The Hayden area sits in northwest Colorado's Yampa Valley at approximately 6,400 feet elevation, positioned between Craig and Steamboat Springs. Camping options range from reservoir-adjacent established sites to dispersed mountain locations that offer access to extensive trail systems. Most campgrounds in this region experience seasonal closures from late fall through early spring due to snowpack and freezing temperatures.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Freeman Reservoir Campground offers non-motorized watercraft access for anglers. "My brother caught a 16" rainbow which provided supper one night," notes one camper at Yampa River State Park. The tailwaters at Stagecoach State Park are known for "some BIG trout," according to reviewers.
Hiking trails: Buffalo Pass dispersed camping provides direct access to mountain hiking. "The 1.1 mile bike/walking trail through the trees and near the river was very nice, doing several loops," reports a visitor to Yampa River Headquarters Campground. Freeman Reservoir features "a short trail around the reservoir" where photographers can capture wildlife including beavers.
Water recreation: Stagecoach State Park Campground provides multiple options for lake activities. "Part of the lake is no motor boats so very nice for slick calm kayaking. We launched over in the Keystone day use area for the no motor area," shares one visitor. The marina rents boats and paddleboards for as little as 2 hours, and the swimming beach attracts both day visitors and overnight campers.
What campers like
Spacious sites: At Yampa River Headquarters Campground, "sites are spacious" with "covered picnic tables." Another reviewer noted, "each sight had a covered picnic table where I stashed the bikes from the elements." Many sites include fire rings and electric hookups.
Clean facilities: "Clean facilities: flush toilets, showers (coin operated), washing and drying machines" are available at Yampa River Headquarters. Freeman Reservoir campsites "are well separated, and screened by trees for good privacy." Despite being mostly full, one camper noted "it was very quiet, no generators, no barking dogs, and no big parties."
Natural beauty: Steamboat Lake State Park offers "outstanding mountain and lake views" surrounding your campsite. At Freeman Reservoir, campers enjoy "lots of trees and a bunch of wild flowers" and "pictures of a couple beavers." Fall brings spectacular foliage viewing opportunities as "the fall colors are just starting to show" in mid-September.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Temperatures fluctuate dramatically from day to night. "The weather was incredibly enjoyable and there were no mosquitos out to bother us at our campsite," reports a summer visitor to Stagecoach State Park. At higher elevations like Buffalo Pass, one camper warns the road "got rough and really did a number on my top mounted bike racks."
Reservation requirements: Steamboat Springs KOA accepts advance bookings for RV, tent, and cabin sites. At Yampa River Headquarters, "reservations (at least one day ahead) required." Buffalo Pass dispersed camping operates on a first-come basis with no reservation system.
Bugs and wildlife: Mosquitoes can be problematic in certain areas. One visitor to Buffalo Pass warns: "When you see other reviews that say there are lots of bugs… they were not exaggerating, there are massive swarms of mosquitoes everywhere." Another camper at Yampa River noted, "The mosquitos are fierce. There are also small black bugs that seem to out also."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Yampa River Headquarters Campground features a playground for children. "There are full hookup RV sites and as expected, they are pretty tightly spaced. That said, I would consider staying here on the RV side of the campground as well. Everyone we met was friendly and respectful of quiet times," reports a visitor to Stagecoach State Park.
Learning opportunities: Park rangers often provide educational activities. "On Saturday the Parks offered fur, skulls, scat, and tracks for guests/visitors to examine and learn about. Some of the skulls and fur were real. However, the scat that they displayed was plastic replicas thankfully," notes a visitor to Stagecoach State Park.
Swimming areas: Bears Ears Campground at Elkhead Reservoir offers access to water recreation. "There is a nice reservoir and swimming beach at a nearby state run park (your fee for camping at YRSP will get you into the other park)," explains a camper at Yampa River State Park. Stagecoach State Park has "a nice swimming beach near the larger campground."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Pronghorn Campground at Elkhead Reservoir provides electric, water and sewer hookups. At Yampa River, "sites only have electric but 30 and 50 Amp. Sites have plenty of room between them. Additional $10 entrance fee for non Colorado residents," explains one RVer.
Site selection: "We had a site right by the river. We wished we had taken our paddle boards," notes a visitor at Stagecoach State Park. At Freeman Reservoir, there is "a mixture of pull through, back in, and some tent sites for all camping types."
Dog friendly campgrounds near Hayden: Most campgrounds welcome pets with appropriate restrictions. "Eagle Soaring campground for three nights. We were in our class C while slowly making our way across the country. We had no problems getting a spot here. Sites are gravel for the RV, very level, and very well maintained," reports one RV camper traveling with dogs.
