Map showing campground location near Yampa, Colorado

Camper submitted image from Vaughan Lake Campground

Vaughan Lake Campground

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Dirt and gravel roads lead into Vaughan Lake Campground, a small Forest Service site in Routt National Forest that runs just six sites on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground is open from Memorial Day through September, with a $10 nightly fee. Getting here takes commitment. Reviewers consistently note the drive involves unpaved roads, so campers in rigs longer than 22 feet should plan accordingly.

Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table, and vault toilets are on-site. No potable water is available at the campground. "Bring your own water in," advises Jenn B. The lake itself is the draw for many visitors, with multiple reviewers mentioning paddleboarding, kayaking, and belly boating as activities well-suited to the water. Campsite #1 sits adjacent to the river that feeds the lake, and reviewers note the sound of moving water carries through the night. Waking up to open sightlines toward the lake and snow-capped mountains in the background is a recurring detail across reviews.

Those looking to extend their time in the area will find Flat Tops Scenic Byway Dispersed in White River NF a few miles to the southwest, with abundant dispersed options along the same road corridor. Because there are no stores nearby, arriving fully provisioned is not optional. If the six sites are full on arrival, Sheriffs Reservoir offers another option to the east. Vaughan Lake rewards campers who come prepared and plan to stay a while.

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Map & DirectionsVaughan Lake Campground is located in Colorado near Yampa

Public Campground

Directions

From Yampa, go 5 miles west on County Road 17, 26 miles west on County Road 132/ Forest Road 16.

Coordinates

40.13400027 N
107.26100036 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

Picnic Table
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

2 hrs 48 min from Grand Junction, CO
3 hrs 41 min from Denver, CO
3 hrs 51 min from Boulder, CO
4 hrs 19 min from Fort Collins, CO

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Vaughan Lake Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

5.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

Numerous guests pointed out the stunning lake views and remote mountain setting with basic but adequate facilities. The main limitation involves bringing all water and supplies due to no on-site water availability.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Tracy V.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 20, 2023

Gorgeous Views

Small and lovely CG. Basic with table and a fire ring. Great Lake for paddle board, kayak, and belly boats. Million dollar views. First come first served. Middle of week only two others were there.

Month of VisitAugust

Doug C.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 14, 2023

Vaughan Lake

Established campground with basics like a fire ring, picnic table and vault toilets. No water. If you are wanting a few days away from everything and willing to drive on dirt/gravel roads to get here, it is an awesome place to camp. Bring everything you need because there are no quick trips to a store out here. The river that flows into the lake is adjacent to campsite #1 and makes for a great night of sleep. The view waking up to the lake with the snow capped mountains in the background is truly a Colorado experience if that is what you’re looking for.

SiteSite #1

Month of VisitJune

(19) View All

Spencer B.

Ranger

Reviewed Jun. 25, 2020

Remote Dispersed Camping

We drove to Vaughn Lake from Denver and found a perfect Dispersed camping spot 6 miles from the campground. The dispersed camping is abundant on this road and there are both remote back country spots and large pull off spots for a trailer.

(5) View All

Jenn B.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 31, 2018

Beautiful and remote

This campground has great views, feels remote, and has great water access. There are only six spots that are first come first served. Bring your own water in!

Month of VisitAugust

(8) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Vaughn Lake Campground?

Vaughn Lake Campground offers basic amenities for a rustic camping experience. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. The campground has vault toilets but no running water, so campers must bring their own. There are no electricity hookups, showers, or dump stations. The primitive facilities are part of the authentic backcountry experience that makes this small campground special.

Where is Vaughn Lake Campground located in Colorado?

Vaughn Lake Campground is located in a remote area of Colorado, accessible via dirt and gravel roads. The campground sits on the shores of Vaughn Lake, providing beautiful mountain views. It's approximately a few hours' drive from Denver, making it a somewhat secluded destination. The remote location contributes to its peaceful atmosphere, but visitors should be prepared for the drive on unpaved roads to reach this hidden gem.

What recreational activities can you do at Vaughn Lake in Colorado?

Vaughn Lake offers excellent water-based recreation opportunities. The lake is ideal for paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing with belly boats. With million-dollar views surrounding the water, it's also a wonderful spot for photography and wildlife watching. The remote setting creates a peaceful atmosphere for relaxing by the shore, and the surrounding area provides opportunities for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of Colorado's backcountry.

Do I need reservations for Vaughn Lake Campground?

Reservations are not available for Vaughn Lake Campground as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground is small with only six sites, so arriving early is recommended, especially on weekends. Midweek visits typically offer better chances of securing a spot, with some visitors reporting only a few other campers during these times. If the campground is full, dispersed camping options are available along the road leading to the campground, with spots suitable for both remote backcountry camping and larger vehicles with trailers.

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