Best Campgrounds near Yampa, CO

The Yampa River Valley in northwestern Colorado features a diverse range of camping environments from high-elevation forest sites to riverside accommodations. Stagecoach State Park Campground, located near Oak Creek, provides year-round access with full hookup options for RVs, while Bear Lake Campground offers more rustic experiences at approximately 9,700 feet elevation. Within a 30-minute drive of Yampa, several reservoir-adjacent campgrounds including Chapman Reservoir and Crosho Lake Recreation Area provide water-based recreation opportunities. The region includes both established campgrounds with amenities and designated dispersed camping areas like Bear River, where campers can experience more solitude with minimal facilities.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the area, with many campgrounds requiring travel on unpaved forest roads. According to one visitor at Bear Lake Campground, "After seven miles of washboard road down FR900 and CR7 out of Yampa, you arrive at Bear Lake... The sites have good separation between them and most of them are really good sites." Most remote campgrounds operate seasonally from late May through September or early October due to snow conditions at higher elevations. Cell service is limited or non-existent at many backcountry locations, with one camper noting "phone service is minimal, practically non-existent" at Bear Lake. Mosquitoes can be problematic during summer months, particularly near water sources.

Mountain views and water access represent key attractions for campers in the Yampa area. Many sites feature proximity to fishing, hiking trails, and boating opportunities. At Cold Springs Campground, a visitor described "a small lake with a couple of waterfalls feeding it. Only 5 sites. Water and pit toilet." Campground density varies considerably, with state parks like Stagecoach offering more developed facilities but less privacy between sites. For those seeking seclusion, dispersed camping areas like Allen Basin Reservoir provide alternatives, though a camper recommends "driving a 4x4 vehicle to get here, and don't forget the bug spray!" The area's combination of accessible state parks and remote forest service campgrounds accommodates a wide spectrum of camping preferences and equipment needs.

Best Camping Sites Near Yampa, Colorado (219)

    1. Bear Lake Campground

    15 Reviews
    Yampa, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 638-4516

    $20 - $40 / night

    "The sites at Bear Lake Campground are not $5. They have been $20 per night ever since 2024. The sites offer plenty of shade, and the camphosts are very nice."

    "There are multiple campgrounds in this immediate area that all surround Yamcolo Reservoir, Bear Lake, and Stillwater Reservoir."

    2. Stagecoach State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Oak Creek, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 736-2436

    $18 - $100 / night

    "Beautiful area with plenty of water activities and fishing near by (Yampa River). Nice views of the reservoir from our site. Sites are a bit close but the views make up for it."

    "There were many trails to hike around or bike around the lake and campsites. There were plenty of water activities from swimming to boating and fishing. "

    3. Lynx Pass Campground

    8 Reviews
    Yampa, CO
    12 miles
    Website

    "Nice small campground between Kremmling and Yampa. You cannot reserve sites, it is first come first serve sites only and the sites are only $20 per night (Prior to 2024 they were $10 per night)."

    "A pond within walking distance was stocked with trout for some fishing. Tons of ohv and mountain bike trails nearby. Tons of wildflowers in July! Great place to get away from road noise."

    4. Chapman Reservoir

    6 Reviews
    Oak Creek, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 638-4516

    "pretty private and a reservoir that’s awesome for kayaks, paddle boards, etc. there are also great trails to hike from the campsite. bring plenty of supplies, though, because the closest place to restock"

    "We were near the reservoir and saw a few mule deer. Easily accessible vault toilets. No on site water. Will be back!"

    5. Cold Springs Campground

    9 Reviews
    Yampa, CO
    14 miles
    Website

    "first place I went camping in Colorado and I loved it so much I paid for an extra day. it rained on the last day but it was still wonderful. felt lost in the mountains and loved it"

    "Most of the other reviews are for Cold Springs CG near Blackhawk. This CG is actually near Yampa. There is a small lake with a couple of waterfalls feeding it. Only 5 sites. Water and pit toilet."

