Big Meadows Campground and Picnic Area
Big Meadows is located in the San Juan Mountains in south-central Colorado, about 11 miles west of South Fork, CO. The campground is lightly wooded with spruce trees, creating a beautiful meadow atmosphere.
This 42 site campground meanders up a mountainside above Big Meadows Reservoir in a series of 3 loops. 23 of the sites are reservable through Recreation.gov, while the remaining 19 sites are first come, first served. Each site has a campfire ring and picnic tables. Drinking water is available. Electric hookups are not available. The nearest dump station is 13 miles away at the Rainbow Grocery in South Fork, CO.
This area can be accessed by passenger car and has ADA accessible fishing access with fishing pier and boat launch nearby. Hunting, boating, and hiking are also popular activities in this area.
There is a picnic area adjacent to this campground and a boat ramp is located on the north shore of the reservoir.
Active Alerts
Reservations
Make Reservations HereReservations and payment are made through Recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777.
Reservations must be made at least 4 days ahead of arrival and can be made up to 6 months in advance for standard sites or 12 months in advance for group areas.
Of the 42 campsites: 23 are reservable, 19 are first come, first served.
General Information
Trash service is provided by the concessionaire from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Outside of the summer season, there is no trash service. Please pack out all garbage.
Located in the sub-alpine region, the campground receives more snow melt and 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, the Continental Divide Trail and gold rush ghost towns. The Sangre de Cristo and San Juan Ranges are laced with hiking trails for all levels of hikers.
Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day Weekend.
Check in time is after 2:00 pm. Check out time is before 11:00 am.
Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to single campsites ONLY.
*The discount applies only to the fee for the campsite physically occupied by the pass holder, not to any additional fee or campsite(s) occupied by members of the pass holder's party.
Visit the USGS store for passes.
Interagency Recreation Passes are Honored for Day Use.
Please be prepared to pay with cash or check.
14-day camping limit.
Fires in designated fire rings only.
This can be bear country. Remain "Bear Aware" and store food properly while camping.
On Big Meadows Reservoir, boats are allowed. No wakes are allowed, trolling motors are okay. Boat ramp on north shore. You must have a Colorado fishing license to fish the reservoir and streams.
Day Use:
$12 per day
$10 per day (during shoulder season)
Overnight Use:
Single Site: $29 per night
Double Site: $58 per night
Group Site: $99 per night
Single or Double Site: $10 per night (during shoulder season)
The Picnic area is free but no camping is allowed there.
Fee envelopes and a collection box are provided near the entrance.
Dogs must be on leash not longer than six feet in length.
Contact Name: Divide Ranger District
Contact Phone: 719-657-3321
Address: 13308 West US Hwy 160 Del Norte, CO 81132
Phone: (719) 657-3321
Hours: Monday through Friday / 9:00 to 3:30 (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 37.53807914
Longitude: -106.7965007
Elevation
9500
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.
Parking
Maximum spur length is 60 feet. Not all sites will fit vehicles of this length.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
