Trout Creek Recreation Area

White River National Forest

Nestled at the edge of untamed wilderness, Cutthroat Campground at Trappers Lake offers an intimate escape with just 14 secluded campsites. This hidden gem sits moments from the Wilderness boundary and the convenient Trappers Lake Outlet parking area, providing the perfect basecamp for adventurers seeking both accessibility and authentic backcountry experiences. As part of the larger Trappers Lake Campground complex, Cutthroat combines the comfort of established camping with the raw beauty of Colorado's high country.

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Perched in the heart of the Trappers Lake Recreation Area, Trapline Campground offers 11 thoughtfully arranged sites along a single loop, where the landscape opens up to endless Colorado skies. Unlike the dense forest campgrounds below, Trapline embraces its high-altitude setting with sun-drenched sites that bask in natural light from dawn to dusk. Here, the commanding presence of the Flat Tops Wilderness stretches across the horizon, creating a backdrop that transforms with each passing hour as shadows dance across ancient peaks and valleys.

White River National Forest

Nestled at the edge of the pristine Flat Tops Wilderness, Bucks Campground offers an intimate retreat with just 10 sites among towering firs. As one of five campgrounds forming the scenic Trappers Lake camping community, Bucks provides easy access to the wilderness boundary and the picturesque Trappers Lake Outlet. David Lobree captured the essence of this special place in his September 2021 visit, noting how the campground serves as a perfect basecamp for exploring one of Colorado's most beloved wilderness areas.

NORTH FORK CAMPGROUND,COUNTY RD 8, MEEKER, CO 81641, USA

Perched at a breathtaking 9,720 feet in the Colorado Rockies, Shepherds Rim Campground at Trappers Lake invites adventurers to experience high-altitude camping at its finest. This intimate mountain retreat features 15 carefully positioned campsites that welcome everything from cozy tents to full-sized RVs, each equipped with its own picnic table and campfire ring where stories are shared under star-studded skies. While you won't find electrical hookups here, the campground provides the essentials—clean vault toilets and fresh mountain drinking water—ensuring a comfortable yet authentic wilderness experience.

Horse Thief Campground, Trappers Lake, White River National Forest, CO

Saddle up for an authentic wilderness experience at Horse Thief Campground, where the spirit of the Old West meets modern adventure. This intimate equestrian paradise offers just five specially-designed campsites, each equipped with sturdy corrals for your four-legged companions. Tucked within the pristine Flat Tops Wilderness near the crystalline waters of Trappers Lake, this unique destination invites riders to explore one of Colorado's most spectacular backcountry areas while adhering to carefully crafted wilderness preservation guidelines.

32201 County Rd 8, Meeker, Colorado 81641

Nestled within a pristine grove of towering conifers and shimmering aspens at 8,200 feet, Marvine Campground serves as your personal basecamp to the magnificent Colorado Rockies. This mountain sanctuary opens the door to the legendary Flat Tops Wilderness, where endless trails beckon hikers and horseback riders, crystal-clear streams entice anglers, and autumn brings world-class elk hunting opportunities to those seeking adventure in the high country.

Himes Peak Campground, near Buford, CO

Nestled among towering aspens and evergreens, Himes Peak Campground invites you to experience the serenity of high-country camping with just 10 thoughtfully spaced sites arranged in a peaceful single loop. This hidden gem sits at the doorstep of the magnificent Flat Tops Wilderness, where Boulder Lake sparkles like a sapphire jewel nearby. Adventure beckons from your tent flap, with the Big Fish Trail #1819 and Boulder Lake Trail #2262 serving as your personal gateways to an extensive wilderness trail network that winds through some of Colorado's most breathtaking backcountry.

Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG

Nestled in the heart of Colorado's rugged backcountry, Cold Springs Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape just 16.5 miles from the charming town of Yampa. This intimate campground serves as your gateway to the breathtaking Flat Tops Wilderness, where towering peaks and pristine alpine landscapes create an unforgettable backdrop for your outdoor adventures. Each thoughtfully positioned campsite comes equipped with a sturdy picnic table and fire grate, perfect for evening gatherings under star-filled skies. While you won't find electric hookups or shower facilities here, the campground provides essential amenities including vault toilets and fresh potable water. Adventure beckons from every direction, with crystal-clear reservoirs waiting to be explored, world-class fishing opportunities, and access to legendary hiking trails including the Stillwater and Smith Lake Trailheads that wind through some of Colorado's most spectacular terrain.

