Established Camping
Big Meadows Reservoir Campground (south Central Co)
Big Meadows Reservoir Campground, near Del Norte, Colorado, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. With its picturesque views of the lake and surrounding mountains, it’s a prime location for camping, fishing, and simply soaking in the serene atmosphere.
This campground offers a mix of tent and RV sites, with many campers praising the spaciousness and privacy of the spots. Visitors have noted the cleanliness of the facilities, especially the pit toilets, which have been described as “the cleanest” some have ever encountered. Firewood is available for purchase, making it easy to enjoy cozy campfires under the stars.
For outdoor activities, the nearby reservoir is perfect for fishing, with many campers reporting successful catches. There are also beautiful trails leading to waterfalls, providing great opportunities for hiking and exploring the stunning scenery. As one happy camper shared, “The scenery is phenomenal,” making it clear that the natural beauty here is a major draw.
While the campground doesn’t have electric hookups or showers, the friendly hosts and well-maintained sites more than make up for it. If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat with plenty of outdoor fun, Big Meadows Reservoir Campground is definitely worth a visit.
Description
National Forest
Rio Grande National Forest
Overview
Big Meadows is located in the San Juan Mountains in south-central Colorado, about 11 miles west of South Fork. The campground is lightly wooded with spruce trees, creating a beautiful meadow atmosphere. The Rio Grande National Forest spans 1.86 million acres in south-central Colorado. The Continental Divide runs for 236 miles along most of the forest's western border, presenting a myriad of ecosystems from alpine desert to dense wilderness.
Recreation
An accessible fishing pier, located on the north shore of the reservoir, allows anglers to cast for rainbow, brown and brook trout. Hunting, boating and hiking are also popular pastimes. Hikers and horseback riders will enjoy the 6-mile Archuleta Trail. The trail accesses the Weminuche Wilderness, Colorado's largest wilderness, which boasts the headwaters of dozens of major streams and rivers that feed into the Rio Grande and San Juan rivers.
Natural Features
The campground meanders up a mountainside above Big Meadows Reservoir in a series of loops. As a sub-alpine region, the campground gets more 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, remnants of the Spanish Conquistadors and gold rush ghost towns. The Sangre de Cristo and San Juan Ranges are laced with trails for avid hikers.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (805) 434-1996.
Location
Big Meadows Reservoir Campground (south Central Co) is located in Colorado
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.
Address
13308 WEST HWY 160
Del norte, CO 81132
Coordinates
37.5380556 N
106.7961111 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonPoor
- AT&TGood
- T-MobileGood
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 4 hrs from Pueblo
- 4 hrs 23 min from Santa Fe
- 5 hrs 28 min from Farmington
- 5 hrs 28 min from Grand Junction