Yampa River State Park Headquarters Campground sits 6 miles west of Hayden, Colorado at 6,150 feet elevation. The park follows a 13-mile stretch of the Yampa River, with camping sites set in an open grassland environment with limited tree coverage. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing while summer days reach into the 90s with cool evenings in the high 40s.
What to do
Paddle boarding on Pearl Lake: Pearl Lake State Park Campground, located 34 miles northeast of Hayden, prohibits motorized boats but allows paddle boards, kayaks and canoes. "The lake looks like glass and is so peaceful! You are allowed to fish from the shore and paddle board on lake," notes one camper.
Hot springs access: At Strawberry Park Hot Springs, visitors can enjoy natural mineral pools with stone surroundings. A reviewer mentions it's "the most natural one I've been to. Area is clean and well kept." The facility offers both day use and overnight options.
Mountain biking from camp: From Steamboat Springs KOA, riders can access Emerald Mountain trails directly. "I love the ability to ride into town to the mountain bike trails on Emerald Mountain. On your way back from the amazing singletrack, be sure to stop at Taco Cabo to grab to-go grub," reports one mountain biker.
What campers like
Covered picnic tables: Several campgrounds near Hayden feature sheltered eating areas. At Yampa River State Park Headquarters Campground, "Each site has a picnic table and a fire pit, the table has cover. Good cell phone coverage," notes a camper. Another visitor adds that the RV sites include "an awning-like structure with an enclosed side to the west. It provides nice cover for the summer afternoon showers."
River access: Most camping options near Hayden offer water proximity. A Deep Lake visitor shares that "The Deep Lake area of Flat tops Wilderness offers a variety of scenic hikes and drives as well as 4x4 trails and great lake fishing." Another camper adds that "The fishing in the lake is also very good, the Forest Service stocks the lake every year."
Public transportation: Steamboat Springs KOA provides convenient transportation options. "They have a bus that is free that will drop you in town," explains one reviewer. This makes accessing nearby attractions simpler without moving vehicles.
What you should know
Weather patterns: The region experiences predictable afternoon conditions. At Wolford Campground, "the wind picks up around 1-2pm and makes travel treacherous at best on the lake." Another camper confirms, "it blows, everyday, according to the camp hosts. Sometimes extremely high winds - 40+ mph."
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance planning. At Yampa River State Park Headquarters, "Reservations (at least one day ahead) required." For glamping near Hayden at dispersed sites, availability works differently. Bear River Designated Dispersed Camping has specific rules: "All sites are first come, first served and have nightly rates from $10-$20 per night. No reservations allowed."
Limited tree cover: Many camping areas offer minimal shade. One Yampa River camper notes "very few trees" and "no privacy at all." At Wolford Campground, a visitor explains, "The campground has no shade, no trees, no cover, only some picnic tables have roof covers but no wind block."
Tips for camping with families
Insect preparation: Pack appropriate repellent for mosquitoes, particularly near water. At Steamboat Lake State Park one camper warns about "very hungry mosquitos so pack up on deet (was still attacked after spraying the 30%)." Another visitor to Yampa River mentions "the mosquitos are fierce. There are also small black bugs that seem to out also."
Playground access: Families with young children benefit from dedicated play areas. Yampa River State Park Headquarters includes a "Playground" according to a reviewer, making it suitable for children needing physical activity options.
Elevation considerations: Camp elevations affect temperatures significantly. A Deep Lake reviewer cautions, "the campground sits at 10,500 ft so it does gets chilly up there even in the middle of summer." Pack layers for all seasons, even during summer glamping trips near Hayden.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Some sites require equipment for stabilizing RVs. At Wolford Campground, a reviewer notes, "Wasn't horrible leveling a small camper, but I can see why larger ones would have a hard time."
Dump station locations: Plan waste management accordingly. Yampa River State Park offers a "Dump station and potable water fill available. Sites only have electric but 30 and 50 Amp." At Steamboat Lake, "At the marina loop there is a dump station, coin laundry, flush toilets and coin showers."
Cell service variability: Reception varies significantly between campgrounds. At Wolford, one RVer reports, "T-Mobile service is non-existent. AT&T was okay for calls but challenging for data without a booster. (cell tower is to the West but behind a large hill). Sites to the south may have better coverage."
