Big Creek Campground

For Coloradans seeking a quintessential mountain camping experience, Big Creek Campground, nestled within the majestic Grand Mesa National Forest near Cedaredge, offers an idyllic retreat. This "beautiful campground," as many visitors describe it, provides a serene setting amidst towering spruce and fir trees, with the added charm of being "right along the waters edge" of Big Creek Reservoir. It's a place where the scent of pine needles fills the air, the sounds of nature prevail, and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation await. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Big Creek Campground, tailored specifically for local Colorado users eager to explore the natural treasures within their own state.

Big Creek Campground is a popular destination on Grand Mesa, one of the world's largest flat-top mountains, known for its incredible landscapes and numerous alpine lakes. Reviews consistently highlight the spaciousness of the campsites, making it comfortable for both tent campers and those with trailers. The presence of a "super nice camp host" further enhances the experience, ensuring the campground is well-maintained and welcoming for all guests. This commitment to quality, combined with its stunning natural attributes, makes Big Creek Campground a cherished spot for many returning campers.

Whether you're an avid angler, a paddle sports enthusiast, a keen hiker, or simply looking for a peaceful spot to relax by a campfire, Big Creek Campground provides an excellent base camp. Its rustic charm, coupled with essential amenities, ensures a comfortable stay while promoting a true connection with Colorado's wilderness. By delving into the campground's location, accessibility, services, and distinct features, local Colorado residents can fully appreciate why Big Creek Campground is a highly recommended option for their next mountain adventure.

Big Creek Campground is picturesquely located on the Grand Mesa, within the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests. The address provided is Mesa National Forest, Forest Rd 121, Cedaredge, CO 81413, USA. This places it at an impressive elevation of approximately 10,130 feet (3,088 meters), offering crisp mountain air and cooler temperatures, especially welcome during Colorado's summer months.

Access to Big Creek Campground is typically via Forest Road 121, which branches off the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway (Colorado Highway 65). Cedaredge, a charming town on the western slope, serves as the nearest community for supplies and services. From Cedaredge, visitors would typically take CO-65 up onto the Grand Mesa, then follow signs for Forest Road 121. While the main scenic byway is paved and well-maintained, Forest Road 121 is likely a well-traveled gravel road, generally accessible for most vehicles, including RVs and trailers, although large rigs might find some turns or approaches challenging. Reviews mention that sites offer "plenty of space for our tent" and are suitable for "trailers and RVs max length 36-feet," indicating good accommodation for various camping setups.

The campground typically opens from late June (depending on snowmelt) to mid-September or early October. Due to its high elevation, snow can linger well into the summer, and weather can change rapidly. It's always advisable to check current road conditions and opening dates with the Grand Mesa Ranger District before planning your trip. Big Creek operates on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning reservations are not accepted, so arriving early, especially on weekends and holidays, is highly recommended to secure a spot.

• Designated Campsites: Big Creek Campground features ample campsites, many of which are located "right along the waters edge." There are 26 individual campsites available, suitable for both tent camping and RVs/trailers (with a maximum length of 36 feet for trailers/RVs).
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for convenient meal preparation and outdoor dining.
• Fire Rings with Grill Tops: Every site includes an established fire ring with a grill top, allowing for safe campfires and cooking over an open flame (always check for current fire restrictions before lighting a fire).
• Vault Toilets: Clean vault restrooms are available on-site, providing essential facilities for campers.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is available within the campground, typically through hand pumps or spigots, ensuring access to fresh water for campers.
• Firewood for Purchase: Firewood bundles are conveniently available for purchase directly from the "super nice camp host" for $10.00, eliminating the need to transport wood from off-site.
• Campground Host: A dedicated and "very nice" camp host is present on-site, contributing to the well-maintained nature of the campground and assisting guests.
• First-Come, First-Served: The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning no advance reservations are accepted.

