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Best Campgrounds near Clark, CO

405 Reviews

Dispersed and established camping options surround Clark, Colorado, with many sites situated along lakes and rivers in the Routt National Forest. Steamboat Lake State Park offers two campgrounds – Dutch Hill and Sunrise Vista – with tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. Pearl Lake State Park provides a quieter alternative with tent camping, RV sites, cabins, and yurts available. For those seeking a more primitive experience, Buffalo Pass and Elk River dispersed areas provide free camping with minimal amenities and good access to trails and fishing areas.

Road conditions vary significantly depending on the specific camping location. While major campgrounds like Steamboat Lake State Park are accessible via paved roads, dispersed areas often require high-clearance vehicles. Many established campgrounds remain open year-round, though winter access may require snow-capable transportation. Summer brings pleasant temperatures in the 70s-80s°F during the day, cooling significantly at night, even in July and August. Reservations are strongly recommended for developed campgrounds, especially during peak summer months and holiday weekends. Cell service is limited throughout the region, with better coverage near Steamboat Springs. As one camper noted, "It's a trek from Denver! Takes at least 4 hours. Lots to do with great fishing, beautiful hiking trails to waterfalls, and trails for off-road vehicles nearby."

Water access represents a significant draw for campers visiting the Clark area. Steamboat Lake State Park campsites receive consistently high ratings, with many visitors highlighting the mountain views and proximity to water activities. A visitor remarked, "We love camping on Steamboat Lake. It's absolutely gorgeous, surrounded by mountains, and offers plenty to do while visiting, including fishing, boating, biking, and hiking." The Clark Store, mentioned in several reviews, provides a convenient stop for supplies, food, and Wi-Fi. Seedhouse Campground offers riverside sites where "the sound of the river was nice to fall asleep to," according to one camper. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the region, with moose sightings possible in wetland areas and deer frequently seen within campgrounds, particularly during early morning and evening hours.

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Middle Fork Elk River Camp

Middle Fork Elk River Camp

22 min away

Routt National Forest Hahns Peak Lake Campground

Routt National Forest Hahns Peak Lake Campground

43 min away

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Best Camping Sites Near Clark, Colorado (156)

    1. Dutch Hill Campground — Steamboat Lake State Park

    27 Reviews
    Clark, CO
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 879-3922

    $28 - $36 / night

    "We love camping on Steamboat Lake. It's absolutely gorgeous, surrounded by mountains, and offers plenty to do while visiting, including fishing, boating, biking, and hiking."

    "Most sites are on or very close to the lake. There's a full service marina, with fishing gear, pontoon boats, paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, and a ski/wakeboard/suf boat is available too."

    2. Steamboat Springs KOA

    24 Reviews
    Steamboat Springs, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 879-0273

    "Close to town and right off the river. Bis service has a stop in the park so you dont have to drive in. Open year around and beautiful all around."

    "Showers are located in center of KOA so be ready to walk or drive over. Very dog friendly and well maintained tent sites!"

    3. Sunrise Vista Campground — Steamboat Lake State Park

    11 Reviews
    Clark, CO
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 879-3922

    $28 - $36 / night

    "Nice, quiet site with mountains all around. Walking distance to the trail around the lake. Beautiful view of Hahn's Peak!"

    "Lots of access to restrooms & potable water. Lake & shower access is about a mile away drive or 1/2 mile walk on a trail."

    4. Buffalo Pass Dispersed

    19 Reviews
    Steamboat Springs, CO
    15 miles

    "This was our first stop on a week long road trip from Colorado Springs to the Oregon Coast and, honestly, we could have just hung out there and saved all the miles."

    "I had just done Rock Creek's drive up to dispersed near Dillon and thought that was bad, but this was worse. "

    5. Pearl Lake State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Clark, CO
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 879-3922

    $28 - $90 / night

    "Camping along Pearl Lake is a dream come true. It's a quiet lake, surrounded by mountains and forest, perfect for paddle boarders."

    "Right on the lake, good amount of space between spots, close to Steamboat. Bathrooms were clean, camp hosts were nice."

    6. Seedhouse Campground

    4 Reviews
    Clark, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 870-2299

    $26 / night

    "Great place for a getaway, minutes from multiple hiking trails or streams for some fly fishing.  Stop by and visit the store in nearby Clark.  "

    "Perfect campsite for being remote but still close to some conveniences if you would like. I stayed with my group of 7 from Thursday 7/23 to Sunday 7/26."

    7. Hahns Peak Lake Campground

    4 Reviews
    Clark, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 870-2299

    $26 - $52 / night

    "Hahn's Peak Lake is honestly a gem of a spot about an hour north of Steamboat. The lake is no more than a 5 min walk from any campground which is convenient."

