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Camping at Steamboat Lake offers a spectacular opportunity to immerse yourself in clean, crisp air and true Rocky Mountain living.
The Dutch Hill campground includes the Marina, the Marina convenience store, swim beach, dump station and Camper Services Building with coin operated showers and laundry. The following loops are included: Wheeler loop has all-electric sites with 50amp outlets. Bridge Island sites are all non-electric.
Winter camping with electric outlets is available on a first-come-first-serve basis in our Marina parking lot.
Reservations can be made the day you plan to arrive at the park or up to 6 months in advance. Reservable dates are between the Friday before Memorial Day until September 30. Cabins are available year-round through the Steamboat Lake Marina. Campers can stay up to 14 days at Steamboat Lake during a 28 day period.
The popular Big Creek Lakes Campground offers a peaceful, scenic setting in the heart of the Rocky Mountains of northern Colorado. The campground is located in Routt National Forest at an elevation of 9,000-ft., and is adjacent to Big Creek Lake, where fishing, boating and hiking are available.
This campground offers boating and fishing on Colorado's second largest natural lake, hiking in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness and ATV trails nearby. There are also ample opportunities for viewing wildlife, including moose. Fishing for trout, muskie, grayling and Kokanee salmon is available in the lake. Anglers also have access to a creek. Non-motorized boats are allowed on the upper section of the lake and motorized boats are permitted on the lower section.
Big Creek lies among Lodgepole pine and fir trees. Some previously forested areas of the campground have been thinned due to pests and now provide more sun. The campground offers beautiful views of the surrounding wilderness. The wetlands around the lake are prime moose territory. Black bear, bobcat, coyote, elk, mule deer and moose are just some of the many animals that inhabit these rich and diverse lands. The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland, encompass nearly 3 million acres from central and northeastern Wyoming to north-central Colorado.
The closest town is Walden, Colorado, about 35 miles from the campsite. Many more outdoor recreation opportunities exist in the surrounding national forests and grasslands, including hiking, biking, camping, horseback riding, OHV riding, fishing, hunting, sightseeing and winter sports.
$20 / night
Is an awesome camping trip on your calendar this year? Our summer calendar is filling up fast! Now's the time to make your reservations for the 2017 camping season. Don't miss out..call & make your reservations today. You won't find steamboats, but you will find natural hot springs in this scenic northwest Colorado mountain community (and in the area). This KOA puts you in the heart of all the natural wonders you can experience here, from fishing or floating the trout-filled Yampa River to tackling the nearby slopes of Mt. Werner at Steamboat Ski Resort. World-class hiking and mountain biking trails wind through the surrounding mountains. Enjoy the heated pool, mini golf and other activities at the campground. Then hop on the free bus or grab a rental bike and cruise along the bike paths to downtown, just 3 miles south. A true Western ranching town, Steamboat Springs charms with unique galleries and shows, dining and even a pioneer museum. Get a taste of local culture at the many festivals, including the Hot Air Balloon Rodeo, Rocky Mountain Mustang Roundup and Winter Carnival.
Six Mile Gap Campground is 2 miles off Highway 230 and provides access to the North Platte River and Platte River Wilderness Area. The campground has six tent sites and three pull-thru sites. Facilities include picnic tables, bear canisters for food storage, drinking water, toilets, fire grates, and trash service. Stay limit is 14 days. A separate parking area is available for hikers and river floaters. Popular activities nearby include fishing, floating the North Platte River and hiking the Platte River Trail. The North Platte River is classified as a blue-ribbon trout stream by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD). Fish species present include brook, brown and rainbow trout. Douglas Creek also offers good fishing opportunities. Special fishing regulations apply to the North Platte River upstream of Saratoga, Wyoming. All watercraft (except for inflatables 10’ or less in length) must have a valid Wyoming Aquatic Invasive Species decal. Decals are available from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) online, at regional offices and at automated license vendors. For additional information on boating and fishing regulations, contact the Wyoming Game and Fish Department in Laramie or Cheyenne.
This small campground along the reservoir offers a quiet getaway. The 36 campsites and two Yurts at Pearl Lake all of the campsites are sunny and have views of both the lake and surrounding views of our Colorado mountains.
$16 - $24 / night
Seedhouse Campground is a gateway to the Mount Zirkel Wilderness along the Elk River with plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, off highway vehicles, hunting, fishing, river rafting and more. At an elevation of 8,000 feet, Seedhouse Campground lies in the mountains of the Park Range near the Middle Fork of the Elk River. The Middle Fork of the Elk River is so close, campground visitors can hear its roar. Campers can access the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail via a connector trail nearby. There are 24 campsites, 15 of which may be reserved. Remaining sites are first-come, first-served. There are two hand pump water systems throughout the campground.
