Trappers Lake / Bucks Campground
03 reviewsQuick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
10 campsites
Season
The campground is fi...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
10 campsites
Season
The campground is fi...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsTrappers Lake / Bucks Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Check the forest-wide campground table for current pricing.
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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USFS
ProviderWhat Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 3 reviews
3 Google reviews
Most mentioned
cleanwell-maintained
Some mention
cell service
"User reviews of Bucks Campground highlight its scenic beauty, cleanliness, and proximity to trails. However, lack of cell service and biting insects during certain seasons are common issues noted."
Fees & Passes at Trappers Lake / Bucks Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Cancellation: No cancellation policy is described.
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official White River National Forest website.
Best Time to Camp at Trappers Lake / Bucks Campground
The high country climate here brings dramatic seasonal changes, from sparkling summer days that inspire visitors like Anthony Orttel to declare the area 'absolutely beautiful' during his August 2023 stay, to winter months when deep snow blankets the landscape in pristine white. The frigid winter conditions transform the campground into a snow-covered wonderland, while summer brings mild days perfect for hiking and cool, star-filled nights ideal for campfire gatherings.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: Not explicitly stated.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: The campground is first come, first serve, but no explicit dates for opening and closure are provided.
- Current Alerts: No active alerts or advisories are mentioned.
About Trappers Lake / Bucks Campground
Nestled at the edge of the pristine Flat Tops Wilderness, Bucks Campground offers an intimate retreat with just 10 sites among towering firs. As one of five campgrounds forming the scenic Trappers Lake camping community, Bucks provides easy access to the wilderness boundary and the picturesque Trappers Lake Outlet. David Lobree captured the essence of this special place in his September 2021 visit, noting how the campground serves as a perfect basecamp for exploring one of Colorado's most beloved wilderness areas.
The campground offers a small number of rustic, first-come, first-serve campsites suitable for tent camping and small RVs.
Historical SignificanceIn 2002, the devastating Big Fish wildfire swept through 17,273 acres of the surrounding landscape, leaving its mark on the region's history. Remarkably, the area around Bucks Campground emerged unscathed, preserving the old-growth forest that continues to shelter campers today. This survival story adds a layer of resilience and natural wonder to every visit.
Weather and SeasonsThe high country climate here brings dramatic seasonal changes, from sparkling summer days that inspire visitors like Anthony Orttel to declare the area 'absolutely beautiful' during his August 2023 stay, to winter months when deep snow blankets the landscape in pristine white. The frigid winter conditions transform the campground into a snow-covered wonderland, while summer brings mild days perfect for hiking and cool, star-filled nights ideal for campfire gatherings.
ElevationPerched high in Colorado's Rocky Mountains, the campground's alpine setting creates the perfect environment for cool summer escapes and spectacular mountain vistas. The crisp mountain air and high-altitude atmosphere provide a refreshing retreat from lower elevations.
Natural Features and SceneryBucks Campground is embraced by a magnificent fir forest that miraculously survived the 2002 Big Fish wildfire, creating a verdant oasis of towering evergreens. Visitors are often surprised by the lush, green trails that wind through the area, as Anthony Orttel discovered during his August 2023 visit when he found the local paths unusually vibrant and green. The dense canopy provides natural shade and a sense of seclusion, while the proximity to wilderness areas promises endless scenic adventures.
Geological RegionSet within the magnificent Flat Tops region, the campground serves as a gateway to Trappers Lake, a pristine mountain gem that lies entirely within the protected Flat Tops Wilderness. This unique geological wonderland features ancient volcanic plateaus, creating a landscape unlike any other in Colorado's diverse mountain terrain.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is accessible by well-maintained dirt roads, suitable for standard vehicles. Specific accessibility features for individuals with disabilities are not detailed.
Sites SizeStandard-size sites accommodating tents and small RVs.
Sites PrivacySites are located in a heavily wooded fir forest, offering natural privacy between most sites.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNo specific guidance on choosing campsites.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutNo descriptions of layout loops or sections for Bucks Campground specifically.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is first come, first serve, but no explicit dates for opening and closure are provided.
Reservation PlatformsN/A for Bucks Campground as it operates on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityBucks Campground operates exclusively on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy is described.
Amenities available
Potable water
Dump station
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Trappers Lake / Bucks Campground is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Flat Tops Wilderness, offering proximity to numerous outdoor activities.
Hiking
The campground provides easy access to the Flat Tops Wilderness trails, making it an excellent base for hikers. The trails are described as lush and green during certain seasons.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No explicit fire policy is mentioned; water is available to put out fires, according to a user review.
- Quiet hours are No quiet hours are mentioned.
Hazards
General hazards"Mosquitos and black flies were horrendous" - Anthony Orttel (User Review, August 2023). Potential wildlife presence typical of wilderness areas.
Active alertsNo active alerts or advisories are mentioned.
Weather at Trappers Lake / Bucks Campground
15
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 80%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 7.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
No explicit information on nearest emergency services provided. Cell phone service is unavailable, even for 911 calls.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot explicitly stated.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are mentioned, but details such as recycling availability are not provided.
Proximity to water featuresProximity to Trappers Lake is mentioned but exact distances are not specified.
Common complaintsNo complaints explicitly stated, except for the lack of cell service and biting insects mentioned by multiple reviewers.
Host"Contractor Host onsite and runs the CGs here." - Greg D. Lind (User Review, August 2024).
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Meeker, take Colorado Highway 13 east for 1 mile, then turn right on Rio Blanco County Road 8 and follow this for 39 miles to Trappers Lake Road #205. Turn south on Trappers Lake Road #205, and continue for 10 miles just past the Outlet Trailhead. Bucks Campground is on the left.
"Dirt roads going to camp were very well maintained so don’t worry if you don’t have a truck, your car will be just fine." - Anthony Orttel (User Review, August 2023). Seasonal closures or road maintenance conditions are not explicitly mentioned.Nearby places
Meeker (about 50 miles away).
Nearby supplies
Firewood available for $8 per bag (cash only) at the camp host's site in the reserved campground. A lodge about half a mile away offers showers for a fee (cash only). Grocery and camping supplies are not explicitly mentioned, suggest provision planning before arrival.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
3 reviews
Trappers Lake / Bucks Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Bucks Campground highlight its scenic beauty, cleanliness, and proximity to trails. However, lack of cell service and biting insects during certain seasons are common issues noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praised the natural beauty, clean vault toilets, and well-maintained access roads. One review mentioned: "All photos were taken from the campsite at Bucks" and described the area as "absolutely...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The lack of cell service is consistently mentioned as a drawback. Additionally, biting insects such as mosquitos and black flies were noted as significant nuisances during certain times of the year.
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend pre-spraying gear with bug spray to combat insects. Another suggestion is to use a GPS to input directions before leaving Meeker, due to the absence of cell service. Firewood can be...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews indicate that the trails are lush and green during the summer months. However, biting insects such as mosquitoes are more active in the same period, making insect repellents essential.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Was there 8/4-8/6 and it was absolutely beautiful!" "The vault toilet restrooms were clean and well supplied with essentials." "There is zero cellphone signal—not even the ability to call 911."
Based on 3 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
One user mentioned that "about half of the 10 sites were occupied" during a mid-August visit on a Saturday, indicating moderate availability even during peak times.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is not specifically covered in user reviews.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies and experiences are not mentioned in available reviews.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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