Dry Lake Campground (Co)
4.4912 reviewsHahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District, 925 Weiss Drive, Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Quick Facts
8,277 ftPrice
$10/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
7 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
8,277 ftPrice
$10/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
7 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsDry Lake Campground (Co)
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping costs $10 per night without discounts, but discounts may apply for certain programs or Interagency Passes.
Standard Site Fee$10.00
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$10.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider970-870-2299
What Campers Say
4.49
Recommended
Based on 12 reviews
34 Google reviews
Most mentioned
scenerypeacefulhikingwell-maintained
Some mention
mosquitoestrain
"Overall, Dry Lake Campground receives positive feedback for its quiet, scenic setting and proximity to recreational activities. Common themes include the cleanliness of vault toilets, the helpfulness of camp hosts, and the abundance of wildlife."
Fees & Passes at Dry Lake Campground (Co)
$10/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum stay allowed is 14 nights.
Cancellation: Reservations can be canceled ahead of the check-in date with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellati...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District website.
Best Time to Camp at Dry Lake Campground (Co)
Summer transforms Dry Lake into a mountain paradise, where crystal-clear skies stretch endlessly above and gentle breezes carry the scent of wildflowers through comfortable, moderate temperatures. As autumn approaches, the aspens burst into golden flames against the evergreen backdrop. Winter, however, cloaks the campground in deep snow and brings arctic conditions that can make the winding Buffalo Pass Road challenging or impassable, creating a seasonal sanctuary accessible primarily during the warmer months.
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)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: No specific peak season dates are listed, but summer is likely busiest due to favorable weather conditions and recreational activities.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open year-round but accessibility may be affected in winter due to high elevation.
About Dry Lake Campground (Co)
Tucked away in the pristine wilderness just 8 miles northeast of Steamboat Springs, Dry Lake Campground offers an intimate escape for those seeking solitude in Colorado's high country. This hidden gem along Buffalo Pass Road welcomes adventurers with 7 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each furnished with sturdy tables and fireplace grates perfect for evening gatherings under starlit skies. While the campground embraces a back-to-basics approach with vault toilets and no running water, it compensates with direct access to scenic hiking and biking trails that wind through the surrounding forest. The compact size accommodates trailers up to 20 feet, making it ideal for smaller rigs and those who prefer a more secluded camping experience away from the crowds.
Dry Lake Campground caters to tent camping and small trailer camping. Primitive facilities include vault toilets, campfire rings, and picnic tables. The campground offers an experience tailored for campers seeking a more natural, less commercialized setting.
Historical SignificanceDry Lake Campground stands as a gateway to the magnificent Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, a vast wilderness tapestry that has sheltered generations of outdoor enthusiasts. This expansive forest system represents one of Colorado's most diverse ecological treasures, where centuries-old trees have witnessed the evolution of the American West from frontier wilderness to cherished recreational haven.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Dry Lake into a mountain paradise, where crystal-clear skies stretch endlessly above and gentle breezes carry the scent of wildflowers through comfortable, moderate temperatures. As autumn approaches, the aspens burst into golden flames against the evergreen backdrop. Winter, however, cloaks the campground in deep snow and brings arctic conditions that can make the winding Buffalo Pass Road challenging or impassable, creating a seasonal sanctuary accessible primarily during the warmer months.
ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 8,277 feet above sea level, this mountain retreat sits in Colorado's thin-air territory where the sky seems closer and the stars shine brighter. Visitors ascending from lower elevations should pace themselves as their bodies adjust to the altitude, taking time to hydrate and acclimate to fully enjoy the spectacular high-country experience that awaits.
Natural Features and SceneryRising 8,277 feet into the Rocky Mountain sky, Dry Lake Campground immerses visitors in a living cathedral of towering aspens that shimmer in the breeze, alongside ancient spruce and fir sentinels. This elevated sanctuary serves as a crossroads for Colorado's most majestic wildlife – morning visitors might glimpse a bull elk emerging from the mist, while evening campfires are occasionally graced by the silent passage of moose. Black bears forage for berries in nearby meadows, bobcats prowl the shadows, and coyotes sing their haunting melodies under moonlit peaks, creating an authentic wilderness experience where nature's drama unfolds daily.
Geological RegionNestled within the heart of the Routt National Forest, Dry Lake Campground claims its place in the legendary Rocky Mountains, where ancient geological forces sculpted peaks and valleys over millions of years. The surrounding Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland sprawl across nearly three million acres of varied terrain, creating a mosaic of ecosystems from dense evergreen forests to open meadows. This remarkable landscape supports an intricate web of life, where groves of quaking aspen dance alongside stalwart spruce and fir, providing sanctuary for an impressive cast of wildlife including black bears, elusive bobcats, clever coyotes, majestic elk, graceful mule deer, and magnificent moose – all thriving in one of North America's most biodiverse mountain environments.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility-specific features are not described in the authoritative or user-provided sources. It is unclear if the campground caters to visitors with disabilities.