Seedhouse is located near Mount Zirkel Wilderness and provides a great gateway for hiking and biking. Trout fishing is accessible on the river as well as several mountain streams. Campers can access the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail via a connector trail nearby.
At an elevation of 8,000 feet, Seedhouse lies in the Rocky Mountains in the heart of the Routt National Forest near the Middle Fork of the Elk River, which visitors can hear from the campground. The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland encompass nearly three million acres from central and northeastern Wyoming to north-central Colorado. Black bear, bobcat, coyote, elk, mule deer and moose are just some of the many animals that inhabit these rich and diverse lands.
Visitors might also enjoy stopping by Steamboat Lake State Park, only a short drive away. Many more outdoor opportunities exist in the surrounding national forests and grasslands, including hiking, biking, camping, horseback and off-road vehicle riding, fishing, hunting, sightseeing and winter sports.
$26 / night
Traveler
About 4 sites for tents, 4 for RV, both 1/4 mile downhill hike to river. Bring waders, steep banks make fly casting tough. Cost to camp is $20/night as of August '24. Potable water a walk aways...may need 3 hands to operate. Excellent hiking opportunities.
Scout
This spot will no longer allow overnight camping. It is day use only
Guide
Loads of sites along the FS roads out here, you don’t have to look hard, easier with more ground clearance
Traveler
Camp sites were plenty when I visited on a Thursday. Only people I saw were the forest service workers who were friendly and just out reminding people of the fire ban.
Scout
Doggies loved it, not many people
Scout
Very few other boondockers, and well dispersed. Very quiet with minimal traffic.
Scout
Place has very good views from the mountain, however, the terrain isn't level. I found it difficult to get a good spot for my camper to be leveled.
ScoutA little way off of WY-130 on a good dirt road. Good for up to mid-size trailers or smaller. Scattered informal sites, no water or hookups, two pit toilets. Signs indicate that camping is OK. Beautiful location on the North Platte River.
Guide
Beautiful campsite. Pretty remote. No cell services for about an hour down the road unless you use the emergency WiFi at the fire station in Rustic. Fire wood is available at big bend which is about 30-40 minutes back down the mountains. Camping in September got into the high 30’s. It says water is clean. When I filled my bottle it was pretty yellow so I still boiled before drinking. We were able to hear elk calls late into the evening. All together a great site.
Guide
I picked this place because it was free. When I got there maps took me in the wrong direction then rerouted me. The roads going in there are rough and then turn to sand. Car struggled a bit. It’s clearly an area for off-roaders and people with ATVs. Since I got in so late I didn’t make it to the actual coordinates this provides. I just pulled over in a spot that was clearly camped in before and slept.
Traveler
Dry campground $45 right next to LOTS of BLM (which I didn't realize) campground is dirt road lots and lots of garbage but it does look like they just bought the place and is a work in progress. Owners where very nice, only a few spots very bad mosquitoes
Guide
A dirt road about 1.25 miles leading to a boat ramp, with parking for cars/ trailers. There is a bridge with a 12ton limit per vehicle. more allowed if you are towing. peaceful and quiet at night with a very nice trail and bridge over the river . This is not really a campsite, just a nice free place to spend the night and then move on, but you can stay up to 5 days. had dirty bathrooms, no toilet paper.
Guide
Amazing location. Good trails. Water and clean toilets. First come first serve. Got there around 1 pm and around 6 out of the 16 spots still available. Filled up fast throughout the evening. Got below 30 degrees at night so come prepared!
Scout
We showed up at night and it was very quiet, no problem finding a spot to camp. However, during the day the gnats, bugs, and ants were everywhere. Literally crawled up our boots and bodies. Great place to over night, but terrible place to hang out during the day unless you have a bug net.
Legend
Very quiet spot. There were many other campers all around but did not hear any noise other than from highway nearby which wasn't disturbing at all. Easy access off highway although I didn't drive too far into the road as it was raining.
ScoutSummer is over, Labor Day evening, nobody except me here. 5-6 potential spots all in a row, lined up on dirt road that parallels 40 and far enough away to be quiet. Convenient to Steamboat 15 min.
Ranger
A long time favorite for our family. About 72 miles from the biggest town, Fort Collins. About 13 mile from the nearest services, which are limited, at Sportsman's Lodge & the Trading Post. 25 miles from Archer's and 26 miles from Glen Echo at Rustic which has a bit more to offer, including a restaurant and liquor store in addition to staples and touristy stuff.
