Meadow Ridge

MEADOW RIDGE

Part of Pike and San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands

Overview

Located about 10 miles from the town of Woodland Park, Colorado, Meadow Ridge Campground is pleasantly situated on a ridge above the Rampart Reservoir. Here, campers have access to prime fishing and mountain biking and hiking trails. The campground is in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, due north of the popular Pikes Peak. The peak has an altitude of 14,110 feet and was first climbed in 1820. Its claim to fame is that it is America's easternmost peak over 14,000 feet.

Facilities

Most campsites are nicely shaded with a grassy understory, and have limited privacy from other sites. Drinking water, picnic tables, campfire rings and two accessible vault toilets are provided for campers. At sites 6,7,10,14,16 and 18, the picnic table and campfire ring are below the road, and steps must be used to reach them. Firewood can be purchased onsite.

Natural Features

Sitting in a ponderosa pine forest at 9,200 feet, the 19-site campground overlooks the Rampart Reservoir. The surrounding terrain includes a mix of grass meadows, spruce, Douglas fir and aspen.

Recreation

Rainbow and mackinaw trout are plentiful in the renowned fishing reservoir and hikers enjoy the trails in the area. Rampart Reservoir Trail and Nichols Reservoir Trail are both worth exploring. Rampart Reservoir Trail extends for 14 miles and is open to mountain biking.

Nearby Attractions

Take the kids on a tour of the U.S. Air Force Academy or explore the quaint town of Green Mountain Falls. While there, ask the locals about the place they nicknamed Kermit the Frog Mountain.

Important Notices

  • • Check-In time is 2 p.m. and check-out time is 12 p.m.

    • SPECIAL NOTE: Colorado State regulations prohibit attaching hoses to hydrants to fill RV’s. Please come prepared.

    • Please check-in with host upon arrival. 

    • RV or trailers over 36 feet over this size will have a very tough time making it through the campground because of tight corners and trees.

    • All vehicles including campers must fit in parking spur (not on grass) without blocking road.

    • Motorized and trailered boats may only launch on the reservoir Thursdays - Sundays from 7:00 am - 4:00 pm. All boats and trailers must be inspected for aquatic nuisance species prior to launching. Hand launched boats may launch from the boat ramp 7:00 am - 4:00 pm Sunday - Saturday.

    • Do not feed the wildlife. This includes bird feeders of any kind.  

    • Don’t Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.  

    • 10 mph speed limit in all campgrounds and day use areas. 

    • Discharging any weapon is prohibited including paintballs, bow & arrow, BB guns, airsoft guns. Fireworks and explosives are prohibited. Target shooting is prohibited.

    • Thunderstorms are common; take extra precautions for lightning.

    • Be bear aware; keep all food out of sight in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from area after eating.

    • This is a high elevation facility; please use caution when traveling from lower elevations.

    • No hookups available.

    • No horses allowed. 

    • ATVs prohibited. 

    • Click here for more information on Pike and San Isabel National Forests.

    • USE OF DRONES PROHIBITED.

  • Two vehicles or one RV/Trailer and tow vehicle per site is included in the camping fee. $11.00/night for a third vehicle. 

  • Firewood is available for sale from the Host site for $10.00/bundle.

Notifications and Alerts

  • PIKE-SAN ISABEL NATIONAL FORESTS & CIMARRON AND COMANCHE NATIONAL GRASSLANDS 

    STAGE 1 FIRE PROHIBITIONS  

    PROHIBITIONS

    Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), the following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) in the Leadville, Salida, San Carlos, Pikes Peak, South Park and South Platte Ranger Districts of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A, hereinafter referred to as the “Described Area”:

    • Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire (including fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes), except if it is in 

      • A permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the U.S. Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas); 

      • A device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off used in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device; or

      • A fully enclosed metal stove with a chimney at least five feet in length and a mesh screen spark arrestor with a screen opening of a ¼ inch or less used in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 10 feet of the device. 36 CFR § 261.52(a).

    • Using an explosive. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(b)

    • Smoking is prohibited, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. 36 CFR § 261.52(d)

    • Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except if in a cleared area of at least 10 feet in diameter and a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8 oz. capacity and rating of Class 2A) is kept with the operator. 36 CFR § 261.52(h)

    EXEMPTIONS

    Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

    • Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2).

    • Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting service in the performance of an official duty.

    DESCRIBED AREA

    All National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the exterior boundaries of the Pikes Peak, South Platte, South Park, Leadville, Salida and San Carlos Ranger Districts of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, as depicted on the map attached as Exhibit A of this Order.

    PURPOSE

    The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety.

    IMPLEMENTATION

    • This Order shall be in effect from August 21, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. through August November 14, 2026, at 11:59 p.m., unless rescinded.

Available Activities

  • HIKING - Hiking
  • FISHING - Fishing
  • CAMPING - Camping
  • BIKING - Biking

Directions

From Colorado Springs, drive west on Highway 24 for about 24 miles to Woodland Park. Turn right (north) on Baldwin St. (which becomes Rampart Range Road). Drive about 2 miles to Loy Creek Road, turn right, and then take another right on Forest Road 300 (Rampart Range Road). Follow signs. The entrance to Rampart Reservoir is about 4 miles further on the left.

Cancellation Policy

<p>Cancellations</p> <p>Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. </p> <p>A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite.</p> <p>Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee.</p> <p>No-Shows</p> <p>A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date.</p> <p>No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite.  </p> <p>Refunds</p> <p>Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended.</p> <p>Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay.</p> <p>For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive. </p> <p>In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.</p>

Contact Information

Phone: 719-636-1602 (INFORMATION ONLY, NO RESERVATONS TAKEN AT THIS NUMBER)

PIKES PEAK RANGER DISTRICT
601 S. WEBER ST.
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80903

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