    "Nice 3.5 hike around the like but you end up on the road. The excercise was good for us. Small lake great for canoes, kayak and paddle boarding. Some fishermen. No host. No water."

    8. Dry Lake Campground

    7 Reviews
    Steamboat Springs, CO
    14 miles
    Website

    $26 / night

    "This is a nicely placed campground up buff pass round outside of steamboat springs. It's the first camping you will come to on buff pass."

    "The site was much bigger then the one next to us, from what I saw each site is very different in size and set up. If you go during mid summer it will be green and lush."

    9. Strawberry Park Hot Springs

    5 Reviews
    Steamboat Springs, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 879-0342

    "Many options to stay including walk in camping and covered wagon cabins. There is a long steepish trail that leads to many camp sites along the river."

    10. Elk River Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Clark, CO
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 870-2299

    "DONT FORGET TO VISIT CLARK STORE, its very close

    drove here in toyota prius. There is a parking lot at the entrance to the dispersed camping where it forks into two roads to access parking spots."

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Showing results 1-10 of 156 campgrounds

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Recent Camping Photos near Clark, CO

130 Photos of 156 Clark Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Clark, CO

405 Reviews of 156 Clark Campgrounds

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Dry Lake Campground

    Nicely updated campground

    We’re here starting Thursday before Labor Day 2025. Many of the sites and one bathroom seem to be recently updated. The pull through sites have very long driveways with nice level spots. The tent areas look great. Tables, fire pits, bear lockers all seem new. It’s hard to find information on this campground, but if you see 20’ trailer limit, don’t buy it. The host is in a 36’ trailer. A couple of the turns getting in and out could be challenging with a longer setup. Our setup is about 55’ long (truck and trailer) and it’s not problem. Close to trailheads and Steamboat Springs is about 15-20 minutes down the hill. Finding a site Thursday was simple, but could be due to lack of good information about this campground.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Miller Lake dispersed

    Great for a one nighter

    Beautiful old abandoned campground! There are cows and unfortunately the water near by has some issues with it. However this area is beautiful and I always look forward to camping here

  • Andrew B.
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Miller Lake dispersed

    If you don’t like being around cow poop, I’d go elsewhere

    Very pretty but absolutely covered in cow pies. We started setting up and then left because of the smell.

  • Blue B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Lynx Pass Campground

    No Reservations Accepted here

    Nice small campground between Kremmling and Yampa. You cannot reserve sites, it is first come first serve sites only and the sites are only $20 per night (Prior to 2024 they were $10 per night). It is managed by the Forest Service, clean vault toilets and a great place for ATV trail riding, many sites offer plenty of shade too.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2025

    Allen Basin Reservoir Dispersed

    Crosh dispersed camping

    Had an amazing time only got 1 night as we were evacuated due to the Crosho forest fire sparking up. If this campsite survives it’s definitely worth a stay. Had the same campsite as the first review and I couldn’t think of a better spot to camp. Lots of downed trees for fire wood, perfect trees for hammocks and a rock circle. The exact campsite is off to the left a few thousand feet before the coordinates tell you to stop. I made it fine in a Mazda cx5 but did see some washed out areas which could cause trouble for lower riding suvs. Unfortunately don’t have any photos.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Crosho Lake Recreation Area

    Someone burned it down :(

    I was camping at dispersed sites on south side of lake when i noticed white smoke. I called 911 and helicopters came fast but the fire exploded from an acre to over 30 acres in about 10 minutes. It seems like a camper left an unattended illegal fire camping on north side and caused a massive fire that has burned the entire area now. I made it out safely and i’m glad i got to experience this but it breaks my heart to know some absent minded person started this. I saw the cows fleeing, bears running away and wildlife booking it out. Please don’t start fires during high winds and follow the signs showing fires are not allowed - this was preventable

  • L
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Eagle Soaring RV Park

    Small but good

    Good pull through sites. Good showers and laundry. Nice check in staff

  • Jennifer O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    North Park Campground — State Forest State Park

    Old KOA turned around!

    This used to be a KOA campground that the state took back over and has refurbished. Brand new full hook up connection, connections, picnic tables, fire rings, gravel area with decomposed granite, shower house is BRAND NEW. So quiet and easy on and off the highway. Some highway noise but no semis and little traffic. Very little cell service- like 1 bar on Verizon. Would definitely come back. Little services so bring what you need. Walden is 20 miles down the road. We had a great pull through site with only one neighbor backing up to forest.

  • Sue B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    FR-302 Dispersed Camping - Rabbit Ears Pass

    Great dispersed area!

