J
John W.
Scout
ScoutSteamboat Springs KOA
Clean and well managed
We have not been to this park since they remodeled it a few years ago. The paved roads and sit3s are nice and clean. I assume the lack of grass relates to the drought.
Glamping near Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland, CO
2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Search destinations
Add dates
Pearl Lake State Park Campground features lakeside yurts and stylish glamping accommodations with stunning mountain views near Clark, Colorado. These well-appointed units provide electric hookups and comfortable furnishings, allowing visitors to experience the beauty of Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests without sacrificing comfort. "Camping along Pearl Lake is a dream come true. It's a quiet lake, surrounded by mountains and forest, perfect for paddle boarders," noted one visitor. State Forest State Park also offers glamping options with canvas tent structures and yurts in its North Michigan Campground and Ranger Lakes areas. Both locations provide modern amenities like electric hookups and water access while maintaining proximity to natural surroundings. The Steamboat Springs KOA rounds out the glamping options with cabins that include essential comforts like picnic tables, drinking water, and trash service.
Morning fog over the lake greets glamping guests at these scenic accommodations, with multiple locations offering year-round access to outdoor recreation. Paddle boarding on Pearl Lake's glass-like water provides a peaceful experience, while nearby hiking trails lead over dams and into pristine forest areas. A guest mentioned, "Site 30 was the best. Right on the water with shade throughout the day. Spots were spaced out for privacy." Steamboat Lake State Park offers glamping visitors access to boat rentals, fishing opportunities, and a swim beach. The area provides excellent mountain biking trails and hiking, including trails from Seedhouse Road to Gilpin Lake. During fall and less crowded periods, wildlife viewing improves as deer migrate into the campgrounds. Visitors appreciate the proximity to natural hot springs and Steamboat Springs for additional attractions and dining options.
Best Glamping Campgrounds near Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland (12)
1. Dutch Hill Campground — Steamboat Lake State Park
"Steamboat Lake State Campground is a very clean and beautiful site right on the lake. We were in site 166, on the end and overlooking the lake."
"We stayed on Bridge Island and there are plenty of sites with good distance between."
Check Availabilityfrom $28 / night
2. Pearl Lake State Park Campground
"Camping along Pearl Lake is a dream come true. It's a quiet lake, surrounded by mountains and forest, perfect for paddle boarders."
"Half of the upper loop sites have a lake and mountain view. Plenty space between sites for privacy too. They had twice daily ranger visits and they were very polite."
1 Site AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $28 - $90 / night
3. Lake John Dispersed Camping
"After driving past the more established Lake John RV Resort we found this spot to park our campervan. Site has a metal tin can fire pit. Very peaceful with private location."
4. Steamboat Springs KOA
"Tent sites, RV sites, tent cabins and full fledged cabins. We had a tent site right on the river. Miniature golf. Various bikes to rent. This was the priciest camp site on our cross country trip."
"Then, moved to #31 a back-in site against the fence and away from the road. Although it was smaller, we personally liked #31 better. It had more privacy then the larger open center one."
5. bockman Campground — State Forest State Park
"There is no electricity, bedding, or running water, but there is a propane heater that looks like a wood burning stove that casts a great ambiance."
"We were camping in Utah at Dinosaur National Monument, but due to the smoke from a nearby wildfire and the high heat of the summer, we decided to cut our stay one day short, and head over to the Rockies"
2 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $28 - $120 / night
6. Strawberry Park Hot Springs
"Many options to stay including walk in camping and covered wagon cabins. There is a long steepish trail that leads to many camp sites along the river."
"Super clean, great facilities and friendly staff!"
7. Ranger Lakes Campground — State Forest State Park
"Ranger Lakes is located a couple miles East of the Visitor Center for State Forest State Park. It is right on highway 14 just west of the Continental Divide at Cameron Pass."
"Amazing vistas 360 degrees, lots of hiking trails nearby. Moose & elk in the area. Many sites with electricity."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $36 / night
8. The Crags Campground — State Forest State Park
"I love the opportunity to connect to the wild spaces that surround us. I love finding people who share that same passion."
"This is a pitch your tent, start a fire, watch the deer walk thru type campground. Beautiful views of the Rockies, trails for all levels of hiking."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $28 / night
9. Laramie River Road Dispersed
"Options for camping in campgrounds, close to others, or more alone. Options to camp near the lake, river, or on dry land.options for large or small camping areas. Peaceful and beautiful."
"From Chambers Lake north down FS 103 youll find a lot of dispersed camping and a lot of great spots with beautiful views."
10. North Park Campground
"I stayed at site 410 which has a stream behind it and was a beautiful spot. I would also recommend sites 411-414 & 421 for the primitive camper."
"The North Park campground at State Forest State Park has just been renovated with full hookups and a brand new bath house!"
