How much does camping cost at Red Dirt Reservoir Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Red Dirt Reservoir Recreation Area range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Red Dirt Reservoir Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Red Dirt Reservoir Recreation Area operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Dispersed camping is available but no specific first-come-first-served policies are described.

What is the best time to visit Red Dirt Reservoir Recreation Area?

Red Dirt Reservoir Recreation Area is open null. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Red Dirt Reservoir Recreation Area?

Red Dirt Reservoir Recreation Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Are dogs allowed at Red Dirt Reservoir Recreation Area?

Pets are not allowed at Red Dirt Reservoir Recreation Area. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Red Dirt Reservoir Recreation Area?

Red Dirt Reservoir Recreation Area offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Red Dirt Reservoir Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Red Dirt Reservoir Recreation Area include Hiking, Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Red Dirt Reservoir Recreation Area

Q: Can I have a campfire at Red Dirt Reservoir Recreation Area?

Fire policies at Red Dirt Reservoir Recreation Area: No fire grates are available. Visitors are advised to bring their own portable fire pits or alternatives.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

2 reviews

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Quick Facts

9,117 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

June to early Octobe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

9,117 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

June to early Octobe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Red Dirt Reservoir Recreation Area

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping is free at this site.

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

970-638-4516null

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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Red Dirt Reservoir Recreation Area

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Nearby places

Yampa (approximately 40 miles), Kremmling (distance not provided)

Nearby supplies

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Driving directionsDirections from Yampa: Travel south on Hwy 131 approximately 11 miles to Hwy 134. Go east on Hwy 134 approximately 20 miles to National Forest System Road 100. Go north on NFSR 100 for about 8 miles to NFSR 101. Turn right on NFSR 101 and the lake will be on your right in 1.5 miles.

The campground is accessible via National Forest System roads, which may be unpaved and challenging to navigate for larger campers as noted in user reviews: 'would not bring a large camper you may not be able to turn around.' Seasonal closures due to snow limit access, typically from June to early October.

Weather at Red Dirt Reservoir Recreation Area

Current alerts(1)

The area was burned in 2018 by the Silver Creek Fire so visitors can expect to still see a burn scar. For your safety, please be aware of snags and do not camp under dead, burned trees.

Best Time to Camp at Red Dirt Reservoir Recreation Area

Access typically runs June through early October before snow closes the road. Summer delivers the most reliable conditions, with daytime temps around 55–75°F and nights dropping to 25–45°F. Afternoon thunderstorms roll through regularly. Bring warm layers even in July. Certain times of year bring serious bug pressure, according to campers who've dealt with it. Muddy conditions are common, especially after rain or near the shoreline.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

June–early Oct access; summer most reliable with 55–75°F days, but busy weekends and muddy spots persist.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: June to early October (weather-dependent).

About Red Dirt Reservoir Recreation Area

Red Dirt Reservoir Recreation Area sits at 9,117 feet in Arapaho National Forest's Gore Pass corridor, offering free dispersed camping near a small mountain reservoir. The 2018 Silver Creek Fire left burned snags across much of the area, creating an eerie landscape of recovery. Expect free-range cows, muddy shore conditions, and weekend crowds.

Red Dirt Reservoir Recreation Area offers dispersed camping with no developed facilities. It is suitable for primitive camping near the lake.

Historical Significance

The Silver Creek Fire swept through in 2018, leaving charred snags and patches of new growth. The landscape shows nature's cycle of destruction and regeneration in real time. Camp well away from standing dead trees.

Weather and SeasonsAccess typically runs June through early October before snow closes the road. Summer delivers the most reliable conditions, with daytime temps around 55–75°F and nights dropping to 25–45°F. Afternoon thunderstorms roll through regularly. Bring warm layers even in July. Certain times of year bring serious bug pressure, according to campers who've dealt with it. Muddy conditions are common, especially after rain or near the shoreline.

ElevationPerched high in Colorado's mountain country, Red Dirt Reservoir offers that thin-air camping experience where stars seem close enough to touch and morning coffee takes just a bit longer to brew.

