How much does camping cost at Big Creek Lakes Campground?

Camping fees at Big Creek Lakes Campground range from $20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Big Creek Lakes Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Big Creek Lakes Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Big Creek Lakes Campground before I book?

Yes! Big Creek Lakes Campground has 10 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Big Creek Lakes Campground?

Big Creek Lakes Campground is open June 06 to September 14. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Big Creek Lakes Campground?

Big Creek Lakes Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Big Creek Lakes Campground?

Fire policies at Big Creek Lakes Campground: Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Big Creek Lakes Campground have?

Big Creek Lakes Campground has 54 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Big Creek Lakes Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Big Creek Lakes Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Big Creek Lakes Campground?

Big Creek Lakes Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Big Creek Lakes Campground?

Popular activities at Big Creek Lakes Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Big Creek Lakes Campground

4.17

154 reviews

PARKS RANGER DISTRICT

Scenic ViewsStargazingSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

54 campsites

Season

Season opens June 1 ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

54 campsites

Season

Season opens June 1 ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests Official Website

Get Directions

Big Creek Lakes Campground

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $20.00; RV NONELECTRIC: $20.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

970-723-2700

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

PARKS RANGER DISTRICT

Big Creek Lakes Campground

PARKS RANGER DISTRICT

Nearby places

Walden, Colorado - 35 miles

Weather at Big Creek Lakes Campground

Current alerts(7)

Campground host on-site from mid-June to Mid-Sept.
Cell phone reception is limited and may not be available; the nearest telephone is 26 miles away
Click here for more information on the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests
Maximum of two vehicles allowed per site

Best Time to Camp at Big Creek Lakes Campground

Best season: summer. Summer provides the most reliable, accessible outdoor experience at Big Creek Lakes — warm, clear days and open roads make lake activities and high-elevation hiking easy. Expect cool mornings around 45–50°F and comfortable afternoons in the low 70s (mid 60s–73°F), perfect for boating, trout fishing, and day hikes into the Mount Zirkel Wilderness. Long daylight and mostly snow-free trails mean swimming, wildlife viewing (moose often along wetlands), and stargazing are at their peak, though summer Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

June–Sept is prime: trails clear, lake open, most activities available; watch mosquitoes and winds.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 06 to September 14. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Season opens June 1 and closes September 15 (reservable dates may vary).

About Big Creek Lakes Campground

Big Creek Lakes Campground sits in the high country of Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest near Walden, Colorado, offering lake access and trailheads into the Mount Zirkel Wilderness. Operated by the U.S. Forest Service, this mid-sized campground draws anglers, boaters, and stargazers seeking a remote alpine setting. Reviewers praise the lake's beauty and dark skies, though road conditions and occasional water system issues require flexibility.

Big Creek Lakes Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including tent camping, RV sites, and first-come, first-served options.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer provides the most reliable, accessible outdoor experience at Big Creek Lakes — warm, clear days and open roads make lake activities and high-elevation hiking easy. Expect cool mornings around 45–50°F and comfortable afternoons in the low 70s (mid 60s–73°F), perfect for boating, trout fishing, and day hikes into the Mount Zirkel Wilderness. Long daylight and mostly snow-free trails mean swimming, wildlife viewing (moose often along wetlands), and stargazing are at their peak, though summer Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation9000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryLodgepole pine and fir forest frames Big Creek Lake, though wildfire and beetle kill have opened up sections of the canopy. Some sites now sit more exposed than they once did. The wetlands around the lake draw moose regularly, especially at dawn and dusk. Elk, mule deer, black bears, and bobcats also move through the area. The elevation and clear air make for exceptional stargazing when the afternoon thunderstorms clear out.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or cabins are available at this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of up to 2 vehicles per site. Specific guest limits per site are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, app, or contact center.

AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets, parking areas, and boat ramps are available.

Site SizeSites vary in size. Some are spacious pull-through sites designed for RVs, while others are smaller and more suited to single tents. Site-specific reviews highlight that certain sites are better for larger groups.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Some sites are well-separated, offering seclusion, while others are more exposed due to deforestation from wildfires and pests.

Total Campsites54 campsites

Recommended SitesPull-through sites include #3, #9, #10, #11, #12, #13, #14, #15, #16, #17, #19, #23, #24, #30, #34, #42. Sites near dumpsters or restrooms may have added convenience but lack privacy.