Sites SizeCampsites are noted as being spacious. The maximum trailer size allowed is 20 feet.
Sites PrivacySites offer a moderate level of privacy. User reviews mention that some sites, such as sites #1 and #2, provide more privacy than others.
Total Campsites7 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites #3 and #4 noted for maneuverability challenges with trailers but proximity to trails. Pull-through sites are available but not explicitly listed online.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 14:00 (2 PM).
Check-out
Check-out is required by 12:00 (noon).
Stay Limit
Maximum stay allowed is 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No specific guest limit mentioned.
Groups
No group camping sites are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features 7 spacious sites, equipped with campfire rings and picnic tables. Some sites are pull-through while others require backing in.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round but accessibility may be affected in winter due to high elevation.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov through their website or app and also by calling the contact center.
Walk-in Availability4 out of 7 campsites are reservable two weeks in advance; the remaining sites are first-come, first-served.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled ahead of the check-in date with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations incur a fee equal to the first night's recreation use fee. Changes to reservations can be made with a $10 change fee, except for extending/staying fewer nights.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Dry Lake Campground is a gateway to numerous recreational activities, including hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. The nearby trail system offers opportunities for both beginner and advanced mountain biking and hiking experiences. Winter activities such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are accessible via the Dry Lake Trailhead.
Hiking
The campground provides access to popular trails, including Panorama, Flash of Gold, and Spring Creek. These trails are suitable for a range of skill levels.Biking
The area is well-regarded for mountain biking, with access to trails that cater to all skill levels. The Continental Divide Trail and other single-track trails are accessible from the nearby Dry Lake Trailhead.Wildlife viewing
Visitors frequently encounter wildlife such as moose, elk, and mule deer. One review highlights a close encounter with a "huge moose on the nearest trail."Winter Activities
The Dry Lake Trailhead provides access to the Buffalo Pass Winter Backcountry Permit Area. Activities include snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Snowmobiling is allowed in designated areas.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed within provided fireplace grates. Visitors are reminded to remove food after eating and practice caution.
- Quiet hours are No specific quiet hours mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsBears are present in the area, requiring visitors to follow strict food storage guidelines. Mosquitoes are reported to be an issue during certain seasons, particularly in summer.
Weather at Dry Lake Campground (Co)
21
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 93%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 9.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services include the Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District Office (located in Steamboat Springs) and medical facilities within Steamboat Springs, approximately 8 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo specific peak season dates are listed, but summer is likely busiest due to favorable weather conditions and recreational activities.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available on-site, but some user reviews note that the dumpster has been "full to the brim with trash" at times.
Proximity to water featuresNo water features within the campground. Strawberry Park Hot Springs is located nearby.
Common complaintsSome visitors reported challenges with mosquitoes and difficulty backing trailers into certain campsites due to layout constraints.
HostHosts are described as friendly and helpful, with some visitors noting assistance with fire pits and overall cleanliness of facilities.
Campground Map
Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District, 925 Weiss Drive, Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Driving directionsTravel 4 miles north of Steamboat Springs on Routt County Road #36 (Strawberry Park Rd), then 3.6 miles east on Routt County Road #38 (Buffalo Pass Rd). The campground is located to the north of the road.
The campground is accessible via paved and dirt roads (Buffalo Pass Rd). No seasonal closures are explicitly mentioned, but the elevation of 8,277 feet may affect accessibility during winter.Nearby places
Steamboat Springs (8 miles, approximately 15-20 minutes driving time)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies likely available in Steamboat Springs, approximately 8 miles away, including groceries, camping gear, and fuel.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.5
12 reviews
Dry Lake Campground (Co) is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Dry Lake Campground receives positive feedback for its quiet, scenic setting and proximity to recreational activities. Common themes include the cleanliness of vault toilets, the helpfulness of camp hosts, and the abundance of wildlife.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, the well-maintained facilities, and the proximity to hiking and biking trails. Reviewers frequently commend the camp hosts for their friendliness and the...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The lack of potable water is a frequent point of criticism. Other issues include full trash dumpsters, mosquitoes, and the limited number of campsites, which can make securing a spot challenging. The...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring plenty of water, mosquito repellent, and a shovel for cleaning fire pits. Consider reserving a site in advance, as availability is limited. Smaller trailers are better suited for this...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews highlight heavy mosquito activity but praise the abundance of nearby trails. Fall reviews mention quieter conditions and fewer bugs, making it a preferred time for some visitors.
Based on 12 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Beautiful area to camp. If you have a STURDY and LIGHT 4x4, you can make it up the mountain and boondock for free." - Halie Noble. "Was perfect for us easy car/tent spots with a little privacy for...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #3 is noted for its challenging maneuverability, especially for trailers. Sites #1 and #2 offer more privacy, making them preferred by some visitors.
Based on 12 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features or experiences for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 12 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews explicitly mention pet experiences or policies.
Based on 12 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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