Big Meadows Reservoir Campground (South Central Co)

Absolutely beautiful

We had another great week at Big Meadows! This has been our families get away spot for 40 years. The pine bark beetle invaded the trees in the campground years ago but new trees are coming up. The camp hosts this year were very nice and helpful. They are doing a good job keeping the sites and outhouses clean. There are many things you can do from hear, walk around the lake, walk way on past the lake, visit Pagosa Springs, South Fork, Creede and Lake City. Bachelors Loop drive is beautiful and educational. A guide for the drive can be purchased at the Creede visitors center. From Big Meadows itself, the road goes on up to Shaw lake. But the road is closed from there and you can no longer drive up to Hunter Lake. There were terrible fires through there at one time and the road has washed out. We talked to one Forest Service ranger and it didn't sound like this was a high priority to be fixed. I am concerned at how junky a couple of the sites are getting that are occupied by the district manager and one site there is a storage building. Each year, there is more junk piled up. Staying here has gotten costly. Why does it cost $26 a night for a campsite with no hookups and pit toilets? If you decide to go, the nights in mid September were getting down into the 40's so be prepared.

We have been wanting to stay here for years. Finally got us reservations and I’m telling you - it didn’t disappoint! Had the most amazing relaxing weekend full of fishing, laughs, food and grand babies.
Suggestions would be to bring extra blocks or wood to level RV out on lower loop 3. Other than that - it’s perfect!

Great campground, hidden gem. Nice spot (#3) and great hosts. The only drawback is the times they allow generators to run (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.) I feel it should not be that early or late, we had a couple of trailers that ran theirs all day beginning at 6;30 a.m. and ending at exactly 10. Really took away from sleeping in a bit and sitting around the campfire, they were loud and noisy. Maybe change the times to 7 or 8 a.m. to 8 or 9 p.m.? I think that would make a lot of people happy!
Love the lake and the fishing was great, be nice if there was a fish cleaning station but maybe that is asking too much. Anyway, will definitely go back, been there several times, wish they were open into October. And don't forget to take a drive to Shaw Lake, it is really nice too!!

We camp at Big Meadows Reservoir Campground every summer. It is so peaceful and relaxed there. Great for hiking and fishing. We appreciate how the campsites were renovated. The campground hosts were top notch.

Best campground we've been to. Spaces are spread apart, camp hosts are great, setting is beautiful!

Beautiful place. The forest has changed in the 20 years since my last visit due to climate change but still remains vibrant and full of life. This campground has it all, we even had some cellphone service. Will get cold once the sun goes down so be prepared. Vaulted toilets are well maintained, water spouts available in campground as well. For those boondocking in RV there is a free dump station behind the Rainbow Gas Station in South Fork. Will definitely return.

Great quiet, clean, campground. Excellent location with plenty of fishing and hiking locations nearby. Restrooms are serviced daily and the camp hosts are friendly. Each camp site has a picnic table and a fire ring. During our most recent stay (in August, 2021), we saw deer, pikas, marmots, weasels, bald eagles, ospreys, and more! Our group is already planning next year's trip because this is a terrific place to get away and relax.

Current host seems eager to get out of this job and go home. Bathrooms are so so clean, flies are bad.

Been going to Big Meadow CG for 30 years, always special to return. Hosts and campers friendly and keep a quiet camp. Cleanest vaults we encountered at any NFS CG. Beautiful surroundings.