Sheriff Reservoir Campground

Star4.23
15 reviews
Sheriff Reservoir Campground, Yampa, CO
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

9,700 ft

Price

$14/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Typically open from ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Medicine Bow-Routt NFs and Thunder Basin NG site

Official Website
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Sheriff Reservoir Campground
$14.00 - $14.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$14 per site. Exact cash or check only as there is no option for change back if paying cash. NO CREDIT CARDS accepted. Payment instructions are found...
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Standard Site Fee$14.00
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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What Campers Say

4.23

Satisfactory

Based on 15 reviews

11 Google reviews

Most mentioned

shadesites

"User reviews highlight the campground's suitability for tent camping, its excellent fishing opportunities, and its secluded setting, but note the lack of potable water and shower facilities. The reservoir's low water levels during late summer and the heavily used area by hunters in the fall are recurring themes."

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Campground Map

Sheriff Reservoir Campground, Yampa, CO

Sheriff Reservoir Campground

Sheriff Reservoir Campground, Yampa, CO

Driving directionsFrom Yampa, Follow County Road 17 (Scenic Byway "Flat Tops Trail" - following all signs pointing towards Dunckley Pass) for 5.2 miles. Then follow County Road 132 (which turns into County Road 8) for 8.7 miles. Then turn left on Forest Service Road 959 and follow 3.6 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessible via paved and unpaved roads. Forest Service Road 959 includes sections suitable for smaller trailers but is back-in only. Seasonal access limitations apply due to snow.
Nearby places
Yampa (15 miles, ~30-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies can be found in Yampa, CO for groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and other essentials.

Best Time to Camp at Sheriff Reservoir Campground

The camping season at Sheriff Reservoir runs from mid-June through early October, when snow finally releases its grip on these high-altitude meadows. Summer brings warm days perfect for fishing and cool nights ideal for sleeping under the stars. However, this mountain paradise comes with its own seasonal challenge—mosquitoes can be particularly abundant during peak summer months. Savvy campers pack multiple types of insect repellent to ensure these persistent residents don't dampen the outdoor experience. As one recent visitor noted, the mosquitoes have been 'exceptionally thick,' making bug protection an essential part of any packing list.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open mid-June–Oct; summer offers warm days, good fishing and boating but can have thick mosquitoes.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
2.5 / 5

Late summer low water and area heavily used by hunters in fall reduce tranquility and appeal.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Snow lingers; campground typically opens mid-June so spring camping not supported.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside season; reachable only by snowmobile in winter months.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June through October.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Typically open from June to October depending on snow conditions. Reachable only by snowmobile during winter months.

About Sheriff Reservoir Campground

Tucked away in a serene forest loop, Sheriff Reservoir Campground offers an intimate mountain escape with just five tent-only sites. This cozy retreat invites campers to disconnect from the modern world and immerse themselves in the tranquility of Colorado's high country. Each site comes equipped with the essentials—a sturdy picnic table and fire grate for evening campfires under starlit skies. While the campground maintains a rustic charm with vault toilet facilities and no running water, this back-to-basics approach ensures a genuine wilderness experience where the loudest sounds are crackling fires and rustling pine needles.
Sheriff Reservoir Campground is a small, primitive campground ideal for tent camping. It features five sites in a shaded, forested location and is not suited for large RVs due to rough terrain.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
No explicit stay limit mentioned. Regulations for dispersed camping may differ.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The Sheriff Reservoir Campground offers activities like fishing, hiking, and non-motorized boating. The reservoir is home to Rainbow Trout, Colorado River Cutthroat Trout, and Brook Trout. Multiple trails departing from the main trailhead provide scenic hiking opportunities. Seasonal hunting is another popular activity in the area.
HikingThe campground provides access to several hiking trails, including Sand Creek #1123, Bunker Basin #1109, and Black Mountain Creek Trail #1117. According to one user, the Sand Creek Trail leads to Sand and Crater Lakes, which is a 'shady trail' (<4 miles round trip) offering scenic views and additional fishing opportunities.
FishingFishing is popular in the reservoir and nearby streams. The lake accommodates shore fishing and non-motorized fishing boats. Fish species include Rainbow Trout, Colorado River Cutthroat Trout, and Brook Trout. One reviewer mentioned catching rainbows from shore or canoe, even when the reservoir was low.
BoatingNon-motorized boating is supported, with canoes, belly boats, paddle boards, and kayaks permitted on the reservoir.
Wildlife viewingThe surrounding area features alpine scenery and is lightly used, making it ideal for wildlife viewing.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitos, altitude sickness potential, and a lack of potable water are among common hazards. "At 9,700 feet, dress accordingly," according to user reviews.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Sheriff Reservoir Campground

Reviews

4.2
15 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Sheriff Reservoir Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's suitability for tent camping, its excellent fishing opportunities, and its secluded setting, but note the lack of potable water and shower facilities. The reservoir's low water levels during late summer and the heavily used area by hunters in the fall are recurring themes.
Review Summaries
Based on 15 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciate the defined sites, shaded forest setting, and proximity to the reservoir for fishing and boating. One review states, 'Absolutely beautiful camping trip!'
Based on 15 reviews

Common Concerns

The absence of potable water and the vault toilet facilities are common drawbacks. Mosquito activity is described as 'exceptionally thick this year,' and the terrain is unsuitable for larger RVs....
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Based on 15 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing plenty of water and insect repellent due to the lack of potable water and high mosquito activity. Early arrivals are advised to secure a site, especially during hunting...
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Based on 15 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Late summer sees lower reservoir levels, which reduces the aesthetic appeal but does not hinder fishing success. The area is heavily frequented by hunters in the fall, making it busy during that...
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Based on 15 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Have done day and camping trips here for 10 years. Always catch rainbows from shore or a canoe.' 2. 'The spaces look well defined and they come with fire rings but not cooking grates.' 3....
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Based on 15 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific feedback mentions that the campground is mostly suited for tents due to rough terrain. While the campground is often lightly used, it can become busy during hunting season.
Based on 15 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically addressing accessibility features were found.
Based on 15 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed but must remain on a leash. Reviewers note families and dogs enjoying the shoreline despite the reservoir's low water levels.
Based on 15 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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