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."
"I had just done Rock Creek's drive up to dispersed near Dillon and thought that was bad, but this was worse. "
$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. "
"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!"
"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."
$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."
$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!"
$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. "
"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."
$20 / night
"The other lakes are somewhat difficult to find, but make for a great adventure!"
ScoutFeb 2026 - This site is closed, fenced off, and surrounded by signs restricting entry. The entire road leading to site is signposted as no parking, so camping. Even the once popular trails that lead from this area to Radium Hot Springs are also closed. BLM is so lame for how they have handled this
ScoutGate was locked so only the first spot was accessible. Beautiful spot with a fire pit. No cell service.
RangerStayed here two nights when visiting steamboat springs! Hiked up rabbit ears peak, visited some distillery and breweries in town, and relaxed with very few neighbors! We stayed a few days after 4th of July and had no issue finding an open spot. It is pay when you arrive first come first serve and you must have exact cash! I think the amount was something like $12-14 a night but I can’t recall! Sites weren’t too close to each other, easy access. Pit toilets only
LegendThere are a few of these campgrounds in estes park. They are all about the same. All close to the park and to restaurants and shops in town. This one, spruce lake rv is a little better because it had a pond you can fish in. But its not amazing just a gravel lot with a pond in the middle. Has a playground for the kids. Verizon 5g signal is good. But you are packed in tight here and overpaying
LegendThis place is right outside the national park. Thats about the main feature. Its a huge open gravel lot where if its busy, 100s of rv are packed in as tight as they can get them. Standard hookups and cabins available. Nice mountain views and full verizon 5g signal. But this is just a sardine can. The plus side is you will probally see or hear elk
TravelerWe 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. The gps takes you past the 2 visible pulloffs that would be great for campers
RangerIt's a nice dirt road up the hill to these three or four sites. The first site is about a quarter mile before the last three sites. It can be windy as all the sites are completely exposed. No facilities or access to water available. Relatively flat pads that are quite generous in size could fit two or three smallish campers per site. Big rigs could pull in here as well.
ScoutGreat little campground, right on the Colorado River.
Would be better if a freight train didn't pass through every 2-3 hours, blowing the train horn.
TravelerThe campground is extremely conveniently located and in a pretty area. The campground itself is just ok. Super close together spaces and zero privacy at sites. Nice concrete pads to park beside to help with mud and tracking so that was nice. Each site has its own picnic table. The shower house was centrally located within the grounds. The women's side entrance wasn't very well lit at night. There are no private changing areas in the shower house, except the handicap stall, which I am not a fan of. Water wasn't very hot even on straight hot.
Men's side was even less private my husband said.
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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