Nightly rates run $10 to $20 at Bear River Designated Dispersed, and despite the name, sites here are assigned rather than truly open-range dispersed camping. No reservations are accepted. Campers self-register by stopping at the Forest Service sign near the road entrance, picking up a slip, selecting a site, and returning to drop off the form. Sites fill by Thursday most weeks in summer, so arriving early in the week improves the odds considerably.
Site exposure varies noticeably across the area. Some spots back up against the forest edge and provide a degree of separation from neighbors, while others sit more openly along the roadside with little buffer. Shade is limited across most sites, so a canopy helps during midday hours. Elevation keeps overnight and morning temperatures around 35 degrees Fahrenheit through summer, making layers essential regardless of the season. Mosquitoes are active and reportedly require high-DEET repellent to manage effectively.
The surrounding area gives access to multiple lakes and creeks. Anglers and paddlers should note that the reservoir's boat launch has been unusable in recent years due to low water levels, so canoes and hand-carry watercraft are more practical. Cell service is not confirmed by multiple reviewers, so planning accordingly before arrival makes sense. One reviewer noted the area's draw concisely: "multiple lakes and creeks for great fishing as well as some amazing hikes like The Devils Causeway."
Campers looking at campgrounds near Routt National Forest have additional options in the corridor. The Bear Lake Campground sits further up the road and may suit those wanting a more developed or shaded setup.
Description
ABOUT: Located in the heart of the Flat Tops just outside Yampa on Forest Service Road 900. This area has 26 designated dispersed camping sites. (Dispersed camping is defined as camping sites that are outside of the campgrounds andd o not have services such as toilets, electric, water or trash.) Though these sites offer less tree shade coverage than Bear Lake Campground, the views are wide open and spectacular of the reservoir and the Flat Tops at these designated sites. Potable water and vault toilets are available a few miles away at Bear Lake, Horseshoe and Coldsprings campgrounds. AMENITIES: Each designated dispersed site has 1 picnic table and 1 fire grate. BOAT REGULATIONS : Electric trolling motors and internal combustion engines _ are allowed. (This is the only reservoir combustion engines are allowed)_ HIKING NEARBY: There are 3 Trailheads located off Forest Service Road 900. Mandall Lakes Trailhead, Smith Lake Trailhead, and Stillwater Trailhead, all within a short driving distance. Stop into the Yampa Ranger Station for free trail guides. FIRE RESTRICTIONS: Please check with the Yampa Ranger Station to find out if there are any current fire restrictions. 970-638-4516 DIRECTIONS: From Downtown Yampa, Take Cty Rd 7 just behind the local General Store, (Montgomery’s) for 7 miles, it will then turn into gravel and this is when the road becomes Forest Service Road 900, stay on FS RD 900 for approximately 4 more miles until you see Yamcolo on the left side. It is the first of the three reservoirs located on Forest Service Rd 900. These sites can accomodate most trailers up to 35 feet depending on the site.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBear River Designated Dispersed is located in Colorado near Yampa
Directions
Directions from Yampa: Travel S/SW on County Rd 7 for approximately 7 miles to FDR 900. Follow FDR 900 for approximately another 3 miles to 13 miles. Sites are located along this 10 mile stretch of FDR 900.
Coordinates
40.0582722 N
107.0242504 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Bear River Designated Dispersed needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 57 min from Denver, CO
- 2 hrs 59 min from Grand Junction, CO
- 3 hrs 7 min from Boulder, CO
- 3 hrs 42 min from Fort Collins, CO
