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Divide Ranger District

Quick Facts

Big Meadows Campground

Elevation:	9,200 Feet (2867.8 Meters)
Length of Stay:	14 Days
Number of Sites:	56
Reservation Contact:	National Reservation System: 877-444-6777
Reservation Remarks:	The campground is operated under a reservation system. You may make reservations up to 120 days in advance of your first night of arrival or as late as 10 days prior to your arrival. This system ensures a campsite will be available and waiting for you u
Reservation Status:	Accepted

		Satellite and Topo Map

General Description

Big Meadows is 1 1/2 miles west of U.S. Highway 160, 27 1/2 miles west of Del Norte. Attractions include fishing at Big Meadows Reservoir and in the South Fork of the Rio Grande, access to the Weminuche Wilderness via the Archuleta Creek Trail 839, visiting Cascade Falls.

This facility includes 43 sites with tables and fireplaces, 4 vault toilets, developed water system with 4 faucet/fountain hydrants, refuse receptacle located along access road, a boat ramp at Big Meadows Reservoir and a parking area and turn around at the reservoir. Firewood is not provided. 30 of the 43 sites are on a reservation system - call 1-800-283-CAMP. Camping units for two car groups sharing a fireplace and table are available. These units are suitable for RV's.

Directions from Del Norte, Colorado: Travel 27.5 miles west on U.S. Highway 160 to Forest Road # 410. Take FR # 410 west for 1.5 miles to Campground entrance.

Directions from South Fork, Colorado: Travel west on U.S. Highway 160 8.0 miles to Forest Road # 410. Take FR # 410 west for 1.5 miles to campground entrance.

Seasonal Information:
Normal Services Available: Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend (NOTE: Campground alternates staying open after Labor Day until November 15, for Fall color viewing. Reduced Services. Campground may close earlier due to deep snow.) .

Fee Information

Type	Price	Remarks
Camping,Single Unit	Call for Current Fee	Tables, fireplaces, 4 vault to

Current Conditions & Trip Reports

Closed until Memorial Day Weekend then open from Memorial Day through Labor Day Weekend. Fee Area! Host! Updated: 2000-05-18 16:37:00.0

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Filed By: adrian sanchez (Chamita, NM)
Number of People Encountered: 11-25 ppl
Recommend to a Friend: Highly
Report: The place was beautiful. My famity and i really enjoyed it. It was our first time there, and will be going back again sometime soon. The fishing was slow, but the views made up for that, not to mention waking up to deer in your campground. It was great

Filed By: Michelle (Enid, OK)
Number of People Encountered: 11-25 ppl
Recommend to a Friend: Highly
Report: My family and I go to Big Meadows every year around June/July. The scenery is beautiful, the fishing is great, and we always have a great time.
Conditions: We just got back and it rained a couple times while there but not bad. The temp got down to between 35 and 40 degrees F each night. We had a great time making s'mores around the campfire.
Water Availability: Water was okay and we camped near a bathroom.

Number of People Encountered: 0-10 ppl
Recommend to a Friend: Highly
Report:

Filed By: Mike Kirk (Moore,, Ok)
Number of People Encountered: 11-25 ppl
Recommend to a Friend: Highly
Report: If you want to avoid the crowds,try Big Meadows after Labor Day thru mid-Oct. The camping is free and you "pack it in and out" The water is off but there is a restroom open. The fishing is super on small spinners and Berkely Power baits. The lows at night are around 25-30 deg in early Oct. but listen to the weather reports because you are in the Rockies! The beauty of this area is undescribable if you haven't been here.The Aspens in late Sept. and early Oct. will take your breath away! SEE YOU IN OCT. 2004
Conditions: The road in and out from Hwy 160 is not paved but is wide and smooth. No worries for RVs of any size.

Filed By: bob (Lakewood, Co)
Number of People Encountered: 11-25 ppl
Recommend to a Friend: Highly
Report: Camp sites are nicely spread out with plenty of trees between. Good hiking trails around area. Turn off to Big Meadows (route 410) is 12.5 miles from South Fork. South Fork had suprisingly good fireworks on the 4th of July!
Conditions: There was a gypsy moth infestation while I was there. There were lots of little worms dangling on silk strings.
Water Availability: Water at Camp Grounds did not taste very good. Take your own drinking water.

Filed By: John Johnsen (Albuquerque, NM)
Number of People Encountered: 0-10 ppl
Recommend to a Friend: Highly
Report: 2002 price is $12 per night.

View more Trip Reports.

Recreation Opportunities

Activity		Remarks	On Site
	Other Watercraft	Big Meadows Reservoir	No
	Boat Launching	Boat ramp, parking area & turn around at Big Meadows Reservoir	Yes
	RV Camping	Maximum length 35 feet	Yes
	Tent Camping	43 sites	Yes
	Camping	Big Meadows Campground	Yes
	Cold Water Fishing	Big Meadows Reservoir; South Fork Rio Grande River	No
	Hiking & Walking	Archuleta Creek Trail	Yes
	Picnicking	Big Meadows Family Picnic Ground	Yes
	Attending Talks & Programs	Evening weekend environmental education programs offered during the summer months.	Yes

Nearby Services

Gas Station: VARIOUS LOCAL CONCERNS (Private - Profit) Directions: 12 miles northeast to South Fork and 3 1/2 miles east toward South Fork.

Groceries: VARIOUS LOCAL CONCERNS (Private - Profit) Directions: 12 miles northeast to South Fork and 3 1/2 miles east toward South Fork.

Nearest Pay Phone: LOCAL (Private - Profit) Directions: 12 miles northeast to South Fork and 3 1/2 miles east toward South Fork.

Related Activities

Archuleta Trail - The Archuleta Trail gives access to the western portion of Chama Basin, one of the most scenic and wild places on the Conejos Peak Ranger District. The trail follows Archuleta Creek, climbing steadily but gradually from the Chama River valley.

Big Meadows Reservoir - Rainbow trout, brook trout and some native cutthroat trout are in the reservoir. There is ample parking and turn around space and a paved boat ramp at the north end. Boating is suitable for rafts to small motor boats.

Columbine Picnic Ground - Columbine Picnic Area is located alongside U.S. Highway 160, 26 miles west of Del Norte and 9 miles west of South Fork.

Gibbs Trail - This trail follows a portion of the eastern boundary of the Weminuche Wilderness and has not been maintained for years.