Meadow Camp South Los Padres National Forest

• Camp Type: Wilderness Trail Camp
• Topo Map Link: Little Pine Mountain
• Elevation: 2040 feet
• Wilderness Area: Non Wilderness Area
• County: Santa Barbara County
• Ranger District: Santa Barbara Ranger District
• Longitude: -119.66887
• Latitude: 34.58455
• Length of Stay: 14 Days
• Reservations: Wilderness Trail Camp

Recent Water Reports:

Date	Surveyor	Water Report
10-22-2024	Dale Pearson	Flowing
05-08-2024	Silvio	Flowing
07-11-2023	The Lost Padre	Flowing
04-27-2022	Ojai Valley School Lower Campus	Flowing
04-01-2022	Los Padres Forest Association	Flowing
03-11-2022	Nancy Aguilar	Flowing
06-10-2021	Anonymous Surveyor	Dry
05-29-2021	Stephen S	Stagnant
05-28-2021	James Wapotich	Trickle
03-22-2021	Colin Horner	Flowing
05-11-2020	John Doe	Flowing
10-26-2018	Conor W	Dry
04-27-2018	Matt Inman-Ojai Valley School	Flowing
03-01-2018	Shaddus Maximus	Flowing
11-05-2017	Los Padres Forest Association	Dry
05-30-2016	James Wapotich	Stagnant
03-30-2016	Los Padres Forest Association	Flowing
12-29-2015	James Wapotich	Stagnant
08-09-2015	Chris Ferrier	Dry
05-31-2015	Los Padres Forest Association	Dry
02-13-2015	Shaddus Maximus	Flowing
09-26-2014	Los Padres Forest Association	Stagnant
06-28-2014	Los Padres Forest Association	Dry
05-25-2014	Los Padres Forest Association	Dry

Photo: Bryan Conant

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Description:

Meadow Camp is located on the Indian Creek Trail (26W08) just up past the junction of the Buckhorn Trail.  The camp is just outside the Dick Smith Wilderness with the camp being on the south side of the meadow and the Dick Smith starting on the north side of the meadow.  Meadow Camp is a relatively new camp and it's very obvious how it got its name - it's a large meadow of grass and star thistle nestled next to the creek.  The camp is small with one table, one fire ring and really one camping space.  The creek is seasonal down at Meadow Camp.  The trail up Indian Creek can be hard to follow from Meadow Camp.  The trail starts on the far side of the meadow and literally goes directly into a wall of chaparral.  Look for the metal sign which indicates where the trail starts.

Water Data on Indian Creek

• Upstream-Downstream Search
• Drainage Area Delineation
• Watershed Characterization Report

Survey Photos:

• 
  Shaddus Maximus - 02-13-2015
  
• 
  Los Padres Forest Association - 11-05-2017
  Where's the oak tree?
• 
  Los Padres Forest Association - 11-05-2017
  Looking east to where the camp used to be.
• 
  Los Padres Forest Association - 11-05-2017
  Dreamy view up Indian remains.
• 
  Los Padres Forest Association - 11-05-2017
  View down to meadow from the Lower Buckhorn saddle.
• 
  Stephen S - 05-29-2021
  A tiny bit of shade to be had
• 
  Nancy Aguilar - 03-11-2022
  Entrance to Indian Trail to Lower Bluff Camp
• 
  Nancy Aguilar - 03-11-2022
  Meadow Camp
• 
  Nancy Aguilar - 03-11-2022
  Many creek crossings to get to Lower Bluff Camp
• 
  Colin Horner - 03-22-2021
  
• 
  Colin Horner - 03-22-2021
  
• 
  The Lost Padre - 07-11-2023
  

Submitted Camp Reports

Meadow Camp Survey - 10-22-2024 - by Dale Pearson

Link:	Meadow Camp
Date:	10-22-2024
Surveyor Name:	Dale Pearson
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Meadow Camp Survey - 05-08-2024 - by Silvio

Link:	Meadow Camp
Date:	05-08-2024
Surveyor Name:	Silvio
Camp Description:	Indian Creek Trail is probably 75% overgrown. It's nothing close to what it was 2 years ago. Upon arriving in camp you sort of have to make your own trail because the grass and thistles are tall. With that being said it wouldn't take long to clear the area. After 2 days of camping we had stomped a pretty useable route through camp. There is a small fire pit with no grill and no shovel to clear the area around the pit. It would be nice to cook a steak on something other than a rock. The picnic table is in perfect shape.  Creek crossings on the way to Indian Canyon Camp are mostly blown out, but not impossible to cross. We wanted to make it to the Indian Narrows. That didn't happen because the falls were impossible to climb because of the water flow.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Very good water flow. The creek will probably run all year.
Weather Conditions:	Very pleasant weather and temperature.