Forest Service Road 900, Yampa, CO

Tucked away in a serene forest clearing, Horseshoe Campground offers an intimate escape with just 7 thoughtfully spaced campsites. This hidden gem forms a gentle loop off Forest Service Road 900 near Yampa, Colorado, where towering trees create natural privacy screens between sites. Each campsite comes equipped with its own picnic table and fire grate, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. As your gateway to the magnificent 235,000-acre Flat Tops Wilderness, this quiet retreat delivers postcard-perfect mountain views while maintaining the peaceful solitude that makes Colorado camping so special.

Forest Service Road 900, 11 miles outside Yampa, CO

Nestled high in the Colorado wilderness at 9,500 feet, Bear Lake Campground offers 43 thoughtfully designed campsites where towering evergreens create natural privacy screens between neighbors. This mountain sanctuary features spacious single sites along with 3 double-sites and 1 triple-site perfect for group adventures. Three interconnected loops wind through the dense forest, each site equipped with picnic tables and surrounded by nature's own walls of spruce and fir. Modern vault toilets, fresh potable water, and regular trash services ensure comfort without compromising the wilderness experience. While the campground welcomes trailers up to 30 feet, the intimate forest setting makes it equally appealing for tent campers seeking solitude. Four-legged companions are welcome on leash, and savvy visitors come prepared with insect repellent for the enthusiastic summer mosquito population.

COUNTY RD 8, MEEKER, CO, 81641, USA

Nestled within a magnificent aspen grove on Colorado's western slope, North Fork Campground beckons adventurers to its peaceful retreat at 7,800 feet. Here, golden aspens tower overhead while wild roses and native grasses create natural privacy screens between generously spaced campsites. The gentle murmur of the North Fork White River provides a soothing soundtrack to your stay, while endless recreational opportunities await just beyond your tent flap. Whether you're casting a line for trout, exploring rugged OHV trails, or setting off on foot through pristine wilderness, this mountain sanctuary serves as your perfect basecamp for Rocky Mountain adventures.

Forest Service Road 900, Yampa, CO

Nestled along the scenic Forest Service Road 900, Bear River Developed Camp Sites offers 30 thoughtfully positioned camping spots, each marked by its own numbered post and equipped with a sturdy picnic table and permanent fire grate. This organized camping haven preserves the natural beauty of the area while providing essential amenities for a comfortable outdoor experience. Please note that to protect this pristine environment, dispersed camping is prohibited along Forest Service Road 900—visitors must use the designated sites only.

300 Roselawn Avenue Yampa, CO 80483

Escape to the untamed beauty of Rock Creek Recreation Area, where adventurous souls can experience true dispersed camping along the babbling waters of Rock Creek. This back-to-basics destination strips away the typical campground frills—you won't find picnic tables or designated fire rings here. Instead, you'll discover the freedom to choose your own perfect spot along the creek, with only the essential vault toilets provided for convenience. While you'll need to bring your own water supply, the nearby Rock Creek Trailhead beckons mountain bikers with thrilling trails that wind through the spectacular Gore Range terrain.

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Escape to the serene wilderness of Lynx Pass Campground, where primitive camping meets pristine mountain beauty at nearly 10,000 feet. Nestled within the majestic Gore Pass area of Routt National Forest, this hidden gem invites adventurers to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature beneath a canopy of towering lodgepole pines.

Ripple Creek Pass, Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway, between Meeker and Yampa

High in the alpine wilderness where the Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway winds through pristine forests, Ripple Creek Pass invites adventurous souls seeking solitude and spectacular mountain vistas. This dispersed camping haven transforms with the seasons—from a powder-white playground for snowmobilers carving fresh tracks through winter's embrace to a summer sanctuary where wildflowers paint the rugged terrain in vibrant hues. Here, far from the crowds of traditional campgrounds, you'll find your own piece of mountain paradise beneath star-filled skies.

