Hidden Lakes Campground

Medicine Bow-Routt NFs and Thunder Basin NG

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.

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Nestled in the rugged Gore Pass region of Arapaho National Forest, Red Dirt Reservoir Recreation Area beckons adventurous souls seeking an authentic Colorado wilderness experience. This free dispersed camping gem sits alongside a tranquil mountain reservoir where rainbow trout dance beneath the surface, waiting to test your angling skills. Miles of hiking trails wind through the surrounding landscape, offering endless exploration opportunities for those who prefer their adventures on foot. Here, you'll trade campground fees for the priceless currency of solitude and natural beauty.

PO Box 98, Oak Creek, Colorado, 80467, United States

Nestled in the heart of Colorado's stunning Yampa Valley, Stagecoach State Park welcomes adventurers with 92 thoughtfully placed campsites scattered throughout rolling sagebrush meadows. At the center of this outdoor paradise lies a pristine 780-acre reservoir, where a full-service marina serves as your gateway to endless water adventures. Whether you're seeking solitude under star-filled skies or action-packed days on the water, this hidden gem delivers the quintessential Colorado camping experience.

925 Weiss Dr Steamboat Springs, CO 80487

Perched high on Rabbit Ears Pass near the charming mountain town of Steamboat Springs, Meadows Campground offers a true Colorado wilderness experience at 9,300 feet. This peaceful retreat features 30 thoughtfully designed campsites, including convenient pull-through spots for RVs, cozy back-in sites, and secluded walk-in tent areas for those seeking a more intimate connection with nature. Days here unfold with endless possibilities: cast a line in crystal-clear mountain streams, explore winding hiking trails through wildflower meadows, or tackle exhilarating mountain bike routes. While the campground embraces a rustic charm with vault toilets and no running water, it provides essential garbage services to help preserve this pristine environment.

925 WEISS DRIVE, STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO 80487, USA

Nestled beside the pristine waters of Dumont Lake, this hidden gem of a campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts seeking an authentic Rocky Mountain escape. Here, spacious sites tucked among towering evergreens provide the perfect basecamp for days spent exploring winding trails, casting lines into crystal-clear waters, or simply watching for the diverse birdlife that calls this alpine paradise home. Each thoughtfully placed campsite offers a private sanctuary where the only sounds breaking the mountain silence are the whisper of wind through spruce boughs and the distant call of wildlife.

Routt County Road 38, Steamboat Springs, CO

Perched at an breathtaking 10,200 feet, Granite Campground offers adventurous souls a true high-alpine escape beside the pristine waters of Fish Creek Reservoir. This intimate mountain retreat features just 8 thoughtfully spaced campsites—4 peaceful walk-in tent sites for those seeking solitude and 4 convenient drive-up spots for easier access. While you'll find essential vault toilets and trash services, this remote gem embraces its wild character without potable water or modern amenities, inviting campers to experience the raw beauty of Colorado's high country.

Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District, 925 Weiss Drive, Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Tucked away in the pristine wilderness just 8 miles northeast of Steamboat Springs, Dry Lake Campground offers an intimate escape for those seeking solitude in Colorado's high country. This hidden gem along Buffalo Pass Road welcomes adventurers with 7 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each furnished with sturdy tables and fireplace grates perfect for evening gatherings under starlit skies. While the campground embraces a back-to-basics approach with vault toilets and no running water, it compensates with direct access to scenic hiking and biking trails that wind through the surrounding forest. The compact size accommodates trailers up to 20 feet, making it ideal for smaller rigs and those who prefer a more secluded camping experience away from the crowds.

Buffalo Pass, near Steamboat Springs, CO

Perched high in the Colorado Rockies at over 10,300 feet, Summit Lake Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience far from the crowds. This intimate mountain retreat features 9 back-in campsites and 6 secluded walk-in tent sites, each tucked beneath towering Engelmann spruce that whisper ancient alpine stories. Here, where the air is thin and the stars seem close enough to touch, you'll find yourself at the gateway to the magnificent Mount Zirkel Wilderness. While the campground embraces its rustic character—you'll need to bring your own water and come prepared for enthusiastic mosquitos—the rewards are immeasurable: solitude, pristine hiking trails, world-class mountain biking, and fishing opportunities that make every minor inconvenience worthwhile.

