Big Meadows Reservoir Campground (South Central CO)

Rio Grande National Forest

Big Meadows is located in the San Juan Mountains in south-central Colorado, about 11 miles west of South Fork. The campground is lightly wooded with spruce trees, creating a beautiful meadow atmosphere.

The Rio Grande National Forest spans 1.86 million acres in south-central Colorado. The Continental Divide runs for 236 miles along most of the forest's western border, presenting a myriad of ecosystems from alpine desert to dense wilderness.

Each site has a campfire ring and picnic tables. Drinking water is available.

The nearest dump station is 13 miles away, and a boat ramp is located on the north shore of the reservoir.

Need to Know

• PMC & Recreation.gov policy states we will keep your reserved site until check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. If you haven't occupied it at any time during this period, your reservation is null and void and we will give it to first come first serve folks. Your reservation will be a no show and no refund will be given.

• All single campsite reservation fees are good for 6 people and 1 vehicle. The maximum number of people per site is 8 ($10.00 additional charge after 6 people). The maximum number of vehicles per site is 2 ($10.00 additional charge for 2nd vehicle). Any extra people/vehicle fees will be charged at the campground ($10/night per person/vehicle).

• All double campsite reservation fees are good for 12 people and two vehicles. The maximum number of people per double site is 16 ($10.00 additional charge after 12 people). The maximum number of vehicles per site is 2 ($10.00 additional charge for over 2 vehicles). Any extra people/vehicle fees will be charged at the campground ($10/night per person/vehicle).

• Water hookups not available. Please fill your trailer prior to arriving. Trailers are not allowed to fill at any hydrants as it might contaminate the entire water system.

• The camp host at this location cannot modify your reservation. Before your check-in date, you may cancel or modify your reservation online. After your check-out date, you have a 7 day period to request a refund online.

• Electric hookups are not available

• This campground has first-come, first-served sites available but not guaranteed

• The 14 day stay limit is strictly enforced. Camping for a period longer than 14 days during any 30-consecutive day period is prohibited. If you have booked back-to-back reservations, you will be asked to cancel all days after the first 14.

• Weather conditions can change rapidly; please check prior to arrival

• Click here for more information on the Rio Grande National Forest
• Check out the forest's campground description for specific information to Fish Your National Forest
• Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

• The Rio Grande National Forest continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation and evaluate potential impacts and adjustments to reservations and our reservation policies through Recreation.gov. Reservation holders will be notified via email and/or cell phone text messages if there are any changes affecting their reservation. In the event of delayed openings of some, part or all of the campgrounds and cabins to ensure safe social distancing, you will receive a full refund for your reservation. Please remember to review current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and focus on recreating safely while protecting yourself, Forest Service employees and our volunteers.

Natural Features

The campground meanders up a mountainside above Big Meadows Reservoir in a series of loops. As a sub-alpine region, the campground gets more rainfall than the opposite side of the lake, resulting in plentiful wildflowers and aspens surrounding the campsites.

Nearby Attractions

The surrounding area has plenty to keep visitors busy, with attractions like Great Sand Dunes National Park, Native American ruins, remnants of the Spanish Conquistadors and gold rush ghost towns. The Sangre de Cristo and San Juan Ranges are laced with trails for avid hikers.

Recreation

An accessible fishing pier, located on the north shore of the reservoir, allows anglers to cast for rainbow, brown and brook trout. Hunting, boating and hiking are also popular pastimes.

Hikers and horseback riders will enjoy the 6-mile Archuleta Trail. The trail accesses the Weminuche Wilderness, Colorado's largest wilderness, which boasts the headwaters of dozens of major streams and rivers that feed into the Rio Grande and San Juan rivers.

Contact Information

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13308 WEST HWY 160 DEL NORTE CO 81132

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 435-245-6521

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

From South Fork, Colorado, take Highway 160 for 13 miles west, turn onto Forest Road 410 SW, and go 1.8 miles to Big Meadows Campground.

Available Campsites

• Site 028, Loop MIDDLE LOOP , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 025, Loop MIDDLE LOOP , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 047, Loop UPPER LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 021, Loop MIDDLE LOOP , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 040, Loop UPPER LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 004, Loop LOWER LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 024, Loop MIDDLE LOOP , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 019, Loop MIDDLE LOOP , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site GSA, Loop LOWER LOOP, Type Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
• Site 029, Loop MIDDLE LOOP , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 046, Loop UPPER LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 023, Loop MIDDLE LOOP , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 039, Loop UPPER LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 017, Loop MIDDLE LOOP , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 043, Loop UPPER LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 034, Loop HOST SITE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 016, Loop MIDDLE LOOP , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 031, Loop MIDDLE LOOP , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 027, Loop MIDDLE LOOP , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 032, Loop MIDDLE LOOP , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 008, Loop LOWER LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 005, Loop LOWER LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 003, Loop LOWER LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 009, Loop LOWER LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 026, Loop MIDDLE LOOP , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 006, Loop LOWER LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 018, Loop MIDDLE LOOP , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 007, Loop LOWER LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 038, Loop UPPER LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 042, Loop UPPER LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 033, Loop HOST SITE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 030, Loop MIDDLE LOOP , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 035, Loop MIDDLE LOOP , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 013, Loop LOWER LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 015, Loop MIDDLE LOOP , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 045, Loop UPPER LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 001, Loop LOWER LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 041, Loop UPPER LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 037, Loop UPPER LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 011, Loop LOWER LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 002, Loop LOWER LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 014, Loop HOST SITE, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 020, Loop MIDDLE LOOP , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 012, Loop LOWER LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 044, Loop UPPER LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 010, Loop LOWER LOOP, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 022, Loop MIDDLE LOOP , Type Standard Nonelectric

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