Dispersed Camping in Routt National Forest 

Sentinel Mountain RV & Quick Stop

BLM North Sand Hills Campground

The North Sand Hills Campground was installed in 2011 to accommodate large RVs. The campground has two vault toilets and 13 individual pull-through sites, each with a picnic table, fire ring, and tent pad. In addition to the developed campground, numerous dispersed camping sites exist within the North Sand Hills OHV area. Always use existing sites. For more information, please contact the Kremmling Field Office.

Sage Campground

Pickaroon Campground

## Overview

The popular Big Creek Lakes Campground offers a peaceful, scenic setting in the heart of the Rocky Mountains of northern Colorado. The campground is located in Routt National Forest at an elevation of 9,000-ft., and is adjacent to Big Creek Lake, where fishing, boating and hiking are available.

## Recreation

This campground offers boating and fishing on Colorado's second largest natural lake, hiking in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness and ATV trails nearby. There are also ample opportunities for viewing wildlife, including moose.   
  
Fishing for trout, muskie, grayling and Kokanee salmon is available in the lake. Anglers also have access to a creek. Non-motorized boats are allowed on the upper section of the lake and motorized boats are permitted on the lower section.

## Facilities

This facility has a campground and day use area. There are 24 reservable campsites and 30 first-come, first-served campsites, all of which are near Big Creek Lake.  
  
Two boat ramps are provided for the convenience of boaters and anglers. A campground host is on-site for visitor assistance.

## Natural Features

Big Creek lies among Lodgepole pine and fir trees. Some previously forested areas of the campground have been thinned due to pests and now provide more sun. The campground offers beautiful views of the surrounding wilderness.   
  
The wetlands around the lake are prime moose territory. Black bear, bobcat, coyote, elk, mule deer and moose are just some of the many animals that inhabit these rich and diverse lands.   
  
The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland, encompass nearly 3 million acres from central and northeastern Wyoming to north-central Colorado. 

## Nearby Attractions

The closest town is Walden, Colorado, about 35 miles from the campsite. Many more outdoor recreation opportunities exist in the surrounding national forests and grasslands, including hiking, biking, camping, horseback riding, OHV riding, fishing, hunting, sightseeing and winter sports.

Big Creek Lakes Campground

Located deep within the Medicine Bow National Forest, Keystone Cabin offers a unique lodging experience in southeastern Wyoming for guests seeking recreation and relaxation. It is open 11 months of the year, and offers access to a variety of recreational opportunities in all seasons. The cabin once served as the District headquarters for the Keystone Ranger District, and has been remodeled to preserve the historic value of the cabin while adding a few modern amenities, such as electricity. Due to the rustic and historic nature of the cabin, guests will need to bring a few of their own supplies for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. During the summer, the cabin is accessible by car, but guests should be prepared to get there in winter by snowmobiling, skiing or snowshoeing five miles from Albany Snowmobile Parking Lot. Please be aware that there may be snow in the area until the end of June and the road can be muddy and bumpy; we recommend calling the USFS Laramie Ranger District office at (307) 745-2300 prior to your reservation to receive the latest weather and road conditions. Recreation Hiking, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding and hunting can be found within the vicinity. Several trailheads are an easy drive from the cabin. In the winter, skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities. Facilities The cabin's two bedrooms can sleep up to six people on single beds and bunk beds with mattresses. The cabin has electric lights and heat, but guests can also use the wood-burning stove. The kitchen has a refrigerator, stove, cookware and basic cooking and eating utensils. Drinking water is available. The bathroom has showers and flush toilets. Please be aware that due to recent vandalism, some of the windows are currently under repair and covered with plywood. Restoration efforts are underway and the cabin is still available for rental. A picnic table and grill provide a delightful area for outdoor dining. Guests need to provide their own food, sleeping bags, flashlights, pillows, towels, dish soap, matches, first aid kit, toilet paper and garbage bags. All trash and food must be packed out, and guests are expected to clean the cabin before leaving. There are 2 cabins at the Keystone Ranger Station; one is the rental and the one is sometimes used for employee housing on a temporary basis. Reservation holders will be notified if this is the case. Natural Features From open, high expanses to valleys and canyons that rise steeply to snowy ranges, the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests encompass mountain ranges, tributaries to the North Platte River and the Colorado River, and a mix of forested ecology with spruce, lodgepole pine, subalpine fir, aspen and shrub lands. Keystone Cabin sits in a clearing surrounded by a mixed conifer forest at an elevation of 9,265 feet. Wildlife viewing is abundant near the cabin, including elk, deer and moose. Migratory birds, squirrels and an occasional black bear find habitat in the forest as well. Charges & Cancellations Refunds for cancellations may be processed on a case-by-case basis. There are no refunds for reservation processing fees. Please be aware of changes in weather and road conditions prior to arrival and plan accordingly. ADA Access: N

Keystone Ranger Station

Trailhead parking is ample and ideal for parking horse trailers and unloading horses. The trail provides a good access to the Mt Zirkel Wilderness, great for groups with horses who want to get away from other more heavily used trails. Campsites are numerous, especially near Stump Park. This trail lies within the Mt Zirkel Wilderness. Please refer to the Wilderness Regulations. The wilderness is closed to motorized and mechanized vehicles. No developed facilities. Setting is managed forest area. Timberline is at approximately 10,500 feet elevation. This trailhead is managed by the Parks Ranger District.

