Summit Lake Campground

Star4.41
36 reviews
Buffalo Pass, near Steamboat Springs, CO
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

10,400 ft

Price

$10 - $20/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Opens mid-July and c...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest site

Official Website
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Summit Lake Campground
$10.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees are $10 per night for single units, $20 per site for exact cash or check only. Day-use fees are $5. No credit cards accepted. Payment...
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Standard Site Fee$10.00
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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Provider
970-870-2299
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What Campers Say

4.41

Recommended

Based on 36 reviews

32 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefullocationlake

"Reviews for Summit Lake Campground praise its scenic beauty, seclusion, and recreational opportunities. However, the bumpy road to the campground, swarming mosquitoes, and lack of potable water are common complaints."

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Campground Map

Buffalo Pass, near Steamboat Springs, CO

Summit Lake Campground

Buffalo Pass, near Steamboat Springs, CO

Driving directionsFrom Walden, CO, take State Rts. 125S/14W 0.9 miles to Steamboat Springs sign. Turn right onto Rt. 14W and go 11.6 miles to National Forest Access/Buffalo Pass sign (County Rt. 24). Turn right at sign onto Rt. 24 and go 7.4 miles to a 'Y' intersection and end of paved road. Bear left, continuing on Rt. 24, and go 8.8 miles to campground on right. NOTE: County Rt. 24 also becomes Forest Rt. 60 just past the Grizzly Creek campground. The condition of Forest Rt. 60 may deteriorate as the season progresses. Check with the Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District Office for condition.
Access is challenging depending on the direction. The drive from Steamboat Springs on Buffalo Pass Road is described as very bumpy with large rocks, requiring careful navigation. User reviews also note that the road may require 4WD and high clearance vehicles in certain conditions. The approach from Coalmont is considered much easier and smoother, taking about an hour.
Nearby places
Walden: 28 miles (approximately 1 hour)
Nearby supplies
RV waste station and potable water available in Walden, CO. For other supplies, visitors may need to plan ahead as none are mentioned nearby.

Best Time to Camp at Summit Lake Campground

At this lofty elevation, Summit Lake's weather writes its own rules. Summer days bring gentle warmth with temperatures reaching the pleasant mid-60s°F, perfect for outdoor adventures, while nights remind you of your altitude with crisp 40°F temperatures that make sleeping bags and campfires essential companions. Mountain breezes dance through the spruce throughout the day, carrying the scent of pine and possibility. Early and late season visitors should prepare for nature's surprise snowfalls, which transform the landscape into a crystalline wonderland but require careful planning and appropriate gear.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open mid‑July–early Sept; pleasant daytime temps (~mid‑60s°F) but cold nights and mosquitoes reported.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
2.0 / 5

Season short; site closes when snow arrives (typically late Sept) so fall access is limited and chilly.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Site opens mid‑July; spring is within snow/inaccessible period.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is inaccessible/closed in winter due to snow.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Mid-July through early September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Opens mid-July and closes when snow makes the site inaccessible, typically late September.
  • Current Alerts: Seasonal road conditions can deteriorate, requiring high-clearance, 4WD vehicles especially from the west approach.

About Summit Lake Campground

Perched high in the Colorado Rockies at over 10,300 feet, Summit Lake Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience far from the crowds. This intimate mountain retreat features 9 back-in campsites and 6 secluded walk-in tent sites, each tucked beneath towering Engelmann spruce that whisper ancient alpine stories. Here, where the air is thin and the stars seem close enough to touch, you'll find yourself at the gateway to the magnificent Mount Zirkel Wilderness. While the campground embraces its rustic character—you'll need to bring your own water and come prepared for enthusiastic mosquitos—the rewards are immeasurable: solitude, pristine hiking trails, world-class mountain biking, and fishing opportunities that make every minor inconvenience worthwhile.
Summit Lake Campground provides options for back-in campsites and walk-in tent sites. All sites are first-come, first-served and cannot be reserved.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
14 consecutive days

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Summit Lake Campground, situated near Mount Zirkel Wilderness, offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, mountain biking, dirt biking, ATVing, and horseback riding. The lake permits only hand-powered watercraft, and there is no boat ramp available.
HikingThe campground provides access to hiking trails, including the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail #1101. This trail spans 3,100 miles and offers numerous backcountry opportunities.
FishingFishing is permitted at Summit Lake, which spans 40 acres and is partially located within the Mount Zirkel Wilderness. Brook trout can be caught in the lake.
BikingThe area surrounding the campground supports mountain biking and dirt biking activities.
BoatingOnly hand-powered watercraft are allowed on Summit Lake. No boat ramp is available, and access is limited to carry-down boating.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHigh elevation may present altitude sickness risks. Wildlife, including bears, may be present, but there are no food storage lockers. The damaged pine trees from beetle infestations pose a risk, so campers should select tent sites carefully.
Active AlertsSeasonal road conditions can deteriorate, requiring high-clearance, 4WD vehicles especially from the west approach.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Summit Lake Campground

Reviews

4.4
36 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Summit Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Summit Lake Campground praise its scenic beauty, seclusion, and recreational opportunities. However, the bumpy road to the campground, swarming mosquitoes, and lack of potable water are common complaints.
Review Summaries
Based on 36 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include breathtaking views, scenic hikes to nearby lakes, and the peaceful environment due to its remote location. Reviewers also appreciated the picnic tables and fire rings...
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Based on 36 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues raised in reviews include swarming mosquitoes, lack of potable water, and poor bathroom cleanliness. The road conditions are also criticized, with some routes requiring high-clearance...
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Based on 36 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing plenty of bug spray and using the eastern approach to avoid difficult road conditions. Select tent placement carefully due to damaged pine trees from pine beetles.
Based on 36 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during weekends, especially in the peak summer months. Nights can be quite cold due to the high elevation, even during the warmest part of the summer.
Based on 36 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful secluded spot. Can get a bit breezy & chilly at nights." — David Hudson; "The pine trees have been heavily damaged by the pine beetle, so select your tent placement carefully." — Henry...
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Based on 36 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews mention that although the sites are relatively close together, some overlook Summit Lake, offering great views.
Based on 36 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 36 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies and experiences are not discussed in the provided reviews.
Based on 36 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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