About Meadows Campground (CO)
Overview Meadows Campground is located on Rabbit Ears Pass outside of Steamboat Springs, CO and is surrounded by Spruce, Fir and Lodgepole forest. It has 30 campsites, with a combination of pull-through, back-in and walk-in tent sites. At an elevation of 9,300 feet, Meadows campground lies near the top of Continental Divide in the Park Range. Activities include stream fishing, hiking, wildflower viewing, and mountain biking easily accessible on nearby trails. Established Forest Service summer hiking and mountain biking trails are accessible nearby from the road to Dumont Campground (NFSR 315). Vault toilets and garbage services are provided. Recreation Activities include stream fishing, hiking and mountain biking easily accessible. Camping limit is 14 days. Facilities Vault toilets and garbage services provided. Natural Features At an elevation of 9,300 feet, Meadows campground lies in the Rocky Mountains in the heart of the Routt National Forest on Rabbit Ears pass. The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland encompass nearly three million acres from central and northeastern Wyoming to north-central Colorado. Black bear, bobcat, coyote, elk, mule deer and moose are just some of the many animals that inhabit these rich and diverse lands. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (970) 870-2299.
How to Get There
Directions from Steamboat Springs, CO: Travel 15 miles southeast of Steamboat Springs on US Highway 40 to Rabbit Ears Pass. The Campground is located on the south side of the highway, on Forest Road 297 near the west summit of the pass.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
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Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Meadows Campground (CO)
Heading to Meadows Campground (CO)? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Meadows Campground (CO)?
No central reservation system listed for Meadows Campground (CO). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10168496) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Meadows Campground (CO)?
Directions from Steamboat Springs, CO: Travel 15 miles southeast of Steamboat Springs on US Highway 40 to Rabbit Ears Pass. The Campground is located on the south side of the highway, on Forest Road 297 near the west summit of the pass.
References & Official Resources
