Free Camping Collection
Dispersed Camping
Lower Crystal Lake- Dispersed Camping
About
National Forest
White River National Forest
Make sure to camp at least 100 feet from water Forest Order: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd896594.pdf
Please DO NOT drive on alpine vegetation as it is a very fragile ecosystem.
This area has beautiful alpine scenery with views of the Tenmile Range. A 4WD road leads to Lower Crystal Lake and then a hiking trail continues for approximately 2 miles to Upper Crystal Lake. The road will take you through numerous alpine meadows which are fed by the tributaries of Crystal Creek. The road rises onto a shelf with Lower Crystal Lake nestled against the mountain walls.
- There is a printable Recreation Quicksheet for this trail which is complete with directions, a map, details, and other information about this trail: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5187053.pdf
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Pets
- Fires
ScoutDisappointed
The main road to the lower lake is closed to vehicles, I’m guessing for the season. We were SO stoked about this site and sad we could not make it happen. The jeep trail is open and we have a jeep, we are just not experienced enough to make it up comfortably.
TravelerWorth The Effort
The road up can be a bit challenging, especially for novice offroaders, but it's doable. The lake is beautiful but can be very windy. Great place to stay if you have the right vehicle and gear but not many spots. Be sure not to damage the shoreline, alpine plants, or lake!
ScoutBeautiful Views
We were at Lower Crystal Lake on July 27-28, 2022. This was our first overnight backpacking trip with our 9 and 12 year old. The Jeep trail felt a little challenging so we went up to the lake via Spruce Creek Road (Not Spruce Creek Trail) from the Trail Head then up via Wheeler Trail. It is debatable if that route was easier but it was definitely pretty. We went back via the Jeep trail.
There are a few established spots at the lake. The few that we found had rock rings that had been used for campfires. The one down the path along the lake has a very nice log that can be used for seating. That one was occupied and we stayed closer to the front of the lake on a hill. There were mosquitos! Taking insect repellent is a good idea.
The Jeep trail is used all night. We did notice cars coming in and out throughout the night heading up to the boulder field. In general they were quiet and not really noticeable but it can be a surprise seeing headlights at 2 am.
Location
Lower Crystal Lake- Dispersed Camping is located in Colorado
Coordinates
39.435332785295266 N
106.08897062593964 W