Oak Creek sits in northwestern Colorado's Routt County at 7,428 feet elevation, providing access to both wilderness camping and developed rv campgrounds. Oak Creek, Colorado serves as a gateway to the surrounding mountains with camping options ranging from streamside spots to high-elevation sites above 9,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F while evenings cool to 40-50°F even in July.
What to do
Fishing access: 3 miles from town at Bear Lake Campground, where campers report excellent catches. "There are 3 established campgrounds (Bear Lake Campground, Horseshoe Campground, & Cold Springs Campground) as well as many dispersed campsites with established fire rings... There are many trailheads for hiking, 4x4 routes, small boat ramp, and plenty of hammock trees," notes Danielle S.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds near Oak Creek provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. "We saw a moose wandered by one evening," reports a visitor at Meadows Campground. Higher elevation sites often provide better chances for wildlife sightings in early morning hours.
Mountain biking access: The area surrounding Oak Creek connects to multiple trail systems. "We stayed for 5 nights on vacation to ride the mountain bike trails and hike," shares one reviewer about Eagle Soaring RV Park, noting its convenient location for accessing trails in the Steamboat Springs area.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds maintain good standards despite remote locations. "Showers are clean as are the bathrooms," notes one camper about River Dance RV Resort. Restroom facilities vary widely from vault toilets at primitive sites to full shower facilities at developed campgrounds.
Good cell service at select locations: While not universal, some campgrounds offer surprisingly good connectivity. A visitor to Meadows Campground reported: "Found this site using this app - just off 40 (opposite side of road than in the Dyrt map) and super easy to find at 10pm at night." Others mentioned usable hotspot service at some locations.
Privacy between sites: Several campgrounds offer good separation between camping spaces. "The sites are of all sizes, however, there are no lake views as it is mostly shaded and wooded and the lake is a 5 minute walk outside the campground," writes a camper about Bear Lake Campground. Another visitor noted, "We had enough privacy at spot #15" at Dumont Campground.
What you should know
Road conditions require planning: Many campgrounds near Oak Creek require traveling on rough roads. "The road up got rough and really did a number on my top mounted bike racks," shared a visitor to Buffalo Pass Dispersed camping area. Another camper warned: "Caution: The road is very washboard the entire way, so plan on about 45 minutes to get there from Yampa."
Seasonal weather fluctuations: Even summer months can bring cold temperatures, especially at higher elevations. "Bring warm clothes even in mid July it is very cold at night and in the mornings at this high of elevation," advises a camper about Cold Springs Campground.
Insects are prevalent in summer: Mosquitoes are a common complaint at many campgrounds. "The mosquitos were outrageous," reported one camper at Dumont Campground, while another visitor to Cold Springs added, "the mosquitos are awful at all times of the day!"
Tips for camping with families
Playground availability: Some campgrounds include play areas for children. "Yampa River Headquarters Campground has a playground," notes a reviewer, making it suitable for families with younger children.
Swimming options: River access provides natural swimming spots. "Kids loved playing frisbee in the field and swimming in the river," writes a visitor to River Dance RV Resort, highlighting the family-friendly amenities.
Fishing for beginners: Several lakes near Oak Creek stock fish, making them ideal for teaching children. "3 kids + 1/2 hr = 12 trout," reports a happy parent about their experience at Bear Lake Campground, indicating excellent fishing success for beginners.
Tips from RVers
Level sites available: Several rv campgrounds near Oak Creek, Colorado provide well-maintained spaces. "Sites are gravel for the RV, very level, and very well maintained. All sites are pull through. Hookups are in very good condition," states a reviewer about Eagle Soaring RV Park.
Campground accessibility varies seasonally: Many RV-friendly campgrounds close during winter months. A visitor to Dumont Campground advised: "Plenty of pull through sites if your rig needs that otherwise you have pull in sites as well." However, seasonal closures affect access to most campgrounds from late fall through spring.
Dump station locations: Several campgrounds offer dump stations for RVs without full hookups. "No sewers aren't hooked up at sites but there is a dump station," noted a reviewer about River Dance RV Resort, providing important information for self-contained RVers planning longer stays.
