Beautiful area right in the middle of what seems like nothing but prairie. A canyon opens and there is the lake. Various sites, electric were all accounted for. There were plenty of picnic table/shelter primitive spots. Beautiful scenery. Good trails for hiking. Friendly host.
There are various campgrounds around Lake Meredith. Blue West is on the opposite side from the city of Fritch side. Contrary to some pictures here, it does NOT have access to the water. No docks, no ramps, no water for filling, no electricity. Those are at other spots, not Blue West. It is up in a cliff over looking the lake. That said, it was very empty in July. And being so high up, I was afraid the winds were going to tear my popup canvas. It's a beautiful spot. Nothing wrong with it at all. Just those Texas winds! Shelters have two picnic tables in them. So, there is some shade. The pics are views of the lake from my campsite. So is the video
It is what it is. Arrived as a big storm was on the horizon. Rain all night so I didn't open my popup. It's really in the middle of nowhere and it's a giant rectangle gravel lot with log barrier. Picnic tables and a grills at some parts. Nothing but flat plains as far as you can see. Great for a stop over. No water.
First off, the host was just wonderful and helpful. The sites were spread out enough for privacy. Bathrooms were clean. Wasn't crowded. Really a great place to camp. Not that far from Pagosa Springs if you need supplies.
9 miles off 160 on 564 it remote. Camp on side of canyon or sunset view. It's 7,300 up and next to Tsegi Canyon. There are trails to view ancient pueblo dwellings. NPS has info, maps. Last 3 nights I was the only camper in the Canyon View site. My pics show the edge of my popup at my campsite and the canyon it overlooks.
Contrary to what's on The Dyrt. There are 3 camping areas on the lake. The south end and the central campgrounds are Army Corp of Engineers. The north area/campground is State Park. I was there over the July 4th weekend on the south end USACE site and it was empty. Lots of boaters, but only a few campers. It is hot and open. Nice rocky plateaus to hike. The lake is down 40 ft. Hasn't been up full for 17 years. About a third of the site have a adobe shelter/lean-to. Which provides some needed shade. You can see how open it is by my pictures.
The map and recreation area/campground is actually Dead Water Lake. Is you turn to the left after entering, you'll get a lot with parking barriers so only tent camping. Go straight and you'll find plenty of spots to park for a pop-up or RV. It's very peaceful and beautiful. The crickets and an occasional bullfrog will sing you to sleep.
Turning up 180 from Fort Valley is FR222. Just about a mile north on 180 is 222B (Wing Mountain Road). That's where I am. The area is beautiful. Plenty of sites an space. The drawback for me the noise. I've been here 3 nights and constant gunfire. Nothing against guns, but like today 07/16/22, it has been constant since 10 a.m. It is now 6:45pm. Just hard to enjoy the peacefulness of the mountains. Update. It's now half past 7 a.m. Sunday morning and the gunfire starting up again
20 sites. Approximately half have adobe shelters. Very open and windy. All have water none have electricity. Today is July 1st, Monday is the 4th. Plenty of boats out on the lake for the holiday weekend, but the campsite still has 17 site open.