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Marvine Campground is set in a towering grove of mixed conifer and aspen trees on the western slope of the Colorado Rockies at an elevation of 8,200 feet. This is an ideal setting for guests seeking recreation and relaxation.
Hikers, hunters, anglers and equestrians can also find recreational opportunities nearby. This is a good base for hiking and horseback riding in the Flat Tops Wilderness. Enjoy elk hunting amidst one of the largest elk herds in North America.
This popular campground is located 36 miles east of Meeker along Marvine Creek. It offers access to a number of trails and lakes for hiking, fishing and hunting. Fishing is available in Marvine and East Marvine Creeks, and in the Flat Tops Wilderness at Marvine Lakes. Marvine Trail #1823 and East Marvine Trail #1822 both begin near the campground.
Marvine Campground has six horse campsites. The only corrals available for public use are the ones at the horse camp sites in the campground. The corrals at the Marvine Trailhead are for Outfitter and Guide use only. Additional facilities at the campground include tables, fire grates, vault toilets and hand pump drinking water. Trash service is provided. Electrical hook-ups are not available. Livestock may be watered in the stream, about 200 yards from the campground.
In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the 2.3 million acre White River National Forest is a place of serenity and adventure, boasting 8 wilderness areas, 4 defined seasons, and 10 peaks surpassing 14,000 feet in elevation.
Wildlife in the area abounds. Bighorn sheep navigate rocky ridges, moose graze along the streams and bull elk bugle at dusk. Scenic rivers sustain populations of cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout. Alpine regions provide habitat for pika and ptarmigan. These species, along with many others, depend on surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams, and diverse forests to live.
East Marvine Trail: The trail leads up East Marvine Creek, through the the Flat Tops Wilderness to Johnson Lake. At the summit Big Marvine Peak offers a panoramic view of the Flat Tops Wilderness and surrounding area.
Marvine Trail: The Marvine Trail begins at the end of County Road 12 right outside the campground. It accesses Marvine Creek and Marvine Lakes providing great opportunity to fish.
Marvine Lake and Slide Lake: These two lakes cover 135 surface acres and offer rainbow, brook and cutthroat trout fishing.
Marvine Lakes General Forest Area: The Marvine Lakes general forest area offers access to a number of lakes and trails in the central part of the Flat Tops Wilderness Area of the White River National Forest.
Papoose Trail: Papoose Creek Trail 2248 leads up Papoose Creek past several short waterfalls, to Papoose Basin. It then climbs onto the Flat Tops Plateau where it intersects the Oyster Lake Trail 1825.
The Marvine Campground is located 35 miles east of Meeker. From Meeker, take Colorado Highway 13 east for 1 mile, then turn east on Rio Blanco County Road 8 and follow this for 28 miles. Turn south (right) at Fritzlans' Guest Ranch, cross the bridge and turn east (left) on Rio Blanco County Road 12. Follow this 6 miles to the Marvine Campground.
Elevation: 8,200 Ft
Address: 32201 County Rd 8, Meeker, Colorado 81641
Reserved two days. 10hrs+ driving time... Only stayed 6 hrs. Full of mosquitos, picnic table covered in multiple bugs. Three huge holes in center area next to fire pit. Never going back...
Nice and quiet when we went. Not a very interesting part of Colorado though, with lots of money grabs for the smallest things almost like they want people to stay away. Region is a bit too wet, so you have to deal with mosquitos.. Nearest big town is Rifle, CO which is not too friendly. Overall
Incredibly beautiful area. The campsite is super quiet and well-situated in a starting point for a few different day-excursions. Of note, mosquitos are definitely a thing here, and we were in campsite 17 which I think was a bit buggier than those that were deeper into the campsite. On that note, the sites next to 17 were RV sites, so they were a little more exposed. Pick one up near the bathrooms behind for more shelter. The couple that tended to the camp were super sweet and we never experienced anything negative as mentioned in a couple of other reviews, so I find it hard to believe that a sweet older couple in their 70's would be creepy. One note, if you hike up the East Marvine Trail, to the left of the horse corrals, the trail goes up at a pretty steep click for about 2 miles until you hit Johnson Lake. Great fishing there, so bring a rod. 2 more miles to Rainbow lake and more fishing. Great place. As said the mosquitos sucked a bit until the sun went down, so get out and see places and don't hang around the campsite. The bathrooms were nice a clean too!
This was a sweet spot! Was not over charged and camp grounds and bathrooms were in great condition. Lots of fire wood and endless hiking! Loved this spot. Friend of mine went horseback riding and absolutely loved it!