PO BOX 158, WALDEN, CO 80480

Step back in time at Grizzly Creek Guard Station, where a charming two-room historic cabin awaits at 8,500 feet in the heart of Routt National Forest. This hidden gem offers adventurers a rare escape from crowds, where days unfold with wildlife encounters and nights bring profound mountain silence. Whether blanketed in winter snow or bathed in summer sunshine, this rustic retreat promises authentic wilderness experiences year-round, far from the beaten path.

PARKS RANGER DISTRICT

Nestled high in the Colorado Rockies at 9,000 feet, Teal Lake Group Campsite offers an escape into pristine mountain wilderness within Routt National Forest. This breathtaking destination centers around a sparkling 50-acre alpine lake renowned for its excellent trout fishing opportunities. Whether you're planning an intimate getaway at one of 17 individual campsites or organizing a memorable gathering at the spacious group site that welcomes up to 30 people, Teal Lake provides the perfect backdrop for your mountain adventure.

925 WEISS DRIVE, STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO 80487-9315

Tucked away in the pristine Routt National Forest, Hinman Campground offers an intimate escape into Colorado's untamed wilderness. This hidden gem features just 12 thoughtfully spaced campsites—split evenly between reservable spots and first-come, first-served adventures. Perched at 7,700 feet where the mountain air grows crisp and pine-scented, the campground serves as your personal basecamp for exploring the legendary Mount Zirkel Wilderness. Here, days unfold with the rhythm of nature: morning hikes through wildflower meadows, afternoon fly-fishing in crystal-clear streams, and evenings spent watching elk graze in distant meadows.

925 WEISS DRIVE, STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO 80487-9315, USA

Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of Routt National Forest, Seedhouse Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic Rocky Mountain escape. At 8,000 feet elevation, this remote sanctuary serves as your gateway to the spectacular Elk River Corridor and the legendary Mt. Zirkel Wilderness. Wake to the gentle rustling of aspen leaves and the chatter of chipmunks, spend your days casting for native trout or conquering mountain trails, then return to spacious campsites where deer often graze at dusk. This is where the wild heart of Colorado reveals itself to those willing to venture beyond the beaten path.

Seedhouse Road, NFSR 400

Nestled in the heart of the Routt National Forest, Seedhouse Group Site beckons large gatherings seeking an authentic Rocky Mountain experience. This secluded retreat accommodates up to 100 guests across eight primitive tent sites, each thoughtfully equipped with campfire rings and picnic tables for memorable evenings under the stars. The centerpiece is a spacious picnic shelter that comfortably seats 20, perfect for group meals and celebrations. Perched at 8,000 feet elevation along the pristine Elk River, adventurers will discover world-class trout fishing steps from camp, while miles of wilderness trails invite exploration by foot, mountain bike, or horseback. A hand-pump well provides fresh mountain water, and bear-proof storage lockers ensure both safety and preservation of this remarkable wilderness habitat.

no street number, Forest Service Road 400 (Seedhouse Road), Clark, CO

Step back in time at Seedhouse Guard Station, a charming 1933 cabin that stands as a testament to the early days of forest service in Colorado. This authentic piece of history invites modern adventurers to experience the simple pleasures of mountain living in the heart of Routt National Forest. While the cabin embraces its rustic roots with minimal amenities, it offers something far more valuable: a chance to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature. Pack your camping essentials, bring your sense of adventure, and prepare for an unforgettable stay where you'll create your own comfort in this historic mountain retreat.

