Chapman Reservoir, near Oak Creek, Colorado, is a unique campground that offers a mix of relaxation and outdoor fun. With sites that are spread out along the campground road, you’ll find options for both tent and RV camping, making it a flexible choice for different camping styles.

The reservoir is a highlight here, perfect for paddle boarding and fishing, with some campers raving about the clean restrooms and well-maintained facilities. One visitor mentioned, “The Frying Pan River became my soundtrack for the weekend,” emphasizing the serene atmosphere that many enjoy while soaking in the natural beauty around them.

For those who love to explore, there are great hiking trails nearby, and the area is known for its picturesque views and wildlife. Just keep in mind that the closest place to restock supplies is about an hour away, so plan accordingly. While some sites may lack shade, the overall vibe is friendly and welcoming, making it a great spot for families and groups looking to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.

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.

Chapman Reservoir

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Oak Creek, CO has a lot to offer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Colorado camping has to offer. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Colorado camping adventure.

Oak Creek

The Best Camping Near Oak Creek, Colorado

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!! 

long drive, but worth it!

...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.

The River is the Best Sound Machine...

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.

Bucolic spot to go unwind

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

Our favorite 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!!

Skip This 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!

Photos of Chapman Reservoir

Real photos from real campers