Road noise is the trade-off at Meadows Campground, a Routt National Forest site situated just off Highway 40 at Rabbit Ears Pass, roughly 9 miles southeast of Steamboat Springs. Cars drifting onto the rumble strips are audible from most sites, particularly at night, so light sleepers should pack earplugs or a white noise source. That said, the highway access works in the campground's favor when it comes to availability: multiple reviewers have rolled in late at night, including after 10 p.m., and found open spots even during busy summer weekends.
The campground sits in mixed conifer forest with enough trees to hang hammocks and rig tarps. Sites vary considerably depending on where you land. Sites near the entrance sit on a slight rise with open sightlines toward the surrounding mountains, while spots further back are more enclosed by fir and spruce. Some sites have a noticeable slope, requiring a bit of maneuvering to find flat tent placement, though most include a picnic table, fire ring with an adjustable grill, and space for two vehicles. Joe B. noted that the two areas of the campground "provided a completely different experience," which is worth keeping in mind when choosing a site.
Pit toilets are the primary facility on-site, and reviewers consistently describe them as clean and stocked. The campground listing notes water hookups and a dump station, though at least one reviewer reported neither was available during their visit, so it is worth confirming current conditions before arrival. Downed timber in the area means firewood is often easy to source nearby. Trails to Rabbit Ears Peak are accessible from the campground, and the town of Steamboat Springs provides resupply options, breweries, and distilleries within a short drive.
Reservations are available, though the campground has historically operated on a first-come, first-served basis at $26 per night. The season runs June through October. Cell service is reported by multiple visitors. For dispersed alternatives in the same corridor, Falls Road Dispersed Campsite and FR 296 Dispersed, Routt National Forest are both within a mile. Meadows works well for travelers moving through on Highway 40, RV campers needing a straightforward pull-in site, and hikers staging trips to Rabbit Ears Peak who want an established campground with reliable facilities.
Description
Overview
Meadows Campground is located on Rabbit Ears Pass outside of Steamboat Springs, CO and is surrounded by Spruce, Fir and Lodgepole forest. It has 30 campsites, with a combination of pull-through, back-in and walk-in tent sites. At an elevation of 9,300 feet, Meadows campground lies near the top of Continental Divide in the Park Range. Activities include stream fishing, hiking, wildflower viewing, and mountain biking easily accessible on nearby trails. Established Forest Service summer hiking and mountain biking trails are accessible nearby from the road to Dumont Campground (NFSR 315). Vault toilets and garbage services are provided.
Recreation
Activities include stream fishing, hiking and mountain biking easily accessible. Camping limit is 14 days.
Facilities
Vault toilets and garbage services provided.
Natural Features
At an elevation of 9,300 feet, Meadows campground lies in the Rocky Mountains in the heart of the Routt National Forest on Rabbit Ears pass. The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland encompass nearly three million acres from central and northeastern Wyoming to north-central Colorado. Black bear, bobcat, coyote, elk, mule deer and moose are just some of the many animals that inhabit these rich and diverse lands.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (970) 870-2299.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMeadows Campground is located in Colorado near Steamboat Springs
Directions
Directions from Steamboat Springs, CO: Travel 15 miles southeast of Steamboat Springs on US Highway 40 to Rabbit Ears Pass. The Campground is located on the south side of the highway, on Forest Road 297 near the west summit of the pass.
Coordinates
40.375687 N
106.722144 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 user
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 27 usersLast on 7/1/26- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 7/1/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 user
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 27 usersLast on 7/1/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 7/1/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 26 min from Denver, CO
- 2 hrs 36 min from Boulder, CO
- 2 hrs 47 min from Fort Collins, CO
- 3 hrs 8 min from Greeley, CO
