Big Meadows Campground And Picnic Area

For Coloradans who yearn for a true mountain escape, where the air is crisp, the views are breathtaking, and the opportunities for outdoor adventure are limitless, Big Meadows Campground and Picnic Area near Creede offers an exceptional experience. Nestled at a high elevation within the vast Rio Grande National Forest, this beautiful campground provides a serene setting by the scenic Big Meadows Reservoir. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect, immerse yourself in nature, and enjoy classic Colorado activities like fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. While it embraces a rustic charm, it offers essential amenities that ensure a comfortable stay for both tent campers and those in smaller RVs.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive and factual overview of Big Meadows Campground and Picnic Area, guiding local Colorado users on what to expect. We'll explore its specific location and how to access this high-altitude haven, detail the services and facilities available, highlight its most appealing features and recreational opportunities, and provide crucial contact information. Ultimately, we’ll help you understand why Big Meadows Campground is perfectly suited for those in Colorado who seek a peaceful, picturesque, and authentically wild camping adventure.

Big Meadows Campground and Picnic Area is located near Creede, CO 81130, USA. More specifically, it is situated approximately 11-13 miles west of South Fork, Colorado, and deep within the Rio Grande National Forest. The campground itself meanders up a mountainside above Big Meadows Reservoir, a significant feature of the area. Its elevation is approximately 9,216 to 9,262 feet (around 2,809 meters), making it a true high-altitude destination. Accessibility to the campground is generally straightforward. From South Fork, Colorado, visitors typically take Highway 160 west for about 11-13 miles, then turn onto Forest Road 410 SW (FSR 410). The campground entrance is about 1.8 to 2 miles along FSR 410. While the primary access road is generally well-maintained and suitable for passenger cars, as it's a mountain environment, always check road conditions, especially during the shoulder seasons. The high elevation means the campground is typically open from early May through mid-September, depending on snowmelt and weather conditions. Its remote yet accessible location makes it a perfect retreat for Coloradans looking to immerse themselves in the pristine wilderness.

Big Meadows Campground and Picnic Area provides a range of essential services designed to facilitate a comfortable, albeit rustic, camping experience. Visitors should be prepared for a natural setting with fundamental amenities:

• Campsites: The campground offers 42-47 well-maintained campsites, distributed across three loops that meander up the mountainside. 23 of these sites are reservable through Recreation.gov, while the remaining 19 are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each site includes a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill, suitable for cooking and campfires (when conditions allow). Sites are generally spacious and can accommodate two two-man backpacking tents, or smaller RVs up to 40 feet in length, though electric hookups are not available.
• Drinking Water: Water hydrants are conveniently located along every loop, providing access to potable drinking water. This is a significant convenience for campers.
• Vault Toilets: Clean vault toilets are conveniently located throughout the campground. Reviews consistently praise the cleanliness of these facilities.
• Picnic Area: A designated picnic area is adjacent to the campground, which is free for day use (no camping allowed). This offers additional space for day visitors or larger gatherings.
• Boat Ramp: A boat ramp is located on the north shore of Big Meadows Reservoir, providing easy access for boating activities.
• Dump Station: The nearest dump station is approximately 13 miles away at the Rainbow Grocery in South Fork, CO, so RVers should plan accordingly.
• Trash Service: Trash service is provided by the concessionaire during the operational season (Memorial Day to Labor Day). Outside of this period, campers are required to pack out all garbage.
• Reservations: As mentioned, both reservable and first-come, first-served sites are available. Reservations must be made at least four days in advance.

These services aim to provide a self-sufficient yet comfortable camping environment in a natural setting.

Big Meadows Campground and Picnic Area offers several features and highlights that make it a highly recommended destination for Colorado outdoor enthusiasts:

• Beautiful Mountain Setting: The campground is set amidst a lightly wooded landscape of spruce trees and aspens, creating a serene meadow atmosphere with stunning views of the surrounding San Juan Mountains and the Rio Grande National Forest. The sub-alpine region also leads to plentiful wildflowers in season.
• Big Meadows Reservoir: This 600-acre reservoir is a central highlight, offering excellent opportunities for fishing (rainbow, brown, and brook trout are common), non-motorized boating (no wakes, trolling motors allowed), and an accessible fishing pier. It’s a perfect spot for reading by the water or casting a line.
• Wildlife Viewing: The area is abundant with wildlife. Visitors frequently spot mule deer, and black bears also inhabit the area, requiring proper food storage and "bear aware" practices. This provides fantastic opportunities for nature photography and observation.
• Hiking Trails: Good hiking trails are accessible directly from the campground. The nearby 6-mile Archuleta Trail provides access to the Weminuche Wilderness, Colorado's largest wilderness area, offering more extensive backpacking and hiking opportunities.
• Clean Facilities: The consistently clean vault toilets are a notable positive feature, ensuring a more pleasant experience for campers.
• Privacy: While a popular campground, many sites are designed to offer a good degree of privacy, allowing for a more secluded camping experience.
• High Elevation Experience: For those seeking a true high-altitude mountain experience, the campground's elevation above 9,200 feet delivers crisp air and cooler temperatures, even in summer. (Visitors are advised to "bring a blanket and a sweatshirt!!").
• Proximity to Attractions: The surrounding area is rich with attractions, including Great Sand Dunes National Park, Native American ruins, the Continental Divide Trail, and historic gold rush ghost towns, providing ample opportunities for day trips.

These features combine to create an immersive and enjoyable outdoor experience.

For more information or to make a reservation at Big Meadows Campground and Picnic Area, here is the essential contact information:

• Address: Creede, CO 81130, USA. For more specific directions, it's approximately 11-13 miles west of South Fork, CO, on US Highway 160, then turning onto Forest Road 410 SW.
• Phone: While there isn't a direct phone for the campground itself, inquiries should be directed to the managing office. The Rio Grande National Forest, Divide Ranger District, can be reached at (719) 657-3321.
• Reservations: Reservations for 23 of the 42-47 sites can be made via Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. The remaining sites are first-come, first-served.
• Website: For the most up-to-date information, including seasonal operational hours, fees, and current conditions, visit the official USDA Forest Service page for Big Meadows Campground and Picnic Area on the Rio Grande National Forest website (fs.usda.gov/r02/riogrande) or through Recreation.gov.

It is always highly recommended to check current conditions, especially regarding snow, road access, and fire restrictions, as these can change rapidly in high-elevation Colorado environments.

Big Meadows Campground and Picnic Area is an ideal destination for Colorado locals, offering an authentic and accessible high-altitude mountain experience within their home state. Its location by the beautiful Big Meadows Reservoir provides a perfect backdrop for a wide range of activities, from serene fishing and boating to invigorating hikes that can even lead into the vast Weminuche Wilderness. For those seeking quiet solitude and a genuine connection with nature, the peaceful atmosphere and abundant wildlife make it a truly restorative escape. The clean vault toilets and available drinking water provide essential comforts in a rustic setting, making it suitable for both seasoned campers and families seeking a less developed, yet well-maintained, outdoor adventure. It’s a place where you can truly embrace the natural splendor of Colorado, create lasting memories, and experience the crisp, clean air of the Rockies, just a drive away.

To get a visual sense of the area, consider watching (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJwWW0WsNUo).

Big Meadows Campground And Picnic Area

Creede, CO 81130, USA