Sylvan Lake Campground, near Gypsum, Colorado, is a fantastic destination for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying a range of outdoor activities. With spacious campsites that come equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, it’s perfect for gathering around the fire after a day of adventure.

This campground is known for its stunning lake views and excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for trout. Visitors rave about the clean facilities, including flushing toilets and hot showers, which make it easy to unwind after a day spent hiking or paddling. One camper noted, “The aspens around this beautiful lake are really showing their color,” highlighting the picturesque surroundings.

For those eager to explore, the area offers a variety of activities such as hiking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. The nearby trails provide breathtaking views and a chance to connect with the local wildlife. Just a short drive away, you can find charming spots in Eagle, where you can grab a bite or enjoy some local entertainment.

While some campers mentioned that the sites can feel a bit close together during peak season, the overall atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. Whether you’re camping in a tent, RV, or cabin, Sylvan Lake Campground is a great choice for a memorable outdoor experience.

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Located in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, Sylvan Lake State Park is a haven for those who enjoy the outdoors. Surrounded by the White River National Forest, Sylvan Lake offers a spectacular setting for boat and shore fishing, a great spot for picnicking, hiking and outdoor photography at the foot of beautiful wooded mountains. There are 44 campsites, 9 cabins, and 3 yurts available to reserve for overnight stays.   
  
There are a total of 44 campsites. Sites 1-34 in Elk Run Campground include sites with views of the lake or down the Brush Creek Valley. Sites 35-44 in Fisherman's Paradise Campground include pull-through and back in sites near the lake. Sites accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. There are no individual site hook ups. The camper services building provides flush toilets and coin showers during summer. Drinking water and vault toilets are available year-round.

**NO-SHOW Policy**  
If you do not arrive to the park within 24 hours of your scheduled check in time and do not notify the park that you will be arriving late, your site may be resold and may not be available when you arrive. The fees for any nights passed are non-refundable.  
  
**Changes and Cancellations**
- Cancellations or changes may be made online 24 hours a day 7 days a week, or through the Aspira Call Center at 1-800-244-5613.
- Reservations where one or more dates fall outside of the 6-month booking window are frozen for 14 days.
- Cancellations:
  - If the cancellation is made 28 days or more prior to the arrival date, 25% of the fee for 1 night or day-use permit will be retained
  - If the cancellation is made 8-27 days prior to the arrival date, 50% of the fee for 1 night or day-use permit will be retained.
  - If the cancellation is made 7 days or less prior to the arrival date, 100% of the fee for 1 night or day-use permit will be retained.
  - If a reservation is cancelled at any time after the arrival date, any nights prior to the cancellation are NON-REFUNDABLE 
- Changes:
  - If a change in the reservation is made 28 days or more prior to the arrival date, 10% of the fee for one night or day-use permit will be retained.
  - If a change in the reservation is made 8-27 days prior to the arrival date, 15% of the fee for one night or day-use permit will be retained.
  - If a change in the reservation is made 7 days or less prior to arrival, 20% of the fee for one night or day-use permit will be retained.
  - If the change in the reservation dates is made between the day after the arrival date and the departure date, the fees for any nights or days passed are NON-REFUNDABLE.
  - There is no additional fee to add days to a reservation.
  - The reservation holder is responsible for any difference in use fees.
- Customers who wish to receive a refund outside of these rules will need to contact the park at which they have the reservation directly.
- No exceptions to the refund policy will be given for bugs, bad weather, campfire bans, water conditions (including water levels, boat ramp or swim beach closures, and algae)! 
- If the original reservation was made directly with the park, any refunds resulting from changes/cancellations will be issued via personal check and may take up to 90 days from the date of the change/cancellation to be processed.

Sylvan Lake Campground — Sylvan Lake State Park

White River National Forest is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. White River National Forest is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in White River National Forest, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

White River National Forest

The Best Camping Near White River National Forest, Colorado

Whether you're camping or staying in one of the cabins or Yurts this place is absolutely breathtaking located in the Rocky Mountains there were many miles of hiking trails and great places to go fishing for trout they don't allow motorized boats however this place was perfect for canoeing and kayaking this is a nice little getaway with breathtaking views absolutely recommended if you were in the area or looking for a nice place to get a good dose of nature

Wow.

Gorgeous views of the lake but it was very open with little cover and the wind almost tore our tent down. 

Pretty but windy. 