Meadow Camp Survey - 07-11-2023 - by The Lost Padre

Link:	Meadow Camp
Date:	07-11-2023
Surveyor Name:	The Lost Padre
Camp Description:	A nice spot with a great view. Once out of the meadow heading north, trail is still in good shape until the first crossing. Starthistle everywhere around camp & in meadow
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Great water flow for summer!
Weather Conditions:	95°
Images:

Meadow Camp Survey - 04-27-2022 - by Ojai Valley School Lower Campus

Link:	Meadow Camp
Date:	04-27-2022
Surveyor Name:	Ojai Valley School Lower Campus
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Wow, this camp got the treatment! New location, table, fire ring, tools, tent sites... you name it.
Weather Conditions:

Meadow Camp Survey - 04-01-2022 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Meadow Camp
Date:	04-01-2022
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	The LPFA led a 10-day Working Vacation along the Indian Creek Trail based at Meadow Camp. Work accomplished included: - Restoring the entire length of the Indian Creek Trail from Meadow to Indian Cyn Camp - Brushing the trail from Lower Buckhorn to Meadow Camp. - Included 2 years working the trail between the Romero Camuesa Road and Lower Buckhorn Camp. - We cleaned up Meadow Camp, moving the fire pit under the trees and replacing the table, which burned in the 2016 Rey Fire.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Light flow for March but enough for bathing, cooking and watering the mules.
Weather Conditions:	Perfect backcountry weather, had some rain, mostly sun with cool nights and warm bordering on hot days.

Meadow Camp Survey - 03-11-2022 - by Nancy Aguilar

Link:	Meadow Camp
Date:	03-11-2022
Surveyor Name:	Nancy Aguilar
Camp Description:	We came in on bikes from Middle Camuesa. Once we made a left onto Indian Trail we started seeing water at the first crossing. After that there was plenty of water flow throughout. We camped at Lower Bluff and hiked up to look down at Meadow Camp. Its a pretty big flat area.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Plenty of water in the creek
Weather Conditions:	afternoon low 70's. Night 30's
Images:	Entrance to Indian Trail to Lower Bluff Camp Meadow Camp Many creek crossings to get to Lower Bluff Camp

Meadow Camp Survey - 06-10-2021 - by Anonymous Surveyor

Link:	Meadow Camp
Date:	06-10-2021
Surveyor Name:	Anonymous Surveyor
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Dry
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Meadow Camp Survey - 05-29-2021 - by Stephen S

Link:	Meadow Camp
Date:	05-29-2021
Surveyor Name:	Stephen S
Camp Description:	Hiked to Meadow Camp out-and-back from Cold Springs Saddle. Great trip! There was a little shade to be had directly at the camp in the morning sun, but would likely be all gone by noon.
Water Source:	Stagnant
Water Source Details:	A couple of small stagnant pools in the creek near the camp.
Weather Conditions:	Sunny, low 70s
Images:	A tiny bit of shade to be had

Meadow Camp Survey - 05-28-2021 - by James Wapotich

Link:	Meadow Camp
Date:	05-28-2021
Surveyor Name:	James Wapotich
Camp Description:	Standing pools near camp, but a trickle could be found downstream, however, better water to be had just upstream from Lower Buckhorn
Water Source:	Trickle
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Meadow Camp Survey - 03-22-2021 - by Colin Horner

Link:	Meadow Camp
Date:	03-22-2021
Surveyor Name:	Colin Horner
Camp Description:	Shade is slowly starting to come back.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:
Images:

Meadow Camp Survey - 05-11-2020 - by John Doe

Link:	Meadow Camp
Date:	05-11-2020
Surveyor Name:	John Doe
Camp Description:	The camp in 2020 is a somewhat clear section of the eastern meadow, covered in rodent holes. I was able to use the broken off mast of the ice can stove to clear a spot to sleep, but this could really use a shovel. I agree with previous posters that the camp ought to be moved to the nearby trees. The local mice were not happy about my choice of Sleeping spot but there were no better options. Beautiful views though, and still an ok place to lay your head on the way to your destination up the canyon.Â
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Strong flow in creek
Weather Conditions:	Sunny, 80s/40s