Best CampsitesSite 5 gets praise for lake access and fewer mosquitoes. Sites 22, 31, 32, 33, 35, and 37 sit more exposed after fire damage took out overhead cover. Some sites offer pull-through space for RVs, others work better for single tents. Shoreline and cliffside setups exist, but site-specific conditions vary enough that scouting helps if you arrive first-come.

Need help booking Big Creek Lakes Campground?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Big Creek Lakes Campground offers a range of amenities in a scenic setting adjacent to the second-largest natural lake in Colorado. Visitors have access to both a campground and a day-use area. The campground has 24 reservable campsites and 30 first-come, first-served sites. Two boat ramps are available, providing easy access to the lake for boating and fishing enthusiasts. Vault toilets are accessible, and potable water is piped through multiple spigots when available; however, user reviews indicate that water is often turned off during freezing temperatures or was unavailable entirely during some recent seasons. Picnic tables and fire rings are provided at campsites, and a campground host is present during peak times (mid-June to mid-September) to assist visitors.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Campers at Big Creek Lakes can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. The campground is adjacent to the lake, which supports fishing, boating, and swimming. A hike to Big Creek Falls offers scenic views, while the surrounding Mount Zirkel Wilderness provides opportunities for wildlife viewing. Trails are also available for ATV use nearby.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; vault toilets are provided instead.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

154 reviews

Satisfactory

Big Creek Lakes Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Big Creek Lakes Campground receives an average sentiment rating of 4.24 in general reviews and 4.10 specifically for campground-related experiences. Visitors frequently praise the scenic beauty, spacious campsites, and opportunities for fishing and hiking. However, complaints about the lack of water, inconsistent maintenance, and the condition of the access road are common.

Review Summaries

Based on 154 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty, peaceful environment, and excellent recreational opportunities. 'The lake is exquisite, and we could tell a lot of work has been done on the...

Based on 154 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback focuses on the lack of water availability, unclean facilities, and the poor condition of the gravel access roads. 'There was no water available at this campsite!' (Tami McBride)....

Based on 154 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 22, 31, 32, 33, 35, 37 are described as exposed due to fire damage. Sites 18, 25, 35, and 41 are smaller, suitable for single-tent setups. Pull-through sites like 3, 9, and 10 are spacious and...

Based on 154 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring plenty of water and firewood, as these are not always available. Prepare for mosquitoes and unpredictable weather. 'Bring bug spray and anything else you can to keep them off you' (Victor...

Based on 154 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season for visits, but some campers complain about mosquitoes and high winds. Winter activities are not highlighted, though the high elevation suggests potential for...

Based on 154 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The lake itself was amazing. Quite shallow, but really nice for kayaking and paddle boarding' - Demaris P. 2. 'The hike to falls is great and shows the devastation from the fire' - Aaron S. 3....

Based on 154 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible vault toilets and parking areas are available, but no specific feedback from users with disabilities was noted.

Based on 154 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but no specific reviews address pet-related facilities or experiences.

Based on 154 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want high-elevation lake fishing and wilderness hiking in a secluded setting and can handle rustic conditions.

Skip if

You need guaranteed running water, maintained restrooms, or easy road access without a high-clearance vehicle.

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Campgrounds

Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG

Big Creek Lakes Campground

About Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG

Context for the broader area surrounding Big Creek Lakes Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Welcome to Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland! Visitor opportunities abound on almost 2.9 million acres of National Forest System lands. The Medicine Bow and Routt National Forests provide year-round recreation opportunities for you. These activities include hiking, biking, camping, horseriding, OHV riding, fishing and hunting, just to name a few. Beautiful vistas await sightseers and photographers. The topography varies greatly within the national forests. Elevation ranges from 5,500 to 12,940 feet. The climate ranges from semi-arid at low elevations to colder and less arid in the high country. Frost may occur at any time, and visitors to the higher elevations should be prepared for harsh weather, including snow and high winds, even during the summer months. The Thunder Basin National Grassland provides unique opportunities for recreation, including hiking, sightseeing, hunting, and fishing. There are no developed campgrounds; however, dispersed camping is allowed. Elevation on the national grassland ranges from 3,600 to 5,200 feet, and the climate is semi-arid. The following recreation conditions report includes a sampling of our recreation sites. For information on specific sites or areas, use the link to the right or search by activity in the lefthand search bar.