Sweetwater Lake Campground

Star3.83
20 reviews
Sweetwater Campground, Colorado
Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Quick Facts

7,740 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Open season dates no...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens White River National Forest site

Official Website
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Sweetwater Lake Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Pricing for this campground was not explicitly stated in the provided materials.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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

3.83

Mixed Reviews

Based on 20 reviews

16 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeaceful

Some mention

small

"User reviews provide a mixed experience of Sweetwater Lake Campground. Many appreciate the beautiful scenery, lake access, and outdoor activities such as kayaking and fishing. However, some have complaints about the small campsites, lack of amenities, and overcrowding during peak seasons."

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Campground Map

Sweetwater Campground, Colorado

Sweetwater Lake Campground

Sweetwater Campground, Colorado

Driving directionsTravel 12 miles west of Eagle on I-70 to Dotsero. Go north on Colorado River Road for 7 miles. Turn left onto the Sweetwater Creek road. Stay on road for 10 miles, then turn left at the sign for Sweetwater Campground.
The campground is accessible via paved and unpaved roads. No seasonal closures are specified, but road terrain may be challenging in winter conditions.
Nearby places
Eagle - 29 miles, travel time approximately 40 minutes
Dotsero - 19 miles, travel time approximately 25 minutes.
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are likely found in Eagle, approximately 40 minutes away.

Best Time to Camp at Sweetwater Lake Campground

Sweetwater Lake transforms with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Summer unveils the campground at its most inviting, with crystal-clear skies framing warm days perfect for lakeside adventures and cool nights ideal for stargazing. As winter descends, the landscape becomes a snow-covered wonderland, with weekly snowfalls averaging 4 inches creating a pristine blanket of white. The changing seasons paint the surrounding cliffs and forests in an ever-shifting palette, from the vibrant greens of spring to the golden hues of autumn.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer popular for lake activities and clear skies; can be crowded and mosquito-heavy.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Seasonal transformation noted; fall likely scenic and less crowded (explicit data limited).

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Seasonal change mentioned but spring conditions and crowds not described in detail.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Users describe winter as 'frigid' and less conducive to camping or lake activities.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season details not provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season dates not provided; some user reviews suggest active use in summer months.

About Sweetwater Lake Campground

Nestled in the pristine wilderness of White River National Forest, Sweetwater Lake Campground offers an intimate escape with just nine thoughtfully placed sites that promise solitude and connection with nature. This rustic haven welcomes adventurers with six vehicle-accessible sites (accommodating rigs up to 30 feet), each equipped with the essentials for memorable nights under the stars: sturdy picnic tables for evening meals, secure food lockers to protect your provisions, and fire rings where stories and s'mores come to life. A convenient vault toilet serves the campground, maintaining the delicate balance between comfort and wilderness immersion.
The campground is suitable for tent and RV camping, though RVs are limited to six designated sites that can accommodate vehicles up to 30 feet in length.
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Best Campsites

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Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Sweetwater Lake Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, horseback riding, boating, and fishing. The area is surrounded by natural beauty, featuring high limestone cliffs and the 72-acre Sweetwater Lake.
HikingThree hiking and horseback riding trails begin at the end of the campground: the Ute Trail (#2031, 9.4 miles), the Cross Creek Trail (#1855, 6.5 miles), and the Sweetwater Nature Trail (#2031.1A), which is a short, scenic hike of about 500 yards with views of the lake and a waterfall.
FishingFishing is allowed in Sweetwater Lake, with emphasis on the use of non-motorized watercraft or boats with electric motors (up to 5 h.p.). Shoreline fishing is limited due to the geography.
BoatingNon-motorized boats and those with electric motors (5 h.p. or less) are allowed. Canoe and rowboat rentals are available on-site. Gas-powered motors are prohibited.
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes during summer are noted; proximity to horseback riders necessitates leashing dogs.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredFood lockers available at each campsite to comply with bear safety regulations.

Weather at Sweetwater Lake Campground

Reviews

3.8
20 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Sweetwater Lake Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews provide a mixed experience of Sweetwater Lake Campground. Many appreciate the beautiful scenery, lake access, and outdoor activities such as kayaking and fishing. However, some have complaints about the small campsites, lack of amenities, and overcrowding during peak seasons.
Review Summaries
Based on 20 reviews

What Campers Love

Users highlight the scenic views, peaceful environment, and activities such as kayaking and fishing. One user noted, 'I love this place and will continue to camp here!! 🏕'
Based on 20 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users reported small and crowded campsites, 'mosquito city' conditions, and limited access to certain amenities. Others mentioned issues with rude staff and a lack of cell service.
Based on 20 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring mosquito repellent and potable water, arrive early to secure larger campsites, and take advantage of hiking trails. A user recommended, 'Come prepared for no cell service and a backup plan in...
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Based on 20 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is popular for lake activities, but it can get crowded and mosquito-heavy. Winter weather is less conducive to camping, with reviews noting it as a 'frigid' time period.
Based on 20 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This place is by far 5 stars in rustic out of the way terms.' 2. 'Great lake access, peaceful, fun kayaking and fishing for rainbow trout in the west end.' 3. 'Beautiful camping, hiking 💕'
Based on 20 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campers noted the best spots are those closer to the lake for easier access to activities. However, these are often small and fill up quickly. As one user remarked, 'Only 9 small campsites, NOT big...
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Based on 20 reviews

Accessibility Features

There are no specific reviews about accessibility features.
Based on 20 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but dogs must be kept on a leash due to the high number of horseback riders. Users did not report specific issues related to pets.
Based on 20 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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