Trujillo Meadows Campground

For many Colorado locals, the mountains aren't just a backdrop; they're an integral part oflife, offering endless opportunities for escape and rejuvenation. Among the numerous campingdestinations that dot our stunning landscape, Trujillo Meadows Campground stands out as a true"favorite place" for those who cherish raw natural beauty and a tranquil, high-altitude experience.Nestled within the Rio Grande National Forest near Antonito, this campground provides a serenebase for exploring the majestic San Juan Mountains and immersing oneself in the great outdoors.

Trujillo Meadows Campground offers a refreshing departure from overly commercialized campingspots. It's a place where the air is crisp, the views are expansive, and the primary soundtrackis provided by nature itself. Whether you're a seasoned camper, an avid angler drawn to the nearbyTrujillo Meadows Reservoir, or a family seeking to create lasting memories under a vast Colorado sky,this campground delivers an authentic and fulfilling outdoor adventure. It's a testament to theenduring allure of Colorado's wilderness, inviting visitors to slow down, breathe deeply, andappreciate the simple beauty of their surroundings.

While its popularity means it has been well-loved over the years, the spirit of Trujillo Meadowsremains one of preservation and respect for nature. It's a reminder of the responsibility weall share in protecting these precious landscapes for future generations. If you're yearningfor a true mountain escape, where the emphasis is on natural beauty and peaceful reflection,Trujillo Meadows Campground offers an inviting haven in the heart of Colorado's southernmountains. It’s the kind of place that draws you back, year after year, reinforcing its status asa cherished local gem.

Trujillo Meadows Campground is located near Antonito, CO 81120, USA, in the southwestern partof Colorado, within the Rio Grande National Forest. This high-altitude campground sits atapproximately 10,000 feet of elevation, a significant factor for visitors to consider due tothinner air and cooler temperatures, even in summer. Access to the campground typically involvestraveling on Colorado State Highway 17 and then turning onto Forest Road 118, which is an improveddirt road. While generally manageable, visitors should always be prepared for changing roadconditions, especially at such elevations, and have a vehicle capable of handling unpaved surfaces.

The campground is composed of two sections, an Upper and a Lower loop, adjacent to a meadowand directly above the Trujillo Meadows Reservoir. This proximity to the reservoir is a majorhighlight, offering easy access for water-based activities. While large, with 50 campsites,it's important to note that "Sites 34 through 39 are in an inner loop which are not RV friendly,"and the maximum RV length generally recommended is around 25-40 feet, depending on the specificsite. Some larger RVs (e.g., 28-36 feet) have found suitable spaces in the upper loops, butcampers should be mindful of the "tight" spaces and uneven nature of some sites, particularlyif pulling a large rig.

Being a Forest Service campground, it is primarily a first-come, first-served site, althoughsome sources indicate reservations may be available through recreation.gov for some sites.It's always wise to check current conditions and availability, especially during popular times.The campground's remote location means that while it offers incredible solitude, cellularcommunication can be unreliable, reinforcing the "get away from it all" experience. Despitethe occasional presence of ATVs and motorcycles, which some visitors found disruptive, theoverall tranquility of the location remains a dominant feature, making the journey worthwhilefor those seeking a true mountain escape.

Services Offered:

• Campsites: Trujillo Meadows Campground offers 50 campsites suitable for both tent and trailercamping. Each site includes a picnic table and a fireplace (fire ring). One site has parkingfor a two-car group.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is available, with a hand pump located at campsite 10, ensuringa convenient water source for campers.
• Toilets: Vault toilets are provided throughout the campground, with indications that they aregenerally well-maintained.
• Refuse Receptacles and Pickups: Garbage service is available, with refuse receptacles provided,encouraging campers to keep the area clean and pack out their trash.
• Camp Hosts: While not explicitly stated as a "service" in all sources, the presence of camphosts is often noted, contributing to the campground's cleanliness and overall positive experience.
• Accessible Facilities: Barrier-free facilities are offered at the campground, making it moreinclusive for visitors with accessibility needs.
• Limited Firewood: Fireplaces are provided, though the availability of firewood might be limited,suggesting campers may need to bring their own or purchase it.

Features / Highlights:

• High-Altitude Location: Situated at approximately 10,000 feet, providing a unique alpinecamping experience with cooler temperatures and stunning mountain views.
• Adjacent to Trujillo Meadows Reservoir: The campground's proximity to the reservoir offersopportunities for boating (small motorized and non-motorized watercraft only) and fishing.
• Waterfall Observation Platform: There is an observation platform near sites 40 and 41, offeringa scenic view of a waterfall, adding a special natural attraction.
• Hiking Opportunities: Numerous hiking trails are accessible nearby, allowing campers toexplore the surrounding Rio Grande National Forest.
• Beetle Kill Management: The campground has undergone clearing of most beetle-killed trees,which, while changing the landscape, is a necessary forest management practice.
• Proximity to Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad: A historic narrow-gauge railroad runs nearby,offering a unique cultural and scenic experience for visitors.
• Seclusion and Scenery: Despite some concerns about off-road vehicle noise, the campgroundis largely appreciated for its remote location and beautiful natural setting, making it idealfor those seeking to "get away."

Contact Information:

Address: Antonito, CO 81120, USA

Phone: (719) 274-8971

Mobile Phone: +1 719-274-8971

For Colorado locals, Trujillo Meadows Campground offers a deeply rooted and highly cherishedmountain camping experience. This is a place many have been visiting "since I was about 7 years old,"underscoring its multi-generational appeal and its status as a beloved institution in the localoutdoor community. The high-altitude setting provides a distinct Colorado feel, with crisp airand stunning vistas that are quintessential to our state's identity. The proximity to Trujillo MeadowsReservoir for fishing and non-motorized boating is a significant draw, allowing locals to indulgein their favorite outdoor pursuits without extensive travel.

While the remote nature means being prepared for limited connectivity and potential road conditions,these are often seen as part of the authentic "unplugged" experience that many Coloradans seek.The amenities provided, such as potable water and well-maintained vault toilets, strike a balancebetween primitive camping and essential comforts, making it accessible to a wider range of localcampers, from seasoned adventurers to families. The presence of wildlife and the opportunity forhiking on nearby trails further enhance its suitability for locals looking to immerse themselvesin the natural beauty that defines our state.

Moreover, the campground's established history and the passion it evokes in long-time visitors(despite frustrations over vandalism) highlight its special place in the hearts of those who knowand love it. It's a reminder of the responsibility we have as locals to respect and preserve thesebeautiful spaces. Trujillo Meadows Campground is more than just a place to stay; it's a piece ofColorado's soul, offering profound moments of connection with nature and a genuine escape thatresonates deeply with the outdoor-loving spirit of our state's residents.

Trujillo Meadows Campground

Antonito, CO 81120, USA