How much does camping cost at Deep Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Deep Lake Campground range from $6/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Deep Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Deep Lake Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not accepted; all sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Can I see photos of campsites at Deep Lake Campground before I book?

Yes! Deep Lake Campground has 5 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 Deep Lake Campground?

Deep Lake Campground is open Services provided June 21 through October 15 - weather dependent.. 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 Deep Lake Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Deep Lake Campground?

Fire policies at Deep Lake Campground: Campfires are allowed within the provided fire ring grills.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Deep Lake Campground have?

Deep Lake Campground has 34 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Deep Lake Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Deep Lake Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Deep Lake Campground?

Deep Lake Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Deep Lake Campground?

Popular activities at Deep Lake Campground include Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Deep Lake Campground

4.23

31 reviews

Deep Lake Campground, White River National Forest, Eagle Ranger District, Colorado

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

10,600 ft

Price

$6/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

34 campsites

Season

Services provided Ju...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

10,600 ft

Price

$6/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

34 campsites

Season

Services provided Ju...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Deep Lake Campground

$6.00 - $6.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The campground charges a flat rate of $6 per day.

Standard Site Fee$6.00

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I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Deep Lake Campground, White River National Forest, Eagle Ranger District, Colorado

Deep Lake Campground

Deep Lake Campground, White River National Forest, Eagle Ranger District, Colorado

Nearby places

Gypsum: 33 miles (approximately 1 hour)

Nearby supplies

No gas for 35 miles. Supplies can be found in Gypsum, approximately 33 miles away.

Driving directionsFrom Gypsum, CO, take Interstate 70 west and go 5.3 miles to Exit 133, Dotsero, CO. At end of exit ramp, go north on Frontage Rd. for 0.8 miles to a stop sign and Sweetwater/Burns sign (County Rt. 301). Turn right at sign onto Rt. 301 and go 1.7 miles to Forest Access sign. Turn left at sign onto dirt and gravel road (later identified as Forest Rt. 600) and go 27.6 miles to a 'Y' intersection. Bear right, staying on Rt. 600, and go 1 mile to campground sign. Bear right at sign and go 0.1 miles into campground.

The first 9 miles of Forest Rt. 600 are narrow, intermittently single-lane, winding, and steep with sheer drop-offs. This road is not recommended for those who fear heights.

Weather at Deep Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Deep Lake Campground

Summer delivers the most reliable access and comfortable conditions. Expect daytime highs in the mid-50s to upper-60s and nights dropping into the high 30s to low 40s. The lake is fully thawed for fishing and boating. Mid-July through mid-August sees the heaviest use on weekends. Winter brings heavy snowfall that closes the road but attracts a few hardy cold-weather campers. Bug presence can be high during certain stretches of summer.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer offers reliable access, milder temps and is highlighted by reviewers as best time to visit.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Services provided June 21 through October 15 - weather dependent.

About Deep Lake Campground

Deep Lake Campground sits at 10,600 feet on the eastern shore of a 37-acre alpine lake in White River National Forest. The campground has 34 sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and level gravel driveways that fit RVs up to 35 feet. Fees run $6 per night. No cell service. You'll need to drive 4.5 miles up Coffee Pot Road for a Verizon signal.

Deep Lake Campground caters to a mix of campers, including those with RVs, tents, and groups. However, it is a primitive campground with limited amenities.

Historical Significance

Ute hunting parties used these shores seasonally in the early 1800s. In 1905, President Theodore Roosevelt camped here during his Flat Tops hunting expedition. A hotel once stood near the water until it burned in 1906.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the most reliable access and comfortable conditions. Expect daytime highs in the mid-50s to upper-60s and nights dropping into the high 30s to low 40s. The lake is fully thawed for fishing and boating. Mid-July through mid-August sees the heaviest use on weekends. Winter brings heavy snowfall that closes the road but attracts a few hardy cold-weather campers. Bug presence can be high during certain stretches of summer.

ElevationAt 10,600 feet above sea level, Deep Lake Campground offers a true high-altitude adventure. This lofty perch places you nearly two miles closer to the stars, though the thin air at this elevation demands respect—visitors should take time to acclimate and stay hydrated as their bodies adjust to this rarefied atmosphere where the air holds 30% less oxygen than at sea level.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a subalpine ecosystem on ancient volcanic plateau terrain that creates unexpectedly level ground at extreme elevation. Spruce and fir forests alternate with wildflower meadows. Deep Lake's 37 acres reflect the surrounding peaks. This is the headwaters of Deep Creek, which starts here before cutting through the canyon below. Some sites sit on ridges with views across the water. The distinctive flat-top mountains that define this region form the backdrop. About half the sites are open to sky, the other half have tree cover.

