Kingsbury to Big Meadows (TRT)
Campground · Lake Tahoe corridor
Kingsbury to Big Meadows (TRT) is a high-Sierra campground at 8,694 feet near Lake Tahoe's eastern shore. Sheltered by ridgeline terrain, it sits calmer than exposed alpine zones.
Afternoon wind climbs steadily off the lake basin; mornings hold flat conditions. The 30-day average wind is 10 mph, but gusts spike to 23 mph by mid-day. Temperature swings 30+ degrees between sun and shade. Plan for early-start activity.
Over the last 30 days, the NoGo Score averaged 13, with readings ranging from 6 to 30. The 30-day average wind of 10 mph masks typical afternoon surges; expect the next week to follow the same lake-driven pattern. Temperature will hover near the 35-degree average; monitor the 7-day forecast for late-spring snow timing.
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About Kingsbury to Big Meadows (TRT)
Kingsbury to Big Meadows (TRT) sits on the eastern slope of the Lake Tahoe basin at 8,694 feet, roughly 20 miles south of Carson City via Highway 395 and Kingsbury Grade Road. The location anchors the Tahoe Rim Trail corridor on the drier, rain-shadow side of the Sierra crest. Access is straightforward from the Nevada side; the campground sits above the Tahoe Valley and draws hikers and backpackers using the TRT for multi-day traverses. Parking is seasonal and fills quickly on weekends when Highway 395 is clear.
Kingsbury to Big Meadows experiences the lake-effect wind signature common to the Tahoe eastern shore. Mornings are typically calm; wind funnels up the basin and peaks in afternoon hours, driven by the temperature differential between the cold lake and warming slopes. The 30-day average wind is 10 mph, but gusts regularly exceed 20 mph. Temperature averages 35 degrees over the last month, with overnight lows near 20 and daytime highs near 52 depending on season. Crowding is moderate at a 6 out of 10 average; the location draws steady backcountry traffic but lacks the popularity of Meeks Bay or Sand Harbor. Snowpack persists into late spring; wind combines with cold nights to keep the ground icy through April and May.
Kingsbury to Big Meadows suits backcountry hikers and TRT through-hikers seeking a mid-point camp or staging point. The moderate elevation sits above the lake but below the highest ridgeline exposure. Experienced visitors plan camp setup and water collection for early morning, before wind kicks. Afternoon hikes are possible but exposed; wind gusts make cooking and shelter setup slower. The site works best for overnight stays or multi-day legs rather than day trips. Parking fills by mid-morning on calm weekends; arrive before 9 a.m. or plan a weekday visit.
Nearby alternatives include Marlette Lake (closer to Carson City, lower elevation, windier) and Spooner Lake (north-facing, more protected). The TRT itself offers dozens of camp spots; Kingsbury to Big Meadows is known as a reliable water source and established camp zone rather than a named facility. For lower-elevation car camping with similar access, check the Carson Valley campgrounds west of Highway 395. Spring conditions here remain marginal until late May; early-season visitors should confirm snowpack and route status with the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest office in Carson City.