• Stunning Grand Mesa Setting: Located on the expansive Grand Mesa, the campground offers a "beautiful" and serene environment, tucked "in the spruce & fir trees," providing ample shade and a true mountain forest feel.
• Lakeside Camping on Big Creek Reservoir: A major highlight is its direct access to Big Creek Reservoir. Many campsites are "right along the waters edge," offering picturesque views and easy access for water activities.
• Paddle Sports Paradise: The reservoir is perfect for "paddle board, kayak," and other non-motorized watercraft. Campers can easily walk just a "few minutes for the lake" from their campsites.
• Excellent Fishing: Anglers will appreciate the opportunities to cast a line in Big Creek Reservoir, known for its trout fishing, with anglers trying their luck at catching brook trout. Colorado state fishing licenses and adherence to regulations are required.
• Spacious & Private Sites: Reviewers praise the "ample campsites" and "plenty of space for our tent," indicating that sites offer a good degree of privacy and room to spread out.
• Friendly & Attentive Camp Host: The presence of a "super nice camp host" who does a "great job" is a recurring positive, ensuring a welcoming and well-maintained environment.
• Clean Facilities: The availability of "vault restrooms on site" that are well-maintained is a significant comfort for campers in a rustic setting.
• Hiking and OHV Trails Nearby: The surrounding GMUG National Forest offers numerous hiking trails for various skill levels. Additionally, "OHV trails and jeep roads" are available in the area for motorized recreation enthusiasts. The Osborne Mountain Trail, which is steep but offers amazing scenery, starts at the campground.
• Wildlife Viewing: The diverse forest ecosystem provides opportunities for observing local wildlife, including deer, elk, and various bird species.
• High Elevation Benefits: At over 10,000 feet, the campground enjoys cooler summer temperatures, providing a refreshing escape from the heat of lower elevations.

Address: Mesa National Forest, Forest Rd 121, Cedaredge, CO 81413, USA

While Big Creek Campground is a first-come, first-served site, for general inquiries, current conditions, fire restrictions, or information on the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests, it is best to contact the managing Ranger District. For this area, the contact would typically be the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests Supervisor's Office or the Grand Mesa Ranger District. Specific contact numbers are often found on the USDA Forest Service website for the GMUG National Forests.

A general contact number for the GMUG National Forests is often listed as (970) 874-6600, or specifically for the Grand Mesa Ranger District at (970) 242-8211. It's always recommended to verify the most current phone numbers and information on the official Forest Service website before planning your trip.

For residents of Colorado, Big Creek Campground on Grand Mesa is an exceptionally suitable and highly desirable destination that embodies the very essence of what mountain camping in the Centennial State is all about. Its prime location within the Grand Mesa National Forest, at a refreshing high elevation, makes it an ideal escape for those seeking to immerse themselves in stunning alpine scenery without venturing too far from their Colorado homes.

The "beautiful campground" setting, tucked amongst dense spruce and fir trees and, crucially, "right along the waters edge" of Big Creek Reservoir, offers the kind of picturesque backdrop that Coloradans cherish. This immediate access to water opens up a world of recreational possibilities that resonate deeply with local outdoor enthusiasts. The ability to "bring your paddle board, kayak, and fishing rods" and have the "water an easy walk from our campsite" is a significant draw. For many, fishing for trout in a pristine mountain lake is a beloved pastime, and Big Creek provides that opportunity in abundance.

The spaciousness of the campsites, coupled with the presence of a "super nice camp host" who ensures the place is "always a good place to stay," aligns perfectly with the expectations of experienced campers. Knowing that basic amenities like "vault restrooms on site" and readily available "firewood bundles" are managed effectively allows locals to focus on enjoying the natural surroundings rather than worrying about logistical challenges. The first-come, first-served nature also appeals to the adventurous spirit of many Coloradans who enjoy the flexibility of spontaneous trips.

Beyond the campground itself, the surrounding Grand Mesa offers a playground of activities that cater to diverse interests. Whether it's exploring the extensive hiking trails, taking an OHV or jeep out on designated routes, or simply reveling in the cool mountain air and the solitude of the forest, Big Creek Campground serves as a fantastic base. Its high elevation also provides a welcome respite from the summer heat of lower Colorado towns, making it a perfect retreat.

In essence, Big Creek Campground isn't just a place to stay; it's an authentic slice of Colorado's wilderness, conveniently located and beautifully maintained. It offers a genuine connection to nature, opportunities for cherished outdoor activities, and the peaceful escape that Coloradans often seek. For any local looking for a refreshing, rewarding, and truly scenic mountain camping experience, Big Creek Campground is an excellent choice and a true gem on Grand Mesa.

Big Creek Campground

Mesa National Forest, Forest Rd 121, Cedaredge, CO 81413, USA