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Big Meadows Reservoir Campground (South Central Co)

Rio Grande National Forest, Colorado

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As of October 2026, Big Meadows Reservoir Campground (South Central Co) is a campground in Rio Grande National Forest, Colorado with 27 campsites. Big Meadows Reservoir Campground (South Central Co) is booked through Recreation.gov.

PermitSnag checks Big Meadows Reservoir Campground (South Central Co) for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
Big Meadows Reservoir Campground (South Central Co) is located at 37.5381° N, 106.7961° W.

people allowed on 24 of 27 sites: 8
people allowed on the largest site: 40

Big Meadows Reservoir Campground (South Central Co) reservations and next available dates

October 2026

November 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Stay and booking rules

Maximum consecutive stay: 14 consecutive nights
Maximum stay: 14 nights

Published by Recreation.gov for Big Meadows Reservoir Campground (South Central Co), read on September 29, 2026.

Campsites at Big Meadows Reservoir Campground (South Central Co)

135681011GSA16182021222527293031323538394041434546

Standard 26
Tent 1
Accessible 26

What an RV fits

20–24 ft1 site
30–34 ft5 sites
35–39 ft6 sites
40–44 ft3 sites
45–49 ft5 sites
50–54 ft6 sites

Amenities

potable water
dump station

At a glance: Setting: Mountain.

Things to do: fishing, boating, hiking, horse riding.

All sites at Big Meadows Reservoir Campground (South Central Co), as listed by Recreation.gov

Site	Loop	Type	Sleeps	Max RV	Access
001	LOWER LOOP	Standard	16	47 ft	Accessible
003	LOWER LOOP	Standard	8	45 ft	Accessible
005	LOWER LOOP	Standard	8	30 ft	Accessible
006	LOWER LOOP	Standard	8	45 ft	Accessible
008	LOWER LOOP	Standard	8	50 ft	Accessible
010	LOWER LOOP	Standard	8	50 ft	Accessible
011	LOWER LOOP	Standard	8	40 ft	Accessible
GSA	LOWER LOOP	Tent	40	-	-
016	MIDDLE LOOP	Standard	8	50 ft	Accessible
018	MIDDLE LOOP	Standard	8	30 ft	Accessible
020	MIDDLE LOOP	Standard	8	35 ft	Accessible
021	MIDDLE LOOP	Standard	8	36 ft	Accessible
022	MIDDLE LOOP	Standard	8	24 ft	Accessible
025	MIDDLE LOOP	Standard	8	31 ft	Accessible

Site	Loop	Type	Sleeps	Max RV	Access
027	MIDDLE LOOP	Standard	8	45 ft	Accessible
029	MIDDLE LOOP	Standard	8	45 ft	Accessible
030	MIDDLE LOOP	Standard	8	42 ft	Accessible
031	MIDDLE LOOP	Standard	8	35 ft	Accessible
032	MIDDLE LOOP	Standard	8	37 ft	Accessible
035	MIDDLE LOOP	Standard	16	34 ft	Accessible
038	UPPER LOOP	Standard	8	40 ft	Accessible
039	UPPER LOOP	Standard	8	50 ft	Accessible
040	UPPER LOOP	Standard	8	50 ft	Accessible
041	UPPER LOOP	Standard	8	37 ft	Accessible
043	UPPER LOOP	Standard	8	50 ft	Accessible
045	UPPER LOOP	Standard	8	37 ft	Accessible
046	UPPER LOOP	Standard	8	34 ft	Accessible

About Big Meadows Reservoir Campground (South Central Co)

Overview

Big Meadows is located in the San Juan Mountains in south-central Colorado, about 11 miles west of South Fork. The campground is lightly wooded with spruce trees, creating a beautiful meadow atmosphere.

The Rio Grande National Forest spans 1.86 million acres in south-central Colorado. The Continental Divide runs for 236 miles along most of the forest's western border, presenting a myriad of ecosystems from alpine desert to dense wilderness.

Recreation

An accessible fishing pier, located on the north shore of the reservoir, allows anglers to cast for rainbow, brown and brook trout. Hunting, boating and hiking are also popular pastimes.

Hikers and horseback riders will enjoy the 6-mile Archuleta Trail. The trail accesses the Weminuche Wilderness, Colorado's largest wilderness, which boasts the headwaters of dozens of major streams and rivers that feed into the Rio Grande and San Juan rivers.

Facilities

Each site has a campfire ring and picnic tables. Drinking water is available.

The nearest dump station is 13 miles away, and a boat ramp is located on the north shore of the reservoir.

Natural Features

The campground meanders up a mountainside above Big Meadows Reservoir in a series of loops. As a sub-alpine region, the campground gets more rainfall than the opposite side of the lake, resulting in plentiful wildflowers and aspens surrounding the campsites.

Nearby Attractions

The surrounding area has plenty to keep visitors busy, with attractions like Great Sand Dunes National Park, Native American ruins, remnants of the Spanish Conquistadors and gold rush ghost towns. The Sangre de Cristo and San Juan Ranges are laced with trails for avid hikers.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (805) 434-1996.

Rules and notices at Big Meadows Reservoir Campground (South Central Co)

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 29, 2026. Check Big Meadows Reservoir Campground (South Central Co) on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

PMC & Recreation.gov policy states we will keep your reserved site until check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. If you haven't occupied it at any time during this period, your reservation is null and void and we will give it to first come first serve folks. Your reservation will be a no show and no refund will be given.

All single campsite reservation fees are good for 6 people and 1 vehicle. The maximum number of people per site is 8 ($10.00 additional charge after 6 people). The maximum number of vehicles per site is 2 ($10.00 additional charge for 2nd vehicle). Any extra people/vehicle fees will be charged at the campground ($10/night per person/vehicle).

All double campsite reservation fees are good for 12 people and two vehicles. The maximum number of people per double site is 16 ($10.00 additional charge after 12 people). The maximum number of vehicles per site is 2 ($10.00 additional charge for over 2 vehicles). Any extra people/vehicle fees will be charged at the campground ($10/night per person/vehicle).

Water hookups not available. Please fill your trailer prior to arriving. Trailers are not allowed to fill at any hydrants as it might contaminate the entire water system.

The camp host at this location cannot modify your reservation. Before your check-in date, you may cancel or modify your reservation online. After your check-out date, you have a 7 day period to request a refund online.

Electric hookups are not available

This campground has first-come, first-served sites available but not guaranteed

The 14 day stay limit is strictly enforced. Camping for a period longer than 14 days during any 30-consecutive day period is prohibited. If you have booked back-to-back reservations, you will be asked to cancel all days after the first 14.

Weather conditions can change rapidly; please check prior to arrival

Click here for more information on the Rio Grande National Forest

Check out the forest's campground description for specific information to Fish Your National Forest

Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

Big Meadows Reservoir Campground (South Central Co) FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Big Meadows Reservoir Campground (South Central Co)?

Big Meadows Reservoir Campground (South Central Co) is rated "Moderate to Book" based on historical demand. With 27 sites available, you have good chances of finding availability, especially on weekdays.

How do I find last-minute availability at Big Meadows Reservoir Campground (South Central Co)?

Cancellations happen frequently at Big Meadows Reservoir Campground (South Central Co), especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Big Meadows Reservoir Campground (South Central Co) have?

Big Meadows Reservoir Campground (South Central Co) has 27 campsites.