Box 750, Clark, Colorado, 80428, United States

Nestled in Colorado's majestic northwest mountains, Pearl Lake State Park beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its pristine 166-acre alpine lake—a hidden gem that Reserve America has crowned as one of the nation's top 25 canoeing destinations. Here, crystal-clear waters mirror towering peaks while anglers cast flies into waters teeming with trout. Sun-drenched campsites offer front-row seats to nature's amphitheater, where each dawn brings panoramic views of shimmering waters framed by rugged mountain silhouettes. Whether you're paddling across glassy morning waters, hiking through wildflower meadows, or simply watching eagles soar overhead, Pearl Lake delivers an authentic Rocky Mountain escape.

Box 750, Clark, Colorado, 80428, United States

Perched at 8,100 feet in Colorado's stunning high country, Steamboat Lake State Park is a mountain paradise where crystal-clear waters mirror the dramatic silhouette of Hahn's Peak. This 1,011-acre alpine jewel beckons adventurers with its extensive trail network perfect for hiking and mountain biking, while the pristine lake invites swimmers to its sandy beach and boaters to explore its peaceful coves. When winter transforms the landscape into a snowy wonderland, the park becomes a haven for snowmobilers and ice fishing enthusiasts. Modern amenities including a full-service marina and immaculate facilities ensure comfort without compromising the wild beauty that makes this destination unforgettable.

MEDICINE BOW-ROUTT NF, COLORADO, CO, USA

Nestled on the shores of pristine Hahns Peak Lake, this mountain sanctuary beckons adventurers seeking solitude among towering evergreens. With 26 thoughtfully spaced campsites—23 single units and 3 double units perfect for larger groups—this tranquil retreat immerses visitors in a world of spruce, pine, and fir forests. Days here unfold with endless possibilities: cast a line into crystal-clear waters, paddle quietly across the 160-acre lake in your canoe or kayak, or explore winding trails that reveal the raw beauty of Colorado's high country.

Buffalo Pass, near Steamboat Springs, CO

Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District, 925 Weiss Drive, Steamboat Springs, Colorado

925 WEISS DRIVE, STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO 80487, USA

925 WEISS DRIVE, STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO 80487-9315, USA

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925 WEISS DRIVE, STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO 80487-9315

Routt County Road 38, Steamboat Springs, CO

925 Weiss Dr Steamboat Springs, CO 80487

PARKS RANGER DISTRICT

Seedhouse Road, NFSR 400

no street number, Forest Service Road 400 (Seedhouse Road), Clark, CO

PO Box 98, Oak Creek, Colorado, 80467, United States

PO BOX 158, WALDEN, CO 80480

Box 750, Clark, Colorado, 80428, United States

806 W. Hallam

Tucked away in the shadow of Colorado's most photographed peaks, Silver Bar Campground offers an intimate escape into the wilderness with just four secluded tent sites. This hidden gem invites adventurers to disconnect from the modern world and immerse themselves in the raw beauty of the Rockies. Each walk-in site comes thoughtfully equipped with everything you need for a memorable stay: sturdy picnic tables for mountain-side meals, bear-proof lockers to safely store your provisions, and stone fire rings where stories come alive under starlit skies. The gentle murmur of Maroon Creek provides nature's soundtrack, while vault toilets ensure basic comfort without compromising the pristine environment.

5575 CLEORA RD

Tucked away in the breathtaking Chalk Creek Canyon at 9,000 feet, Cascade Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic Colorado mountain experience. This beloved retreat features 21 thoughtfully spaced campsites, ranging from spontaneous walk-up spots to reservable havens, each equipped with sturdy picnic tables and inviting campfire rings where stories and s'mores come to life under starlit skies. Modern vault toilets and fresh drinking water ensure comfort without compromising the wilderness experience. Whether you're casting a line into pristine mountain waters, discovering hidden hiking trails, or venturing onto rugged off-road paths, Cascade serves as your perfect basecamp for mountain adventures and peaceful escapes alike.

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Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, Pines Campground offers an authentic high-country camping experience at 9,200 feet. This intimate campground features just 11 sites along the babbling South Fork of the Michigan River, where the sound of rushing water provides nature's soundtrack to your mountain retreat. While beetle kill has opened up the forest canopy, creating sun-drenched sites perfect for stargazing, visitors appreciate the campground's easy accessibility and rustic charm. As one camper noted, it's a 'great little campground' that delivers simplicity and natural beauty in equal measure.

