Chapman Reservoir Campground

Star4.59
36 reviews
Forest Service Road 940, between Yampa and Meeker, CO
StargazingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

9,300 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Typically open June ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland site

Official Website
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Chapman Reservoir Campground
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$20 per site, exact cash or check only. No change is available if paying cash, and credit cards are not accepted.
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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What Campers Say

4.59

Top-Rated

Based on 36 reviews

34 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlakefriendlysites

"User reviews highlight the campground's scenic beauty, proximity to Chapman Reservoir, and the serene atmosphere. The site is particularly favored for its stargazing opportunities and as a base for fishing and hunting. However, some users noted overcrowding during weekends and the lack of potable water as minor drawbacks."

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Campground Map

Forest Service Road 940, between Yampa and Meeker, CO

Chapman Reservoir Campground

Forest Service Road 940, between Yampa and Meeker, CO

Driving directionsFrom Yampa, drive 5 miles on County Road 17, turn left on County Road 132 which turns into County Road 8. Continue on for 7 miles, then turn left on Forest Service Road 940 and continue for 1 mile.
The campground is accessible via Forest Service Road 940. Roads are unpaved and may require caution during inclement weather. Seasonal closures or rough terrain may present challenges.
Nearby places
Yampa (approximately 13 miles, ~20 minutes drive), Meeker (distance unspecified)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies such as groceries and fuel can be found in Yampa, CO, approximately 13 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Chapman Reservoir Campground

From June through October, Chapman Reservoir transforms into a high-altitude paradise where mild summer days give way to crisp, star-filled nights. The campground awakens each season as winter's snow melts away, revealing wildflower-dotted meadows and sparkling waters. Summer temperatures hover in the comfortable range, making it ideal for hiking, fishing, and simply breathing in the mountain air. As autumn approaches, golden aspens paint the landscape before winter's arrival blankets the area in snow and frigid conditions, closing this mountain sanctuary until the following summer.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open June–Oct; mild days and crisp nights make summer ideal though busy at times.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Popular in late summer/fall for leaf change and hunting; recommended September visits.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Sites generally closed until summer; high‑elevation snow persists into spring.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground typically closed outside June–Oct due to weather.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: No explicit peak season pricing provided; operates June through October, coinciding with summer and early fall.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Typically open June through October, dependent on weather conditions.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts noted.

About Chapman Reservoir Campground

Tucked away in the pristine wilderness outside Yampa, Colorado, Chapman Reservoir Campground beckons adventurers seeking solitude and natural beauty. This hidden gem along the spectacular Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway offers 12 intimate campsites nestled within the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. While the campground embraces a back-to-basics approach with picnic tables, fire grates, and vault toilets (bring your own water), it compensates with unmatched tranquility and jaw-dropping scenery. Perfect for smaller RVs and trailers up to 22 feet, this peaceful retreat near Dunckley Pass promises an authentic Colorado mountain experience.
Chapman Reservoir Campground provides traditional camping facilities for tents and small RVs/trailers. It also allows dispersed camping along Forest Service Road 940, but no group or luxury camping options are available.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
No explicit check-in time provided.
Check-out
No explicit check-out time provided.
Stay Limit
  • No explicit information provided
  • regulated by standard Forest Service policies.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Chapman Reservoir Campground offers outdoor recreation opportunities including fishing, hiking, and wakeless boating. The reservoir is ideal for trout fishing and is also frequented by paddle boarders and canoeists. Hunting is a seasonal activity, particularly popular during big game season. The location is scenic, providing stargazing opportunities with 'phenomenal' night skies, as one reviewer noted.
HikingSome small trails are available for hiking in the area. While these trails are not extensively detailed, they allow visitors to explore the surroundings, including the reservoir.
FishingFishing at Chapman Reservoir is a highlight, with opportunities to catch trout. The reservoir's fishing appeal is confirmed by several visitors, though one noted that the water was not as clean as expected.
BoatingWakeless boating is permitted at the reservoir, and common watercraft include paddle boards, rafts, and canoes. There is no mention of docking facilities.
Wildlife viewingWildlife is abundant in the area. Visitors have reported spotting deer and finding bear tracks around the reservoir. Campers are reminded that they are in bear country.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity noted in user reviews. Wildlife such as deer and other fauna present. Lack of potable water emphasizes need for preparation.
Active AlertsNo active alerts noted.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Chapman Reservoir Campground

Reviews

4.6
36 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Chapman Reservoir Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's scenic beauty, proximity to Chapman Reservoir, and the serene atmosphere. The site is particularly favored for its stargazing opportunities and as a base for fishing and hunting. However, some users noted overcrowding during weekends and the lack of potable water as minor drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 36 reviews

What Campers Love

"Beautiful Campground with a small but still pretty lake for fishing or paddle boarding." "The night skies are phenomenal and great for astrophotography." "Clean campsites, camp host was great & most...
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Based on 36 reviews

Common Concerns

"Gets really crowded on weekends." "Potable water is not available at this site." "The reservoir wasn’t as clean as expected."
Based on 36 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water supply as potable water is not available. Arrive early to secure a spot, especially on weekends. Stay mindful of wildlife, including bears, and bring bear-proof storage if needed.
Based on 36 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that the campground is busiest in late summer and early fall, particularly during big game hunting season and leaf-changing season. Visitors recommend visiting in September for...
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Based on 36 reviews

Camper Quotes

"I love this campground! It’s first come first serve, but you can’t beat the views and how close you are to the reservoir!" "Go now if you want the same experience!" "Another reminder that we're in...
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Based on 36 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site numbers were reviewed, but several users recommended arriving early as the campground can get crowded, particularly on weekends.
Based on 36 reviews

Accessibility Features

There are no specific user reviews addressing accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 36 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

"My friends and I camped out for 2 nights with two dogs." "Most campers had dogs (not all were leashed)." However, no official pet policy is detailed.
Based on 36 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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