Established Camping

White River National Forest North Fork Campground

Warning 6 Alerts are In Effect

There are 6 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

The Elk Fire (up CR 8) is now 100% contained, and CR 8 is now open from Meeker! However, CR 8-Dunkley Pass is closed at the intersection of CR 8 and CR 19 due to the Crosho Fire in eastern Rio Blanco County and Routt National Forest. Due to this closure, visitors cannot get here from Yampa.The Lee Fire (west of Meeker) is now 60% contained, and HWY 13 is open from Rifle to Meeker! Speed is reduced to 50mph, and stopping anywhere along the route is not permitted.Visitors to campgrounds on the Blanco Ranger District may now use traditional routes (HWY 13 & CR 8) to access the area again! Visitors should still expect to see firefighters and utility personnel in the area. There are also still active fires and closures in the forest. The forest closure is the Lost Creek Trail north to the border with Routt National Forest and extends west to Yellowjacket. The Crosho Fire, as noted above, is in eastern Rio Blanco County in the Routt National Forest. The Yellojacket Fire is in the White River National Forest on the Blanco Ranger District, and is currently 20 acres and 60% contained. It is between CR 15 and CR 8 and in the forest closure area.

Our facility is experiencing a temporary water outage due to weather related conditions. Please bring ALL the water you'll need for your visit, including drinking water! We are hoping this matter will be resolved soon but will keep campers updated!

A bear or bears have been sighted at multiple campgrounds, and we ask that everyone follow bear precautions, such as keeping food and trash properly stored in locked cars or bear storage containers, this includes locking storage compartments on trailers and RV units. Never leave food out unattended or bear boxes open. Our host will help preserve everyone's safety by reminding guests to observe the current forest service directive. Hosts may remove or secure food or trash from a campsite to help reduce bear traffic within the park. We ask everyone to help keep the campgrounds safe for everyone to enjoy.

ALL of White River will be going into a Stage 2 Fire Restriction starting on 8/8/25. Only propane fires will be allowed in all campgrounds or other Forest Service land. No firewood sales will be available to the public. The device must be able to turn on or off the fuel and fire source. No charcoal or wood fires.

Here are some descriptions of how to get to campgrounds on the Blanco Ranger District without the use of CR 8 from the Meeker side.

From I-70 @ Wolcott (between Edwards and Eagle):
- Take Hwy 131 north 43 miles to Yampa (paved road)
- Turn left on Routt CR 17 (maintained dirt road) which eventually becomes Rio Blanco CR 8. Travel 42 miles over two mountain passes Dunckley and Ripple Creek Pass. The passes are steep and winding in some sections, but well maintained. The condition of the road is good enough to tow a travel trailer, probably a fifth-wheel camper, all depending on the drivers comfortability.
- From here, travelers can turn left to Trappers Lake Campgrounds, 10 miles via FSR 205 , or continue to North Fork Campground 8 miles.
- From North Fork Campground to Marvine Campgrounds, continue on CR 8 3.5 miles to CR 12. Turn left and continue 5 miles to Marvine.
From I-70 @ Rifle exit:
- Exit I-70 at Rifle exit and turn right on Hwy 13.
- Continue 115 Miles to Hamilton.
- Turn right on CR 317 (becomes CR 29) and continue for 13 miles; the beginning 6 miles are paved before becoming a well-maintained dirt road.
- Turn right on CR 55 (becomes CR 19) and continue for 10 miles to CR 8
- Take a slight right on CR 8 and continue 16 miles over Ripple Creek Pass.
- From here, travelers can turn left to Trappers Lake Campgrounds, 10 miles via FSR 205 , or continue to North Fork Campground 8 miles.
- From North Fork Campground to Marvine Campgrounds, continue on CR 8 3.5 miles to CR 12. Turn left and continue 5 miles to Marvine.
From Steamboat Springs:
- Travel south from Steamboat Springs to Yampa on Hwy 131
- Turn right on Routt CR 17 (maintained dirt road) which eventually becomes Rio Blanco CR 8. Travel 42 miles over two mountain passes Dunckley and Ripple Creek Pass. The passes are steep and winding in some sections, but well maintained. The condition of the road is good enough to tow a travel trailer, probably a fifth-wheel camper, all depending on the drivers comfortability.
- From here, travelers can turn left to Trappers Lake Campgrounds, 10 miles via FSR 205 , or continue to North Fork Campground 8 miles.
- From North Fork Campground to Marvine Campgrounds, continue on CR 8 3.5 miles to CR 12. Turn left and continue 5 miles to Marvine.
From Steamboat Springs via Craig:
- Travel west from Steamboat Springs to Craig on Hwy 40.
- Turn left on Hwy 13 and travel south 13 miles to Hamilton.
- Turn left on CR 317 (becomes CR 29) and continue for 13 miles; the beginning 6 miles are paved before becoming a well-maintained dirt road.
- Turn right on CR 55 (becomes CR 19) and continue for 10 miles to CR 8
- Take a slight right on CR 8 and continue 16 miles over Ripple Creek Pass.
- From here, travelers can turn left to Trappers Lake Campgrounds, 10 miles via FSR 205 , or continue to North Fork Campground 8 miles.
- From North Fork Campground to Marvine Campgrounds, continue on CR 8 3.5 miles to CR 12. Turn left and continue 5 miles to Marvine.

Click the link to find out more about fires in this area: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/cowrd-elk-rbx-fire

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

White River National Forest North Fork Campground is located near Meeker, CO, in a forested area with varied terrain. Temperatures can range from lows in the 30s Fahrenheit during spring and fall to highs in the 80s during summer. Nearby attractions include the Flat Tops Wilderness Area and the White River, offering opportunities for hiking and fishing.

Description

Overview

North Fork Campground is set in a towering aspen grove on the western slope of the Colorado Rockies at an elevation of 7,800 feet. This is an ideal setting for guests seeking recreation and relaxation. Most sites are widely spaced and open up to the river valley, though a heavy understory of tall grass and wild roses provide privacy. The North Fork of the White River is across from the campground.

Recreation

Flowing near the campground is the North Fork of the White River, renowned for its fly fishing. Rainbow, brown, cutthroat and brook trout are plentiful in this waterway. The nearby peaks and soothing sounds from the river offer anglers a perfect backdrop to an afternoon of fishing. The North Fork Campground is close to a number of OHV trails. Use caution when riding, as domestic cattle may be grazing in the area. Hikers, hunters, mountain bikers and equestrians can also find recreational opportunities nearby.

Facilities

North Fork Campground has 39 standard sites able to accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. The campground is equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings, vault toilets, and drinking water. Electrical hook-ups are not available. Firewood is available on-site.

Natural Features

In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the 2.3 million acre White River National Forest is a place of serenity and adventure, boasting 8 wilderness areas, 4 defined seasons, and 10 peaks surpassing 14,000 feet in elevation. Wildlife in the area abounds. Bighorn sheep navigate rocky ridges and bull elk bugle at dusk. Scenic rivers sustain populations of cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout. Alpine regions provide habitat for pika and ptarmigan. These species, along with many others, depend on surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams, and diverse forests to live. The campground sits above the North Fork White River valley, surrounded by forested mountain peaks.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (801) 226-3564.

Nearby Attractions

Whitewater adventure seekers may want to raft portions of the White River, as it is navigable by small craft throughout most of its length to its confluence with the Green River.

Charges & Cancellations

Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

Fee Info

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Location

White River National Forest North Fork Campground is located in Colorado

Directions

Take I-70 west of Denver, Colorado, to Rifle. Take Highway 13 to Meeker, and turn on Country Road 8 for 32 miles. Turn left into North Fork Campground.