Meredith, Colorado sits at approximately 7,800 feet elevation in the White River National Forest, with camping options ranging from 8,500 to 10,200 feet across the region. The area experiences significant temperature drops at night, with summer lows around 40°F even when daytime temperatures reach the mid-60s. Several campgrounds near Meredith feature creek or lake access with specific restrictions on motorized boats and fishing regulations.
What to do
Hiking trails year-round: The Lost Man Trail across from Lost Man Campground offers easy access to mountain views, valley landscapes, and water features. "Nice campsite right on the banks of Roaring Fork River... Trail head for Lost Man Trail is right across the street, or head east on Hwy 82 to Independence and Lost Man Lake Tail head for a nice out and back," notes Robbie B.
Fishing opportunities: Anglers particularly enjoy the local waters for trout fishing. At Turquoise Lake Primitive Camping, you'll find accessible shorelines for casting. One visitor, Nathan L., simply stated: "I love this lake. It's beautiful and you can always walk away with some fish."
Winter recreation: Many campgrounds in the area transform into winter recreation sites. Near Baby Doe Campground, Nicole D. notes that the area supports "snowshoeing around the lake, cross country skiing" during winter months, making it a year-round destination for outdoor activities.
What campers like
High-altitude night skies: The elevation near Meredith provides exceptional stargazing opportunities. At Turquoise Lake Primitive Camping, one camper reported, "The stars at night are incredible!" This sentiment is echoed across multiple campgrounds in the region where minimal light pollution creates optimal night sky viewing.
Secluded creek-side sites: Many visitors prefer waterfront camping spots. At Dearhamer Campground, Heather H. found "great small campground with about 13 sites. Half are stream side, but if you're in one you'll hear the steam as you sleep! Easy access to the lake and good fishing."
Historic explorations: The area around Camp Hale Memorial Campground offers unique historical sites. One visitor noted: "We explored the area and loved the little town of Red Cliff and the Mango's Mountain Grill, as well as Minturn... Check out the Colorado Trailer nearby as well as the (obvious) Camp Hale Historic Monument."
What you should know
Early bookings required: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially for glamping options near Meredith, Colorado. For sites at Turquoise Lake, Mark R. advises: "Book in advance, sites get locked in 6 months in advance, for good reason!"
Road conditions vary: Access roads to remote sites may require careful driving. Regarding Gold Park Campground, Andrea S. notes: "This place was a ways down a dirt road but...there were plenty of spots for dispersed camping along the road for a back up plan."
Limited connectivity: Cell service is unreliable in many camping areas. One camper at Camp Hale Memorial commented: "There was no cell phone service for us (T-mobile)... It was a distance from our home in Denver — about 3 hours total." Plan communications accordingly and download offline maps.
Seasonal limitations: Most glamping in Meredith, Colorado operates seasonally. Halfmoon Campground typically opens "late June and closes late to early September," according to Anthony P., with similar constraints at other sites due to high-altitude weather patterns.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water access: Gold Park Campground offers safe creek exploration for children. Andrea S. shared: "We loved this site because we were able to hike along the creek and sit on the boulders and watch the fly fisherman and then hike up the hill on the other side of this campsite. Lots to explore to keep the kids busy."
Clean facilities matter: When camping with children, reliable facilities become essential. At Sawatch Base Camp, glamping yurts provide a balance of comfort and wilderness. According to Sam R., "The yurt itself was not only cozy and well-equipped but also nestled in a picturesque spot that felt like a private slice of heaven."
Temperature planning: Pack extra warm clothing for children, regardless of season. Betzy G. at Sylvan Lake noted: "Fall camping is the best! The aspens around this beautiful lake are really showing their color," but temperatures drop significantly after sunset even in summer months.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RVers should carefully research site dimensions. At Camp Hale Memorial, Jenifer J. advises: "Other spots perfect for our trailer with views are: sites 11 (near toilets), 14 and 15."
Solar power solutions: With limited hookups in most campgrounds near Meredith, solar setups prove valuable. One RVer shared: "Our battery on our trailer did fine and was at 100% when we departed with our solar panels. No water or electricity as this is a campground."
Spacing considerations: Many campgrounds have tight arrangements. Mary B. observed at Dearhamer Campground: "This campground is on the far side of the lake from the marina, so it is generally quieter than the other 'little' campgrounds near the dam."