Geological RegionDeep Lake Campground sits within a remarkable subalpine ecosystem, where hardy spruce and fir forests have adapted to life on the distinctive 'flat top' mountain terrain—ancient volcanic plateaus that create unexpectedly level camping areas at extreme elevations. These meadow-dotted highlands mark the birthplace of Deep Creek, which begins its journey here before carving its dramatic canyon through the landscape below. This unique geological setting creates a rare combination of accessible high-altitude camping amidst some of Colorado's most distinctive mountain topography.

Scenic ViewsScenic views of Deep Lake, nearby subalpine meadows, Deep Creek Canyon, and the surrounding mountains can be enjoyed from nearly every campsite.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges are available on-site. The campground is noted for its remote and primitive nature.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

The maximum stay is 14 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No exact number specified for guests per site.

Groups

The campground includes one group site designed for three parties.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSites are widely separated and spacious, with level gravel driveways. The campground includes single sites, doubles, and one group site. Layout takes advantage of the ridgeline and lakefront, with roughly half the sites in open terrain and half under tree cover.

Walk-in AvailabilityReservations are not accepted; all sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly toilets and accessibility features are unavailable at this campground.

Site SizeThe sites are spacious and can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet in length. Level gravel driveways are provided for parking.

PrivacySites are widely separated, with some located on ridges overlooking Deep Lake. About half the sites are open, while the other half have tree cover.

Total Campsites34 campsites

Recommended SitesHalf the campsites are tree-covered while the other half are in open areas; choose based on your preference for shade or sunlight.

Best CampsitesRidge sites overlooking Deep Lake offer the best views. Reviews don't specify site numbers, but campers consistently mention seeking out the elevated spots.

Amenities available

Deep Lake Campground offers 35 campsites in a sparse spruce and fir forest at an elevation of 10,600 feet. While the campground is remote and isolated, it provides fire ring grills, picnic tables, and level gravel parking spaces that accommodate RVs up to 35 feet. Restrooms with vault toilets are available, but there is no potable water on-site. A primitive boat ramp is situated in the day-use area.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at Deep Lake Campground include picnicking, fishing, scenic driving, and wildlife viewing. The location's remote and scenic nature makes it ideal for these recreational activities.

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe access road to the campground features steep grades, sheer drop-offs, and narrow, winding paths. There is also no cell service at the campground.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

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 available. The campground provides clean and well-maintained vault toilets.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

31 reviews

Satisfactory

Deep Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's remote location, scenic views, and clean facilities. The lack of cell phone service and amenities was noted as a drawback, but the beauty of the location compensates for these limitations.

Review Summaries

Based on 31 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers often praised the campground's cleanliness, spacious sites, and stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Many appreciated the peace and isolation.

Based on 31 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of trash facilities, the rough road leading to the campground, and the absence of potable water.

Based on 31 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One user noted that the campground technically has 29 sites, with three doubles and one group site.

Based on 31 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend packing in and packing out all trash, bringing sufficient water, and being prepared for the challenging drive to the site.

Based on 31 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are highlighted as the best time to visit due to accessible roads and milder weather. In contrast, winter conditions could render the campground inaccessible.

Based on 31 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Middle of nowhere! Nobody around, no cell phone service." "It's not free anymore, but it's still cheap!" "Beautiful place to camp and ride dirtbikes. Very peaceful, had the whole lake to ourselves."

Based on 31 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility features.

Based on 31 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Trout anglers and people who want genuine solitude on a 37-acre alpine lake for almost nothing. Bring all your water, pack out your trash, and grab supplies in Gypsum 33 miles out before the drive up.

Skip if

No potable water, no trash service, no cell signal anywhere at camp, and the access road has steep grades and sheer drop-offs that will rattle big rigs and unnerve anyone towing near their limit.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

3.5

(20)

Sweetwater Lake Campground

Sweetwater Campground, Colorado

Sweetwater Lake Campground sits at the southern edge of 72-acre Sweetwater Lake in White River National Forest, about 30 miles from Eagle. The campground has nine small sites, six of which can fit vehicles up to 30 feet. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and bear locker. There's a vault toilet but no water. Expect to pay for day use if you just want lake access without camping.

Deep Lake Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Deep Lake Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Deep Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Deep Lake Campground

Planning Tips

About Deep Lake Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

About the campground

Seasons & access

Facilities

Water activities

RV information

Directions

Plan a trip to Deep Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Deep Lake Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews