Map showing campground location near Oak Creek, Colorado

Camper submitted image from Chapman Reservoir

Chapman Reservoir

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Reservations are available at Chapman Reservoir, a Forest Service campground set within Routt National Forest and open from June through September. The access road carries a rough designation, so drivers should account for that before towing anything low-clearance. Sites are spread across multiple loops, with some overlooking the reservoir, others positioned along the Frying Pan River, and a few in open field sections between the two. Electric hookups are available on select loops, making the campground workable for RVs as well as tent campers.

Water access is the central draw here. The reservoir sees consistent use from paddleboarders and kayakers, and it fills up on warm weekends, so arriving early helps secure a good spot along the shoreline. Fishing is a regular activity both on the reservoir and along the river. Reviewers note the vault toilets are consistently well-maintained, which stands out for a campground at this elevation and use level. Shade varies significantly by loop, and at least one loop has little to none, so site selection matters.

One practical note worth flagging: multiple reviewers report no potable water on site, which conflicts with the listed amenity. Joe B. notes simply, "No on site water." Bring more than you think you need. The nearest resupply is roughly an hour away. Camp hosts are active and enforce the rules, which contributes to the campground's cleanliness. Nearby alternatives include Allen Basin Reservoir Dispersed and Crosho Lake Recreation Area, both a few miles southeast. Book early for summer weekends, as the reservoir loops fill quickly.

Description

ABOUT: This campground is located outside of Yampa, CO near the Dunckley Pass area off CTY Rd 8, (the Scenic Byway Flat Tops Trail) on Forest Service Road 940. Some sites offer a beautiful view of the reservoir and the Little Flat Tops. This is a perfect place to relax, or to take a scenic drive. The activities that you can enjoy here include fishing, some hiking and ATV riding nearby and wakeless boating. To access the reservoir, be prepared for a short hike. This campground does not allow ATV's to be driven through it, but does offer several ATV opportunities just outside the campground. Stop by the Yampa Ranger Station/Visitor center or the outside kiosk (if afterhours) for a brochure of the Flat Tops Trail Scenic By-Way as it includes some information on the areas highlights. AMENITIES: The campground has 1 vault toilet, and each campsite offers a picnic table, and a fire grate. PLEASE NOTE : This campground does not have electric, water or showers. (If seeking camping with potable water, please visit one of our other campgrounds. (Bear Lake Campground, Horseshoe Campground, Cold Springs Campground.) BOAT REGULATIONS : Electric trolling motors are allowed. Internal combustion engines are not allowed. (Combustion engines only allowed at Yamcolo Reservoir). FIRE RESTRICTIONS: Current as of August 3, We are still under a Stage 1 fire restriction. Camp fires are ONLY allowed in the permanent fire grates at the designated campsites/campgrounds. NO back country fires allowed, NO rock ring fires, (must use the permanent structure fire grates at the designated sites only) NO charcoal grills allowed. NO smoking outside allowed. PLEASE NOTE; THERE IS NO WATER AT THE CHAPMAN CAMPGROUND. COME PREPARED WITH EXTRA WATER TO PUT YOUR FIRE OUT COLD. DIRECTIONS FROM YAMPA: Take CTY Rd 17 west 5.5 miles to a "Y" intersection (CTY Rd 132). Stay left onto CTY Rd 132 and go 6.9 miles to the Chapman Reservoir sign (Forest Service Road 940). Turn left at sign onto Forest Service Road 940 and go 1.4 miles to the campground. NOTE: CTY Rd 132 changes to CTY Rd 8 after 4.2 miles.

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Map & DirectionsChapman Reservoir is located in Colorado near Oak Creek

Public Campground

Directions

In Yampa, CO, take County Rt. 17 west 5.5 miles to a "Y" intersection (County Rt. 132). Bear left onto Rt. 132 (gravel) and go 6.9 miles to Chapman Reservoir sign (Forest Rt. 940). Turn left at sign onto Rt. 940 (very steep and washboard) and go 1.4 miles to campground sign. Bear right into campground.

Coordinates

40.18600058 N
107.09100067 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

2 hrs 59 min from Denver, CO
3 hrs 1 min from Grand Junction, CO
3 hrs 9 min from Boulder, CO
3 hrs 37 min from Fort Collins, CO

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Reviews6 Camper Reviews - Chapman Reservoir

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the well-maintained campground with clean facilities and peaceful, well-spaced sites near water features. Several guests noted the remote location requires bringing supplies, and no potable water is available on site.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Joe B.

Guide

Reviewed Jan. 5, 2025

Great secluded campground

I enjoyed my stay here very much. We were near the reservoir and saw a few mule deer. Easily accessible vault toilets. No on site water. Will be back!