Sheriff Reservoir Campground, Yampa, CO

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.

Medicine Bow-Routt NFs and Thunder Basin NG

Escape to the untouched wilderness of Crosho Lake Recreation Area, where free dispersed camping awaits those seeking authentic outdoor adventures. This hidden gem beckons paddlers and anglers with its pristine, motor-free waters perfect for peaceful canoe and kayak excursions. While you won't find the typical campground amenities here—just a single vault toilet serves the area—the absence of picnic tables, fire grates, and running water only adds to the raw, back-to-nature experience that draws outdoor enthusiasts year after year.

Forest Service Road 940, between Yampa and Meeker, CO

Tucked away in the pristine wilderness outside Yampa, Colorado, Chapman Reservoir Campground beckons adventurers seeking solitude and natural beauty. This hidden gem along the spectacular Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway offers 12 intimate campsites nestled within the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. While the campground embraces a back-to-basics approach with picnic tables, fire grates, and vault toilets (bring your own water), it compensates with unmatched tranquility and jaw-dropping scenery. Perfect for smaller RVs and trailers up to 22 feet, this peaceful retreat near Dunckley Pass promises an authentic Colorado mountain experience.

PO Box 98, Oak Creek, Colorado, 80467, United States

Nestled in the heart of Colorado's stunning Yampa Valley, Stagecoach State Park welcomes adventurers with 92 thoughtfully placed campsites scattered throughout rolling sagebrush meadows. At the center of this outdoor paradise lies a pristine 780-acre reservoir, where a full-service marina serves as your gateway to endless water adventures. Whether you're seeking solitude under star-filled skies or action-packed days on the water, this hidden gem delivers the quintessential Colorado camping experience.

925 Weiss Dr Steamboat Springs, CO 80487

Perched high on Rabbit Ears Pass near the charming mountain town of Steamboat Springs, Meadows Campground offers a true Colorado wilderness experience at 9,300 feet. This peaceful retreat features 30 thoughtfully designed campsites, including convenient pull-through spots for RVs, cozy back-in sites, and secluded walk-in tent areas for those seeking a more intimate connection with nature. Days here unfold with endless possibilities: cast a line in crystal-clear mountain streams, explore winding hiking trails through wildflower meadows, or tackle exhilarating mountain bike routes. While the campground embraces a rustic charm with vault toilets and no running water, it provides essential garbage services to help preserve this pristine environment.

925 WEISS DRIVE, STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO 80487, USA

Nestled beside the pristine waters of Dumont Lake, this hidden gem of a campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts seeking an authentic Rocky Mountain escape. Here, spacious sites tucked among towering evergreens provide the perfect basecamp for days spent exploring winding trails, casting lines into crystal-clear waters, or simply watching for the diverse birdlife that calls this alpine paradise home. Each thoughtfully placed campsite offers a private sanctuary where the only sounds breaking the mountain silence are the whisper of wind through spruce boughs and the distant call of wildlife.

6185 US Highway 40 PO Box 759, Hayden, Colorado, 81639, United States

Nestled in the heart of Colorado's scenic Yampa Valley, Yampa River State Park offers adventurers a gateway to unforgettable outdoor experiences. Whether you're pulling in with your RV to one of the well-equipped electric hookup sites, pitching a tent under the expansive western sky, or gathering your tribe for a memorable group camping adventure, this riverside haven has something for everyone. Modern conveniences like hot showers and laundry facilities ensure comfort after days spent exploring, while the gentle murmur of the nearby Yampa River provides nature's soundtrack. While the distant hum of highway traffic and summer's buzzing mosquito population remind you of civilization's proximity, they're small trade-offs for the remarkable access this park provides to one of Colorado's most cherished waterways.

