288 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Dispersed camping opportunities surround Coalmont, Colorado in North Park, with a mix of established campgrounds and primitive sites on public lands. Summit Lake Campground sits at higher elevation along Buffalo Pass with tent and RV sites available from July through October. Hidden Lakes Campground provides waterfront sites near the Mount Zirkel Wilderness, while options like Teal Lake Group Campsite accommodate larger gatherings. Seymour Lake State Wildlife Area offers more rustic camping with picnic tables and basic facilities.
Road access varies significantly by season and location, with many campgrounds requiring high-clearance vehicles to navigate dirt roads. Most established sites in the region operate seasonally from June through September due to high elevation snowpack. "The drive time is actually about 45 min to an hour. I did see small cars attempt to go up but I highly recommend 4x4 to get there," noted one Summit Lake visitor. Seasonal weather patterns create dramatic differences in accessibility, with spring runoff potentially limiting access to certain areas. Travelers should check current conditions before departing, as mountain weather can change rapidly throughout summer. Water sources are limited at many sites, with only select campgrounds offering drinking water facilities.
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, particularly at Teal Lake and Hidden Lakes. A camper described Teal Lake as "a dream. The lake is incredible and the panoramic view is out of this world." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with visitors reporting sightings of otters and various birds. Campers should prepare for insects, particularly during summer months, as several reviews mention significant mosquito activity at waterfront locations. Evening temperatures typically drop considerably even during summer months due to the high elevation. Noise levels vary by location, with some campgrounds experiencing increased activity from ATVs and dirt bikes, especially on weekends. More remote dispersed sites tend to offer greater solitude but fewer amenities.
"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."
"Some spots are wetter while others are not close to stagnant water at all. Many aspens, great trail network for mountain biking or trail running/ hiking."
"We did a Colorado road trip in late July, 2018 - we knew we were going to camp around Steamboat Springs in the middle of the week, but didn't have a plan so we just drove along US40 and stopped along a"
"There are several trailheads in the area, and one trail exits the campground at the upper loop. Its a lovely trail, mostly flat, that passes by Dumont lake."
from $26 / night
Check Availability"We ended up driving too far and just parking next to the lake for the night to camp. Lots of dirt trails near the lake, maybe not for camping but we showed up after driving 6 hours."
"Sandy beach but does have a bit of a “lake” smell that you’ll get used to quick. Arrived on a Thursday evening towards the end of July. No one else here."
"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!"
"The lake was beautiful. We went in July 2018 not really knowing what we were getting into. Google maps will tell you it is a 20 min drive from Steamboat..."
"A long drive to get to Steamboat."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"Just used for overnight on the way from Colorado to South Dakota. It was quiet and peaceful. Looks like good fishing."
"We walked our dog on FR-302 a fair bit and only once encountered a vehicle on the road."
"Stopped for one night, easy drive on forest road. Found a great spot on a rock ledge with a great view. Nobody around on a Thursday early October."
"I was wandering from Yellowstone/Tetons en route to Colorado Springs when I reach a necessary point for rest."
"Convenient forest service campground off highway 40 at rabbit ears pass. First come first serve but there were still a handful of sites open on a Friday afternoon in August. "
from $26 / night
Check Availability"The lake is incredible and the panoramic view is out of this world. I was fortunate to drive in right around sunset and the whole valley was lit with a glorious red light."
"I have spent many years coming to Teal lake, its always been a family favorite!"
from $20 - $80 / night
Check Availability"The other lakes are somewhat difficult to find, but make for a great adventure!"
from $20 / night
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GuideSpent 3 nights here with full hookups. Campground is very open, few trees, nice views of mountains all around, good space between sites, with only a handful of campers here. A full campground would probably feel quite different. Each site has a cement pad with picnic table and fire pit. Shower house like new, clean and worked very well. Great location to explore State Forest SP.
ScoutThis is a great Forest Service campground up Buffalo pass, but it’s quite inaccurate for The Dyrt to indicate full hook-ups. Each site has a picnic table, bear proof food container and maybe a fire pit. A couple of vault toilets are also offered in the campground. Good spacing between camp sites and quite quiet as well for us on the Saturday we stayed (despite the campground being nearly full that night.) We were not expecting to have any power or water, as we knew there is barely cell service in the area, but just wanted to be helpful to others that may be taking the information provided at face value.
TravelerSuper cute campground with a sweet little trail around the perimeter. Part of it going along the Yampa River. Laundry is a super nice touch. Each site has a covered picnic table, which would be amazing in the rain. The parking spots are ample and flat and nicely spaced. Plenty of pit toilets. Showers were plenty warm but a bit dirty. The road noise was another drawback.
TravelerThere are showers! This is the reason we came, but we stayed for the quiet and beautiful views. The campsites are close to each other but when we came, it was quiet and peaceful. $32/night when we came. Worth it for the showers.
TravelerEasy to get to spots are spaced out. Peaceful
GuideLove coming here to get away. Peaceful and quiet. Campers are generally respectful, friendly and quiet. Love seeing the regrowth of trees.