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 9 min from Cheyenne, WY
- 2 hrs 29 min from Fort Collins, CO
- 2 hrs 54 min from Greeley, CO
- 3 hrs 17 min from Boulder, CO
Recent Glamping Photos near Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland
10 Photos of 12 Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Glamping Reviews near Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland
128 Reviews of 12 Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland Campgrounds
melissaScoutThe Crags Campground — State Forest State Park
Falsely advertised campsite
In January I researched campsites at State Forest State Park. Due to lack of shade, I chose not to stay by Northern Michigan Reservoir and chose The Crags campground instead. After looking at each campsite, I chose to reserve site 524 due to the pictures and site description ‘heavily shaded, pull through tent site’. A week prior to arriving I double checked the campsite to verify it did have ample shade as I have a black lab that gets uncomfortable after it reaches 70 degrees and didn’t want to be sitting out in the hot sun myself as it was to reach the lower 80s on one of the days. Unfortunately upon arriving at The Crags, we found that the site had zero shade and was the least shaded campsite at Crags, nothing like the pictures on the website. There is no attendant and no cell reception so I was at a loss for what to do. I later found the Visitor Center and spoke to the young girl working, but she was more interested in eating her chips than caring about my campsite being falsely advertised as having shade. Needless to say we didn’t spend much time at the campsite after it got hot and had to be creative in finding places to stay cool until the sun started to go down. In addition, most people go camping to get away, unplug, and find the quiet in nature. The campsite unfortunately had a group of 4 come in Friday night to do nothing but drink, be loud and party all day long. On the other side was a family with two small children, one of which was happy to be camping and was screaming and having a tantrum at all hours of the night. With no site attendant, there was no control over the noise. It was unfortunately not the quiet, relaxing weekend away that we had planned and we will not return to this site in the future. Attached pictures show the actual campsite vs the advertised/shady campsite and description. The reservation website definitely needs to be updated
- JJorie B.
TravelerRanger Lakes Campground — State Forest State Park
Great campsite!
My husband and I stayed at the Ranger Lakes Campground during the Never Summer race weekend, and it was the perfect spot! The race course runs right by the campground, making it incredibly convenient for cheering on the runners. The camp host was fantastic. He was around if you needed anything but never intrusive. It was obvious he took time in maintaining the campground, especially the restrooms. Speaking of the bathrooms—they were the cleanest vault toilets I've ever used! They werent buggy/cobwebby and didn't smell, and were cleaned daily by the camp host. Honestly, that alone is enough to make me come back!😂 As an added bonus, we even had a moose wander right through our campsite, which made for an unforgettable experience. Overall, we had an amazing stay. The campground was clean, quiet, well-maintained, and in a perfect location. We would absolutely stay here again!
Keri L.
GuideSteamboat Springs KOA
Great Location
Perfect stop when we need a hook-up and clean showers. We have family in the steamboat area so this was a perfect stop to regroup and clean up.
Judy B.
RangerRanger Lakes Campground — State Forest State Park
Convenient location for weekends or passing thru
Ranger Lakes is located a couple miles East of the Visitor Center for State Forest State Park. It is right on highway 14 just west of the Continental Divide at Cameron Pass. There is trash collection at the parking lot for the lakes, vault toilets, and water available at a central location. The bathrooms are brick and had not odors. There is a path from the campground to the nearby lakes where people fish and hike the nature path. This campground is at elevation and gets cold in the evenings. Very few mosquitoes.
The campground is one loop. Most sites are well-spaced, have tent pads, picnic tables, and fire pits. This area is home to 600 moose.
Minimal cell service on T-Mobile. Public WIFI is available at the Visitor Center.
RobbieScoutThe Crags Campground — State Forest State Park
Awesome TENT ONLY Site!
Crags Loop Campground in State Forest State Park is a TENT ONLY site and RVs, campers, and trailers are NOT allowed. There is a steep road in that you will not be able to get through and there are NO HOOKUPS. Visit the State Forest State Park website and it will confirm this is TENT ONLY so leave the RV.
The sites are great. Most are nice and private with good views and this tends to be a quiet campground (be respectful and considerate of other campers when you stay here). The location is perfect for hikers as there are multiple trails near by and backpacking routes as well. The facilities are good enough (this is tent camping, so have realistic expectations).
If you are looking for a quiet and relaxing tent camp close to trails for early morning hikes, Crags Loop is the place.
Priscilla C.GuideRanger Lakes Campground — State Forest State Park
Beautiful location
Amazing vistas 360 degrees, lots of hiking trails nearby. Moose & elk in the area. Many sites with electricity.
Bill T.RangerNorth Park Campground
Rustic Colorado Retreat Full Hookups
The North Park campground at State Forest State Park has just been renovated with full hookups and a brand new bath house! The hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing & other outdoor activities are second to none! And you’re surrounded by snow capped peaks to boot! Highly recommend North Park campground if amenities are of importance!
