Tent camping around Oak Creek, Colorado occurs at elevations between 7,000-9,000 feet in the White River National Forest region, where summer temperatures can drop significantly at night. Primitive sites throughout the area feature varied terrain from riverside meadows to aspen groves, with most dispersed camping options requiring high-clearance vehicles to access rutted forest roads.
What to do
Hiking from camp: From Blue Lake Camp sites, access multiple well-marked trails surrounding this glacial lake. One camper notes the area has "crystal clear and lovely water for a dip (if you can handle the cold!)" with access to rowboats occasionally left for public use.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer fishing access directly from campsites. At Crosho Lake Recreation Area, one visitor mentioned "fishing in the lake was great" while noting the sites were "really clean" with enough space for larger groups to remain secluded.
Stargazing: The high elevation and minimal light pollution create exceptional night sky viewing. At Red Sandstone primitive dispersed sites, a camper reports "the stars at night are incredible" despite the challenging access road that requires patience and clearance.
What campers like
Natural water features: Several campgrounds offer water access directly from sites. At Red Sandstone, campers appreciate that "a babbling stream made it one of our top picks for dispersed camping," while sites at Blue Lake let you camp near "one of the most serene glacial lakes in the area."
Multiple site options: Bear River Designated Dispersed provides alternatives when other areas fill up. One camper explained they stayed there "entirely due to the fact that bear lake was still frozen and the road up there was impassable," noting their spot "backed right up to the forest" away from neighbors.
Wildlife viewing: Camping areas throughout White River National Forest provide wildlife spotting opportunities. During one unfortunate wildfire incident near Crosho Lake, a camper observed "cows fleeing, bears running away and wildlife booking it out," highlighting the typically abundant wildlife presence.
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Fire rules vary by location and season. One camper at Bear River reminds visitors to practice leave-no-trace principles, saying "there are a lot of people around this area, please do your part to keep the land as natural as possible."
Weather preparedness: Nights get cold even in summer months. A Bear River visitor advises bringing "lots of layers and warm clothes as summer temps at night and in the mornings at this elevation throughout the summer are very chilly around 35 degrees Fahrenheit."
Insect protection: Red Dirt Reservoir and surrounding areas have significant mosquito activity. A Red Sandstone camper warns "SO MANY MOSQUITOS" while another mentions "it was definitely buggy, got my fair share of mosquito bites, so I recommend bug spray."
Tips for camping with families
Reservation planning: Most primitive sites operate first-come, first-served with no reservations. At Bear River, a camper advises to "plan to arrive early afternoon during the week as it typically fills up by Thursday."
Site selection for privacy: Consider how close neighboring campsites are. One Crosho Lake visitor noted "the dispersed camp spots are close to one another, so if you prefer privacy and the sound of silence I recommend going down the road to Allen Basin Reservoir where more dispersed camp spots can be found."
Road conditions: Access roads can be challenging for family vehicles. A Strawberry Park Hot Springs visitor warns about "muddy rough conditions on the road to the Hot Springs entrance. It can require 4x4 and sometimes is not passable. Depending on weather and conditions."
Tips from RVers
Vehicle access limitations: Many dispersed sites require significant clearance. At Red Sandstone, a camper notes "the road was REALLY rough. One portion looked like someone had just run around digging random holes in the road," advising larger vehicles to avoid the area entirely.
Finding level spots: Tent campers can manage uneven terrain easier than RVs. A visitor to Red Sandstone mentioned finding "a spot to pitch my tent for the night, but it was far from level or smooth."
Site availability timing: RV sites fill quickly during peak seasons. At Red Dirt Reservoir, a camper mentioned going "during the weekday and still had a little bit of a hard time finding a spot at first," noting that "a good amount of locals like to camp here."
