Kerri H.
Guide
GuideRock Creek Rec Area
Remote Creekside sites
Close to paved road, flat sites. Pit toilets were a plus!
Best Campgrounds near Coalmont, CO
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.
Best Camping Sites Near Coalmont, Colorado (285)
1. Buffalo Pass Dispersed
18 ReviewsSteamboat Springs, CO17 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. "
2. Dumont Campground
10 ReviewsSteamboat Springs, CO14 milesWebsite+1 (970) 870-2299$26 / night
"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"
"Great stop just a minute off highway 40 near Rabbit Ears Pass. Right at Dumont lake with access from campsite and day use area. Great hikes leading out just from campsite. "
3. Steamboat Springs KOA
25 ReviewsSteamboat Springs, CO23 milesWebsite+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!"
4. Walden Reservoir Dispersed Camping
7 ReviewsWalden, CO14 milesWebsite+1 (970) 826-5000"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."
"Sites aren’t really marked/but are right next to the reservoir. No fires/water pumps."
5. FR-302 Dispersed Camping - Rabbit Ears Pass
10 ReviewsSteamboat Springs, CO18 milesWebsite+1 (307) 745-2300"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."
6. Summit Lake
5 ReviewsSteamboat Springs, CO13 milesWebsite+1 (307) 745-2300$10 / night
"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."
7. Teal Lake Group Campsite
2 ReviewsCoalmont, CO9 milesWebsite+1 (970) 723-2700$20 - $80 / night
"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!"
8. Meadows Campground
13 ReviewsSteamboat Springs, CO19 milesWebsite$26 / night
"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. "
9. Hidden Lakes Campground
2 ReviewsCoalmont, CO9 milesWebsite+1 (970) 723-8204$20 / night
"The other lakes are somewhat difficult to find, but make for a great adventure!"
10. Seymour Lake State Wildlife Area
1 ReviewCoalmont, CO6 miles
Recent Camping Photos near Coalmont, CO
476 Photos of 285 Coalmont Campgrounds
Scott T.
South Delaney Lake
Grace B.
Summit Lake
terri
Walden Reservoir Dispersed Camping
Joshua D.
Dumont Campground
Shane W.
Base Camp Trailhead
Dillon R.
Rabbit's Ear Pass East Summit FR 251
Rachael W.
Buffalo Pass Dispersed
Opus 15 !.
FR-302 Dispersed Camping - Rabbit Ears Pass
Jason P.
Dry Lake Campground
Lauren S.
Old Homestead Campground
Joe B.
Meadows Campground
Shane W.
Falls Road Dispersed Campsite
Recent Reviews near Coalmont, CO
1254 Reviews of 285 Coalmont Campgrounds
Michelle G.GuideArapaho National Forest Stillwater Campground
Beautiful
This campground is stunning, even with lower than normal water levels. The camp hosts were so sweet and helpful. We were only 17 minutes away from Adams Falls trail in RMNP. Easy hike and also beautiful. Spots are close together, but the view more than makes up for it. 109 has the flush toilet right behind it with small walking paths to it.
- LLotte
ScoutElk Meadows Lodge & RV Resort
Great location but not a resort
Great location for RMNP, friendly staff, locals and free music on Saturdaysin the summer, clean restrooms. Dirt roads and sites are rough. Ground squirrel holes everywhere. No mail delivery. No wifi or other amenities.
- BBeverly O.Guide
Steamboat Lake State Park
Beautiful views & quiet
Nice hikes accessible from the campground. Away from road noise. Beautiful views of the lake, Hahn's peak, and other mountain views. Stayed in my camper van at Dutch Hill Wheeler loop - no lake view. Bath house with showers is a short walk away. Vault toilet on the loop. Electric site with water close by. Dump station at exit.
Jensen S.GuideMiddle Fork Elk River Camp
Dispersed site outside of Steamboat Springs
When we showed up a couple of campers were already in the pinned location for this site, however right across the road was another camping spot with fire ring. It was great for the night! Beautiful view of Mount Zirkel and just down the road there was creek access. Saw three moose and deer! Would definitely come back to this spot!
Gina B.ScoutSawmill Gulch Campground
Pretty
It’s easy to pull right off of 125 for a night or two. Next to a creek. We were by ourselves, ford 450 with a 33ft pull behind. Could probably fit one more rig in here although I’m glad we were alone because another rig would be make the area crowded.
Lou P.
TravelerNorth Michigan Campground — State Forest State Park
Beautiful area, decent campground
There are campsites on both sides of the lake. On the southern side, a number are situated off the road, minimizing noise and dust. We were in a site right next to the road, fortunately it wasn’t busy. The site was well maintained and the bathroom was very clean.
Bella Boo H.TravelerSteamboat Springs KOA
Typical KOA with all the amenities in a good location
We do not have kids and are mostly off exploring all day so we never take advantage of everything a KOA has to offer - but we stayed here because of the close location to the town of Steamboat Springs. $55 for electricity only. Updating lots of the park and adding more spaces. Hopefully they will circle back and add more gravel for the potholes and areas in the older park where we stayed. They utilize every space so you are packed in tightly… but location, location, location
Judy B.
RangerDowdy Lake Campground
Bliss
Dowdy is another wonderful (busy) campground at Red Feather Lakes, CO. I believe there are 62 sites total. Not all sites are open until later in the season. The area is popular with campers, and for fishing and watersports. No motorized boating. The sites near the entrance are closer together, while the last two loops are more expansive, and some are double sites.
There are no hook-ups for water or sewer and no dump station, but there is electricity. The toilets are vault toilets.
Guide to Coalmont
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.
What to do
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!"
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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?
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?
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?
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.
Keep Exploring