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Established Camping

Dry Lake Campground

Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect

There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

Due to Construction Dry Lake Campground will be closed the summer of 2024. Please visit recreation.gov or https://www.fs.usda.gov/mbr for information on other nearby campgrounds. Other Nearby Campgrounds Hinman Campground Meadows Campground Dumont Campground Seedhouse Campground

Due to Construction Dry Lake Campground will be closed the summer of 2024. Please visit recreation.gov or https://www.fs.usda.gov/mbr for information on other nearby campgrounds. Other Nearby Campgrounds Hinman Campground Meadows Campground Dumont Campground Seedhouse Campground

Dry Lake Campground, near Steamboat Springs, Colorado, is a cozy spot that offers a unique camping experience surrounded by stunning natural beauty. With only a handful of sites, it’s perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle while still being close to town.

This campground is known for its picturesque views and easy access to hiking trails, making it a great base for outdoor adventures. Visitors have highlighted the beauty of the area, especially during sunset when the Aspens light up with vibrant colors. One camper noted, “The sunset colors over the Aspens was gorgeous and we saw some amazing shooting stars as well.”

While the amenities are basic—think toilets and no showers—there’s a welcoming vibe that many appreciate. Campers have mentioned the availability of firewood and the chance to enjoy a campfire under the stars. Just a heads up, the mosquitoes can be quite the nuisance in the evenings, so come prepared.

If you’re up for some exploration, Strawberry Park Hot Springs is just a short drive away and is definitely worth a visit. Whether you’re pitching a tent or parking your RV, Dry Lake Campground offers a charming retreat for those looking to soak in the great outdoors.

Description

National Forest

Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG

Overview

Dry Lake Trailhead is located off County Road 60 (Buffalo Pass Road) and is near the Dry Lake Campground. This trailhead provides access to both non-motorized and motorized trails. Access for dirt bikes and other recreational vehicles on Buffalo Pass Road. This is a very high-use year-round trailhead and a gateway to exploring the aspens, sub-alpine firs, and wildflowers of the mountains of the Park Range. A vault toilet is provided at the Trailhead. Dry Lake Trailhead is managed by the Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District in Steamboat Springs. In the summer and shoulder seasons, there is access to multiple hiking trails which are also beginner through advanced mountain bike trails (Panorama, Fiddlehead, Flash of Gold, Spring Creek, Spring Roll, BTR, Soda, Buffalo Billy's, and several others) and single-track dirt-bike trails (Great White Buffalo and upper Flash of Gold). Continental Divide Trail heading south from the top of Buffalo Pass is open to ATC 50 or less. Heading north from the top of the pass users almost immediately enter Mount Zirkel Wilderness. In the winter, Dry Lake Trailhead is the primary access to the Buffalo Pass Winter Backcountry Permit Area. This area has special regulations to ensure the enjoyment of both non-motorized and motorized user. Winter users especially motorized users please pay attention to access regulations and information.

Recreation

Dry Lake campground provides a great gateway for hiking and biking.

Natural Features

At an elevation of 8,277 feet, Dry lake lies in the Rocky Mountains in the heart of the Routt National Forest. The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland encompass nearly three million acres from central and northeastern Wyoming to north-central Colorado. Black bear, bobcat, coyote, elk, mule deer and moose are just some of the many animals that inhabit these rich and diverse lands.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (970) 870-2299.

Nearby Attractions

There are many attractions with Steamboat Springs only a short drive away. Many more outdoor opportunities exist in the surrounding national forests and grasslands, including hiking, biking, camping, horseback and off-road vehicle riding, fishing, hunting, sightseeing and winter sports.

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Location

Dry Lake Campground is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Directions

Directions from Steamboat Springs, Colorado: Travel 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.

Coordinates

40.535894 N
106.782159 W

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Access

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

Stay Connected

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Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Water Hookups

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time


Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Reviewed Nov. 11, 2019

Meh Loud

Long way up a heavily traveled road. Loud site with lots of dirt bikers and parting. Long gone are the quiet nights up Buff pass.

Reviewed Oct. 22, 2019

Perfect

Great lil spot outside town, trail head right across road.

Reviewed Aug. 11, 2019

Nice smaller campground

We arrived in early afternoon on a Monday and despite the sign out front that said “campground full” we found that there were 2 or 3 available sites that must have been recently vacated. We chose site 8 which was fairly spacious and private despite being close to the bathroom. The campground is pretty easy to get to from town (about 15 minutes) and is also fairly close to Strawberry hot springs which are definitely worth a visit! Mosquitoes were BAD in the evenings so be prepared. We brought our own firewood but there seemed to be a lot of cut logs that could be chopped up and used for the fire if you had an axe. The sunset colors over the Aspens was gorgeous and we saw some amazing shooting stars as well. If the campsite is full, there were some dispersed sites as you continue up the mountain but the road conditions get pretty bad as you get higher up.

  • Review photo of Dry Lake Campground by Kristin M., August 11, 2019
  • Review photo of Dry Lake Campground by Kristin M., August 11, 2019
  • Review photo of Dry Lake Campground by Kristin M., August 11, 2019
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 13, 2017

Cute little campground

When we first got there almost all the sites were full (there are only 7 or 8). We got lucky and pulled up right as some people were leaving. The site was much bigger then the one next to us, from what I saw each site is very different in size and set up. If you go during mid summer it will be green and lush. You are close to your neighbors since it is a small campground and it has very little traffic through camp at night for that reason. Great for hiking or if your looking to stay out of town.

Site2
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Dry Lake Campground by Alyssa E., July 13, 2017
  • Review photo of Dry Lake Campground by Alyssa E., July 13, 2017
Reviewed Jun. 21, 2017

We love Steamboat Springs

Dry Lake Campground is a very small place. There are only 7 or 8 sites and one is occupied by the camp host. All sites were occupied when we arrived but the host was gracious enough to share their site with us. There is no water or showers available, only toilets. The mosquitos were out, so I would definitely be prepared for that. There is plenty of small wood available if you are willing to search but I would recommend bringing firewood if you can. The location is beautiful! Be sure to visit Strawberry Park Hotsprings only a few miles away!! This is the best Hotspring in the state and you will not regret it!

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Dry Lake Campground by Jason P., June 21, 2017
  • Review photo of Dry Lake Campground by Jason P., June 21, 2017
  • Review photo of Dry Lake Campground by Jason P., June 21, 2017
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 30, 2016

Nicely place campground for access

This is a nicely placed campground up buff pass round outside of steamboat springs. It's the first camping you will come to on buff pass. It sits directly across for spring creek hiking trail and plenty of other hiking trail around. Also mountain biking serves as an option for the majority of the trails. Small directional loop serves all sites, In a moderate/heavily wooded area. Can remember how many site there are, but i think it was around 15-20? Fairly busy campground on the weekends. Pretty light traffic during the week. Alternatively is to drive up biff pass road( recommended higher clearance vehicle) to summit lake CG.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Dry Lake Campground have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Dry Lake Campground has water hookups.

  • Are fires allowed at Dry Lake Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Dry Lake Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Dry Lake Campground?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Dry Lake Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Dry Lake Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Dry Lake Campground?

    There are 8 campsites at Dry Lake Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts