Trappers Lake / Trapline Campground

Star5.00
7 reviews
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Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Quick Facts

9,700 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Open June 9 through ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens White River National Forest site

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Trappers Lake / Trapline Campground
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The campsite fee is $20 per day.
Standard Site Fee$20.00
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

5.00

Top-Rated

Based on 7 reviews

5 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanhikinglake

"User reviews highlight the campground's scenic views, cleanliness, and convenient access to the Flat Tops Wilderness area. The elevation provides cool temperatures, making it a comfortable retreat during warmer months."

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Campground Map

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Trappers Lake / Trapline Campground

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Driving directionsFrom Buford, CO, take County Rt. 8 east 18.6 miles to Trapper Lake and Forest Rt. 205 signs. Turn right at signs and go 7.6 miles to Trappers Lake campground sign. Turn right, crossing one lane bridge, and go 1.4 miles to 'T' intersection. Turn left to campground.
"NOTE: County Rt. 8 becomes Forest Rt. 8 and dirt after 10 miles." This indicates that the road includes unpaved sections, which may require careful driving.
Nearby places
Meeker (approximately 39 miles via Rio Blanco County Road 8)
Nearby supplies
Limited groceries, camping supplies, boat and horse rentals are available at the Trappers Lake Lodge.

Best Time to Camp at Trappers Lake / Trapline Campground

At 9,700 feet, Trapline Campground exists in a world above the clouds, where summer brings crisp mountain air that offers sweet relief from the sweltering heat of the valleys below. Visitors often find themselves reaching for an extra layer as evening approaches, grateful for the cool temperatures that make for perfect sleeping weather. Outside the brief summer window, this high-altitude paradise transforms into a winter wonderland, with snow blanketing the landscape and temperatures that remind you just how close you are to the sky. The dramatic elevation creates its own microclimate, where afternoon thunderstorms can roll in quickly and morning frost might greet early risers even in July.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open June 9–Sept 10; cool, crisp summers at 9,700 ft with full access to trails and boating.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open into early fall (through Sept 10); late-fall access limited by seasonal closure and early snow risk.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Seasonal opening on June 9 means spring access is not available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside June 9–Sept 10; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open June 9 through September 10.
  • Current Alerts: null

About Trappers Lake / Trapline Campground

Perched in the heart of the Trappers Lake Recreation Area, Trapline Campground offers 11 thoughtfully arranged sites along a single loop, where the landscape opens up to endless Colorado skies. Unlike the dense forest campgrounds below, Trapline embraces its high-altitude setting with sun-drenched sites that bask in natural light from dawn to dusk. Here, the commanding presence of the Flat Tops Wilderness stretches across the horizon, creating a backdrop that transforms with each passing hour as shadows dance across ancient peaks and valleys.
Trapline Campground offers a mix of camping experiences with combined sites suitable for a variety of setups.
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Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 5 days.

Amenities available

Potable water
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The Trapline Campground offers a variety of activities centered around outdoor exploration and recreation in the adjacent Flat Tops Wilderness and Trappers Lake.
HikingMultiple trails, including Trappers Lake Trail (6.6 miles), Stillwater Trail (4.2 miles), Wall Lake Trail (6.2 miles), and Himes Peak Trail (5 miles), are accessible to hikers and horseback riders, leading into the Flat Tops Wilderness.
FishingTrappers Lake offers fishing opportunities for Cutthroat trout (over 10-inch, catch & release) and Brook trout.
BoatingNon-motorized boating such as canoeing and kayaking is allowed at Trappers Lake. However, motorized boats and wheeled carts for boat transport are prohibited due to the lake's location in the Flat Tops Wilderness.
Wildlife viewingThe nearby wilderness area offers opportunities to observe various wildlife species in their natural habitats.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHigh elevation (9,700 feet) may result in altitude sickness for some visitors.
Active Alertsnull

Weather at Trappers Lake / Trapline Campground

Reviews

5.0
7 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Trappers Lake / Trapline Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's scenic views, cleanliness, and convenient access to the Flat Tops Wilderness area. The elevation provides cool temperatures, making it a comfortable retreat during warmer months.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the 'clean and well-supplied' vault toilets, the scenic and open environment, and the proximity to hiking trails and Trappers Lake. The cool elevation was specifically appreciated...
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Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

No significant complaints were noted in the reviews provided.
Based on 7 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend visiting during summer for comfortable temperatures and easy access to the area's trails and fishing opportunities.
Based on 7 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open seasonally from June 9 through September 10, with reviews indicating cooler temperatures and a sparsely occupied environment, especially during late summer.
Based on 7 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The vault toilet restrooms were clean and well-supplied with essentials." - David Lobree "Great camping and outstanding views. We love it here!" - gjflyfisherman
Based on 7 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site numbers were highlighted as the best or worst in the reviews.
Based on 7 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically addressed accessibility features.
Based on 7 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No user reviews specifically addressed experiences with pets.
Based on 7 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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