Cataract Creek Campground

Star4.53
18 reviews

Quick Facts

9,800 ft

Price

$13 - $18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open June 9 through ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens White River National Forest site

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Cataract Creek Campground
$13.00 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The standard fee is $18 per night, as per authoritative content and user review clarity. Some users noted discrepancies about policies for extra...
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Standard Site Fee$18.00
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

4.53

Top-Rated

Based on 18 reviews

14 Google reviews

Most mentioned

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"User reviews describe Cataract Creek Campground as a quaint but basic facility with favorable hiking opportunities and natural surroundings."

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Campground Map

Cataract Creek Campground

39.8384, -106.3072

Driving directionsFrom I-70 take Exit 205, Silverthorne/Dillon, and travel north on HWY 9. Travel 16 miles north on HWY 9. Just after mile marker 118 turn left onto Heeney Rd (County Rd 30). Follow Heeney Road for 5.3 miles and turn left onto Cataract Creek Road (FDR 1725). The campground will eventually be on your left.
The campground is accessible via paved roads from Silverthorne/Dillon and HWY 9, with a transition to County Rd 30 (Heeney Rd) and Cataract Creek Road (FDR 1725).
Nearby places
Silverthorne, CO - 16 miles north, approximately 20 minutes drive.

Best Time to Camp at Cataract Creek Campground

The dramatic seasonal changes at Cataract Creek create distinct camping experiences throughout the year. Winter blankets the area in pristine snow, transforming the landscape into a frozen wonderland accessible only to the most adventurous souls. Summer brings crisp mountain air and refreshingly cool evenings that demand a warm sleeping bag, while crystal-clear skies create perfect conditions for meteor watching and constellation spotting. The high-altitude climate means you'll experience four seasons in their purest form.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open and busiest mid-June to early Oct; peak season for trails, wildlife, and lake access.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Late-summer to early fall open period offers crisp alpine weather, scenery and quieter trails off-peak.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Site closed through spring; seasonal access begins June 9.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in winter (open June 9–Oct 8).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Mid-June to Early October. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open June 9 through October 8

About Cataract Creek Campground

Tucked away in Colorado's high country, Cataract Creek Campground offers an intimate escape with just five tent-only sites, perfect for those seeking solitude and authentic wilderness experiences. This hidden gem serves as your gateway to the renowned Cataract Creek Trail, where hikers are rewarded with breathtaking vistas and frequent wildlife encounters. As darkness falls, the campground transforms into a natural planetarium, with some of the clearest, most spectacular night skies you'll find anywhere in the Rockies.
The campground is designed for tent-only camping, with no RV sites or advanced accommodations.
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Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Two weeks consecutively.

Amenities available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Cataract Creek Campground is surrounded by hiking opportunities and scenic wilderness areas. Reviews highlight the nearby Cataract Creek Trail and attractions like Cataract Lake and Surprise Lake.
HikingMany trails in the area access the Eagles Nest Wilderness. A user review mentions, 'A very nice hiking trail less than half a mile down the road (Cataract Creek Trail).' The Lower Cataract Lake area offers additional trails, including a 2-mile loop with a waterfall.
Wildlife viewingUser reviews highlight an abundance of wildlife: 'Lots of wildlife and hidden natural runoff surrounding the campsites.'
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reports note occasional wildlife activity, proximity to water features, and seasonal access challenges.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Cataract Creek Campground

Reviews

4.5
18 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Cataract Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews describe Cataract Creek Campground as a quaint but basic facility with favorable hiking opportunities and natural surroundings.
Review Summaries
Based on 18 reviews

What Campers Love

- 'Great little 5 Spot Campground.' - 'Tent only camping so no loud annoying RVs.' - 'Beautiful Cataract Creek Valley. An awesome place we have been to often.' - 'Bathroom service was on point!' -...
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Based on 18 reviews

Common Concerns

- Sites are 'a little closer to each other than I would like.' - 'Busy. We only got a place by taking Friday off work and arriving early.' - 'Unnecessarily expensive. It was just shy of $100 bucks...
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Based on 18 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Arrive early to secure one of the five sites. - Carry cash for on-site payment. - Explore the Cataract Creek Trail and Lower Cataract Lake for scenic hikes.
Based on 18 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is described as busy during weekends and high seasons due to its limited number of sites. Seasonal highlights include the waterfall and trails around Lower Cataract Lake.
Based on 18 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Great little hidden gem in the Silverthorne area.' - 'We stayed at site #1 and I feel like it's the best one for sure!' - 'If you haven't been here, head up past the campgrounds to Lower Cataract...
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Based on 18 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #1 is particularly favored: 'We stayed at site #1 and I feel like it's the best one for sure! Amazing views, and a path to the creek!'
Based on 18 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features were provided.
Based on 18 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews related to pet policies or experiences were provided.
Based on 18 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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