Dispersed camping around Steamboat Springs offers camping options at various elevations between 6,700 and 10,500 feet, with temperatures that can drop sharply at night even during summer months. Buffalo Pass Dispersed camping area sits at higher elevations with rough access roads that require high-clearance vehicles. Weather patterns in the area can change quickly, with afternoon thunderstorms common from July through early September.
What to do
Fishing at multiple lakes: Dumont Lake Campground sits near a scenic lake with good fly fishing opportunities. "Dumont lake is nearby which is great to fly fish, canoe, sup, etc. $5 for a day pass but they do accept the Annual pass which a lot of us have," notes a camper who stayed at the area.
Mountain biking on established trails: Dry Lake Campground provides direct access to mountain biking routes. "It sits directly across for spring creek hiking trail and plenty of other hiking trail around. Also mountain biking serves as an option for the majority of the trails," mentions a visitor.
Hiking from campgrounds: Access multiple trailheads from Buffalo Pass Dispersed camping areas. "Plenty of land behind for hiking and dirt riding! At the top of Buffalo Pass are a number of good little lakes. They were quite buggy when I was there. Good hiking and mountain biking throughout the forest," states one camper.
What campers like
Affordable camping options: Bear Lake Campground offers economical camping with basic amenities. "There are multiple campgrounds in this immediate area that all surround Yamcolo Reservoir, Bear Lake, and Stillwater Reservoir. The sites are clean and well kept," reports a visitor.
Wildlife viewing: Dutch Hill Campground at Steamboat Lake State Park offers reliable wildlife sightings. "The local deer migrate into the campground. A site on lake's edge is usually available. Fall's morning fog greet you in the morning," shares one camper who visits regularly.
Secluded campsites: Several campgrounds offer privacy away from crowds. "Summit Lake was beautiful. We went in July 2018 not really knowing what we were getting into. If you're willing to make the trek it is definitely worth it! When we went it was relatively quiet and very busy," notes a camper about the Summit Lake campground.
What you should know
High-elevation camping challenges: Meadows Campground sits at higher elevation with specific considerations. "Many of the campsites have a slight slope/grade and require a little imagination to find a level spot to put up a tent but overall not bad. Plenty of trees for tarps," advises a visitor.
Seasonal access limitations: Many campgrounds have limited operating seasons. "Buff pass gate is open and you can mob over it if you have high clearance, 4wd, and definitely winter tires. It gets sketchy at some points, but you have your pick of camp sites," warns a Buffalo Pass camper about early-season conditions.
Insect activity: Mosquitoes can be problematic at certain times. "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," reports a Buffalo Pass camper.
Tips for camping with families
Campgrounds with easier access: Red Mountain RV Park offers amenities suitable for families. "In Kremmling, the Red Mountain Lodge is a large RV campground with some cabins and motel rooms. It had several amenities including a pool, free showers, full hook-ups, access to the many off highway trails heading out of town, hot tub, rec center, laundry, and a playground," notes a family who stayed there.
Fishing for beginners: Bear Lake Campground offers productive fishing for children. "2 great lakes that are stocked (3 kids + 1/2 hr = 12 trout) within walking distance... The chipmunks were alittle intrusive but my dog was fully entertained by them," shares a family camper.
Campground cleanliness: Look for campgrounds with clean facilities. "The vault toilets were the cleanest I've ever used, and it was just an amazing time. The campgrounds host had a couple hummingbird feeders and we saw a ton of hummingbirds around!" reports a Dumont Lake camper.
Tips from RVers
RV size restrictions: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. "We are full-timers in a 36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow and needed a place to dump, do laundry and take on fresh water after a week of boondocking in the mountains outside of Steamboat Springs and this place fit the bill nicely," notes a camper about Sentinel Mountain RV & Quick Stop.
Site leveling considerations: Look for level sites when RV camping. "Sites are gravel for the RV, very level, and very well maintained. All sites are pull through. We enjoyed the peace and quiet of this campground. The trees and meadow helped create a relaxing place to stay," advises a visitor to Eagle Soaring RV Park.
Cell service for working campers: Coverage varies significantly. "AT&T coverage is a little complicated; on the South side of the RV service ranged from 1-2 Bars of 4G/LTE with service up to 8 MB/s up, but on the North side service ranged from no service to 4 bars of 3G, with speeds up to 2.5 MB/s," reports an RV camper at Sentinel Mountain RV & Quick Stop.
