How much does camping cost at Shepherds Rim Campground?

Camping fees at Shepherds Rim Campground are $22 - $23/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Shepherds Rim Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Shepherds Rim Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Shepherds Rim Campground before I book?

Yes! Shepherds Rim Campground has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Shepherds Rim Campground?

Shepherds Rim Campground is open June 03 to November 02. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Shepherds Rim Campground?

Shepherds Rim Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Shepherds Rim Campground have?

Shepherds Rim Campground has 15 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Shepherds Rim Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Shepherds Rim Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Shepherds Rim Campground?

Shepherds Rim Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Shepherds Rim Campground?

Popular activities at Shepherds Rim Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Shepherds Rim Campground

4.57

136 reviews

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

Top 19% in COFall

AReport Card

Featured in:Primitive Camping Colorado Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Colorado Family-Friendly Campgrounds Colorado

Quick Facts

9,720 ft

Price

$22 - $23/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Open from June 3 to ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Vista Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

9,720 ft

Price

$22 - $23/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Open from June 3 to ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Vista Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Shepherds Rim Campground

$22.00 - $23.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $23.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $22.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

970-927-0107SM.FS.R2WhiteRiver@usda.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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

Shepherds Rim Campground

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

Nearby places

Buford (25.2 miles), Meeker (49.4 miles), Rifle (90.5 miles), New Castle (105 miles), Glenwood Springs (117 miles).

Weather at Shepherds Rim Campground

Best Time to Camp at Shepherds Rim Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of scenery, solitude, and stable weather at 9,720 ft — expect crisp days in the 40s–60s°F and nights often dropping into the teens or low 20s°F. Aspen and willow colors peak in mid- to late-September around Trappers Lake, making hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography especially rewarding while crowds thin after summer. Cooler temperatures mean fewer bugs and calm fishing conditions, though early snow is possible late in the season so pack warm layers. Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 19% in CO

Called the best season for aspens, stable weather, scenery and solitude at 9,720 ft.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 03 to November 02. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from June 3 to November 2 (reservable start date June 23).

About Shepherds Rim Campground

Shepherds Rim Campground sits at 9,720 feet near Trappers Lake in White River National Forest, operated by Vista Recreation. The high-elevation alpine setting offers access to hiking trails and fishing, with aspen-lined sites that draw visitors for fall color and wildlife viewing. Reviewers praise clean vault toilets, well-maintained sites, and friendly hosts, though summer mosquitoes can be intense.

Shepherds Rim Campground offers multiple camping options including tent, RV, and one primitive site.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of scenery, solitude, and stable weather at 9,720 ft — expect crisp days in the 40s–60s°F and nights often dropping into the teens or low 20s°F. Aspen and willow colors peak in mid- to late-September around Trappers Lake, making hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography especially rewarding while crowds thin after summer. Cooler temperatures mean fewer bugs and calm fishing conditions, though early snow is possible late in the season so pack warm layers. Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation9720 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies land within the 2002 Big Fish Fire footprint, where over 17,000 acres burned. The recovering landscape now offers open views across the Flat Tops that dense timber once obscured. Trappers Lake sits below the campground, surrounded by peaks and meadows. Wildlife sightings include bighorn sheep, elk, and pika. One returning visitor noted it was "amazing to see the long-term effects of the fire" and witness the area's regeneration. The elevation and burn patterns create a mix of open meadows, scattered regrowth, and long sightlines across the volcanic plateau.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges are available within Shepherds Rim Campground, but nearby Trappers Lake Lodge offers meals and recreational services.

Programs & ActivitiesInterpretive programs are available, providing insights into the area's unique wilderness characteristics.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a single visit and up to 14 nights total within each month.

Guests Allowed Per Site

One RV with tow per single site or one vehicle per tent site. "Most sites can accommodate one extra vehicle that is not included with the reservation fee
extra vehicle will be charged a per night fee collected at the campground."

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, through mobile apps, or by contacting the call center.

Site SizeCampsite sizes vary, accommodating different setups. "We had two vehicles, two tents, two canopies and other camping stuff and had plenty of room." (User review by Kelly B).

PrivacyPrivacy levels differ among sites. Sites on the inner loop are less private, while others, like site #9, offer more seclusion.

Total Campsites15 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #9 is the best for a tent." "Site #6 is ample for a 29' trailer." "Site #11 is on the interior loop, fairly private and flat.

Best CampsitesSite 9 works well for tents. Site 7 offers strong views. Site 11 provides more privacy. One group with two vehicles, two tents, and two canopies reported having "plenty of room" at their site, though specific site numbers vary in size and privacy.

Need help booking Shepherds Rim Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Shepherds Rim Campground offers essential amenities for campers seeking a wilderness experience. It features 15 campsites suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs, equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings. The campground provides vault toilets and potable water, but lacks electrical hookups. "The vault toilets had to be one of the cleanest we've ever utilized!" (User review by Mike Lish). Guests are advised to store food in bear-proof lockers available at each site.

Potable water

Dump station

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Shepherds Rim Campground

Shepherds Rim Campground provides access to outdoor recreation such as fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and interpretive programs. Trappers Lake, known as the Cradle of Wilderness, is nearby and offers serene fishing experiences.

Hiking4.0/5

Fishing4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Biking2.0/5

Water Sports2.0/5

Lake nearby but difficult to access and boating is restricted; single positive mention noted.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Signature experiences

Photography4.5/5Open vistas, fall aspen color, wildlife and dark skies provide excellent photo subjects.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not provided; instead, the campground has exceptionally clean vault toilets. "The vault toilets had to be one of the cleanest we've ever utilized!" (User review by Mike Lish).

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food lockers are available at each campsite. Bear-proof trash receptacles are provided throughout the campground.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

136 reviews

Top-Rated

Shepherds Rim Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground’s clean facilities, accommodating hosts, and stunning natural surroundings. "This is one of the nicest campgrounds we’ve ever stayed at." (User review by Karissa H). However, complaints include relentless mosquitoes during summer and misleading location information.

Review Summaries

Based on 136 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 136 reviews.

Site #9Loved
Site #9 is consistently praised for privacy and suitability for tents.
Site #15Issues noted
Site #15 is noted for proximity to restrooms, which may lead to odor issues depending on wind conditions.

What Campers Love

Clean bathrooms, well-maintained sites, friendly hosts, proximity to hiking trails and Trappers Lake, serene environment. "Very clean campground, cleaner bathrooms, friendly hosts." (User review by...

Based on 136 reviews

Common Concerns

Mosquitoes are described as "relentless" in summer by multiple reviewers. Some users also found the online campsite descriptions misleading or unhelpful.

Based on 136 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring ample mosquito repellant and supplies as the campground is remote. "Take lots of bug repellant in the early summer months." (User review by Brooks O).

Based on 136 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews emphasize mosquito issues but also praise the hiking opportunities, wildlife viewing, and scenery. Winter reviews are sparse but highlight tranquility and clean facilities.

Based on 136 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The bathrooms were immaculate and the water pumps were prevalent." (User review by Gina H). "Quiet, serene and bathrooms kept exceptionally clean." (User review by Amy S). "The camp hosts were very...

Based on 136 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but reviewers noted that leash rules are not strictly enforced. "The host kept a clean campground, but in some cases would not enforce rules like dogs having leashes." (User review...

Based on 136 reviews

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Shepherds Rim Campground

$22.00 - $23.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $23.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $22.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.