Established Camping
White River National Forest Heaton Bay Campground
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
ALL of White River will be going into a Stage 2 Fire Restriction starting on 8/8/25. Only propane fires will be allowed in all campgrounds or other Forest Service land. No firewood sales will be available to the public. The device must be able to turn on or off the fuel and fire source. No charcoal or wood fires.
BLM Upper Colorado River District and most of White River National Forest remaining in stage 2 restrictions, Dillon Ranger District lowering to stage 1GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 27, 2025) Beginning Friday, fire restrictions in the Dillon Ranger District will be reduced to stage 1. All other lands managed by the White River National Forest as well as all lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management Upper Colorado River District will remain stage 2 fire restrictions.Under stage 2 fire restrictions, no campfires or charcoal are allowed anywhere, including in developed campgrounds and picnic areas, among other restrictions. Under stage 1, fires are allowed in the metal rings provided in developed campgrounds and picnic areas, but not outside those areas, among other restrictions.Fully enclosed metal stoves common in hunting tents are allowed only under stage 1 restrictions, provided the chimney is at least five feet in length and has a spark arrester with a quarter-inch or less screen opening. The area where the stove is used must be barren or cleared of flammable material within 10 feet.The restriction orders detailing the specific prohibitions are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/whiteriver/alerts and https://www.blm.gov/ucr-fire-restrictions.While recent rainfall has helped reduce fire danger in some areas, fire managers are continuing to monitor conditions. County, state and federal officials coordinate and consider many factors when determining the need to implement fire restrictions; these include current and anticipated fire danger, availability of firefighting resources, and concerns of neighboring jurisdictions.
White River National Forest Heaton Bay Campground, near Frisco, Colorado, is a solid choice for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors with a touch of convenience. This campground is right by Dillon Reservoir, making it a prime spot for fishing, paddle boarding, and soaking up the sun on the water.
The sites here come equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for evening gatherings. Visitors have noted that the campground is well-maintained, with clean bathrooms and accessible water spigots, although you’ll need to bring your own drinking water. As one camper mentioned, “The site was very spacious and the campground nice and quiet, clean and well kept.”
If you’re up for some adventure, you’ll find plenty of trails nearby for hiking and biking. Plus, the towns of Frisco and Silverthorne are just a short drive away, offering grocery stores and restaurants for any supplies you might need. While some sites can feel a bit close together, the overall atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, making it a great spot for families and groups alike.
Description
US Forest Service
White River National Forest
Overview
Heaton Bay Campground is situated at an elevation of 9,000 feet and centrally located for recreation and relaxation in the White River National Forest. There is little or no shade in the campground due to pine beetle infestation and the removal of hazard trees, but the sites offer open views to Dillon Reservoir and several mountain ranges.
Recreation
Dillon Reservoir is 3,233 acres with 26.8 miles of shoreline, offering an ideal spot for fishing, boating, and sailing. The reservoir supports a healthy population of rainbow and brown trout, in addition to a few cutthroat finding their way into the lake from feeder streams. Opportunities for hiking and biking in this area include more than 7 paved miles of the 50-mile Summit County trail system. The Old Dillon Reservoir Trail is a favorite. This short, easy trail has spectacular views of the Tenmile Range and the Continental Divide. For those wanting a bit more solitude, hiking in the Ptarmigan Wilderness area is a wonderful escape from the crowds.
Facilities
Heaton Bay Campground has 87 sites, able to accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. Walk-in only tent sites available of a first-come, first-served basis.The campground is equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings, vault toilets, and drinking water. Electrical hook-ups are available for a fee at several of the sites.Firewood is for sale from hosts at the campground.Boat ramp access is available in the marinas located in the nearby towns of Frisco and Dillon.
Natural Features
In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the 2.3 million acre White River National Forest is a place of serenity and adventure, boasting 8 wilderness areas, 4 defined seasons, and 10 peaks surpassing 14,000 feet in elevation. Wildlife in the area abounds. Bighorn sheep navigate rocky ridges and bull elk bugle at dusk. Scenic rivers sustain populations of cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout. Alpine regions provide habitat for pika and ptarmigan. These species, along with many others, depend on surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams, and diverse forests to live.
Nearby Attractions
Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, Breckenridge, and Copper Mountain ski resorts are all located within 10 miles from Dillon Reservoir. These resorts stay open year round.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (801) 226-3564.
Charges & Cancellations
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
Fee Info
Location
White River National Forest Heaton Bay Campground is located in Colorado
Directions
From I-70, take Frisco exit to 203. Turn left onto the Dillon Dam Road. Travel northeast for 1 mile. The campground will be on the right hand side of the road.
Coordinates
39.605 N
106.0777778 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 5 users
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 13 min from Denver
- 1 hr 22 min from Boulder
- 1 hr 58 min from Fort Collins
- 2 hrs 3 min from Colorado Springs