GuideWe arrived a bit late due to bad directions from Google Maps as it diverted us to using heavily rutted dirt county roads which caused caked mud all over our rv so we spent about an hour in town power washing the mud off our camper van. All in all the park was VERY well maintained, clean quiet , vault toilets clean. Nice nice nice park just stay off county road 18.STAY ON THE PAVED HWY!!!!!
GuideSuper easy drive into town, 10min from beaver meadows entrance to RMNP. Hiking trails right off the campground. Sites a little close together but could definitely be a lot worse. Super friendly hosts. The clean bathrooms, hot showers, and dish washing station were amazing after days of dispersed camping.
GuideLake is super low but still a really pretty area. Beautiful drive in around the lake with the leaves changing. Campground in good shape with sites decently spaced out
Dispersed camping near Coalmont, Colorado ranges in elevation from 8,000 to 10,500 feet, creating distinctly different camping experiences across seasons. North Park, where Coalmont is located, experiences temperature swings of up to 40°F between day and night even in summer months. Most camping areas remain snow-covered until late May, with higher elevation sites often inaccessible until mid-June.
Fishing at multiple lakes: The Walden Reservoir offers shoreline fishing opportunities with minimal crowds. "This is by far my favorite place to go fishing when I'm in the mood to fish off the shore! I have spent many years coming to Teal Lake, it's always been a family favorite!" notes Haileigh W.
Mountain biking on forest roads: Forest roads throughout the area provide trail access for various skill levels. Near Buffalo Pass Dispersed, Morgan Y. reports "Good hiking and mountain biking throughout the forest. A few motorcycles to watch for."
Wildlife viewing: The North Park area supports diverse wildlife populations. At Dumont Lake Campground, campers can often spot various bird species including hummingbirds. One visitor mentioned, "The campgrounds host had a couple hummingbird feeders and we saw a ton of hummingbirds around!"
Lakeside camping spots: Waterfront sites allow direct water access and scenic views. At Teal Lake Group Campsite, Tarah W. described her experience: "This campsite is a dream. The lake is incredible and the panoramic view is out of this world. I was fortunate to drive in right around sunset and the whole valley was lit with a glorious red light."
Wildflower displays: Many camping areas feature extensive wildflower blooms during summer months. At Dumont Campground, visitors report fields of colorful wildflowers surrounding their tents. Austin C. noted, "WIldflowers were fully blooming in mid-August."
Stargazing opportunities: Clear mountain nights provide exceptional stargazing. At Summit Lake, Grace B. shared, "Stars were AMAZING that night. Saw so many shooting stars. We had perfect weather when we went."
Road access challenges: Many campgrounds require high-clearance vehicles. For FR-302 Dispersed Camping, one visitor advised, "You can get a small TT into the first 4-5 sites. I would not continue after what I think is site 5 on the right that has a fairly large rock fire pit and good loop for when leaving."
Seasonal closures: Most higher elevation sites close from October through June. At Hidden Lakes Campground, a camper noted, "Closed for the season October 1 through July 15. Simple, clean, very scenic area."
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be problematic, particularly near water sources. Doug B. warned about Buffalo Pass: "When you see other reviews that say there are lots of bugs… they were not exaggerating, there are massive swarms of mosquitoes everywhere. Not sure if more bug repellent would even help at this point."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to go camping in Coalmont, Colorado?
The optimal camping season in Coalmont, Colorado runs from June through August when the high-elevation weather is most stable. Big Creek Lakes Campground in the region is only open during these three summer months due to the 9,000+ foot elevation. Late spring can bring muddy conditions as snow melts, while early fall offers beautiful colors but increasingly cold nights. Weather can change rapidly at this elevation, so even summer campers should prepare for occasional storms and cool evenings. For wildlife enthusiasts, Arapaho Bay Campground in the broader area offers excellent moose, eagle, and bear sightings during the summer months.
What amenities are available at Hidden Lakes Campground in Coalmont?
Hidden Lakes Campground offers basic amenities that make it suitable for a rustic camping experience. The campground provides potable water and toilet facilities for visitors. The site is accessible via drive-in access, making it convenient for most vehicles. While not offering full hookups or shower facilities, the campground's setting near water bodies makes it appealing for fishing enthusiasts. For those seeking more amenities nearby, Primitive Sites — State Forest State Park offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and hiking trails. When planning your visit, be prepared for basic camping with limited services, and bring necessary supplies as there are no stores at the campground.
Where can I find camping in Coalmont, Colorado?
Coalmont offers several camping options in the surrounding area. Hidden Lakes Campground is located near Coalmont and provides drive-in access with basic amenities. For those seeking nearby alternatives, Summit Lake offers drive-in and walk-in camping with toilet facilities. The region also features dispersed camping opportunities at Walden Reservoir. For a more developed experience, consider heading to Meadows Campground, which is easily accessible from the highway and offers a peaceful setting for overnight stays.
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