Meadow Lake Campground

Star3.69
11 reviews
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

9,610 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

May 28 to October 25...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Meadow Lake Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis and charges a recreation use fee. Additional service fees apply based on how payments are...
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Standard Site Fee$8.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$10.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

3.69

Mixed Reviews

Based on 11 reviews

8 Google reviews

Most mentioned

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"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."

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Campground Map

Meadow Lake Campground

39.8172, -107.5428

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.
The campground is located along a series of forest roads. Visitors must travel 28 miles north on Buford-New Castle Road, which is paved most of the way, before transitioning to unpaved Forest Road 601 and Forest Road 823 for the final few miles. Seasonal access may vary due to snow or road conditions.
Nearby places
New Castle (35 miles, approximately 1 hour drive)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be acquired in New Castle, the closest town, which is approximately 35 miles away. This includes groceries, fuel, and camping goods.

Best Time to Camp at Meadow Lake Campground

From late May through October, Meadow Lake Campground awakens from its winter slumber, typically opening its gates on May 28th and welcoming visitors until October 25th. Early season campers might wake to frost-kissed meadows and the occasional June snowflake dancing through crisp mountain air, while autumn visitors are treated to golden aspen displays accompanied by the possibility of early snow dustings. The high-altitude climate keeps temperatures refreshingly cool throughout summer, making this an ideal escape from lowland heat.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open late May–Oct; summer aligns with peak access to hiking, boating and fishing.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open into late October; fall offers quieter visits though closures start late season.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens late May; early spring access limited and weather can be variable at high elevation.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed roughly Oct 25–May 28; winter access not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 28 to October 25.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: May 28 to October 25.
  • Current Alerts: null

About Meadow Lake Campground

Nestled in the pristine White River National Forest, Meadow Lake Campground welcomes adventurers to its intimate collection of 10 campsites, perfect for tent camping and small trailers seeking an authentic mountain experience. This first-come, first-served gem provides everything you need for a comfortable wilderness stay: sturdy picnic tables for outdoor dining under towering pines, fire grates for evening storytelling sessions, secure food storage to keep wildlife at bay, and clean vault toilets. Thoughtfully designed handicap-accessible sites ensure everyone can enjoy this alpine paradise, while convenient trash disposal helps preserve the natural beauty that draws visitors back season after season.
Meadow Lake Campground accommodates various camping styles, with specific provisions for tent camping and small trailers.
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Stay Limit
May 28 to October 25

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

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.
HikingThe campground provides an easy staging area for accessing several non-motorized trails in the southwest Flat Tops. Trail details such as lengths or difficulty levels are not specified.
FishingMeadow Lake is a popular location for fishing, although no specific information about fish species or fishing conditions is provided.
BoatingA dock and boat launch are available at the nearby Meadow Lake Picnic Area, offering facilities for boating activities.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bear activity requiring secure food storage and seasonal road access challenges due to snow or weather conditions.
Active Alertsnull
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredSecure food storage is provided due to bear activity in the area.

Weather at Meadow Lake Campground

Reviews

3.7
11 reviews
Mixed 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

Pro Tips & Recommendations

No specific tips or recommendations are provided by users.
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

Site-Specific Reviews

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

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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