Lou P.Guidebockman 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.
Guide to Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland
Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland sits at elevations ranging from 6,000 to over 12,000 feet across northern Colorado and southern Wyoming. The area experiences wide temperature swings with nighttime temperatures dropping below 40°F even in summer months. Many campgrounds are accessible via dirt forest roads that can become difficult to navigate during spring runoff or after rainfall.
What to do
Hiking to alpine lakes: Multiple trails from Seedhouse Road provide access to stunning alpine lakes in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness. "There is a nice hike that goes over the dam and then climbs up and away from civilization," notes a visitor to Pearl Lake State Park Campground.
Paddleboarding on calm waters: Lakes throughout the region offer ideal conditions for paddleboards with minimal motorboat traffic. At Ranger Lakes Campground, "The lake is perfect for canoe, paddle board, kayak, we tried swimming but the water is super cold. It's also very clear and clean."
Wildlife viewing: The region hosts abundant wildlife including moose, deer, and bears. "We were visited by a moose at dinner time two nights in a row as she had unfortunately become accustomed to eating from people's unsecured trash and had a special liking for hot dogs and potato chips," reports a visitor to The Crags Campground.
Mountain biking: Trail systems offer technical terrain for experienced riders. "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," recommends a camper from Steamboat Springs.
What campers like
Secluded waterfront sites: Lakefront camping spots provide direct water access and increased privacy. A visitor to The Crags Campground noted, "This is a pitch your tent, start a fire, watch the deer walk thru type campground. Beautiful views of the Rockies, trails for all levels of hiking."
Yurt accommodations: Yurt camping in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests provides shelter with basic amenities in remote settings. "We stayed in cabin #3 and it was an awesome experience! We had room enough for 4 people and 3 dogs and didn't feel like we were on top of each other. The gas stove kept us nice and toasty all night long!" shares a winter visitor to North Michigan Campground.
Natural hot springs access: Thermal pools offer relaxation after hiking or during cooler weather. "Super clean, great facilities and friendly staff!" notes a visitor to Strawberry Park Hot Springs, which maintains natural pools of various temperatures.
Off-season solitude: September and October visits often yield greater wildlife sightings and fewer crowds. "We make a habit of visiting the week after Labor Day. The crowds are gone and the campground is peaceful. Amenities as small boat rentals remain open. The local deer migrate into the campground," shares a camper from Dutch Hill Campground.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds have no cellular coverage, requiring advance planning. "There is no cell serves past the entrance so be sure to book in advance," warns a visitor to North Park Campground.
Wildlife safety concerns: Proper food storage is critical as wildlife frequently enters campgrounds. At Steamboat Lake State Park, one camper observed that "Full on weekends and the sites very close together," noting that "The electric loop was full and the sites very close together."
Road conditions: Access roads to remote campgrounds can be challenging for certain vehicles. A visitor to Laramie River Road Dispersed camping reports, "The road is a county dirt road but it is very well maintained and fairly wide."
Reservation systems: Most established campgrounds require advance booking through state reservation systems. "This is a reservation only campground. If you drive in and find an un-reserved site you can take it for the night but need to reserve online for subsequent nights."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible fishing spots: Many lakes offer shore fishing suitable for children. At Steamboat Springs KOA, "This campground has so many perks. Not only is there a beautiful Mountain View but it also has the Yampa river running through it... my favorite part about this campground is the fact you can stand on the bridge or sit by the Yampa River and enjoy the beauty and sounds, and watching people fly fish."
Temperature management: Pack warm clothing even for summer trips due to significant day-night temperature variations. "It does get cold at night even in summer as it's about 9,000 ft above sea level," advises a camper from Laramie River Road.
Activity centers: Some campgrounds offer additional recreation beyond hiking and fishing. "There is a small pool, updated miniature golf course, trike rentals and the Yampa running through the campground," notes a KOA visitor.
Wildlife education opportunities: Ranger programs and visitor centers provide educational experiences. "We stopped in the visitor center for maps and hiking recommendations. We settled on Lake Agnes. It was a steep climb but well worth it."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Most Forest Service and dispersed sites lack hookups entirely. "No hookups but the views are worth it!" notes a visitor to North Park Campground.
Dump station locations: Plan waste management carefully as dump stations are limited. "Only has electric and water hookup and the dump station was not convenient," warns an RVer at Ranger Lakes Campground.
Site selection strategy: Research individual sites as size and sun exposure vary greatly. "Half of the upper loop sites have a lake and mountain view. Plenty space between sites for privacy too," shares a camper from North Michigan Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping
campsite near Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland?
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping 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 27 reviews.
What is the best site to find
glamping camping near
Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland?
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 glamping camping locations near Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring