Meadow Ridge Campground

Closed

Closed for the 2025 season due to Meadow Lake Dam maintenance. No 2026 closure notice is currently posted. Typical season runs May 28 through October 25. First-come, first-served only; no reservations accepted.

Hydrologic Outlook issued October 9 at 10:53AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO

10:53 AM — October 12th, 6:00 PM

ESFGJT A strong low pressure system off the Pacific Coast will begin to draw in tropical moisture associated with Topical Storm Rachel this weekend. This strong southerly fetch will draw anomalously high moisture content across the Desert Southwest and into eastern Utah and western Colorado. The chance for widespread precipitation increases Saturday evening into Sunday. Total precipitation forecasts range from 1 to 3 inches across high terrain, with highest amounts favoring the Uintas, Tavaputs and the Southwest San Juan mountains. Embedded thunderstorms are also possible Sunday afternoon, increasing the threat for flash flooding across vulnerable terrain. While confidence in location and rainfall rates remain low at this time, the potential for rapidly rising rivers, streams, normally dry arroyos and slot canyons are possible Sunday through Monday. Please follow the evolving forecast, especially if your plans including recreating or commuting across eastern Utah and western Colorado Sunday onward. Also, keep in mind weather potential above your location and upstream, particularly for those who reside below sensitive terrain like recent burn scars.

White River National Forest

Wheeled Vehicles in Wilderness

This order describes the prohibition of wheeled vehicles in all National Forest Wilderness Areas of the Rocky Mountain Region and any exceptions thereof.

White River National Forest

Weed Free Forage Products

The purpose of this Order is to prevent the introduction or spread of noxious weeds.

About

Meadow Ridge Campground is nestled in the southwest Flat Tops region of the White River National Forest, approximately 35 miles north of New Castle via the Buford-New Castle Road. The campground offers 20 first-come, first-served sites suitable for tent camping, RVs, and trailers, with parking spurs accommodating vehicles up to 50 feet in length. Each site features a picnic table and fire grate, and the campground provides trash disposal, secure food storage lockers, and accessible vault toilets. Located less than a quarter mile from Meadow Lake, campers enjoy easy access to the adjacent Meadow Lake Picnic Area, which includes a dock and boat ramp on the western shoreline. The day-use fee for the picnic area is waived for registered campground guests. The surrounding area is popular for fishing, hunting, and OHV riding, and the campground serves as a convenient staging area for accessing numerous non-motorized trails in the Flat Tops Wilderness. Campers should bring their own drinking water, as no potable water is available on site. The campground typically operates from late May through late October, weather permitting.

Directions

From New Castle, travel north on Buford-New Castle Road (County Road 245) from the northwest edge of town. Follow this road north for 28 miles to Hiner Spring, passing the White River National Forest boundary and West Elk Trailhead parking lot. At Hiner Spring, turn right onto Forest Road 601 and proceed 3.5 miles to Forest Road 823. Turn right onto FR 823 and continue 2 miles. Go straight onto Forest Road 823.2A and proceed 0.7 miles to the campground entrance.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station —
Wifi No
Pets Allowed —
Showers No
Electric Hookups —
Water Hookups —
Sewer Hookups —
Camp Store No
Price $25

Vehicle

Max RV Length 50ft
Max Trailer Length 50ft
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites —

Contact

Phone +1 (970) 945-2521

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

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