Meadow Lake Campground

For those of us in Colorado who cherish the rugged beauty and serene solitude of the Rocky Mountains, Meadow Lake Campground near New Castle offers a truly authentic outdoor experience. Nestled high within the White River National Forest, this campground provides a remote escape from the everyday, inviting adventurers to immerse themselves in the pristine wilderness of the Flat Tops. It’s a destination for those who appreciate primitive amenities and seek direct access to a vast landscape ripe for exploration.

However, it's crucial for our fellow Colorado outdoor enthusiasts to be aware of significant recent developments regarding Meadow Lake itself. The lake has been drained as part of ongoing dam construction and will remain unfilled at least through the 2025 camping season. This means that activities traditionally associated with the lake, such as fishing and boating, are currently impacted. Additionally, Meadow Ridge Campground (often associated with Meadow Lake) will not be open for the 2025 camping season due to this maintenance. Despite these changes to the lake, the surrounding forested terrain and access to a myriad of trails still offer a compelling reason to consider this remote gem for its scenic beauty and access to other recreational pursuits.

Our aim with this article is to provide you, our local users, with a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Meadow Lake Campground, including the latest information on its current status. We’ll cover its remote location and accessibility, the services you can expect, its enduring features and highlights despite the lake's temporary absence, and ultimately, why it remains a suitable choice for those seeking a genuine Colorado mountain experience.

Meadow Lake Campground is located at Forest Rd 8231A, New Castle, CO 81647, USA. This places it approximately 35 miles north of New Castle, deep within the White River National Forest in the southwestern Flat Tops region. The remote nature of the campground is part of its charm, offering a true escape into the Colorado wilderness.

Reaching the campground involves a scenic but extended drive. From New Castle, visitors travel north on the Buford-New Castle Road (County Road 245). This road leads for about 28 miles to Hiner Spring. At Hiner Spring, a right turn onto Forest Road 601 is required, followed by another 3.5 miles. A subsequent right turn onto Forest Road 823 continues for two miles, and another right turn to stay on Forest Road 823 for 0.3 miles will lead to the campground entrance. While reviews indicate the drive can be "pretty smooth" for how remote it is, it's essential to be prepared for unpaved forest roads that may become rough, especially depending on recent weather conditions. The roads are generally suitable for standard vehicles but can be challenging for larger trailers or RVs.

The remoteness contributes to the stunning scenery and peaceful atmosphere, but also means limited cell service. Travelers should download maps or bring physical maps, and ensure their vehicles are in good condition. The drive itself is part of the adventure, winding through beautiful forested terrain with changing elevations and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Despite its "far out" location, the journey is rewarded with a true sense of being immersed in the vast Colorado landscape.

• Campsites: Meadow Lake Campground offers 10 campsites, designed primarily for tent camping and small trailers (with parking spurs up to 16 feet in length). All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning no reservations are taken.

• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meal preparation and outdoor dining.

• Fire Grates/Fire Rings: Fire grates or fire rings are provided at each site, allowing campers to enjoy campfires for warmth and cooking (subject to current fire restrictions and burn bans in the White River National Forest).

• Vault Toilets: Vault toilets are available at the campground, providing basic restroom facilities.

• Trash Disposal: Trash disposal services are provided at the campground, encouraging campers to keep the area clean and minimize their impact on the environment.

• Secure Food Storage: Secure food storage options are typically available, or recommended, to protect food from wildlife common in the national forest area.

• Handicap Accessible Sites: The campground includes several handicap accessible sites, aiming to provide outdoor recreation opportunities for a broader range of visitors.

• Fee Use Area: Meadow Lake Campground is a fee-use area, meaning there is a per-night fee for camping. Check the White River National Forest website for current rates.

• No Potable Water: It's important to note that potable water is generally NOT available at Meadow Lake Campground. Campers must bring their own drinking water or be prepared to filter water from natural sources.

• Stunning Scenery and Remote Location: The primary highlight of Meadow Lake Campground is its truly beautiful and remote setting within the White River National Forest. The drive in offers picturesque views, and the campground itself is surrounded by rich forested terrain, providing a quintessential Colorado mountain experience.

• Access to Flat Tops Wilderness: The campground is an excellent staging area for accessing numerous non-motorized trails in the southwest Flat Tops Wilderness Area, offering extensive opportunities for hiking, backpacking, and wildlife viewing.

• OHV Riding Destination: Meadow Lake is located in a popular area for Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) riding, making the campground a convenient base for those who enjoy exploring the backcountry on ATVs or dirt bikes.

• Hunting Opportunities: The surrounding White River National Forest is a popular destination for hunting, and the campground can serve as a suitable base camp during hunting seasons (adhering to all Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations).

• Seasonal Operation: The typical open season for Meadow Lake Campground is from late May (around May 28) to late October (around October 25), allowing visitors to experience the beauty of Colorado's summer and fall.

• Quiet and Rustic Atmosphere: For those seeking a genuine, less-developed camping experience, the campground offers a quiet and rustic ambiance, perfect for disconnecting and enjoying nature's sounds.

• Nearby Meadow Lake Picnic Area: While Meadow Lake itself is currently drained for dam construction (impacting fishing and boating), the Meadow Lake Picnic Area, located a short distance away, typically includes picnic tables, fire rings, and a restroom. The day-use fee for the picnic area is waived for campground guests.

Address: Forest Rd 8231A, New Castle, CO 81647, USA (within the White River National Forest)

While no specific phone number for the Meadow Lake Campground directly is provided, inquiries about the campground and the surrounding area should be directed to the Rifle Ranger District of the White River National Forest. This is the managing office for this section of the forest.

Rifle Ranger District Phone: (970) 625-2371

White River National Forest Supervisor's Office: (970) 945-2521

For the most current information regarding the Meadow Lake dam construction, campground opening status (especially for 2025), fire restrictions, road conditions, and any other alerts, it is highly recommended to visit the official White River National Forest website or call the Rifle Ranger District directly before planning your trip.

For Coloradans, Meadow Lake Campground, despite the current temporary draining of the lake due to dam construction, remains a highly suitable destination for a truly authentic mountain camping experience. Its remote setting within the majestic White River National Forest offers an invaluable escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life, making it a perfect retreat for those seeking peace and quiet amidst stunning natural beauty. The drive itself, while potentially rugged, is part of the adventure, winding through scenic landscapes that showcase Colorado's unparalleled wilderness.

This campground is particularly well-suited for local tent campers and those with small trailers who appreciate a more primitive approach to outdoor recreation. The first-come, first-served basis for campsites aligns with a spontaneous, adventurous spirit, allowing for flexible trip planning. For locals, the extensive access to OHV trails, hunting opportunities, and numerous non-motorized hiking trails in the Flat Tops Wilderness provides a vast playground for outdoor pursuits right in their backyard.

While the absence of Meadow Lake's water activities is a temporary change, the fundamental appeal of the campground — its pristine environment, abundant wildlife, and access to the vast White River National Forest — remains strong. It’s a place to disconnect, breathe fresh mountain air, and reconnect with the wild heart of Colorado. For residents who value genuine wilderness immersion and a base for exploring the state's backcountry, Meadow Lake Campground continues to be a compelling choice, offering a true taste of high-country adventure.

Meadow Lake Campground

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