Needle Creek Reservoir Camping Area

Star0
3 reviews

Quick Facts

8,830 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open in June

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest site

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Needle Creek Reservoir Camping Area
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are charged for camping at Needle Creek Reservoir.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 3 reviews

8 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peaceful

"User reviews for the Needle Creek Reservoir Camping Area generally highlight its secluded nature, suitability for families and pets, and the quality of the fishing experience. However, some reviewers noted that the water level in the reservoir can be significantly low."

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Fees & Passes at Needle Creek Reservoir Camping Area

Free

Campsite fees

Standard Site

Basic tent/RV spot

Free
Prices verified November 27, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest website.


Best Time to Camp at Needle Creek Reservoir Camping Area

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open in June

About Needle Creek Reservoir Camping Area

Perched at an impressive 8,830 feet in the Colorado high country, Needle Creek Reservoir Camping Area beckons anglers and nature enthusiasts to its pristine waters. This hidden gem, born from irrigation needs in 1962, has evolved into a beloved destination where rainbow and brook trout dance beneath the surface and camping under star-filled skies becomes an unforgettable experience. Easy access roads lead you to this alpine sanctuary, where the thin mountain air carries the promise of adventure and the gentle lap of reservoir waters provides the perfect soundtrack for your outdoor escape.
The Needle Creek Reservoir Camping Area caters to campers seeking a primitive camping experience. RV camping may be possible, but hookups are not available.
Historical SignificanceWhat began as a practical solution for irrigation water storage in 1962 has transformed into one of the region's most cherished recreational treasures. The reservoir stands as a testament to the harmonious balance between human ingenuity and natural beauty, where agricultural heritage meets modern-day outdoor pursuits. Over six decades, this engineered lake has woven itself into the fabric of local life, supporting both the surrounding farmlands and creating a thriving ecosystem that draws visitors from near and far.
ElevationAt 8,830 feet above sea level, this high-altitude haven offers a true mountain experience where the air is crisp, the views are endless, and every breath reminds you that you've escaped to somewhere extraordinary. This elevation places you firmly in the subalpine zone, where wildflowers paint the meadows in summer and the night sky reveals constellations impossible to see from lower elevations.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the shimmer of morning light dancing across tranquil reservoir waters, framed by groves of quaking aspens that whisper secrets in the mountain breeze. The Cochetopa Hills cradle this aquatic jewel, creating an intimate amphitheater of natural beauty where golden aspens flame against azure skies in autumn and emerald hillsides burst with wildflowers in summer. This high-altitude oasis offers panoramic vistas that stretch to distant peaks, while the reservoir itself mirrors the ever-changing moods of Colorado's dramatic skies.
Geological RegionTucked into the rolling embrace of the Cochetopa Hills, where ancient geological forces sculpted a landscape perfect for capturing mountain runoff, Needle Creek Reservoir occupies a natural basin along the headwaters of its namesake creek. This region tells a story millions of years in the making, where volcanic activity and erosion carved valleys and ridges that would eventually cradle this life-giving reservoir. The surrounding hills, composed of volcanic tuff and sedimentary layers, create a diverse terrain that supports everything from sagebrush meadows to aspen forests, making this corner of Colorado a geological wonderland waiting to be explored.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not mentioned in the source material.
Sites SizeSite sizes are not mentioned in the source material.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels are not discussed in the authoritative or user reviews.
Total Campsites1 campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Groups
Group camping details are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Open and Closed SeasonOpen in June
Reservation PlatformsNo reservation needed; sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Amenities available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The Needle Creek Reservoir Camping Area offers several outdoor activities, focusing heavily on fishing and boating. The reservoir is a popular fishing spot with rainbow and brook trout averaging 10-11 inches. Boating is allowed, but most visitors fish from the shore.
Fishing
Fishing is described as excellent, with rainbow and brook trout averaging 10-11 inches. Most visitors fish from the shore with good success.
Boating
Boating is allowed in the reservoir, but most visitors prefer shoreline fishing.
Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities are mentioned in the authoritative or user reviews.
Water Sports
Kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding opportunities are not specified in the source material.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Hazards


Weather at Needle Creek Reservoir Camping Area

19
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected

Humidity: 74%

High humidity, may feel muggy

Wind: 13.4 mph

Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected

Clear sky

Weather History
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Good to know

Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling details are not provided.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located directly adjacent to the Needle Creek Reservoir.

Campground Map

Driving directionsDrive east on Highway 50 to Doyleville. Turn right at Doyleville and then left at the next T-intersection. Follow the main road and signs to Needle Creek Reservoir. Please close all gates (they are there to keep livestock in, not humans out).
Easy access; the site is reachable via highways and a main road. Livestock gates need to be closed during passage.

Reviews from booking and map sources

0.0
3 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Needle Creek Reservoir Camping Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for the Needle Creek Reservoir Camping Area generally highlight its secluded nature, suitability for families and pets, and the quality of the fishing experience. However, some reviewers noted that the water level in the reservoir can be significantly low.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects mentioned by users include its seclusion, the peaceful environment, the surrounding Aspen trees, and good fishing opportunities. One reviewer remarked, 'Nice place to camp and...
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Based on 3 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include significantly low water levels in the reservoir, which detracted from the overall experience for some visitors.
Based on 3 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

User tips include bringing potable water and considering the seclusion of the area as an advantage for those seeking tranquility.
Based on 3 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No specific seasonal trends are mentioned, although fishing appears to be a year-round highlight.
Based on 3 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful reservoir, and pretty secluded from the main beating path.' 2. 'It is surrounded by Aspen trees, but sadly like most other reservoirs, the water level is down significantly.' 3. 'Nice...
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Based on 3 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No reviews specify particular campsites or areas within the campground.
Based on 3 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews provide information on accessibility features.
Based on 3 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are acknowledged as welcome based on one review stating, 'Good place to take the family or pets.'
Based on 3 reviews

Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

0
0 review
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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