Located 15 miles south of Eagle off of I-70 in the White River National Forest sits Sylvan Lake State Park. This has definitely been our favorite camping spot since moving here a little over 2 months ago. We camped right on the lake next to the boat ramp (no motorized boats allowed) and the bathhouse. At 8,500 ft the weather can change fast so be prepared especially with rain gear and warm close. The sites that are lake front are a little close together which would be my only complaint but for seclusion literally walk away in any direction. Paddle boarding and fishing were by far the most popular things to do on the lake but we stuck to hiking . There's a trail that follows the lake shore around that is also bike friendly, there's also the West Brush Creek Trail which is in the park and a number of gulch trails in between Sylvan lake and Eagle. On your way out of town be sure to stop in Eagle at the Red Canyon Cafe and Bonfire Brewing for a bite to eat and refreshments!

Colorado mountain lake camping

Beautiful 42 acre lake with great hiking path around it. Great for fishing, canoeing, paddle boarding, hiking, camping, snowshoeing around the lake, cross country skiing. You can rent cabins there as well as pitch your own tent. This summer, there is major construction on the dam there so activities are limited (summer 2018) but such a great spot. Pull through spots. 46 basic campsites, vault toilets &amp; water taps available. Make sure to visit Eagle Ranch for great restaurants like 7 Hermits (microbrewery) &amp; the Dusty Boot both of which often host live music. Check out great coffee houses like Yeti's Grind in downtown Eagle, EveryDay Outfitters &amp; Cappie's Chic for awesome clothes, Pazzo's Pizza for great pizza, Dewey Dabbles in Art for fun pottery &amp; art activities &amp; the BackBowl for upscale bowling &amp; food. Great ice cream at Grand Avenue Chill. Lots to do in Eagle - mountain biking is huge! Great public pool &amp; ice rink in Eagle too. Too many hikes to list but wildflowers are stunning. Weather can change as it's at high altitude so bring fleece just in case, even in summer.

Fantastic camp ground!

Slyvan Lake State Park is located outside of the Town of Eagle, CO. It takes about 20 minutes to drive from town to the park. Upon entering, there is a multitude of activities you can partake in. Besides camping, which i will get to in a second, Sylvan lake offers excellent fishing for trout, Stand up Paddle Boarding and Canoeing; Both which can be rented there. The surrounding area offers hiking and scenic drives.

As for the camping, there are a couple campgrounds in the Sylvan Lake area as well as cabins and yurts that can be rented. Camp grounds are standard forest service spots. The each feature a picnic table and metal fire rings. As always, spots range from small to large, some having ample tree coverage and some are very exposed. There are vault toilets in the are as well.

There is a fee to use these spots which can be paid via self service area. This is a great spot for a family or anyone looking to get away and stay active. The area can get very busy in the summer so try to avoid weekends. This summer (2018) there was a lot of construction in the park and in turn it closed down some area that were normally open for camping and activities.

great spot for many activities 

Nice place for a short hike around lake. Not far from eagle. 

Beautiful area

This is a pretty, but small lake. It's nice to be able to camp so close to the lake, but ultimately you are shoulder to shoulder with your neighbors and your are fully exposed to the wind and sun. The Summer is packed. Winter you will be by yourself. 

Perhaps this is nice if you have kids, want to allow them on the lake but in close view, and are new to camping. But ultimately, this is not that great of a place. 

Leave no trace.

Starter Camping

This park has so much character that it should have it’s own tv show. There are conservation areas, trails galore, historical buildings, and a beautiful lake that is surrounded with alpine forests. 

  

The staff is really sweet and willing to help in any way they can. We lost our pump for our inflatable and they found us one to borrow. 

  

The campground is large and can accommodate a lot of campers, the bathrooms are fully equipped and clean. It was quiet at night which was surprising since you are basically in a cul-de-sac of tents and rv's. There are cabins and yurts to rent as well. They are even building (or just finished) a new section of a campground that looks like it will accommodate more rv’s and boats. It is called fisherman’s paradise. 

  

There is also a day use area with grills and picnic tables. 

  

The road to get out here can be rough in bad weather but low clearance is fine to get out here. WInter excursions are probably a bit tougher and would require an all wheel drive.

A cornucopia of glamping and camping options

Long way up from town so don’t forget ice, etc. No shade, sites pretty small/ close. No electric but potable water from hydrant. Clean, hot showers for quarters, flush toilets. Cabins available to rent. Never saw/ heard from the camp hosts. Lovely lake, good trout fishing, nice trails. Few trees in campground but beautiful views on all sides. A little pricey for reservation, had to also buy daily park pass.

Colorado SP/ Sylvan Lake

I enjoyed staying here, but there's not a lot of shade besides the picnic table enclosure. Clean bathrooms.

Hot but nice

Fall camping is the best!  The aspens around this beautiful lake are really showing their color. 
The campsites are very spacious and spaced well apart.  
Flushing toilets and showers are around the campground.  Water is available too.

Very nice campground !

I love this lake. It's beautiful and you can always walk away with some fish.

Photos of Sylvan Lake Campground — Sylvan Lake State Park

Real photos from real campers