Routt County Road 38, Steamboat Springs, CO

Perched at an breathtaking 10,200 feet, Granite Campground offers adventurous souls a true high-alpine escape beside the pristine waters of Fish Creek Reservoir. This intimate mountain retreat features just 8 thoughtfully spaced campsites—4 peaceful walk-in tent sites for those seeking solitude and 4 convenient drive-up spots for easier access. While you'll find essential vault toilets and trash services, this remote gem embraces its wild character without potable water or modern amenities, inviting campers to experience the raw beauty of Colorado's high country.

Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District, 925 Weiss Drive, Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Tucked away in the pristine wilderness just 8 miles northeast of Steamboat Springs, Dry Lake Campground offers an intimate escape for those seeking solitude in Colorado's high country. This hidden gem along Buffalo Pass Road welcomes adventurers with 7 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each furnished with sturdy tables and fireplace grates perfect for evening gatherings under starlit skies. While the campground embraces a back-to-basics approach with vault toilets and no running water, it compensates with direct access to scenic hiking and biking trails that wind through the surrounding forest. The compact size accommodates trailers up to 20 feet, making it ideal for smaller rigs and those who prefer a more secluded camping experience away from the crowds.

Buffalo Pass, near Steamboat Springs, CO

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.

135 Counrty Road 28 , Hayden, Colorado, 81639, United States

Discover the untamed beauty of Elkhead Reservoir State Park, where endless sagebrush prairies meet dramatic cliff faces and ancient juniper groves. This hidden gem in Colorado's backcountry beckons adventurers with two distinctive camping experiences: the tranquil Bear's Ears Campground, nestled just across the dam, and the wildlife-rich Pronghorn Campground, where you might wake to antelope grazing just beyond your tent.

Medicine Bow-Routt NFs and Thunder Basin NG

Sheriff Reservoir Campground, Yampa, CO

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Forest Service Road 940, between Yampa and Meeker, CO

Forest Service Road 900, Yampa, CO

Ripple Creek Pass, Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway, between Meeker and Yampa

Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG

Himes Peak Campground, near Buford, CO

Forest Service Road 900, Yampa, CO

Forest Service Road 900, 11 miles outside Yampa, CO

White River National Forest

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925 Weiss Dr Steamboat Springs, CO 80487

NORTH FORK CAMPGROUND,COUNTY RD 8, MEEKER, CO 81641, USA

6185 US Highway 40 PO Box 759, Hayden, Colorado, 81639, United States

COUNTY RD 8, MEEKER, CO, 81641, USA

32201 County Rd 8, Meeker, Colorado 81641

PO Box 98, Oak Creek, Colorado, 80467, United States

Horse Thief Campground, Trappers Lake, White River National Forest, CO

White River National Forest

806 W. Hallam

Tucked away in the shadow of Colorado's most photographed peaks, Silver Bar Campground offers an intimate escape into the wilderness with just four secluded tent sites. This hidden gem invites adventurers to disconnect from the modern world and immerse themselves in the raw beauty of the Rockies. Each walk-in site comes thoughtfully equipped with everything you need for a memorable stay: sturdy picnic tables for mountain-side meals, bear-proof lockers to safely store your provisions, and stone fire rings where stories come alive under starlit skies. The gentle murmur of Maroon Creek provides nature's soundtrack, while vault toilets ensure basic comfort without compromising the pristine environment.

5575 CLEORA RD

Tucked away in the breathtaking Chalk Creek Canyon at 9,000 feet, Cascade Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic Colorado mountain experience. This beloved retreat features 21 thoughtfully spaced campsites, ranging from spontaneous walk-up spots to reservable havens, each equipped with sturdy picnic tables and inviting campfire rings where stories and s'mores come to life under starlit skies. Modern vault toilets and fresh drinking water ensure comfort without compromising the wilderness experience. Whether you're casting a line into pristine mountain waters, discovering hidden hiking trails, or venturing onto rugged off-road paths, Cascade serves as your perfect basecamp for mountain adventures and peaceful escapes alike.

