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About
Heaton Bay
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. Guests can fill their RV tanks. 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.
ADA Access: N
Access
Drive In
Fee Info
There will be a $5/night additional fee charged for those sites with electric hookup.
Operator
National Forest
Contact
Location
Heaton Bay
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.
7 Reviews of Heaton Bay
Perfect getaway location with recreation options abound within minutes.
So close to everything, no worries if you forgot anything.
Chilly, Beautiful, Empty in Early October
The campground was more or less deserted when I was there. It was also very cold and windy but incredibly beautiful. With easy access to area attractions, I chose to stay here because there is was just off my route between Grand Junction and Denver. There are several areas that are specifically for tents although it didn't look as if all of the tent sites had great spots to actually pitch a tent. It's also a deceptively large campground and I drove around for quite a while before finding a good site.
Good and Bad
Pros: This campground has direct access to Dillon Reservoir which is great! Several of the campsites back to inlets of the reservoir and people were dropping in their kayaks, paddle boards, etc. The reservoir is no body contact, so there is no swimming allowed. We were able to follow deer trails throughout the grounds to access the water and do some fishing. It is easily accessible from the highway and right outside Frisco, so if you forget anything or need Starbucks it is just minutes away.
Cons: It is just minutes from Frisco, and I70 which makes it a noisy campground all day and night from vehicle noise. The sites are over used so they are extremely dusty. Plan on leaving covered in dirt head to toe especially if you have a tent. There are no tent pads so there is flexibilty on the size of tents. Our 10'x16' tent fit no problem. The sites on the inside of the loop are backed up very closely to each other. Our neighbors tent ended up about 15 ft from ours.
Site E64: Too close to neighbors to the back. Descent space between side to side neighbors. No shade over fire ring/picnic table area. There is shade around to set up chairs or tent in a shady spot. The bathrooms are pretty far away if you take the road, there was a deer trail between the sites behind leading straight to the bathroom if you feel inclined. You park up higher and have to descend 4 steps to enter the site.
Peaceful and Private
Heaton Bay is our favorite spot in Summit County! There are lots of walk up sites that open up in the mornings for last minute camping, and every site we’ve stayed in is close to the water and secluded from other campers. Lots of trees for shade and lots of space in each site. We go several times each summer.
360 view right on the lake!
- 14 day/night stay max.
- $24 a night for tent or RV camping (there are way more hook-up sites over tent sites. Loop D is one of the two options for tent camping and I highly recommend any of the sites in that loop.)
Bring your fishing pole, SUP, kayak, or hammock to hang out by the lake. This is my favorite campground in Colorado for the accessibility to the lake and town nearby.
First to Review
Campground right on Lake Dillon with stunning views. Nice paths that allow you to walk right down to the river. The campground hosts were also super friendly and helpful