4.3336 reviewsPrice
$20/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
12 campsites
Season
Typically open June ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
Price
$20/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
12 campsites
Season
Typically open June ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
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Learn more about alerts →Chapman Reservoir Campground
Forest Service Road 940, between Yampa and Meeker, CO
Astrophotographers and anglers who don't mind hauling water will find fall weekdays nearly ideal here. September skies are consistently clear, aspens are turning along the Flat Tops Byway, and the camp host keeps things orderly. Wakeless boating on the reservoir works well for a
No potable water on-site is a genuine logistical hurdle, and weekend crowds can fill all 12 sites fast with no reservation option. Trailers over 22 feet won't fit, and exact cash or check is required at the fee station, no credit cards, no change made.
Reference information about Chapman Reservoir Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
<p><img alt="Chapman Reservoir Campground" src="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/stelprdb5183581.jpg" style="width: 40%; height: 40%; float: right;" /></p><p>This campground is located outside of Yampa, CO near Dunckley Pass (along the Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway) on Forest Service Road 940 between the towns of Yampa and Meeker.</p><p>The campground offers 12 campsites with a 22 foot maximum length for trailers. Each site offers a picnic table and a fire grate and has camp hosts on site.<br /><br />Some of the campsites offer a beautiful view of Chapman Reservoir and the Little Flat Tops. (There are also dispersed camping opportunities along Forest Service Road 940 enroute to Chapman.)</p><p>Note: ATV's are not allowed in the campground, however there is a staging lot outside the campground for trailers and ATV's.</p><p>This is a perfect place to relax, or take a scenic drive. The activities that you can enjoy here include fishing for trout, hiking and wakeless boating. <strong><em>To access the reservoir, be prepared for a short walk as there is no drive up access. </em></strong></p><p>This campground is also popular among hunters during big game season.</p><p>Stop by the Yampa Ranger Station/Visitor center or the outside kiosk (if after hours) for a brochure of the Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway as it includes information on the area and the drive.</p><div class="usa-alert usa-alert--info usa-alert--slim"><div class="usa-alert__body"><p class="usa-alert__text">This site was approved for a fee change - <a class="usa-link" href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mbr/fire/?cid=FSEPRD1092198">Click here for more information</a></p></div></div>
The elevation is 9,300 ft. The campground stretches out along Chapman Reservoir in mostly mature aspen and some Subalpine fir. Sites 9 through 12 are up a high clearance (vehicle access) interior road in a "circle the wagons" arrangement. The campground is remote with fair privacy between camp sites.
Open late June through October
Chapman Reservoir is 8 acres. Hiking: No Fishing: Brook and Rainbow trout
Chapman Reservoir is 8 acres.
The parking aprons are dirt and grass. Access to camp sites 9 through 12 are not RV friendly. An RV waste station is available with potable water for a fee at KOA campground in Steamboat Springs, CO - west of downtown on US Rt. 40.
In Yampa, CO, take County Rt. 17 west 5.5 miles to a "Y" intersection (County Rt. 132). Bear left onto Rt. 132 (gravel) and go 6.9 miles to Chapman Reservoir sign (Forest Rt. 940). Turn left at sign onto Rt. 940 (very steep and washboard) and go 1.4 miles to campground sign. Bear right into campground. NOTE: County Rt. 132 changes to County Rt. 8 after 4.2 miles.
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Fall delivers the best conditions. September and early October bring daytime highs in the 40s to 55°F and nights near or below freezing. Skies are clearer than summer, thunderstorms taper off, and the aspens peak. Wildlife viewing and fishing improve as animals forage before winter. The 12 sites feel genuinely peaceful during fall weekdays, though weekends still see crowds. Summer is milder at this elevation but brings afternoon thunderstorms. The campground operates June through October, closing when snow arrives. Winter temperatures drop well below freezing and the pass becomes inaccessible.
Fall (September/early Oct) cited as best: clearer skies, cooler temps, leaf-change and hunting season.
Potable water is not available at this site.
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