There are two meadow areas at Vidette Meadow - Lower Vidette Meadow and Vidette Meadow, sometimes called East Vidette Meadow. Both have good campsites near them. The lower meadow is larger, has a bear box, and is off the main John Muir Trail. A large camping area is spread among the trees around the bear box at the edge of the lower meadow. Other campsites can be found off the trail for 1½ miles around to the shadow of East Vidette Peak.
Fishing is good for brook trout in Bubbs Creek, both in the meadow area and above and below popular camping areas. The upper part of Bubbs Creek has golden trout.
Lower Vidette Meadow Campsite
Shorty's Cabin
One of Joseph "Shorty" Lovelace's cabins is located in Vidette Meadow. Shorty was a fur trapper who built an extensive string of cabins and shelters throughout the South Fork Kings River watershed. Shorty trapped from 1910 to about 1940 when Kings Canyon National Park was established. Most of his cabins have been allowed to deteriorate naturally, but the small log cabin in Vidette Meadow was restored and is maintained by the Park Service.
Bullfrog Lake and East Vidette
Explore the Area
Several attractive lakes are within day-trip walking distance of Vidette Meadow. Bullfrog Lake is 1.6 miles from Lower Vidette Meadow and Charlotte Lake is 2.1 miles. Fishing is good at both lakes. Farther from camp, Kearsarge Lakes are a 3-mile hike. Those looking for longer adventures might want to hike up to Golden Bear Lake in Center Basin. For panoramic views of the region, head up the trail to the summit of Glen Pass. The strenuous hike is 4.5 miles and climbs 2,400 feet.
Vidette Lakes
Experienced cross-country hikers may want to make their way up Vidette Creek to the string of Vidette Lakes. A faint use-trail can be found near the confluence of Vidette Creek and Bubbs Creek, but the trail fades as you work your way upstream.
Small campsites can be found near the largest of the lower lakes.
