Hidden Lakes Campground
4.657 reviewsQuick Facts
8,900 ftPrice
$10 - $20/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
9 campsites
Season
Mid June (weather de...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
8,900 ftPrice
$10 - $20/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
9 campsites
Season
Mid June (weather de...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsHidden Lakes Campground
$10.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$10 per night, $5 per additional vehicle per night. $20/site, exact cash or check only, payment instructions are found on the kiosk.
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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USFS
ProviderWhat Campers Say
4.65
Top-Rated
Based on 7 reviews
20 Google reviews
Most mentioned
viewsspaciouslakesites
"User reviews reveal mixed experiences at Hidden Lakes Campground. While many appreciate its peaceful ambiance, scenic beauty, and uncrowded nature, others criticize limited privacy and the behavior of long-term campers."
Fees & Passes at Hidden Lakes Campground
$10 - $20/night
Campsite fees
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Medicine Bow-Routt NFs and Thunder Basin NG website.
Best Time to Camp at Hidden Lakes Campground
Perched at an impressive 8,900 feet, Hidden Lakes Campground awakens from its winter slumber around Memorial Day and welcomes adventurers through Labor Day. This high-altitude gem demands respect for mountain weather – even midsummer nights can bring a crystalline frost, and surprise snowflakes have been known to dust tents in July. Pack your warmest sleeping bag alongside your swimsuit, as mountain weather writes its own rules at this elevation. The reward for your preparedness? Crisp, star-filled nights and refreshingly cool days that offer respite from the summer heat below.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Operating Season: Mid June (weather dependent) - Mid October (weather dependent)
About Hidden Lakes Campground
Tucked away in the pristine wilderness, Hidden Lakes Campground offers an intimate escape where solitude meets natural splendor. This exclusive retreat features just 9 thoughtfully spaced campsites nestled beside a crystalline mountain lake, promising a peaceful sanctuary far from the crowds. While the landscape has been transformed by nature's own hand through the mountain pine beetle epidemic, leaving fewer mature pines and more open sky, the campground has evolved into a sun-drenched haven with unobstructed views of the surrounding peaks. Adventure beckons at every turn, from tranquil lakeside mornings to exhilarating hikes through alpine terrain, while anglers will discover their own slice of paradise in the pristine waters.
Hidden Lakes Campground provides primitive camping experiences with space suitable for tents and trailers. It has 9 single campsites, three of which are large enough for RVs.
Weather and SeasonsPerched at an impressive 8,900 feet, Hidden Lakes Campground awakens from its winter slumber around Memorial Day and welcomes adventurers through Labor Day. This high-altitude gem demands respect for mountain weather – even midsummer nights can bring a crystalline frost, and surprise snowflakes have been known to dust tents in July. Pack your warmest sleeping bag alongside your swimsuit, as mountain weather writes its own rules at this elevation. The reward for your preparedness? Crisp, star-filled nights and refreshingly cool days that offer respite from the summer heat below.
ElevationAt 8,900 feet above sea level, Hidden Lakes Campground sits in the realm of the clouds, where the air is crisp and thin, and the stars seem close enough to touch. This lofty perch brings its own mountain magic – mornings that might greet you with frost-kissed wildflowers and afternoons perfect for warming on sun-soaked granite. The elevation creates a unique microclimate where summer feels more like spring, offering a refreshing escape from the heat of lower elevations while reminding visitors they're truly in the high country.
Natural Features and SceneryHidden Lakes Campground serves as your gateway to an aquatic wonderland, where multiple pristine lakes and intimate reservoirs create a water lover's paradise. These mirror-like waters invite you to launch your kayak at dawn, practice your paddleboard yoga, or simply float in the refreshing mountain waters on a warm afternoon. Anglers will find themselves in heaven, casting lines into waters that hold promise with every ripple. The surrounding landscape frames these jewel-like lakes with dramatic mountain vistas, creating a natural amphitheater where every sunrise and sunset becomes a spectacular show.
Geological RegionCradled within the majestic Mount Zirkel/Park Range, Hidden Lakes Campground occupies a special corner of Colorado's geological wonderland. Here, ancient peaks carved by glaciers stand sentinel over a secluded mountain lake, creating an intimate basin that feels like nature's secret hideaway. This dramatic landscape tells the story of millions of years of geological forces, from volcanic origins to glacial sculpting, resulting in the stunning alpine sanctuary that greets visitors today.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features or options are mentioned.
