • Children can participate in the Junior Ranger Program.
  • Enjoy the annual Dark Day Festival. Enjoy telescope viewings, solar observations, activities, and tours. See Ranger-led Programs for dates and details.

Key Big Meadows Guard Station Regulations

  1. This cabin is not intended to be used by large groups, or as a base camp for reunions, meetings, or wedding receptions.
  2. To avoid problems with bears, do not leave food outside unattended.
  3. No pets or smoking are permitted inside the cabin.
  4. Fires are only permitted in provided fire rings. Inside there can be no open flames such as candles, backpacking or Coleman stoves, etc.
  5. Remove all food (even unopened cans) and garbage when you leave.
  6. Renters are expected to clean up after themselves and prepare the hut for the next group. Cleaning supplies are in the mudroom. Take trash with you.

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