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Perched in the heart of the Trappers Lake Recreation Area, Trapline Campground offers 11 thoughtfully arranged sites along a single loop, where the landscape opens up to endless Colorado skies. Unlike the dense forest campgrounds below, Trapline embraces its high-altitude setting with sun-drenched sites that bask in natural light from dawn to dusk. Here, the commanding presence of the Flat Tops Wilderness stretches across the horizon, creating a backdrop that transforms with each passing hour as shadows dance across ancient peaks and valleys.

46525 State Hwy 114, Saguache, CO 81149

Step back in time at Duncan Cabin, where the whispers of 1880s prospectors still echo through weathered log walls. Perched at 8,120 feet in the majestic Rio Grande National Forest, this authentic one-room sanctuary offers adventurers a rare blend of rustic charm and mountain solitude. Inside, cozy bunk beds and a crackling wood stove promise warmth after days spent exploring, while outdoor vault toilets maintain the frontier spirit. Whether you arrive on horseback to graze in nearby meadows, seek pristine dark skies for celestial photography, or use this historic haven as your basecamp for discovering the otherworldly Great Sand Dunes National Park, Duncan Cabin delivers an unforgettable high-country experience.

WHITE RIVER

Nestled in a tranquil Rocky Mountain valley, Camp Hale Memorial Campground offers 15 intimate campsites where history and wilderness converge. This hidden gem welcomes tents, trailers, and RVs alike, providing a peaceful retreat enhanced by attentive campground hosts who ensure every visitor feels at home. Adventure seekers will appreciate the direct access to the legendary Colorado Trail, making this modest campground a perfect basecamp for mountain exploration.

FS 520, CREEDE, CO 81130, USA

Nestled along the pristine banks of the Rio Grande River, River Hill Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic Colorado wilderness experience. This beloved riverside retreat serves as your gateway to endless outdoor pursuits—cast a line into crystal-clear waters teeming with trout, explore winding trails that disappear into the backcountry, or launch your kayak for a peaceful paddle. Just steps from your campsite, trailheads lead directly into the magnificent Weminuche Wilderness, Colorado's largest designated wilderness area.

San Juan NF, Colorado, USA

Perched at 7,643 feet in the Colorado high country, Target Tree Campground serves as your gateway to the Southwest's most treasured destinations. Just a scenic drive from the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park and the vibrant mountain towns of Mancos and Durango, this historic campground takes its name from a fascinating chapter in Ute Indian history. Here, centuries-old Ponderosa pines still bear the distinctive scars from when Ute hunters honed their marksmanship skills, while these same majestic trees provided life-sustaining sap and bark that supplemented their traditional diet.

REDFEATHER LAKES, BELLEVUE, CO, 80512, USA

Nestled along the pristine shores of Dowdy Lake, this mountain retreat offers 70 thoughtfully designed campsites that blend modern convenience with natural beauty. Choose from 60 spacious sites equipped with electric hookups for RVs and trailers, or embrace a more traditional camping experience at one of 10 dedicated tent-only sites. Each campsite serves as your personal basecamp, complete with a sturdy picnic table for lakeside meals, a dedicated tent pad, and a campfire ring with grill where evening stories and s'mores come to life. Modern vault toilets, fresh drinking water stations, and regular trash collection ensure comfort without compromising the wilderness experience.

46525 ST HWY 114, Saguache, CO 81149, USA

Nestled deep within the Rio Grande National Forest at 9,500 feet, Stone Cellar Guard Station beckons adventurers seeking true mountain solitude. This remote cabin sanctuary, perched at the edge of the La Garita Wilderness, serves as your gateway to pristine fishing streams, untamed hiking trails, premier hunting grounds, and exhilarating winter sports terrain. Here, where the modern world fades away, you'll discover the Colorado high country as it was meant to be experienced.