Red Dirt Reservoir Recreation Area

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

Opens Medicine Bow-Routt NFs and Thunder Basin NG site

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

Opens Medicine Bow-Routt NFs and Thunder Basin NG site

Official Website

Get Directions

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

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USFS

Provider

970-638-4516null

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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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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Red Dirt Reservoir Recreation Area

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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.

Nearby places

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

Nearby supplies

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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.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Open June–Oct; crisp mountain summers, but busiest on weekends and fishing may worsen in heat.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Open into early October; fall offers mountain scenery but season is short and weather variable.

Spring(Mar-May)

2.0 / 5

Site opens in June; spring likely muddy and conditions variable with low water issues.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Typically closed by winter; access/weather dependent.

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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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

Null

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 setup with no designated sites. User reviews mention a 'couple of campsites' near the reservoir.

Reservation Platformsnull

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

Cancellation Policynull

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility information is provided.

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

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.

HikingHiking opportunities include trails near and behind the lake. According to one user, 'It has a nice hiking trail behind the lake.'

FishingFishing 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

Water Sports

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.

Active AlertsSeasonal closures due to snow and the presence of harmful cyanobacteria during certain times.

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

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.

Camp Hostnull

Weather at Red Dirt Reservoir Recreation Area

Reviews

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

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