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Meadow Creek Reservoir Fishing Site

Within Arapaho National Forest, Meadow Creek Reservoir Fishing Site operates as a dispersed camping area where campers select their own spots around the reservoir and along access roads. The US Forest Service manages this free camping destination located 30-45 minutes from Winter Park, with sites available through drive-in, walk-in, and hike-in access depending on how far from the main road visitors venture.

The reservoir draws anglers targeting trout, while hiking trails including the route to Columbine Lake branch out from the area. Campers can position themselves directly beside the water or explore further inland to find drier ground, as wet conditions near the shoreline prompt some visitors to backpack deeper into the forest. Wildlife sightings include moose, fox, ospreys, and eagles. Weekend arrivals by Saturday afternoon often find lakeside spots occupied, though sites along the access road provide alternatives with creek access.

High elevation brings weather variability even in summer months, with snow possible in July and cold nights year-round. The area accommodates larger RVs within the first few miles of the access road. "Beautiful area to camp or spend the day kayaking, SUP, fishing, etc," notes Lilliana S.. Day use requires a $5 pass, while overnight camping remains free. Cell service varies by carrier, with some reporting no Verizon coverage. Arrive early on weekends to secure preferred spots near the water.

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Location

Dispersed Camping

Meadow Creek Reservoir Fishing Site is located in Colorado

Coordinates

40.06047092 N
105.74504882 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verified by 1 user
Last on 4/26/26
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verified by 1 user
Last on 4/26/26
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Dispersed
Group
Equestrian

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Big Rig Friendly

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 49 min from Denver, CO
1 hr 59 min from Boulder, CO
2 hrs 31 min from Greeley, CO
2 hrs 35 min from Fort Collins, CO

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4.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the stunning scenery, excellent fishing, and peaceful dispersed camping with flexible site selection. Multiple visitors reported abundant wildlife including moose, eagles, and excellent trout fishing opportunities.

Lilliana S.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 14, 2025

Beautiful reservoir

It was pretty busy when we arrived on a Saturday afternoon in July (non-holiday weekend), lots of groups camping and day use but was able to find a spot next to another group next to a path that lead straight to the water. Fee area for day/multiday pass. It was $5 for day pass. Beautiful area to camp or spend the day kayaking, SUP, fishing, etc.

Month of VisitJuly

(4) View All

amie M.

Guide

Reviewed May. 27, 2024

Great location with easy access

We have a 38ft travel trailer and we were able to go only about 3 miles up but found a great off the road spot by a creek.

Sitemaybe the 4th or 5th spot on the west side of the creek

Month of VisitMay

(6) View All

Johannes R.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 4, 2021

Beyond Expectation

We were Van Camping and stayed there for 8 days total. I was blown away how insanely gorgeous it was there. The hiking trails are legit trails that entertains you every step of the way and the wildlife around you is stunning. Saw moose’s almost everyday, a fox, ospreys and eagles everywhere feeding and trout. It gets busy on the weekends but everyone there is really kind. It’s a must visit

Month of VisitJuly

(9) View All

Connor T.

Scout

Reviewed May. 11, 2021

Beautiful

The spots around the lake were all full so we took on of the spots along the road in. I think we got a better spot! We could hear anyone else, saw a couple moose and got to fish right off our campsite!

Month of VisitJuly

Andy G.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 31, 2019

Serenity

My partner and I met up with some friends out here on a Friday around 4:30 (after getting passes from Granby - the pay station is not in operation), and we spent the weekend burning wood and appreciating the stunning beauty of the trees surrounding us and the river dashing by. The sites pretty much filled up by 6. Will be back. No Verizon reception.

Month of VisitJuly

Steph A.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 16, 2018

A little far, but worth the drive.

Meadow Creek is 30-45 minutes from Winter Park, depending on where you camp. You can camp right on the reservoir, or hike in further to find your own spot. We chose to backpack in a ways due to the wet ground, so be prepared for that. It is dispersed camping, so don’t expect fancy amenities, but that also provides the freedom to find your perfect spot. We camped here due to the close proximity to Columbine Lake, which I highly recommend! Due to the high altitude, the weather can be unexpected. We got snowed on in July! But the views made it all worth it.

GoWhereYouAreDraw N.

Legend

Reviewed Jul. 13, 2018

A local favorite!

One of my favorite spots in Grand County! Close to the Columbine Lake trail and so many other awesome hiking trails. It's far enough away from the National Park to not have a ton of foot traffic through.

No reservations. First come, first serve. This is a high elevation location so be prepared for cold nights and afternoon rain/snow.

Nice quiet area with great views. AWESOME fishing!

Month of VisitJuly

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Meadow Creek Campground located in Colorado?

Meadow Creek Reservoir Fishing Site is located in Grand County, Colorado, approximately 30-45 minutes from Winter Park. The area is situated in a beautiful mountain setting, offering stunning forest views and proximity to numerous hiking trails. Its location in Grand County places it close to the Columbine Lake trail and other outdoor recreation opportunities, while being far enough from Rocky Mountain National Park to avoid heavy tourist traffic.

Do I need reservations for Meadow Creek Campground?

No reservations are required for Meadow Creek Reservoir Fishing Site. This is a first-come, first-served camping area. The spots around the lake can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during summer months. If lakeside spots are taken, additional camping areas are available along the access road. A fee area requires either a day pass ($5) or a multi-day pass, which can be obtained from Granby as the on-site pay station may not always be in operation.

Can you swim in Meadow Creek Reservoir?

While there's no explicit prohibition against swimming at Meadow Creek Reservoir, the high elevation means the water is typically very cold, even during summer months. The reservoir appears to be primarily used for fishing rather than swimming. Visitors can access the water easily from various points around the reservoir, but swimming conditions may vary depending on water levels and weather. For those seeking water recreation, fishing is the more popular activity at this location.

What fishing opportunities are available at Meadow Creek Reservoir?

Meadow Creek Reservoir offers excellent fishing opportunities with some campers able to fish directly from their campsites. The reservoir is a prime fishing destination in Grand County, and there are also nearby creeks for additional fishing spots. While specific fish species aren't detailed, the area is popular enough that anglers frequent the location and some visitors report camping specifically to enjoy the fishing. The scenic mountain setting enhances the fishing experience.

Is dispersed camping allowed at Meadow Creek Reservoir?

Yes, dispersed camping is allowed at Meadow Creek Reservoir. This is a popular dispersed camping area where you can camp right on the reservoir or hike in further to find your own spot. Some campers choose to backpack in away from the reservoir due to potentially wet ground conditions. The area offers a true dispersed camping experience without formal amenities, so come prepared with everything you'll need for your stay.

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