Meadow Camp Survey - 10-26-2018 - by Conor W

Link:	Meadow Camp
Date:	10-26-2018
Surveyor Name:	Conor W
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Dry
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Meadow Camp Survey - 04-27-2018 - by Matt Inman-Ojai Valley School

Link:	Meadow Camp
Date:	04-27-2018
Surveyor Name:	Matt Inman-Ojai Valley School
Camp Description:	This big Meadow Camp is found up on a bench above the east side of Indian Creek. It has a nice ramp down to water, a fire ring, and an old ice can stove. Due to recent burn activity, there is no shade.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Flow is diminished in Indian Creek...water is warm and shallow.
Weather Conditions:

Meadow Camp Survey - 03-01-2018 - by Shaddus Maximus

Link:	Meadow Camp
Date:	03-01-2018
Surveyor Name:	Shaddus Maximus
Camp Description:	FYI, this entire area, including Meadow Camp, burned in the August 2016 Rey Fire. The picnic table, etc. is gone. There is no shade here as well.Â
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Meadow Camp Survey - 11-05-2017 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Meadow Camp
Date:	11-05-2017
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	First time visiting Meadow since the Rey Fire.  UNRECOGNIZABLE. The oak tree is dust, as is the table and the whole camp is buried in belly-high star thistle.  Bazaar feeling walking up to a camp we knew so well and not knowing where exactly you were. Ultimately the camp needs to be moved west into the remaining oak trees.  We'd recommend not camping here for a while unless you like star thistle. Would be a great boy scout project to restore the camp.  Any takers?
Water Source:	Dry
Water Source Details:	Nearest water was at Lower Buckhorn Camp. Much of Buckhorn had water. Didn't see any water in Indian Creek, but didn't go above Meadow Camp.
Weather Conditions:	high 60's, pleasant.
Images:	Where's the oak tree? Looking east to where the camp used to be. Dreamy view up Indian remains. View down to meadow from the Lower Buckhorn saddle.

Meadow Camp Survey - 05-30-2016 - by James Wapotich

Link:	Meadow Camp
Date:	05-30-2016
Surveyor Name:	James Wapotich
Camp Description:	No water in the creek at camp, standing pools that could be filtered downstream.Â
Water Source:	Stagnant
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Meadow Camp Survey - 03-30-2016 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Meadow Camp
Date:	03-30-2016
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	Water is flowing, everything is green, flowers are great.
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Meadow Camp Survey - 12-29-2015 - by James Wapotich

Link:	Meadow Camp
Date:	12-29-2015
Surveyor Name:	James Wapotich
Camp Description:	Standing pools only, made fresh with rainwater.Â
Water Source:	Stagnant
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Meadow Camp Survey - 08-09-2015 - by Chris Ferrier

Link:	Meadow Camp
Date:	08-09-2015
Surveyor Name:	Chris Ferrier
Camp Description:	No water anywhere near Meadow Camp.
Water Source:	Dry
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Meadow Camp Survey - 05-31-2015 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Meadow Camp
Date:	05-31-2015
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	Camp looked clean, table in fair enough shape (for being as old as it is) but no water.  Nearest water was at Lower Buckhorn Camp.  There was no confirmation where the water started upstream along Indian Creek.
Water Source:	Dry
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:	high 80's, sunny and hot!

Meadow Camp Survey - 02-13-2015 - by Shaddus Maximus

Link:	Meadow Camp
Date:	02-13-2015
Surveyor Name:	Shaddus Maximus
Camp Description:	Bomber campsite right next to the massive potrero, a.k.a., meadow.Â
Water Source:	Flowing
Water Source Details:	Good flow in Indian creek just below Meadow Camp
Weather Conditions:
Images:

Meadow Camp Survey - 09-26-2014 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Meadow Camp
Date:	09-26-2014
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Stagnant
Water Source Details:	Stagnant pools but there was water if you really wanted it
Weather Conditions:

Meadow Camp Survey - 06-28-2014 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Meadow Camp
Date:	06-28-2014
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:
Water Source:	Dry
Water Source Details:
Weather Conditions:

Meadow Camp Survey - 05-25-2014 - by Los Padres Forest Association

Link:	Meadow Camp
Date:	05-25-2014
Surveyor Name:	Los Padres Forest Association
Camp Description:	Table is intact, the trail is pretty good other than some of the usual bushwhacking.   We rode our bikes up to Meadow Camp and then continued upstream by foot.
Water Source:	Dry
Water Source Details:	No water between the trailhead and Meadow Camp
Weather Conditions:	Hot, sunny, in the low 90's

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