Meadow Lake Campground

Welcome to Meadow Lake Campground, a hidden gem nestled within the vast and beautiful White River National Forest, near the charming town of New Castle, Colorado. For locals seeking an authentic and serene mountain camping experience, Meadow Lake Campground offers a tranquil escape from the everyday hustle. This campground provides a rustic setting, emphasizing direct connection with nature over extensive amenities, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate the simpler pleasures of outdoor life in the Rockies.

Our focus at Meadow Lake Campground is to provide a peaceful and accessible base for exploring the incredible natural beauty of the Flat Tops area. We understand that for many Colorado residents, camping is about unwinding in a natural environment, whether it's casting a line in a quiet lake, venturing out on an OHV, or simply enjoying the crisp mountain air. Meadow Lake caters to this desire, offering campsites suitable for both tents and smaller trailers in a first-come, first-served setting. While the campground offers essential facilities for comfort, its true appeal lies in its prime location amidst forested terrain, providing a gateway to fishing, hunting, and an extensive network of trails. We invite you to discover the quiet charm and recreational opportunities that await you at Meadow Lake Campground.

Location and Accessibility

Meadow Lake Campground is situated at Forest Rd 8231A, New Castle, CO 81647, USA, deep within the White River National Forest. Its location offers a genuinely secluded mountain experience, approximately 35 miles north of New Castle. While the address places it near New Castle, it’s important for Colorado locals to note that reaching the campground involves a significant drive on forest roads.

From New Castle, travelers will head north on the Buford-New Castle Road (County Road 245). This scenic drive will take you about 28 miles to Hiner Spring. At Hiner Spring, you'll turn right onto Forest Road 601 and continue for about 3.5 miles, then turn right onto Forest Road 823. Follow Forest Road 823 for two miles, then continue straight onto Forest Road 823.2A for approximately 0.7 miles to reach the campground entrance. This journey through forested landscapes is part of the adventure, offering glimpses of Colorado's rugged beauty. It's advisable to check current road conditions, especially during spring and fall, as mountain roads can be subject to weather-related impacts. The campground is also just a short distance from Meadow Lake itself, which features a picnic area with tables, fire rings, a dock, boat launch, and restroom facilities. This combination of a serene campground and a nearby lake access point makes Meadow Lake a desirable destination for those willing to venture a bit further for an authentic outdoor experience.

Services Offered

• Campsites: Offers 10 campsites, suitable for tent camping and small trailers.
• First-Come, First-Served Basis: All campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so early arrival is recommended during peak season.
• Parking Spurs: Sites have parking spurs up to 16 feet in length to accommodate vehicles and trailers.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for convenient outdoor dining.
• Fire Grates: Individual fire grates are provided at each site for campfires (check for fire bans before lighting).
• Trash Disposal: Facilities for trash disposal are available to help maintain the cleanliness of the campground.
• Secure Food Storage: Bear-proof food storage is typically provided or recommended, as the area is in bear country.
• Vault Toilets: Basic vault toilets are available for restroom facilities; there are no showers or potable water at the campsites themselves.
• Handicap Accessible Sites: The campground includes several sites designated as handicap accessible.
• Fee Use Area: A fee is charged for camping at Meadow Lake Campground.

Features / Highlights

• Proximity to Meadow Lake: Located just north of Meadow Lake, offering easy access to the lake's recreational opportunities.
• Lake Activities: Meadow Lake itself is popular for fishing, boating (with a boat ramp), and enjoying the water from the dock.
• OHV Riding: The area is well-known as a destination for Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) riding, with numerous trails accessible from the campground.
• Hunting Opportunities: A popular area for hunting during designated seasons, attracting sportsmen from across the state.
• Access to Flat Tops Trails: Provides an easy staging area for accessing numerous non-motorized trails in the southwest Flat Tops Wilderness Area, ideal for hiking and exploring.
• Forested Setting: Surrounded by dense forest, providing a natural and immersive camping environment.
• Serene Atmosphere: Offers a peaceful and quiet setting, perfect for relaxation and enjoying nature.
• Scenic Beauty: Experience the natural beauty of the White River National Forest, with varying temperatures from cool spring/fall lows to warm summer highs.

Contact Information

Address: Forest Rd 8231A, New Castle, CO 81647, USA

For general inquiries about Meadow Lake Campground, road conditions, or specific regulations within the White River National Forest, it is best to contact the local ranger district responsible for this area.

Rifle Ranger District Phone: (970) 625-2371

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Colorado residents seeking a true escape into the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Meadow Lake Campground offers an ideal opportunity to reconnect with nature. This campground is particularly suitable for locals who appreciate a more rustic and self-sufficient camping experience, valuing peaceful solitude over extensive amenities. Its location within the White River National Forest and close proximity to the Flat Tops Wilderness provides a perfect backdrop for a variety of outdoor pursuits that Coloradans cherish.

The fact that Meadow Lake is a popular spot for fishing, OHV riding, and hunting makes it a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts across the state. Locals can easily access these activities directly from the campground or the nearby Meadow Lake Picnic Area, which waives its day-use fee for campground guests. The abundant trails in the southwest Flat Tops also offer endless opportunities for hiking and exploring the high country. While the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and requires a scenic drive on forest roads, this only adds to its appeal for those who love to venture off the beaten path.

Meadow Lake Campground provides a genuine mountain retreat that allows Texans to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of their state. It's a place to unplug, enjoy a campfire under the stars, and engage in the outdoor activities that define the Colorado lifestyle. For any local looking for an accessible yet wild camping experience, where the focus is truly on nature and recreation, Meadow Lake Campground stands as an excellent choice for creating lasting memories in the heart of Colorado.

Meadow Lake Campground

Forest Rd 8231A, New Castle, CO 81647, USA