Month of VisitSeptember

(5) View All

Tracy V.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 20, 2023

Skip This Campground

One of the weirdest CGs I’ve ever stayed at. The layout is not a loop but a series of sites strung out along the CG road. The first three sites are together, then the next four are grouped together, and finally the last four are at the end of the road. The toilet is located at the middle grouping and is a fair distance walk from the other groupings. The lake is small and has access along 20% of the shoreline. The remaining shoreline is swampy and contributes to the massive mosquito population at the campground. No potable water is available. I would not stay at this CG again!!

Site3

Month of VisitAugust

Esther G.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 13, 2019

Our favorite campground

We love this campground. It’s our favorite place to paddle board. The restrooms are very clean & you can either camp by the river or the lake.

Victoria H.

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 7, 2018

Bucolic spot to go unwind

It’s a far drive but what a fun campground. It was great for our couple of families and herd of kids. The reservoir gets busy so go early to stake out a spot to hang for the day. Once there, it’s a wonderful place to play for the day- paddle boarding, fishing, jumping off the dam. Vault toilets are very clean. Be sure to check in with the camp hosts and do things by the book. They’re strict! But, it makes it a clean, well run place to go. River is beautiful and spots are pretty well spaced out.

Month of VisitAugust

Laura G.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 3, 2018

The River is the Best Sound Machine...

...Or, more appropriatly, just the original.

This campground is really nice. There are several loops: some overlook the reservoir (it looked like tent spots), others have the river go by. There are a few that end up in a field in-between those two, and if we had ended up there I imagine my review would be lower. But I didn’t, and the Frying Pan River became my soundtrack for the weekend, drowning out all the noise from any other campers. The loops are nice...there is only a few spots on each one, so it doesn’t feel crowded. The campground is well-maintained. The reservoir had good fishing. (I also saw someone flyfishing on a SUP, so kudos to that guy and his balance.) The reservoir is above a lot of the campground, and has this huge wall that looks like a castle wall. The kids and I were able to play a great of pretend up there. Finally, there is a huge lake just a few minutes away, so there are lots of options for recreation.

Jamie M.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 15, 2018

long drive, but worth it!

from Denver, this campground is about 4.5 hours but such a fun spot! pretty private and a reservoir that’s awesome for kayaks, paddle boards, etc. there are also great trails to hike from the campsite. bring plenty of supplies, though, because the closest place to restock is Basalt - an hour drive. 8 different loops with about 10-12 campsites for each loop - some with electric options. Best spot hands down, G67. personally, we avoid the F loop because the shade is non existent. there are real toilets and fire rings so you can usually have a fire. if you don’t have a watersport equipment, it can be kind of boring but an awesome spot!!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Chapman Reservoir Campground?

Chapman Reservoir Campground offers clean vault toilets but no on-site water, so bring your own supply. The campground features multiple camping loops with sites situated near either the reservoir or the river, providing different experiences based on your preference. Some sites are more private than others, with varied layouts throughout the campground. The unique arrangement includes sites strung along the campground road rather than a traditional loop design. Be prepared with all necessary supplies as the nearest resupply point is about an hour's drive away in Basalt.

Where is Chapman Reservoir Campground located in Colorado?

Chapman Reservoir Campground is located in a remote area of Colorado, approximately 4.5 hours from Denver. The campground sits alongside Chapman Reservoir, offering both lakeside and riverside camping options. Its secluded location means you should come prepared with supplies, as the nearest town for provisions is Basalt, about an hour's drive away. The remote setting provides access to both water recreation and hiking trails directly from the campground.

What do other campers say about their experience at Chapman Campground?

Campers generally praise Chapman Campground for its beautiful setting and recreational opportunities. Many highlight the excellent paddleboarding and kayaking on the reservoir, with families particularly enjoying the water activities. The campground receives compliments for its clean facilities and the option to camp by either the river or lake. Some campers note the unique layout with sites arranged along a road rather than in a traditional loop format. Wildlife sightings, including mule deer, add to the experience. Most visitors consider it worth the long drive, especially for those traveling with families and water sports enthusiasts.

Are there good fishing opportunities at Chapman Reservoir?

Chapman Reservoir offers excellent fishing opportunities, making it a draw for anglers. The reservoir is popular enough that arriving early is recommended to secure a good spot, particularly during busy periods. Beyond fishing, the reservoir supports multiple water activities including paddleboarding and kayaking. Some visitors enjoy fishing from the dam area, which also serves as a jumping spot for swimmers. The diverse aquatic environment makes Chapman Reservoir a worthwhile destination for fishing enthusiasts, though specific fish species and regulations should be verified with Colorado Parks and Wildlife before your trip.

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