Meadow Lake Campground
01 reviewMeadow Lake Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
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 made: $8 online, $9 via contact center, $3 in person.
About this 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.
Weather and SeasonsFrom 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.
ElevationPerched high in the dramatic Flat Tops wilderness, this elevated sanctuary offers the exhilarating experience of camping where the air is crisp and thin, and the stars seem close enough to touch. The significant altitude brings wonderfully cool temperatures that transform hot summer days into pleasant adventures, though visitors should prepare for the effects of thinner air and pack extra layers for those refreshingly chilly mountain mornings and evenings.
Natural Features and SceneryJust steps north of the mirror-like waters of Meadow Lake, this campground serves as your gateway to an alpine wonderland where wildflower-dotted meadows stretch toward dense evergreen forests and distant peaks. The crystalline lake beckons anglers to try their luck while reflecting the surrounding wilderness in its calm surface. Adventure seekers will discover a network of hiking trails that wind through the spectacular Flat Tops terrain, while OHV enthusiasts can explore designated routes that reveal hidden valleys and breathtaking vistas around every bend.
Geological RegionDiscover the southwestern reaches of the legendary Flat Tops, where White River National Forest showcases nature's artistry through a stunning tapestry of jewel-like alpine lakes, verdant meadows bursting with summer wildflowers, and ancient forests that have stood sentinel for centuries. This remarkable geological wonderland represents one of Colorado's most pristine high-altitude ecosystems, where volcanic origins have created the unique flat-topped mountains that give this wilderness its distinctive name and character.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground includes several handicap-accessible sites, making it a suitable option for visitors with mobility challenges.
Sites SizeParking spurs accommodate vehicles up to 16 feet in length, limiting access for larger RVs or trailers.
Sites 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 Campsitesnull
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
May 28 to October 25
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 10 sites, spread out to offer privacy and ease of access to Meadow Lake and surrounding trails.
Open and Closed SeasonMay 28 to October 25.
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in AvailabilityAll 10 campsites in this campground are walk-up only and operate on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Cancellation PolicyReservations cannot be made as the campground is first-come, first-serve. Cancellation fees apply to similar facilities, indicating a $10 fee and loss of the first night's fees for late cancellations.
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.
Hiking
The 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.Fishing
Meadow Lake is a popular location for fishing, although no specific information about fish species or fishing conditions is provided.Boating
A dock and boat launch are available at the nearby Meadow Lake Picnic Area, offering facilities for boating activities.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned, but the typical operating season is from late May to late October.Water Sports
The presence of a boat launch suggests opportunities for non-motorized water sports, but no specific details are provided.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire grates, adhering to seasonal fire regulations by White River National Forest.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include bear activity requiring secure food storage and seasonal road access challenges due to snow or weather conditions.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
60
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 50%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 7.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services: null. The closest hospital or police station is likely in New Castle, approximately 35 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 28 to October 25.
Trash and recyclingTrash disposal is available, but no specific details about recycling facilities or schedules are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresMeadow Lake is located just north of the campground, offering proximity to fishing and boating activities. The Meadow Lake Picnic Area provides a dock and boat launch.
Common complaintsnull
Hostnull
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Meadow Lake Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 1 reviews
What Campers Love
No specific positive aspects are highlighted in the user reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
No common complaints are mentioned in the user reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
No specific tips or recommendations are provided by users.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal 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 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Closed for the 2020 season according to USFS website." (Andrew Cutler, June 2020)
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No site-specific reviews are available. The campground has 10 sites, all first-come, first-serve.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically address accessibility features, but official sources confirm accessible sites are available.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user reviews address pet policies or experiences with pets at the campground.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025