1st come, no reservations, 41 sites with the usual basic campground amenities. On site host with firewood for sale. Situated between the tiny headwaters of the Laramie River and the much larger West Branch of the Laramie.
7ish miles from the pavement of Hwy 14 on dirt road. No cell and no Wifi. I'm not a fan of their water which is available at one pump, near site 3. Closest cell service and Wifi that I know of would be at Glen Echo.
Gateway to the Rawah Wilderness with the main access trailhead located a short walk away at the West Branch TH.
Scout
Was an old KOA. In fact, there are two typical KOA A frame buildings that need to be torn down due to their lack of upkeep. The grounds were overgrown with weeds knee high.
Scoutsimple, and easy place to get to… flat awesome sunset
Guide
Good Verizon service, was able to work remote. Got pretty windy but it was nice on the hot days. Idk if I’d swim in the water. There was a pit toilet. Good view of the mountains. Agree with review below that it’s not a destination spot, but if you’re in the area I’d do a night
Scout
We hit this place coming from the northern Colorado border with Wyoming on a Sunday night. I've grown up and camped in Colorado my whole life, this place was 10/10, and one of my favorite spots ever! With hiking, biking, and fishing, you could spend some time here!
Guide
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.
It was a such a beautiful area mid September. All the leaves were changing, it was cool and misty, the view was spectacular, yes it was rough as hell to get there, but totally worth it if you’ve got the rig for it.
My only note for the area was that there were a lot hunters walking through and around our camp, but everyone was polite and respectful.
Guide
Saratoga is about 2 hours away from home for us, so it's a great getaway and we visit all year long. During the summers, we love camping on the lake and at $15/night for electrical hook-ups, it's a great deal for a weekend of fishing and fun on the water. The spots are clean and there is always a place open when we roll in. Make sure to visit the hot springs and have dinner at The Wolf Lodge or a beer and burger at Snowy Mountain Brewery. Headed back there next weekend for the beer festival and chili cook-off.
Guide
Great spot super close to the river. Lots of dispersed camping just outside this established campground. Went on a Friday night, it was pretty busy but found one of the last first come first serve spots around 6 pm. Spots are a pretty good distance apart.
Guide
We drove up here on July 3rd hoping to camp at Barnes Meadow Reservoir. You can't drive in to Barnes Meadow so we took County Road 103 north around Chambers lake and found a lot of open spots beneath lodgepole pines. Several spots have a large pull in parking area where you could have a large RV, truck and trailer, or park several cars. I couldn't help thinking this area is perfect for a large group to set up several tents and have several individual campsites with their own fire right next to each other.
There is no water, electrical or toilets, but there are toilets at the Lost Lake trailhead which is a 2-3 minute drive up the road or a 15 minute walk.
We did walk down to the lake right behind our campsite. The bank is steep but passable by kids so most people can get down there and back up. We fished a bit in Chambers and Lost Lake. On the other side of the lake is the improved Chambers Lake Campground but it's a 15 minute drive around to the other side of the lake. And a further drive up Rd 103 takes you to lots of stream fishing, hiking trails, and more dispersed camping.
TravelerLeaving this review for anyone else pulling trailer. 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. Great parking area to drop and go scout with your vehicle first and I'd recommend doing so.
Mosquitos are definitely worse than usual, but otherwise a lovely spot. The tree coverage is affecting my solar generation enough where I may need to move sooner than I'd like
TravelerJust to update this since the last review had it closed. The road leading up to the summit is back open, but it is ROUGH. I had just done Rock Creek's drive up to dispersed near Dillon and thought that was bad, but this was worse.
You will not be able to get anything low clearance or anything you're towing that does not have independent suspension + high clearance (I dropped my 18' TT at Walmart and went to scout - glad I did) While I was 1/4 up into the climb, a Sprinter Van was stopped at what is probably the worst portion of the road. If you can make it past that first choke point, you'll pass a park then walk-in camp site on the left and then shortly after another camp spot on the right that is more van friendly. Both are not good for trailers. It is after those two sites the road goes from bad to worse.
If you have a Camper on a F350 or high clearance + tent, it has some of the best views I've seen at a park spot. It's worth the drive up there for pictures if you're curious, but I would unhook anything you're carrying before doing so.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland is Dutch Hill Campground — Steamboat Lake State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 26 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 100 dog-friendly camping locations near Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland, with real photos and reviews from campers.
