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Map showing campground location near Steamboat Springs, Colorado
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Summit Lake

6 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Hiking, mountain biking, and ATV riding all converge at Summit Lake, a US Forest Service campground set within Routt National Forest at elevation near Coalmont, Colorado. The lake sits within open terrain, and several sites look directly out over the water. The campground runs from July through October, and the season reflects the elevation: expect variable conditions even in summer.

Getting here takes more effort than mapping apps suggest. Visitors approaching from Steamboat Springs report a rough, slow road that runs closer to 45 minutes to an hour rather than the 20 minutes Google estimates, and 4x4 clearance is strongly recommended from that direction. The eastern approach is notably better for most vehicles. RVs are limited to 18 feet, and the sites are generally better suited to tents and smaller rigs.

Crowd patterns shift significantly by day of the week. A midweek visit in July found the campground about three-quarters full; weekends draw dirt bikers and ATV riders, which raises the noise level. Ann M. describes it as "well maintained, more suited to car/tent camping," and that assessment holds across multiple reviews. Amenities include toilets, picnic tables, grills, and trash service, but there is no potable water on site. Nearby alternatives include Granite to the south and Buffalo Pass Road Dispersed - Routt NF to the west for campers wanting more solitude. Summit Lake works best for those who plan to spend their days on trails rather than using the campground as a base for town.

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Map & DirectionsSummit Lake is located in Colorado near Steamboat Springs

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

Directions from Steamboat Springs: Travel 2 miles north of Steamboat Springs on Routt County Road 36 (Strawberry Park Road), then 13 miles northeast on Routt County Road 38 (Buffalo Pass Road). Campground is at the summit.

Coordinates

40.5450005 N
106.68400055 W

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Connectivity

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    Some Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

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

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Drive Time

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Reviews6 Camper Reviews - Summit Lake

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5 Stars

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1 Star

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33%
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4.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Campers regularly cited beautiful lake views and well-maintained sites as highlights. Road access requires 4WD and takes 45+ minutes from Steamboat Springs. Noise levels vary with ATV/dirt bike activity being more common on weekends.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Jul. 15, 2026

Wouldn't go here in b+

First of all this is a great spot but, not set up for rv's most. Blew a tire on the way up. Roads are rough even coming from walden side, despite making it here I would never take my 25ft b+ here again. Sites are on an incline. Great for tent camping though. Lots of masquitos.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Summit Lake by Ezraz , July 15, 2026
  • Review photo of Summit Lake by Ezraz , July 15, 2026
  • Review photo of Summit Lake by Ezraz , July 15, 2026
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Aug. 9, 2025

Stunning views

Lovely area, stunning views and lots of hiking options. Only a few sites to accommodate our camper van. Most are best for tents.

Arrived early evening (5:30ish) on a Thursday and stayed 1 night. Encountered a couple of ATV riders packing it in for the day. Can imagine it could have the potential to be busy with dirt bikes and ATVs on the weekends.

A long drive to get to Steamboat. We were told by both a law enforcement employee and the ATVers not to take the road to the left (west) past the lake down as there are parts that require high clearance. If you have a vehicle that can handle it, it cuts the trip in half.

Site1
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Summit Lake by Sue B., August 9, 2025
  • Review photo of Summit Lake by Sue B., August 9, 2025
  • Review photo of Summit Lake by Sue B., August 9, 2025
  • (20) View All
Reviewed Aug. 29, 2021

One of the best nights of my life!

We caught a beautiful sunset on the way up. Saw and heard wildlife. Stars were AMAZING that night. Saw so many shooting stars. We had perfect weather when we went.

Site4
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Summit Lake by Grace B., August 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Summit Lake by Grace B., August 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Summit Lake by Grace B., August 29, 2021
Reviewed Aug. 1, 2021

Hidden Gem

Beautiful quiet campground  but a little hard to get to. Road from the east is much better than from Steamboat Springs. Quiet , well maintained,  more suited to car/tent camping. Great views of lake from many sites. Grills, tables, trash and toilets, No water. Went on weeknight  in July and it was about 3/4 full

Site2
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 9, 2019

Worth The Bumpy Drive Up

The lake was beautiful. We went in July 2018 not really knowing what we were getting into. Google maps will tell you it is a 20 min drive from Steamboat... It does not take into account driving slow due to the road condition. The drive time is actually about 45 min to an hour. I did see small cars attempt to go up but I highly recommend 4x4 to get there.

If you're willing to make the trek it is definitely worth it! The drive actually has some great views on the way up. Lots of trails for biking, hiking or ATVs. When we went it was relatively quiet and very busy. We also went the weekend of the balloon festival so I expected it to be much busier.

Overall would so again if my main goal was to hike or do activities in that area. This is not a campground to stay at if you plan on doing activities in Steamboat, unless you don't mind the drive up.

  • Review photo of Summit Lake by Jennicca T., July 9, 2019
  • Review photo of Summit Lake by Jennicca T., July 9, 2019
  • Review photo of Summit Lake by Jennicca T., July 9, 2019
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jun. 6, 2018

Not worth a night

Long drive for a loud, crowded campground. Expect plenty of dirt bikers also. I would either keep going up Buff pass toward Fishcreek Res. or camp lower just below the second gate.

Showing results 1-6 of 6 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Summit Lake Campground?

Summit Lake Campground offers basic facilities suitable for a rustic camping experience. The campground provides picnic tables, fire grills, trash collection, and vault toilets. There is no potable water available, so campers need to bring their own water supply. The sites are more suited for tent camping, though a few can accommodate camper vans. Each site offers beautiful views of the lake, making it worth the minimal amenities.

Where is Summit Lake Campground located near Steamboat Springs, Colorado?

Summit Lake Campground is located about 45 minutes to an hour drive from Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The access road requires careful navigation and slow driving due to its condition, which is why the journey takes longer than map estimates suggest. The approach from the east is notably better than from Steamboat Springs. The campground sits at a higher elevation, offering stunning mountain views, wildlife sightings, and impressive stargazing opportunities.

Is dispersed camping allowed at Summit Lake?

Summit Lake primarily offers designated camping sites rather than dispersed camping. For those seeking dispersed camping options, continuing further up Buffalo Pass toward Fishcreek Reservoir may provide better opportunities. Alternatively, camping at lower elevations just below the second gate could be an option. Always check with local forest service offices for current regulations regarding dispersed camping in the area.

What do visitors say in reviews about Summit Lake Campground?

Visitors describe Summit Lake as a beautiful camping destination with stunning views and excellent stargazing opportunities. Many appreciate the quiet weeknight atmosphere, though it can become crowded and noisy on weekends with significant ATV and dirt bike activity. The campground is well-maintained but requires preparation for a rustic experience. The access road presents challenges, taking 45-60 minutes from Steamboat Springs due to rough conditions. Most sites accommodate tents best, with limited options for larger vehicles. Hikers appreciate the various trails available in the surrounding area.

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