Meadow Ridge Campground
00 reviewMeadow Ridge Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Recreation fees vary by location and activity. For Meadow Ridge Campground, visitors may need to pay an $8 reservation fee if made online or through the app, or $9 if made through the contact center. There is a $3 fee for reservations made in-person.
About this campground
Nestled 35 miles north of New Castle, Colorado, Meadow Ridge Campground offers an intimate mountain retreat with 20 first-come-first-serve campsites. Whether you're pitching a tent under the stars or pulling in with your RV (accommodating rigs up to 50 feet), you'll find everything needed for a comfortable stay. Each site comes equipped with its own picnic table and fire grate, perfect for evening storytelling and s'mores. Modern conveniences like secure food storage lockers, trash disposal, and well-maintained vault toilets ensure your wilderness experience doesn't sacrifice comfort. Several sites feature handicap-accessible amenities, welcoming all adventurers to this mountain haven.
Meadow Ridge Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including tent camping, RV, and trailer camping.
Historical SignificanceAs part of the legendary White River National Forest, Meadow Ridge sits within one of America's most treasured landscapes. This forest has long stood as a testament to conservation success, protecting millions of acres of pristine wilderness while opening its beauty to generations of adventurers. The campground continues this proud tradition, offering a gateway to lands that have inspired conservationists, artists, and nature lovers for over a century.
Weather and SeasonsFrom late May through October, Meadow Ridge transforms into a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Summer brings warm days perfect for hiking and fishing, while early season visitors in May and late-season adventurers in October should pack layers for those crisp mountain mornings and potential snow dustings. The shoulder seasons offer their own magic—fewer crowds, golden aspens, and that special quiet that only comes with cooler mountain air. Even in peak summer, temperatures remain refreshingly moderate, though mountain weather can always surprise with a sudden cool spell.
ElevationHigh in Colorado's mountain country, Meadow Ridge offers that perfect alpine camping experience where the air is crisp and the stars shine brilliantly in the thin atmosphere.
Natural Features and SceneryJust a short quarter-mile stroll brings you to the sparkling waters of Meadow Lake, where morning mist dances across the surface and evening light paints the water in shades of gold. The campground itself sits cradled between towering alpine forests and sprawling wildflower meadows that burst with color each summer. This is prime territory for anglers seeking that perfect catch, hunters tracking game through ancient forests, and OHV enthusiasts exploring rugged mountain trails. Every direction offers postcard-worthy views of Colorado's raw, natural beauty.
Geological RegionMeadow Ridge showcases the dramatic diversity of White River National Forest's mountain ecosystem. Here, dense stands of evergreens give way to sun-drenched alpine meadows, creating a patchwork of habitats that support everything from delicate wildflowers to majestic elk. The mountainous terrain tells a story millions of years in the making, with each ridge and valley carved by ancient glaciers and shaped by the relentless forces of wind and water. This ecological wonderland spans multiple life zones, offering campers a front-row seat to nature's grand tapestry.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground includes several handicap-accessible sites, ensuring access for campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeParking spurs are available for vehicles up to 50 feet in length, accommodating RVs and trailers.
Total Campsites20 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites closer to Meadow Lake may offer better views and easier access to fishing and boating activities.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsites were identified as best.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No specified check-in times due to first-come-first-serve policy.
Check-out
No specified check-out times due to first-come-first-serve policy.
Stay Limit
No specific stay limit duration is listed.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Sites are suitable for tent, RV, and trailer camping.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes 20 sites suitable for tent, RV, and trailer camping, with parking spurs up to 50 feet long.
Open and Closed SeasonTypically open from May 28 to October 25, seasonal closures apply outside these dates.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations accepted as the campground is first-come-first-serve.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll 20 campsites are first-come-first-serve, making walk-up availability standard practice.
Cancellation PolicyThe campground operates on a first-come-first-served basis, meaning reservations cannot be canceled as they are not accepted.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Meadow Ridge Campground is situated in an area known for fishing, hunting, and OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) riding. It also serves as a convenient access point to numerous non-motorized trails in the southwest Flat Tops.
Hiking
The area provides access to numerous non-motorized trails in the southwest Flat Tops, which are popular for hiking. Specific trail details, such as difficulty or length, are not provided.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Meadow Lake, located less than 0.25 miles from the campground. No specific details about the types of fish or fishing conditions are available.Boating
Meadow Lake features a dock and boat ramp on its western shoreline, facilitating boating activities. Details about boat types or regulations are not provided.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire grates are provided, indicating campfires are allowed within designated fire grates.
- Quiet hours are No specific quiet hours mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential wildlife hazards due to the remote forest location. Caution is advised during seasonal hunting periods.
Active alertsNo current alerts or advisories mentioned.
Weather forecast
54
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 59%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 3.8 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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
Closest emergency services are likely located in New Castle, approximately 35 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 28 – October 25.
Trash and recyclingTrash disposal services are available at the campground, though specific recycling options are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is less than 0.25 miles from Meadow Lake, which includes a dock, boat ramp, picnic area, and restroom.
Common complaintsNo user reviews or complaints provided.
HostNo information on campground hosts provided.
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. Continue straight onto Forest Road 823.2A and proceed for 0.7 miles to the campground entrance.
The campground can be accessed via Buford-New Castle Road (County Road 245). The route involves paved and forest roads; however, there are multiple turns onto Forest Roads (601, 823 and 823.2A). It may require careful navigation and attention to road signs.Nearby places
New Castle (35 miles, approximately 1-1.5 hours drive)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are likely available in New Castle, the nearest city approximately 35 miles away.
Camper Reviews
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0 reviews
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Last updated August 10, 2025