Camping sites near Meeker, Colorado range from riverside locations to high-elevation forest spots at approximately 6,200 feet. The White River flows through this region of northwestern Colorado, creating cooler temperatures in summer compared to lower elevations. Winter access becomes limited with significant snowfall typically arriving by mid-October at higher elevations.
What to do
Explore caves and waterfalls: While not directly in Meeker, Rifle Falls State Park Campground offers unique geological features within an hour's drive. "The hike to the falls is short from the day use area. It is amazing!!! The hike also has some great caves and allows you to go up and look down on the falls," notes camper Billie B.
Fish the White River: The area's primary waterway provides excellent angling opportunities. "Stay here if you're getting in to town late, then head to the White River Forest / Flat Tops Wilderness in the morning. Don't skip a swim in the river by the bridge that connects the RV lot and Tent spots," advises Townes P. about Meeker City Park.
Mountain biking: Numerous forest service roads and trails throughout the White River National Forest accommodate riders of various skill levels. "Meeker is very SXS friendly," mentions Ruth in her review of Trailhead Cabins And Lodging, referring to the side-by-side off-road vehicles popular in the area.
What campers like
Riverside campsites: River Camp RV Park provides direct access to the White River. One camper notes, "Right along the white river, flowing strong in late May. Saw deer 2 mornings. Sites are well spaced out, site 14 had a huge front area next site was ~50 yards away."
Mountain views: The elevation provides scenic vistas throughout the region. A visitor to Trail and Hitch RV Park wrote, "Amazing and gorgeous view. Had a thunderstorm and loved watching the lightning from the mountain tops. Showers clean. Playground is nice. Very friendly."
Wildlife sightings: Many campers report seeing deer and other animals. "This dispersed campsite has an incredible view, but it's located on a 'primitive road,' so google maps won't show you the route all the way," explains Jeremy A. about White River National Forest dispersed camping, adding that the area offers "complete privacy, great view, and occasional Verizon service."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many forest service roads require appropriate vehicles. At Yellowjacket Pass, Christopher E. reports: "Road is about 7 miles in. But once you get back in here it's really nice. I saw about 10+ sites. Road isn't god awful, but it goes back pretty far. Lots of motor homes, RVs in spots."
Weather preparedness: Temperature swings can be significant even in summer. Evan S. from Trail and Hitch mentions experiencing "low about 12° also got hit with 40-60 mile an hour winds - Strongest I've experienced in six years traveling in this RV."
Limited services: Cell coverage varies significantly throughout the area. Jeremy A. notes about White River National Forest dispersed camping: "Some sites have no bars AT&T, some 1 bar. Luckily I found a site with 2."
Campground size: Some established campgrounds have limited capacity. Rifle Falls State Park Campground is described as having "13 RV/tent sites and 7 walk-in tent sites" by RichMichelle M., who adds that "the campground gets crowded during the weekends with hikers and fishermen so parking can be an issue."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with playgrounds: Trail and Hitch Tiny Home Hotel and RV Park offers family-friendly amenities. "Amazing and gorgeous view. Had a thunderstorm and loved watching the lightning from the mountain tops. Showers clean. Playground is nice. Very friendly," reports Matt S.
Consider tent-specific areas: Some campgrounds offer dedicated tent camping sections. At Meeker City Park, Townes P. recommends exploring "the circle park" area for tent camping.
Cave exploration for kids: The nearby caves at Rifle Falls State Park Campground appeal to children. "This campground was awesome complete with a waterfall on site. Be sure to explore the caves by the water fall the kiddos loved it," shares Hilary B.
Bring wheeled assistance: For walk-in sites, some campgrounds provide transport help. "They provide wheelbarrows to haul your stuff into the sites (which wasn't far)," notes Hilary B. about Rifle Falls State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Rim Rock Campgrounds offers convenient overnight stops. "Nice campground with great sunset view. They weren't home when we got to the campground. They left a note saying pick a spot and settle in the morning," explains Kara M.
Full hookup availability: Several RV parks offer complete services. At River Camp RV Park, Christopher B. found "Full site hookups" and "nice clean bathrooms and showers," making it a "nice place for quick stopover."
Consider sewer connection placement: Some sites may have challenging hookup configurations. At River Camp RV Park, Wyatt J. notes, "The sewer connections are varied distances, extensions are probably needed. Our sewer connection has a small uphill to it, but still slightly below our tank bottoms."
WiFi reliability: Internet access varies by campground. Wyatt J. reports at River Camp RV Park, "The WiFi was poor even with the camp half empty. I walked around and did some speed tests around the camp, best speed was 500kb. No Verizon service, decent TMobile service."
