Heaton Bay

Star4.54
740 reviews
WHITE RIVER
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$29 - $56/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

87 campsites

Season

Open from May 20 to ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Heaton Bay Campground site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Heaton Bay
$29.00 - $56.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates vary depending on site type and season. Standard non-electric and tent-only sites are $29 per night, premium tent-only sites are $56...
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Standard Site Fee$29.00
Hookup Site Fee$45.00
Premium Site Fee$56.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
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What Campers Say

4.54

Top-Rated

Based on 740 reviews

2 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanlake

Some mention

noiseroad noise

"Heaton Bay Campground is generally well-loved, with consistent praise for its location, cleanliness, and recreational opportunities. However, issues such as road noise, site size discrepancies, and occasional conflicts with campsite management were noted."

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Campground Map

WHITE RIVER

Heaton Bay

WHITE RIVER

Driving directionsFrom I-70, take Frisco exit to 203. Turn left onto the Dillon Dam Road. Travel northeast for 1 mile. The campground will be on the right hand side of the road.
Road access is via paved roads. The entrance is off Dillon Dam Road, which is typically accessible year-round, but there may be some difficulty identifying the correct entrance as noted by user reviews.
Nearby places
Frisco (~5 miles), Dillon (~5 miles), Silverthorne (~5 miles), Breckenridge (~20 miles)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are available in nearby towns of Frisco and Dillon, which include grocery stores, fuel stations, and outdoor retailers.

Best Time to Camp at Heaton Bay

Four distinct seasons paint this high-altitude paradise with ever-changing beauty. Summer days invite you to bask in warm sunshine perfect for hiking and water activities, while crisp autumn mornings showcase golden aspens against azure skies. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland, and spring brings wildflower blooms to the meadows. Late July ushers in the dramatic monsoon season, when afternoon thunderstorms roll across the peaks, filling the air with the fresh scent of rain on pine.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Summer offers warm weather, lush scenery and full access to water sports and trails (peak season).

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall brings foliage and quieter campgrounds per seasonal notes and reviewer observations.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Open from May 20; spring brings greenery but late opening limits early‑spring access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed for camping outside May 20–Oct 1; winter camping not available onsite.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 20 - October 1. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 20 to October 1 annually, with reservations beginning June 22.

About Heaton Bay

Perched high in the Colorado Rockies, Heaton Bay Campground beckons adventurers to experience camping at its finest. At 9,000 feet elevation in Summit County, this beloved mountain retreat rewards visitors with jaw-dropping vistas of the sparkling Dillon Reservoir below and the majestic peaks that crown the Continental Divide. Here, where the air is crisp and the views stretch endlessly, campers discover why this gem has become one of Colorado's most sought-after outdoor destinations.
Heaton Bay Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including tent, RV, and group camping. Primitive camping is not explicitly mentioned. The campground is designed to cater to outdoor enthusiasts with varying needs, from those seeking solitude to larger groups.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time is after 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out time is before 12 PM.
Stay Limit
14 consecutive nights per month.

Amenities available

Potable water
Electricity hookups
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Heaton Bay Campground offers a range of recreational activities centered around its proximity to Dillon Reservoir and the surrounding natural areas. Popular activities include hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The paved bike path running through the campground connects to larger trail systems, making it a favorite for cyclists. Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck at catching rainbow and brown trout. While swimming is prohibited, boating and paddleboarding opportunities abound. The Old Dillon Reservoir Trail and nearby Ptarmigan Wilderness offer additional hiking options.
HikingThe campground is connected to more than 7 paved miles of the 50-mile Summit County trail system. The Old Dillon Reservoir Trail is especially popular, offering easy hiking and stunning views of the Tenmile Range and Continental Divide.
FishingFishing is a popular activity in Dillon Reservoir, which supports a healthy population of rainbow and brown trout. Some cutthroat trout can also be found.
BikingThe paved bike path running through the campground provides access to the larger Summit County trail system, connecting to Frisco, Dillon, and beyond.
BoatingBoat ramp access is available in nearby marinas. Popular activities include kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. Some users have also noted opportunities for waterfowl hunting.
Wildlife viewingThe area around Heaton Bay is home to bighorn sheep, bull elk, a variety of fish species, and birds such as osprey and blue heron. Wildlife viewing is a common activity, particularly near the reservoir.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife such as bears and elk may pose hazards. Additionally, mosquitos can be prolific during wet seasons.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are available at all sites and are a mandatory part of food storage policies in the campground.

Weather at Heaton Bay

Reviews

4.5
740 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Heaton Bay is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Heaton Bay Campground is generally well-loved, with consistent praise for its location, cleanliness, and recreational opportunities. However, issues such as road noise, site size discrepancies, and occasional conflicts with campsite management were noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 740 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive comments focus on the stunning views, clean facilities, proximity to the lake and bike trails, and helpful campground hosts. Many users appreciated the convenience to nearby towns like...
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Based on 740 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include road noise from I-70, discrepancies in site dimensions, lack of showers and an on-site dump station, and occasional disturbances from noisy neighbors. Some users also reported...
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Based on 740 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend reserving well in advance, particularly for sites with electricity. Bringing extra leveling equipment is suggested for RV users due to uneven ground in some sites. Kayaking and biking...
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Based on 740 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and summer bring lush greenery, vibrant wildlife, and excellent conditions for water sports. Fall offers beautiful foliage and quieter campgrounds, while winter activities are accessible at...
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Based on 740 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The cleanest pit toilets I've ever seen!" "The views of Dillon Reservoir and the Rockies are unbeatable." "Proximity to bike trails and Frisco makes this a perfect basecamp."
Based on 740 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Loop C is highly recommended for its electric and water hookups. Sites near the water, like E75 and E78, are praised for their views and easy lake access. Tent sites in Loop D are noted for their...
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Based on 740 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 740 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, but some users noted that encounters with off-leash dogs were problematic. It's advised to keep pets leashed at all times.
Based on 740 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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