Natural Features and SceneryThe reservoir reflects surrounding peaks, but the dominant feature is fire damage. Blackened tree skeletons from the 2018 Silver Creek Fire stand throughout the area, mixed with patches of regenerating greenery. The raw geology of Colorado's high country shows through where vegetation burned away. Low water levels can trigger cyanobacteria blooms in warm weather, a genuine hazard for dogs. The shoreline turns muddy easily, and reviewers note the water quality suffers from free-ranging cattle.

Geological RegionSet within the dramatic Gore Pass corridor of Arapaho National Forest, this area showcases the raw geology of Colorado's high country, now dramatically reshaped by the Silver Creek Fire of 2018. The fire's legacy adds a layer of caution to your site selection—those ghostly burned snags may look picturesque, but wise campers pitch their tents well away from these potential widow-makers. The surrounding peaks and valleys tell eons-old stories of geological upheaval, while more recent chapters written in char and ash remind us of nature's ongoing evolution.

Scenic ViewsThe campground offers views of the small reservoir and surrounding mountain scenery. The hiking trail behind the lake provides additional vistas.

Lodging & AccommodationsOnly dispersed camping is available; there are no lodging accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no cultural or educational programs mentioned.

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

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Check-out

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Stay Limit

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Guests Allowed Per Site

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Groups

Group sites are not mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutDispersed camping with no formal sites or loop structure. You pick your spot. The limited developed areas near the reservoir fill quickly on weekends. Tight turning radius makes maneuvering large rigs difficult.

Reservation Platformsnull

Walk-in AvailabilityDispersed camping is available but no specific first-come-first-served policies are described.

Cancellation Policynull

Site SizeSpecific campsite sizes are not detailed.

PrivacyPrivacy levels for campsites are not described, but the site is described as dispersed camping, suggesting a lack of structured privacy measures.

Recommended Sitesnull

Best Campsitesnull

Amenities available

There are no picnic tables, fire grates or trash service at the lake. Please pack out your trash.

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational opportunities at Red Dirt Reservoir include fishing, hiking, hunting, and shooting. However, details on the quality of these activities vary based on user reviews.

Hiking

Fishing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWarnings include snags from burned trees, harmful cyanobacteria in the reservoir, muddy conditions near the shore, and potential issues with free-ranging cows.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyNo fire grates are available. Visitors are advised to bring their own portable fire pits or alternatives.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are null

Emergency ServicesYampa Ranger Station for local support; no specific details on hospitals or police stations provided.

Trash & RecyclingTrash services are not available; visitors must pack out what they pack in.

Water FeaturesCamping is near a small reservoir with fishing opportunities.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

0.0

2 reviews

Limited Reviews

Red Dirt Reservoir Recreation Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight mixed experiences at Red Dirt Reservoir. Positive aspects include the natural beauty of the lake and the availability of hiking trails. Negative aspects focus on noise from free-range cows, muddy conditions, and crowded camping areas.

Review Summaries

Based on 2 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the 'beautiful lake' and 'nice hiking trail behind the lake.'

Based on 2 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include 'very muddy near the shore,' noise from 'cows free-ranging around the lake,' and issues with 'crowded weekends and even weekdays.' One user warned about poor fishing and the...

Based on 2 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific campsite reviews are not provided.

Based on 2 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend avoiding large campers due to turning challenges and note that it can be 'very buggy certain times of the year.'

Based on 2 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest the site is busiest during weekends and warmer months. Fishing conditions may worsen during low water levels and higher temperatures, potentially due to algal blooms.

Based on 2 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Sometimes the cows make noise all night, yup.' - 'It is a beautiful lake.' - 'Can be very buggy certain times of the year.' - 'Terrible fishing.'

Based on 2 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features.

Based on 2 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

One authoritative warning mentions caution with pets due to potentially harmful cyanobacteria in the water during warm conditions.

Based on 2 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Hikers and solitude-seekers who arrive mid-week early in the season get the best of it, a high-country lake reflecting open sky, a trail behind the reservoir, and no fee. Bring everything including water, since there's none on site.

Skip if

Mud, cow noise, and the smell of cattle feces near the shore are consistent complaints. Dogs are at real risk from cyanobacteria blooms in warm weather. Large rigs can't maneuver the site layout, and there's no fire grate, no water, and no trash service.

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