Beaver Creek Trailhead

The campground is adjacent to Lake Owen. It is comprised of two loops under a dense stand of Lodgepole pines and a few Aspen. Both loops have sites overlooking the lake and site with scenic views of the Snowy Range. There are 35 campsites with tables, fire rings, trash pick-up, vault toilets. The understory is grass, but sites are well separated providing adequate privacy. There is a 14 day stay limit. Owen Lake is 55 acres and offers fishing and boating access. It is managed by the Laramie Ranger District.

Lake Owen Campground

Perched atop a forested mountain, Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout Tower offers visitors a unique lodging experience in Medicine Bow National Forest in southcentral Wyoming. Historically occupied as a fire lookout, the 55-foot tall structure was renovated and opened to the public for overnight rental in 1977. The lookout is typically open from June through September. Guests can drive directly to the lookout. Several amenities are provided, but guests should be prepared to pack in some of their own supplies and gear for a comfortable stay. Recreation The area around the lookout offers opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and hunting. The lookout is also ideal for guests who simply want to relax and enjoy picnics, campfires and stargazing at night. Rob Roy Reservoir is a six mile drive from the lookout, offering opportunities for fishing, boating and water skiing. Gold panning is a popular activity in Douglas Creek, which is connected to the reservoir. Facilities The lookout cabin is furnished with two single beds with mattresses and can accommodate up to two guests. Inside amenities include a table with chairs, cookware, dishes, utensils, cleaning supplies, a propane heater, propane cook stove and oven and propane lights. An outhouse with pit toilet is provided, and a campfire ring is located at the base of the lookout. Firewood is provided. Additional camping is allowed on-site, though the area is rocky. A hoist (pulley and rope) is available to transport gear to the tower cabin. There is no water or electricity available at the site. Guests must bring enough water for drinking, cooking and washing. Other items to bring include sleeping bags, flashlights or lanterns, towels, dish soap, matches, toilet paper, a first aid kit and garbage bags. All food and trash must be packed out, and guests are expected to clean the cabin before leaving. Natural Features The lookout offers panoramic views that include Medicine Bow Peak, Rob Roy Reservoir, Jelm Mountain and the southern end of the Snowy Range. Snowdrifts melt in June, welcoming the arrival of wildflowers that splash color on the rocky, timbered hillsides. Wildlife species such as elk, deer, black bears, cougars, squirrels, foxes and bats are supported by the area's diverse forest habitats. At an elevation of 10,003 feet, guests should be prepared for high altitude conditions. Summertime temperatures average 70 degrees fahrenheit, but can drop as low as 30 degrees at night or during thunderstorms. Charges & Cancellations Refunds for cancellations may be processed on a case-by-case basis. There are no refunds for reservation processing fees. Please be aware of changes in weather and road conditions prior to arrival and plan accordingly. ADA Access: N

Spruce Mtn Fire Lookout Tower

This tiny but mighty cabin sits up on Jelm Mountain with a view overlooking the Laramie River.  This cozy spot is equipped with a queen bed, bathroom, picnic table, fire pit, hot tub, and gazebo.  Hosts provide breakfast and firewood.

Little Cabin with a View sits right on the edge of Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest and is close to the Wyoming Colorado Border.  This makes it an amazing hiking destination and great for snowshoeing and nordic skiing in the winter.

Little Cabin With a View

National Forest

 I visited the area last week and the March 2020 review is correct. There is NO access across private property.  The publishedap location is not correct.  The correct location is many miles west

 I have previously reported the location.

What you have posted today is not accessible and not related to original poster (ad a location near river take out).

  

It would be nice to correct the location

The map location (gps) is incorrect

We tried to get to it at night so that may have been the problem but there were ” no trespassing signs” between us and the site. No matter what road we chose we got stopped by a sign. 

Crossing private property 

We stumbled upon this campground by chance, and what a wonderful chance it was! After deciding to take a weekend rafting trip along the Wyoming/Colorado section of the Platte River, we planned to just find dispersed camping options within the surrounding National Forest area. We initially put our boats in at the Routt Access Trailhead which is where we were able to find this amazing group of campsites (see directions below). There are plenty of campsites designated by fire rings along the road that are well spread out and offer plenty of seclusion. We were surprised to not encounter any other campers despite it being a beautiful summer weekend. The campsite we used offered much appreciated shade from the June sun with plenty of big trees. The ground is relatively flat on top of the hill so we had quite a few options to spread out with our group pf 3 tents. Another huge plus of this area is how pristine it is, not a piece of trash to be found. If camping here, please continue that by following Leave No Trace principles. 

Camping in this area is complimented by tons of nearby activities including hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding trails, class I-IV white water rafting opportunities, rock climbing, fishing and wildlife viewing. On our weekend adventure we went on a 4-hour boat trip from the Routt Access boat put-in to the Six-Mile Gap take-out point, the river felt like a private get away and we didn’t see any other people except for a few fly fishermen at the access points. The wildlife we encountered was the highlight of our trip, we saw moose, a golden eagle, foxes, pronghorns, and marmots. 

To get there: The GPS coordinates entered on this page are for the Routt Access Trailhead. Following these directions from there is the easiest way to find the campsites. I have also included a screenshot of google maps in this review. When approaching the trailhead from the main road, just a few hundred yards before the trailhead/river access parking area, the road forks. To the right is the trailhead, and to the left is FS 939.1 (Mahogany Road). With a normal clearance vehicle and 2wd, you should be able to easily reach the first campsite along this road, marked by a well-appointed fire ring. For those with slightly higher clearance cars (my friends had a Subaru Forester and did just fine) I would highly recommend continuing along the road a bit higher and up the hill. 4wd is probably not necessary unless the road is muddy, but some large holes and rocks will be problematic for very low clearance vehicles. From up here, you will have amazing views of the grasslands, mountains and river.

Dispersed Camping in Routt National Forest

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