Sites SizeCampsites can accommodate trailers up to 50 feet in length.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary; some user reviews mention a lack of privacy due to overcrowding by locals, while others emphasize the peaceful and uncrowded nature of the campground.
Total Campsites9 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Some sites are large enough for RVs; others may provide direct lakeside access."
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Groups
No designated group camping sites are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Open and Closed SeasonMid June (weather dependent) - Mid October (weather dependent)
Walk-in Availability"It's first-come with only 9 sites." User review mentions "good luck getting a good spot when the retired folks camp there for several days on end."
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Hidden Lakes Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as fishing, hiking, and scenic drives. The area is peaceful and remote, with opportunities for stargazing and wildlife observation.
Hiking
Hiking trails are available for day hikes and nature walks. User feedback highlights 'great trails for nature walks' in the surrounding area.Fishing
Fishing is a notable activity at Hidden Lakes Campground, with Cutbow and Rainbow Trout being common species. User reviews describe the fishing experience as 'tricky' but rewarding.Swimming
Swimming is allowed in the small mountain lakes, and user reviews mention activities such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, indicating a variety of water sports opportunities.Wildlife viewing
The campground is home to various critters and offers opportunities for wildlife observation. One review mentioned 'lots of little critters!'Winter Activities
Users should prepare for freezing temperatures and snow during summer due to the high elevation of 8,900 feet. The area is generally accessible from Memorial Day to Labor Day.Water Sports
Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and canoeing are popular non-motorized water sports at the campground.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Each site offers a fire grate.
Hazards
General hazards"No trouble with bears here." Another user mentions bugs, although "I think they spray for mosquitoes too!"
Weather at Hidden Lakes Campground
12
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 62%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
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Reveal forecast
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo trash services are provided at this campground, and campers must pack out all trash themselves.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near small lakes and reservoirs with fishing opportunities for Cutbow and Rainbow Trout.
Common complaintsSome user complaints include limited privacy at certain sites and issues with older campers taking prime locations and staying for extended periods.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Walden, go west on Highway 14 for 11 miles to Hebron. Take County Road 24 west through forks with County Roads 5 and 1. After approximately 10 miles the road becomes Forest Road 60 and passes the Grizzly Creek Guard Station at the forest boundary. Go west one mile, then turn left (south) on Forest Road 20, traveling south for 6 miles to the campground, follow the signs.
Access to this campground requires 4WD vehicles with high clearance. "I got here in a 2wd fwd Honda Civic," according to user review.Nearby places
Walden - 32 miles.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.7
7 reviews
Hidden Lakes Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews reveal mixed experiences at Hidden Lakes Campground. While many appreciate its peaceful ambiance, scenic beauty, and uncrowded nature, others criticize limited privacy and the behavior of long-term campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews highlight the campground's tranquility, spacious sites, stargazing opportunities, and proximity to the lake. One user said, 'Stars are brilliant. I think they spray for mosquitos...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include issues with privacy and cleanliness of restrooms. One user stated, 'Restrooms were smelly last night,' and another mentioned, 'Not a lot of privacy at half of the sites.'
Based on 7 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own potable water, trash bags, and high-clearance vehicle. Arriving early during weekdays increases chances of securing a good site. Activities such as kayaking, SUP, and fishing are...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Peak season is mid-June to mid-October. Snow and freezing temperatures can occur even during summer due to the high elevation. Weekdays are less crowded compared to weekends.
Based on 7 reviewsCamper Quotes
'What a beautiful place. It's first come with only 9 sites.' - Dianna Drew, 'Absolutely gorgeous. Tricky fishing. Plenty to hike. Lots of little critters!' - Amber Solomon, 'Not worth the 3-4 hour...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites close to the lake are highly recommended. One user noted, 'Camp right on the lake. Easy to get to, though I got here in a 2WD Honda Civic.' Another user mentioned that three sites are large...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews related to accessibility features are provided.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. User reviews do not highlight specific pet-related issues or amenities.
Based on 7 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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