Big Meadows Campground And Picnic Area

Big Meadows Campground and Picnic Area offers a serene retreat where high-altitude meadows burst with wildflowers and majestic spruce trees frame picturesque views of Big Meadows Reservoir and the San Juan Mountains. This sub-alpine hideaway, located 13 miles west of South Fork along Highway 160, provides prime opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing, all within the expansive beauty of the Rio Grande National Forest.

The campground, organized into three loops climbing a mountainside, features sites equipped with campfire rings, picnic tables, vault toilets, and drinking water. While there are no electric hookups, the clean facilities and peaceful setting provide all the essentials for a rejuvenating escape. The adjacent Big Meadows Reservoir is a hub for outdoor activities, including fishing for trout from an accessible pier, non-motorized boating, and hiking the nearby Archuleta Trail, which leads into the Weminuche Wilderness.

This location is perfect for day trips or extended stays, with highlights such as the boat ramp on the reservoir’s north shore and the Weminuche Wilderness, Colorado’s largest wilderness preserve. Nearby, visitors can also explore Shaw and Hunter’s Lakes for additional hiking and fishing. Whether you're seeking solitude or scenic adventure, Big Meadows offers an idyllic experience immersed in Colorado's unforgettable mountain landscapes.