Rio Grande National Forest's Big Meadows Reservoir Campground sits at roughly 9,300 feet in elevation near Del Norte, Colorado, where the US Forest Service maintains a well-organized loop system around a reservoir visible from most sites. The campground runs from mid-May through September 1, and the high elevation means mornings regularly drop into the 30s even in summer, so layers are necessary regardless of how warm the afternoons feel.
Sites are spaced generously enough that neighbors are often out of sight entirely, with a mix of forested and open terrain throughout the loops. Reviewers consistently recommend booking in the lower loop for the closest reservoir views, though site 11, for example, sits far enough back that the water is only partially visible. What that site lacks in sightlines, it compensates for with proximity to the waterfall, which Rebeca H. notes you can hear from camp. Not every site includes a tent pad, so tent campers should check site details carefully before booking, with site 5 mentioned specifically as a better option for ground camping.
The reservoir draws consistent fishing activity, with anglers working both the lake and the spillway creek. Multiple reviewers report catching bag limits regularly, and fly fishing gets specific mention as a draw. A two-mile trail circles the reservoir, and a separate short hike leads to Cascade Falls near the back of the campground. Mule deer, hummingbirds, and chipmunks are frequent visitors around the sites. For dog-friendly camping near Rio Grande National Forest, this campground fits the bill, as pets are welcome throughout.
The vault toilets draw repeated, unprompted praise across reviews. "Although a pit toilet, it should win an award because of its cleanliness," writes Amber. The camp host sells firewood for $10 a bundle. There are no electrical hookups or dump stations, and the water supply is for container filling only, not hookups, which RV campers should factor into trip planning. The campground accommodates rigs up to 60 feet. Nearby dispersed options include Pass Creek Dispersed — Rio Grande NF and Lake Fork Campground to the northeast.
Cell service is limited but present for some carriers, including AT&T and T-Mobile. The campground fills up, particularly on weekends, so reservations are strongly advisable for summer visits.
Description
Overview
Big Meadows is located in the San Juan Mountains in south-central Colorado, about 11 miles west of South Fork. The campground is lightly wooded with spruce trees, creating a beautiful meadow atmosphere. The Rio Grande National Forest spans 1.86 million acres in south-central Colorado. The Continental Divide runs for 236 miles along most of the forest's western border, presenting a myriad of ecosystems from alpine desert to dense wilderness.
Recreation
An accessible fishing pier, located on the north shore of the reservoir, allows anglers to cast for rainbow, brown and brook trout. Hunting, boating and hiking are also popular pastimes. Hikers and horseback riders will enjoy the 6-mile Archuleta Trail. The trail accesses the Weminuche Wilderness, Colorado's largest wilderness, which boasts the headwaters of dozens of major streams and rivers that feed into the Rio Grande and San Juan rivers.
Facilities
Each site has a campfire ring and picnic tables. Drinking water is available. The nearest dump station is 13 miles away, and a boat ramp is located on the north shore of the reservoir.
Natural Features
The campground meanders up a mountainside above Big Meadows Reservoir in a series of loops. As a sub-alpine region, the campground gets more rainfall than the opposite side of the lake, resulting in plentiful wildflowers and aspens surrounding the campsites.
Nearby Attractions
The surrounding area has plenty to keep visitors busy, with attractions like Great Sand Dunes National Park, Native American ruins, remnants of the Spanish Conquistadors and gold rush ghost towns. The Sangre de Cristo and San Juan Ranges are laced with trails for avid hikers.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (805) 434-1996.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Stage 2 fire restrictions are currently in effect that prohibit all fires.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBig Meadows Reservoir Campground (south Central Co) is located in Colorado near South Fork
Directions
From South Fork, Colorado, take Highway 160 for 13 miles west, turn onto Forest Road 410 SW, and go 1.8 miles to Big Meadows Campground.
Address
13308 WEST HWY 160
Del norte, CO 81132
Coordinates
37.5380556 N
106.7961111 W
Connectivity
T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 11 usersLast on 7/19/26
VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/19/26- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 11 usersLast on 7/19/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/19/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 4 hrs from Pueblo, CO
- 4 hrs 23 min from Santa Fe, NM
- 5 hrs 28 min from Farmington, NM
- 5 hrs 28 min from Grand Junction, CO
