Is Meadow Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Meadow Lake Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

What is the best time to visit Meadow Lake Campground?

Meadow Lake Campground is open May 28 to October 25.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Meadow Lake Campground?

Meadow Lake Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Meadow Lake Campground have?

Meadow Lake Campground has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Meadow Lake Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Meadow Lake Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Meadow Lake Campground?

Meadow Lake Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Meadow Lake Campground

3.05

11 reviews

Summer Destination

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

9,610 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

May 28 to October 25...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on null Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

9,610 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

May 28 to October 25...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on null Official Website

Get Directions

Meadow Lake Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Group Site Fee$10.00

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I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Meadow Lake Campground

39.8172, -107.5428

Nearby places

New Castle (35 miles, approximately 1 hour drive)

Driving directionsFrom New Castle, travel north on the Buford-New Castle Road (County Road 245), starting from the northwest edge of town. Follow this road north for 28 miles to Hiner Spring; along the way, you will pass the White River National Forest boundary and the West Elk Trailhead parking lot. At Hiner Spring, turn right onto Forest Road 601 and proceed for 3.5 miles to Forest Road 823. Turn right onto Forest Road 823 and follow the road for two miles. Turn right to stay on Forest Road 823, and continue for another 0.3 miles to the campground entrance.

Weather at Meadow Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Meadow Lake Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the fullest range of activities at Meadow Lake — expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F and cool nights in the 30s–40s at 9,600 ft. Trails, boating and fishing are at their peak, wildflower meadows are in full bloom from late June through July, and the campground is open and maintained from late May to October. Weekends in July–August are busiest, so weekday visits or shoulder-season summer days (late June or early September) give the best mix Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer temps mid-60s/70s, wildflowers peak late June–July; campground open and accessible.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: May 28 to October 25.

About Meadow Lake Campground

Meadow Lake Campground sits at 9,600 feet in White River National Forest near New Castle, Colorado. This very small alpine campground offers basic tent and RV sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Summer visitors enjoy boating, fishing, and wildflower-filled meadows, with cool nights and mild daytime temperatures typical of high-elevation camping.

Meadow Lake Campground accommodates various camping styles, with specific provisions for tent camping and small trailers.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the fullest range of activities at Meadow Lake — expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F and cool nights in the 30s–40s at 9,600 ft. Trails, boating and fishing are at their peak, wildflower meadows are in full bloom from late June through July, and the campground is open and maintained from late May to October. Weekends in July–August are busiest, so weekday visits or shoulder-season summer days (late June or early September) give the best mix Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation9610 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits steps from Meadow Lake, a high-altitude lake surrounded by evergreen forest and wildflower meadows. The Flat Tops' distinctive geology created this landscape, where volcanic origins formed the region's namesake flat-topped mountains. Trails branch into the surrounding forest and meadows. The lake reflects the surrounding peaks when calm.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available. The campground is limited to campsites and is not equipped with cabins or other accommodations.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

May 28 to October 25

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation Platformsnull

AccessibilityThe campground includes several handicap-accessible sites, making it a suitable option for visitors with mobility challenges.

Site SizeParking spurs accommodate vehicles up to 16 feet in length, limiting access for larger RVs or trailers.

PrivacyNo specific information is provided about the level of privacy at individual campsites. Given the small size of the campground (10 sites), it may offer a quieter and less crowded experience.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended Sitesnull

Amenities available

Meadow Lake Campground offers a range of amenities designed for outdoor enthusiasts. These include picnic tables, fire grates, trash disposal, secure food storage, and a vault toilet. The campground has several handicap accessible sites, enhancing accessibility for visitors with disabilities. The location also offers proximity to the Meadow Lake Picnic Area, where guests can find additional facilities such as picnic tables, fire rings, a dock, a boat launch, and restroom access. The day-use fee for the picnic area is waived for campground guests.

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Meadow Lake Campground serves as a great base for outdoor activities, including fishing, hunting, OHV riding, and hiking. The proximity to Meadow Lake and numerous non-motorized trails offers varied recreational opportunities for visitors.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Only a vault toilet is provided.

Food Storage RequiredSecure food storage is provided due to bear activity in the area.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.1

11 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Meadow Lake Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

There is limited user feedback available for Meadow Lake Campground. One review mentions it was closed during the 2020 season, according to the USFS website.

Review Summaries

Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

No specific positive aspects are highlighted in the user reviews.

Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

No common complaints are mentioned in the user reviews.

Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No site-specific reviews are available. The campground has 10 sites, all first-come, first-serve.

Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No detailed seasonal trends are available from user reviews. The campground's typical season runs from May 28 to October 25, which aligns with favorable conditions for outdoor activities.

Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Closed for the 2020 season according to USFS website." (Andrew Cutler, June 2020)

Based on 11 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically address accessibility features, but official sources confirm accessible sites are available.

Based on 11 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No user reviews address pet policies or experiences with pets at the campground.

Based on 11 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a quiet, high-elevation escape with lake access and don't need full amenities.

Skip if

You need hookups, showers, or guaranteed shoulder-season access at alpine elevations.

Nearby Campgrounds

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(31)

South Fork Campground & Trailhead

White River National Forest

South Fork Campground sits at 8,000 feet along the South Fork of the White River in White River National Forest, serving as a trailhead and basecamp for the Flat Tops Wilderness. The 15 sites accommodate tents, RVs, and primitive camping for $20/night. Dense spruce forest and thick understory provide solid privacy between sites.