Red Dirt Reservoir Recreation Area
02 reviewsnull
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
Varies
Season
June to early Octobe...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
Varies
Season
June to early Octobe...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Red Dirt Reservoir Recreation Area
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping is free at this site.
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
Provider970-638-4516null
What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 2 reviews
5 Google reviews
Most mentioned
hikinglake
Some mention
noisecrowded
"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."
Fees & Passes at Red Dirt Reservoir Recreation Area
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: null
Cancellation: null
Prices verified August 10, 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 Red Dirt Reservoir Recreation Area
Mother Nature holds the keys to Red Dirt Reservoir, typically welcoming visitors from June through early October before winter's white blanket closes the gates. Summer brings crisp mountain air and brilliantly clear days perfect for casting lines and pitching tents, though evening temperatures remind you of the elevation with their refreshing chill. As seasons shift, the shoreline can transform into a muddy maze, and certain times bring clouds of insects eager to join your campfire conversations. Winter transforms this landscape into a frozen wonderland accessible only to the most determined snow adventurers.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
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
- Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: June to early October (weather-dependent).
- Current Alerts: Seasonal closures due to snow and the presence of harmful cyanobacteria during certain times.
About Red Dirt Reservoir Recreation Area
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.
Red Dirt Reservoir Recreation Area offers dispersed camping with no developed facilities. It is suitable for primitive camping near the lake.
Historical SignificanceThe landscape here tells a dramatic story of nature's fury and resilience. In 2018, the Silver Creek Fire swept through these mountains, leaving its signature across the terrain in charred sentinels and regenerating undergrowth. Today, visitors witness firsthand the powerful cycle of destruction and rebirth as new life emerges from the ashes, creating a living classroom of forest ecology and fire's role in shaping the Colorado wilderness.
Weather and SeasonsMother Nature holds the keys to Red Dirt Reservoir, typically welcoming visitors from June through early October before winter's white blanket closes the gates. Summer brings crisp mountain air and brilliantly clear days perfect for casting lines and pitching tents, though evening temperatures remind you of the elevation with their refreshing chill. As seasons shift, the shoreline can transform into a muddy maze, and certain times bring clouds of insects eager to join your campfire conversations. Winter transforms this landscape into a frozen wonderland accessible only to the most determined snow adventurers.
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 mirrors the surrounding peaks while blackened tree skeletons from the 2018 Silver Creek Fire create a hauntingly beautiful contrast against regenerating greenery. This landscape of recovery showcases nature's resilience, though visitors should remain alert during warm weather when low water levels can trigger harmful cyanobacteria blooms—keep your four-legged companions safely away from the water during these conditions. The scenery shifts from stark burn areas to pockets of untouched forest, creating a diverse tapestry of mountain ecosystems.
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.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility information is provided.
Sites SizeSpecific campsite sizes are not detailed.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels for campsites are not described, but the site is described as dispersed camping, suggesting a lack of structured privacy measures.
Total Campsites0 campsites
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Check-in
Null
Check-out
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Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
Group sites are not mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutDispersed camping setup with no designated sites. User reviews mention a 'couple of campsites' near the reservoir.
Open and Closed SeasonJune to early October (weather-dependent).
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in AvailabilityDispersed camping is available but no specific first-come-first-served policies are described.
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Vault toilets
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
Hiking opportunities include trails near and behind the lake. According to one user, 'It has a nice hiking trail behind the lake.'Fishing
Fishing is available in the reservoir. User reviews are mixed, with one stating, 'did catch some fish,' while another described it as 'terrible fishing.'Winter Activities
No details about winter recreation options are provided, though the area is only seasonally accessible due to snow.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are not mentioned.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No fire grates are available. Visitors are advised to bring their own portable fire pits or alternatives.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsWarnings include snags from burned trees, harmful cyanobacteria in the reservoir, muddy conditions near the shore, and potential issues with free-ranging cows.
Active alertsSeasonal closures due to snow and the presence of harmful cyanobacteria during certain times.
Weather at Red Dirt Reservoir Recreation Area
23
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 73%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 9.5 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Mainly clear
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Yampa Ranger Station for local support; no specific details on hospitals or police stations provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingTrash services are not available; visitors must pack out what they pack in.
Proximity to water featuresCamping is near a small reservoir with fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsUser reviews highlight muddy conditions near the shore, free-ranging cows causing noise and water quality issues, crowded camping especially on weekends, and poor fishing conditions.
Hostnull
Campground Map
null
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.Nearby places
Yampa (approximately 40 miles), Kremmling (distance not provided)
Nearby supplies
null
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
2 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 reviewsCommon 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 reviewsShow more
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 reviewsSeasonal 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 reviewsCamper 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 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Specific campsite reviews are not provided.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
One authoritative warning mentions caution with pets due to potentially harmful cyanobacteria in the water during warm conditions.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
0
0 review
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Last updated August 10, 2025
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