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Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, Pines Campground offers an authentic high-country camping experience at 9,200 feet. This intimate campground features just 11 sites along the babbling South Fork of the Michigan River, where the sound of rushing water provides nature's soundtrack to your mountain retreat. While beetle kill has opened up the forest canopy, creating sun-drenched sites perfect for stargazing, visitors appreciate the campground's easy accessibility and rustic charm. As one camper noted, it's a 'great little campground' that delivers simplicity and natural beauty in equal measure.

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Perched in the heart of the Trappers Lake Recreation Area, Trapline Campground offers 11 thoughtfully arranged sites along a single loop, where the landscape opens up to endless Colorado skies. Unlike the dense forest campgrounds below, Trapline embraces its high-altitude setting with sun-drenched sites that bask in natural light from dawn to dusk. Here, the commanding presence of the Flat Tops Wilderness stretches across the horizon, creating a backdrop that transforms with each passing hour as shadows dance across ancient peaks and valleys.

46525 State Hwy 114, Saguache, CO 81149

Step back in time at Duncan Cabin, where the whispers of 1880s prospectors still echo through weathered log walls. Perched at 8,120 feet in the majestic Rio Grande National Forest, this authentic one-room sanctuary offers adventurers a rare blend of rustic charm and mountain solitude. Inside, cozy bunk beds and a crackling wood stove promise warmth after days spent exploring, while outdoor vault toilets maintain the frontier spirit. Whether you arrive on horseback to graze in nearby meadows, seek pristine dark skies for celestial photography, or use this historic haven as your basecamp for discovering the otherworldly Great Sand Dunes National Park, Duncan Cabin delivers an unforgettable high-country experience.

WHITE RIVER

Nestled in a tranquil Rocky Mountain valley, Camp Hale Memorial Campground offers 15 intimate campsites where history and wilderness converge. This hidden gem welcomes tents, trailers, and RVs alike, providing a peaceful retreat enhanced by attentive campground hosts who ensure every visitor feels at home. Adventure seekers will appreciate the direct access to the legendary Colorado Trail, making this modest campground a perfect basecamp for mountain exploration.

FS 520, CREEDE, CO 81130, USA

Nestled along the pristine banks of the Rio Grande River, River Hill Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic Colorado wilderness experience. This beloved riverside retreat serves as your gateway to endless outdoor pursuits—cast a line into crystal-clear waters teeming with trout, explore winding trails that disappear into the backcountry, or launch your kayak for a peaceful paddle. Just steps from your campsite, trailheads lead directly into the magnificent Weminuche Wilderness, Colorado's largest designated wilderness area.

San Juan NF, Colorado, USA

Perched at 7,643 feet in the Colorado high country, Target Tree Campground serves as your gateway to the Southwest's most treasured destinations. Just a scenic drive from the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park and the vibrant mountain towns of Mancos and Durango, this historic campground takes its name from a fascinating chapter in Ute Indian history. Here, centuries-old Ponderosa pines still bear the distinctive scars from when Ute hunters honed their marksmanship skills, while these same majestic trees provided life-sustaining sap and bark that supplemented their traditional diet.

REDFEATHER LAKES, BELLEVUE, CO, 80512, USA

Nestled along the pristine shores of Dowdy Lake, this mountain retreat offers 70 thoughtfully designed campsites that blend modern convenience with natural beauty. Choose from 60 spacious sites equipped with electric hookups for RVs and trailers, or embrace a more traditional camping experience at one of 10 dedicated tent-only sites. Each campsite serves as your personal basecamp, complete with a sturdy picnic table for lakeside meals, a dedicated tent pad, and a campfire ring with grill where evening stories and s'mores come to life. Modern vault toilets, fresh drinking water stations, and regular trash collection ensure comfort without compromising the wilderness experience.

46525 ST HWY 114, Saguache, CO 81149, USA

Nestled deep within the Rio Grande National Forest at 9,500 feet, Stone Cellar Guard Station beckons adventurers seeking true mountain solitude. This remote cabin sanctuary, perched at the edge of the La Garita Wilderness, serves as your gateway to pristine fishing streams, untamed hiking trails, premier hunting grounds, and exhilarating winter sports terrain. Here, where the modern world fades away, you'll discover the Colorado high country as it was meant to be experienced.