Crosho Lake Recreation Area

Star0
5 reviews
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

8,881 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Seasonally accessibl...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

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

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Crosho Lake Recreation Area
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping is free at Crosho Lake Recreation Area. There are no fees for using the vault toilet or parking.
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

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What Campers Say

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Limited Reviews

Based on 5 reviews

2 Google reviews

"User reviews for Crosho Lake Recreation Area highlight its primitive camping experience and natural beauty but emphasize the lack of amenities. One user noted that Crosho Lake is commonly referred to as Simon Lake Campsites by the public."

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Campground Map

Crosho Lake Recreation Area

40.1702, -107.0543

Driving directionsFrom Yampa, go W/NW on County Road 17 approximately 4 miles to County Road 15, watch for sign that points towards Crosho Lake. Take a left going west on Rd 15, continue on 6 miles to Crosho Lake.
Road to Crosho Lake and Allen Basin requires high clearance vehicles and is a rough road.

Best Time to Camp at Crosho Lake Recreation Area

Plan your visit between June and early October, when mountain passes clear and wildflowers paint the landscape. As autumn fades, Crosho Lake transforms into a winter wonderland accessible only by snowmobile, offering intrepid adventurers a completely different perspective on this remote paradise. The short summer season makes each visit feel precious, with long days perfect for exploring every hidden cove and casting line after line into promising waters.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Best season (June–early Oct): passes clear, wildflowers bloom and full access available.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Autumn offers scenery but access can close early with snow; variable conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.0 / 5

Spring access is variable; lingering snow and muddy conditions can limit usability.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Winter access only by snowmobile; limited usability and specialized access needed.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Seasonally accessible from June through September/Early October, depending on weather. Winter access is by snowmobile only.

About Crosho Lake Recreation Area

Escape to the untouched wilderness of Crosho Lake Recreation Area, where free dispersed camping awaits those seeking authentic outdoor adventures. This hidden gem beckons paddlers and anglers with its pristine, motor-free waters perfect for peaceful canoe and kayak excursions. While you won't find the typical campground amenities here—just a single vault toilet serves the area—the absence of picnic tables, fire grates, and running water only adds to the raw, back-to-nature experience that draws outdoor enthusiasts year after year.
Crosho Lake Recreation Area provides only dispersed camping opportunities, emphasizing its undeveloped and primitive nature. There are no developed facilities such as RV or glamping sites.
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Amenities available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Crosho Lake Recreation Area supports a variety of outdoor recreational activities, with a specific focus on fishing, boating (non-motorized), hiking, and backpacking. 'Crosho Lake is a popular spot to canoe, kayak, wade, camp and fish for greylings and trout.' Hunting and shooting are also noted as available activities. User reviews do not provide additional insights about these activities.
HikingHiking is mentioned as an available activity, specifically backpacking. Trail details, such as difficulty level or length, are not provided.
FishingFishing at Crosho Lake is highly popular, with opportunities to catch greylings and trout. Specific regulations or fishing seasons are not described.
SwimmingCrosho Lake is noted for wading activities, which implies the availability of swimming opportunities. However, there is no mention of designated swimming areas or safety measures.
BoatingOnly non-motorized boating is allowed at Crosho Lake, including canoeing and kayaking. Docking facilities or access points are not described.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe road is rough and requires high clearance vehicles. There is no potable water available.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Crosho Lake Recreation Area

Reviews

0.0
5 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Crosho Lake Recreation Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Crosho Lake Recreation Area highlight its primitive camping experience and natural beauty but emphasize the lack of amenities. One user noted that Crosho Lake is commonly referred to as Simon Lake Campsites by the public.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive feedback from users includes the area's suitability for fishing and non-motorized boating, as well as its dispersed camping opportunities.
Based on 5 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints by users include the lack of amenities such as potable water, fire grates, picnic tables, and the rough road requiring high-clearance vehicles.
Based on 5 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Recommendations from users include preparing for the primitive camping experience by bringing essential items such as water and a high-clearance vehicle.
Based on 5 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Camping experiences vary significantly by season, with access during winter limited to snowmobiles. Weather conditions such as snow or rain can heavily impact usability.
Based on 5 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Crosho Lake is commonly referred to as Simon Lake Campsites by the public,' noted one user.
Based on 5 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific campsite reviews or numbers are not available for Crosho Lake Recreation Area.
Based on 5 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features or reviews are not mentioned.
Based on 5 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies or reviews are not addressed in the provided content.
Based on 5 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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Crosho Lake Recreation Area