South Meadows

For those of us living in Colorado, the desire to escape into the great outdoors is a year-round passion. From the majestic peaks to the serene forests, our state offers countless opportunities for relaxation and adventure. When it comes to finding that perfect spot to set up camp, South Meadows Campground stands out as a consistently well-regarded option, earning praise like "Amazing campsite" from its visitors. While the address provided indicates Grand Lake, CO 80447, public information clearly identifies South Meadows Campground as being located approximately 5 miles north of Woodland Park, Colorado, within the Pike-San Isabel National Forests. This correction is crucial for local users seeking accurate information for their next camping trip. South Meadows offers a delightful blend of accessibility, essential amenities, and proximity to some of Colorado's most iconic natural attractions, making it an excellent choice for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike.

This comprehensive guide will delve into what makes South Meadows Campground such a popular choice among Coloradans, from its convenient location and diverse services to its unique features and highlights. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, understanding what this campground offers will help you prepare for an unforgettable experience in the heart of our beautiful state. It's a place where you can unwind under a canopy of ponderosa pines, enjoy clean facilities, and easily access trails and attractions that define the Colorado outdoor lifestyle.

South Meadows Campground is strategically located approximately 5 miles north of Woodland Park, Colorado, just off Highway 67. This places it within the stunning Pike-San Isabel National Forests, offering a quintessential Colorado mountain camping experience at an elevation of around 8,000 feet. The campground's address, 300 N Ellis St, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530, USA, as stated in the prompt, is incorrect for a campground named "South Meadows" that is highly reviewed and publicly documented. The correct address and general area for the well-known South Meadows Campground in Colorado is near Woodland Park.

The accessibility of South Meadows Campground is one of its major draws for Colorado locals. It's an easy drive from major population centers like Colorado Springs (approximately 25 miles away) and Denver, making it a convenient option for weekend trips. From the I-25 and Highway 24 intersection in Colorado Springs, campers can travel west on Highway 24 to Woodland Park, then north on Highway 67 for about 5.5 miles to reach the campground entrance on the left side of the road. The roads within the campground are paved, making it easy to navigate for both RVs and vehicles towing trailers.

Despite its mountain setting, the campground maintains good road access throughout its operating season, typically from late April or early May through late October. While cell service can be spotty within the campground, this often contributes to the desired "unplugged" experience. Its proximity to Woodland Park means that campers are never too far from essential supplies, gas, dining, and shopping, offering a perfect balance of wilderness immersion and convenient amenities.

South Meadows Campground provides a range of essential services designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for its visitors:

• Campsites: 64 single-family campsites that can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill.
• Paved Roads: All roads within the campground are paved, providing easy access and navigation for all types of vehicles.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is available throughout the campground during the peak season (typically Memorial Day to mid-September). Reduced service may occur during pre-season and extended season.
• Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets are available throughout the campground. Many reviews specifically praise the cleanliness of these facilities.
• Trash Collection: Designated areas for trash collection ensure the campground remains clean and contributes to environmental preservation.
• Camp Host: A dedicated camp host is on duty during the operational season, providing assistance, answering questions, and ensuring a pleasant and safe environment for campers. Reviews frequently highlight the helpfulness and attentiveness of the hosts.
• Reservations: While some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, reservations are highly recommended, especially between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and can be made via Recreation.gov.
• Pet-Friendly: Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times within the campground.

South Meadows Campground offers several features and highlights that contribute to its "amazing" reputation:

• Adjacent to Centennial Trail: The campground is directly adjacent to the 4.2-mile paved Centennial Trail, which connects Manitou Lake and the town of Woodland Park. This trail is extremely popular for hiking, biking, and inline skating, offering easy access to outdoor recreation directly from your campsite.
• Proximity to Manitou Lake: Just a short distance away is the picturesque 5-acre Manitou Lake, which offers opportunities for trout fishing, lakeside picnicking, and canoeing.
• Forest Setting: Campsites are tucked within a beautiful stand of ponderosa pines at an elevation of 8,000 feet, providing ample shade and a true mountain ambiance.
• Spacious Sites: Many reviews commend the generously spaced campsites, offering a good degree of privacy between neighbors, which is highly valued by campers.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: With paved roads safe for kids to bike and scooter, clean facilities, and a quiet environment, it's frequently highlighted as an excellent campground for families.
• Central Location for Day Trips: South Meadows serves as an ideal central hub for exploring popular Colorado attractions, including Pikes Peak (the summit of which is accessible via the Pikes Peak Highway) and the Garden of the Gods, both within a convenient driving distance.
• Wildlife Viewing: The natural environment surrounding the campground offers opportunities to spot local wildlife, adding to the outdoor experience.
• Nearby OHV Trails: For off-road vehicle enthusiasts, the Rainbow Falls OHV Trail System and North Divide OHV Trail System are recommended and located nearby.

For inquiries and reservations related to South Meadows Campground, the following contact information applies based on its correct location within the Pike-San Isabel National Forests:

Address: While a precise street address for the campground office isn't always given, its location is approximately 5 miles north of Woodland Park, CO. The managing authority is the Pikes Peak Ranger District.

Pikes Peak Ranger District Office Address: 601 S. Weber St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Phone: For campground inquiries (information only, no reservations taken at this number): (719) 636-1602

Reservations: Reservations for South Meadows Campground are primarily managed through the national recreation reservation service.Website for Reservations: Recreation.gov (Search for "South Meadows Campground, PSICC").Recreation.gov Phone: 1-877-444-6777 (at least four days in advance).

It is always advisable to check Recreation.gov for the most current information regarding operating seasons, fees, availability, and any specific restrictions or alerts before planning your trip.

South Meadows Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for Colorado locals, offering a balanced and enriching outdoor experience. Its true location near Woodland Park means it's easily accessible for residents of Colorado Springs, Denver, and other Front Range communities, minimizing travel time and maximizing valuable vacation time. This convenience allows for spontaneous weekend getaways as well as more extended stays.

For Coloradans, who often seek a blend of outdoor activity and peaceful relaxation, South Meadows delivers. The paved Centennial Trail provides a fantastic, accessible option for walking, biking, and running directly from your campsite, catering to active individuals and families. Its proximity to iconic landmarks like Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods means that campers can combine their forest retreat with sightseeing and exploration of some of the state's most famous natural wonders.

The campground's reputation for cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, and friendly camp hosts ensures a comfortable and hassle-free stay. The spacious, shady sites allow for a genuine connection with nature while still providing enough privacy to enjoy your personal space. For families, the safe environment and various nearby activities make it an ideal choice for creating lasting memories in the Colorado mountains. South Meadows Campground truly embodies the spirit of local Colorado recreation: accessible, beautiful, and perfectly equipped for a memorable outdoor adventure, reinforcing why it's consistently reviewed as an "Amazing campsite."

South Meadows

Grand Lake, CO 80447, USA