Big Creek Lakes Campground

Star4.21
154 reviews
PARKS RANGER DISTRICT
Summer Destination

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

Opens Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Big Creek Lakes Campground
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees are $20 per night for standard nonelectric, tent-only nonelectric, and RV nonelectric sites. Displayed rates do not reflect discounts, taxes, or...
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
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

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Provider
970-723-2700
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What Campers Say

4.21

Satisfactory

Based on 154 reviews

43 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefullakesites

"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."

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Campground Map

PARKS RANGER DISTRICT

Big Creek Lakes Campground

PARKS RANGER DISTRICT

Driving directionsFrom Walden, follow Route 125 north for 9 miles into Cowdrey. Turn left (west) onto CR 6W and travel 18 miles to Pearl. Turn onto Forest Road 600 and drive for 6 miles, following signs to campground.
Road access quality varies significantly. User reviews describe sections of paved roads transitioning to dirt roads with mild to moderate washboards and ruts. 'The first ~5 miles from I-80 are paved. From there it's ~17 miles of dirt road on 6W, initially regular dirt roads but turning into moderate washboards and some ruts after ~11 miles.'
Nearby places
Walden, Colorado - 35 miles
Nearby supplies
Supplies likely available in Walden, Colorado - 35 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Big Creek Lakes Campground

Summer at Big Creek Lakes brings the perfect mountain climate, with refreshing mornings starting around 47°F and comfortable afternoons reaching 73°F. The dry mountain air and frequent clear skies create ideal conditions for stargazing and outdoor activities, though Mother Nature keeps things interesting with occasional afternoon thunderstorms and even surprise hail showers. As one visitor noted about the wonderfully unplugged experience: 'It was challenging to watch the forecast with zero cell phone service'—a reminder that you're truly escaping into nature's rhythm here.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season (Jun 1–Sep 15): comfortable temps, clear skies, popular for water and trail activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open into mid-September; pleasant early-fall weather but shorter season and fewer services.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Campground opens June 1; spring season not available for camping at this site.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground season closes Sept 15; not open for winter camping.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 1 to September 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Season opens June 1 and closes September 15 (reservable dates may vary).
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts are reported, but reviews emphasize water unavailability and lack of hosts during certain seasons.

About Big Creek Lakes Campground

Nestled alongside the pristine waters of Big Creek Lake in the heart of Routt National Forest, Big Creek Lakes Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of mountain serenity and recreational adventure. This cherished mountain retreat features 54 total campsites—24 reservable sites for those who plan ahead and 30 first-come, first-served spots for spontaneous adventurers. Whether you're casting a line into the crystal-clear lake, exploring forest trails, spotting wildlife in their natural habitat, or gliding across the water in your boat, this campground serves as your basecamp for unforgettable Rocky Mountain experiences. Essential amenities including vault toilets and water spigots ensure comfort during your wilderness stay.
Big Creek Lakes Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including tent camping, RV sites, and first-come, first-served options.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM local time
Check-out
12:00 PM local time
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

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.
HikingHiking is a popular activity, with trails like the Seven Lakes Trail accessible from the campground. Hikes vary in difficulty, and some pathways still show signs of damage from wildfires. The 2.5-mile (one way) hike to Big Creek Falls is recommended for its views, though it offers limited shade due to fire damage.
FishingFishing opportunities include trout, muskie, grayling, and Kokanee salmon. Anglers can fish in both the lake and the adjacent creek.
SwimmingSwimming is possible, but designated areas are limited. A narrow beach near the boat ramp is available for activities like wading.
BoatingThe lake is divided into two sections: the upper section permits non-motorized boats, while motorized boats can use the lower section. Two boat ramps make launching convenient.
Wildlife viewingThe area is rich in wildlife, with moose being a notable attraction in the surrounding wetlands. Black bears, elk, bobcats, and coyotes are also commonly spotted.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include mosquito infestations, sudden snow or storms during summer, and falling dead trees due to past forest fires.
Active AlertsNo active alerts are reported, but reviews emphasize water unavailability and lack of hosts during certain seasons.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Big Creek Lakes Campground

Reviews

4.2
154 reviews
Satisfactory
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...
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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)....
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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...
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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...
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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....
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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...
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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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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