Lake Meredith Reservoir Dispersed Camping

Apparently a while before we arrived there had been rain which made for very deep dried ruts in the roadway after entering the parking area. We went left past the 2 covered picnic table areas which were apparently being used even though no vehicles were there, and pulled down to the end. The lake was muddy, the shoreline full of smelly lake weed, and dead fish, and there was a lot of trash which we picked up some. Although we enjoyed a relaxing evening watching the sun set and the moon rise, our evening after going to bed was disturbed by 2 vehicles who were NOT camping reaving up their engines as they spun down and around our camper. Did not make us feel safe! Sleep was sporadic after that and that morning the smell, flies and bugs pushed us into a hasty departure.

This is a free dispersed camping location on the Meredith Lake Reservoir (6901 County Lane 21 Ordway, CO). Very private and quite location with small waves splashing ashore and birds calling; however, be prepared for the surrounding farmland smells and (at least while we were here) dead fish smell...it will knock you off your feet at times. There is no water or sewage and maximum number of days allowed to camp is 14-days per CO state law. If you are looking for a free location to stay while visiting Bent's Fort (nearest attraction), then we'd highly recommend this location.

We set-up here to explore the surrounding area's national park units and tarantula migration in the prairie (super cool). It was the best option, but that's not saying much. We had a couple rainy days that produced sinking mud around the reservoir and intensified the smell from near-by cattle operations to headache levels (not exaggerating). There is an outhouse on site but it's unusable. ATT mobile service was good. The water did not look appealing; we watched much affluent from the surrounding area drain right into the reservoir during the rains. There is a lot of trash and broken glass around the reservoir as well. It is centrally located, an hour from everywhere, and the town of La Junta was interesting.

Towards the end of a multi week road trip, we stopped here on the way back to Texas. We pulled in on a Monday and there were a handful of rigs spread out across the beach area. It was quiet and peaceful. We were going to just stay one night but stayed a second because it was so peaceful and enjoyable for the kids. The water is shallow for many feet out so the kids can play. There was glass in the sand which we find everywhere that has a beach so weather water shoes with a good sole. The breeze was cool and steady making for perfect sleeping weather.

We stayed here just one night on April 1, 2021. Its a spacious site, plenty of room for a dozen campers. AT&T service was at least 3/5 for me with decent download speeds. Its not the kind of place to stay a week but its great for a night's rest. You will likely smell or see cows so you've been warned. We woke up to one 5 feet from our door. No problems with the cows though.

There's a single vault toilet present.