    Loved this area! Quite a few spots. We went 2.7 miles up from the turn off of 40 and found a great spot on the left. There is a spot right there off the road but if you go in another 100 yards or so it's a great spot. The driveway is a touch rough but we got there in our camper van no problem. There's room for several vehicles and endless tent spots, some by the parking and fire pit or haul your tent out a little ways. Shady areas and huge meadows on either side that look like they could be marshy with some rain. Saw evidence of moose elk deer and bear (and horses) but no sightings. Some mosquitos but it was quite dry when we were there. I would imagine you'd need bug spray in|wetter/marshier conditions, but worth it for the chance to see a moose!

    We enjoyed walking and exploring and could go quite a ways straight from the site without having to go out to the road.

Guide to Clark

Camping near Clark, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the scenic hikes, with one reviewer mentioning, "There are nice hiking trails in the park and the lake looks like an awesome place for paddle boarding and canoes if you're into that sort of thing" at Sunrise Vista Campground — Steamboat Lake State Park.
  • Fishing: The lakes and rivers are great for fishing. A camper at Dumont Campground shared, "Dumont lake is nearby which is great to fly fish, canoe, sup, etc."
  • Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One visitor at Dutch Hill Campground — Steamboat Lake State Park noted, "Deer came through the meadow in the evenings."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views. A review for Sunrise Vista Campground highlights, "Superb view of Hawn’s peak."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peaceful environment. One camper at Yampa River Headquarters Campground said, "Beautiful location and very well maintained."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and well-maintained sites are a big plus. A visitor at Steamboat Springs KOA mentioned, "Showers were spotlessly cleaned."

What you should know:

  • Weather Changes: Be prepared for sudden weather changes. A camper at Dutch Hill Campground warned, "We had thunderstorms blow through most every day with 30+ mph winds possible."
  • Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, especially in warmer months. A reviewer at FR-302 Dispersed Camping - Rabbit Ears Pass noted, "Mosquitos are definitely worse than usual, but otherwise a lovely spot."
  • Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A visitor at Buffalo Pass Dispersed mentioned, "You will not be able to get anything low clearance or anything you're towing that does not have independent suspension + high clearance."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities. A parent at Steamboat Springs KOA appreciated, "The river runs right next to the campground."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring along games and outdoor gear. One camper at Stagecoach State Park Campground suggested, "We wished we had taken our paddle boards."
  • Pack Layers: The weather can be unpredictable. A camper at Dumont Campground advised, "Bring a change of clothes as the mornings and evenings are chilly."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Steamboat Springs KOA noted, "Site 74 was perfectly flat and needed no leveling."
  • Use Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump stations are. A camper at Dutch Hill Campground mentioned, "Firewood was $9 per bundle at the marina."
  • Stay Connected: Some areas have limited cell service. A visitor at Yampa River Headquarters Campground pointed out, "Very limited T-Mobile."

Camping near Clark, Colorado, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. From stunning views to family-friendly activities, there's something for every outdoor enthusiast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to camp in Clark State Forest?

While the reviews don't specifically address Clark State Forest permits, camping in the Clark, Colorado area typically follows standard national forest regulations. For dispersed camping at sites like Elk River Dispersed, no advance permits are generally required, but you should follow dispersed camping regulations (typically 14-day limits and Leave No Trace principles). For established campgrounds like Big Creek Lakes Campground, camping is seasonal (June through August) at 9,000+ feet elevation, and while formal permits aren't mentioned, campsite fees likely apply. Always check with the specific forest service office managing the area before your trip, as permit requirements can change seasonally.

Where can I find camping spots at Lake Clark National Park?

While Lake Clark National Park in Alaska offers remote wilderness camping, the reviews provided focus on Colorado camping areas near Clark, CO. For Colorado options near the Clark area, consider Dutch Hill Campground — Steamboat Lake State Park, which offers gorgeous mountain-surrounded camping with fishing, boating, and hiking opportunities. The campground has lakeside sites and a marina with equipment rentals. For more remote options, Middle Fork Elk River Camp provides dispersed camping near the Elk Run River surrounded by the Rockies. When planning a Lake Clark National Park trip, contact the park service directly for backcountry permits and camping regulations.

What amenities are available at Clark County campgrounds?

Campgrounds near Clark, Colorado offer varying levels of amenities. Seedhouse Campground provides basic facilities but is conveniently located minutes from multiple hiking trails and fishing streams. For more amenities, Steamboat Lake State Park offers a full-service marina with fishing gear rentals, pontoon boats, paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes. The park also includes shower facilities, laundry services (available with a $7 day pass), a swim beach perfect for children, and picnic areas. Most campgrounds in the area provide fire rings and picnic tables, with vault toilets at established sites. Note that some remote sites like Vaughan Lake Campground offer basic facilities but no water, so come prepared.

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