    6. Bear River Designated Dispersed

    5 Reviews
    Yampa, CO
    9 miles
    +1 (307) 745-2300

    "There are a lot of people around this area, please do your part to keep the land as natural as possible. The poop fairy does NOT live here- pack it out!"

    7. Meadows Campground

    12 Reviews
    Steamboat Springs, CO
    18 miles
    Website

    $26 / night

    "I was wandering from Yellowstone/Tetons en route to Colorado Springs when I reach a necessary point for rest."

    "Convenient forest service campground off highway 40 at rabbit ears pass.  First come first serve but there were still a handful of sites open on a Friday afternoon in August. "

    8. Crosho Lake Recreation Area

    3 Reviews
    Yampa, CO
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 638-4516

    "We spent the weekend near Crosho lake and had an awesome time! The trail to the lake is bumpy, and I would recommend a 4x4 vehicle to get to this lake."

    "Fishing in the lake was great."

    9. Allen Basin Reservoir Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Yampa, CO
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 745-2300

    "Allen Basin Reservoir is roughly 1 mile from Crosho Lake. The only way to access this reservoir is by using trail #1181 and either hiking in, or using an ATV/dirtbike."

    10. Steamboat Springs KOA

    24 Reviews
    Steamboat Springs, CO
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 879-0273

    "It's close enough to downtown Steamboat, right on the Yampa, and has plenty of things to do for the whole family."

    "Right outside of Steamboat Springs is Steamboat 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."

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Recent Reviews near Yampa, CO

714 Reviews of 219 Yampa Campgrounds


  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Upper Colorado River BLM Dispersed

    Good Overnight Spot

    Convenient spot right off of I70. It’s really just a dirt parking area, but good enough for an overnight stop! We pulled in after 11:00 PM. It was dark! There were a few other cars spread about. We had our pop up camper, and we were able to find a level spot and set up to get a few hours of sleep. Left around 5:30 AM, and it was still dark out, so didn’t really get to see the view of the river, and didn’t get any pics. The area was fairly quiet, other than the train that went by.

  • Angela M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Yampa River Headquarters Campground — Yampa River State Park

    No frills easy right off of 40

    Nice little campground. Dump station and potable water fill available. Sites only have electric but 30 and 50 Amp. Sites have plenty of room between them. Additional $10 entrance fee for non Colorado residents.

  • Susan D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    FR-302 Dispersed Camping - Rabbit Ears Pass

    Great spot

    We found a spot about a mile up 302. You hit kind of an intersection. We took the road to the right and went all the way to the end. It ends in a big loop (really big enough space for a few rvs). We pull a 33' fifth wheel and just went slow. The spot at the end was beautiful!

  • B R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Vail Area

    Super unfriendly town for RV

    There is no parking for RV around town in walking distance (Long Walk included). All parking only for cars.

  • Philip P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Lake John Dispersed Camping

    Relatively Private Site right next to Lake John Shoreline

    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.

  • Chris C.
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Red Table Road, White River National Forest

    Vast OHV Area with Scenic Table Top Mountain Views

    I ran across this gem, ripe for OHV, 4WD/AWD and some pull behind trailer use.  

    • Red Table Road is in the White River National Forest (see Map Posting image).  
    • Map Posting Coordinates: Lat: 39.5213888889; Long: -107.1108333333
    • Directions:  From Cotton Wood Pass (paved road) at the Red Table OHV Staging Area (Gypsum, CO 81623) heading East, look right and down for Red Table Mountain Road (Forest Road-FR 514).  From the Map Posting, the road heads up the north side of Basalt Mountain (vis-a-vis Google Maps).  
    • This road is narrow, no turnabouts for about 2 miles (wall-to-wall Manzanita and canyon drop offs), then about 2.2-4.4 there are some areas to turn around (area is maintained for stormwater runoff).  
    • Cellular Service: I had 1-2 bars of service on my T-Mobile at a few different spots with good clearing. 
    • Remote: Over Labor Day Weekend there was limited vehicle pressure and people, so relatively undiscovered in 2025.
    • Camping: Dispersed, a few carved out, most are pull-outs, informal, no postings, crude fire rings, no water, utilities, etc.
    • Views: Wow, look all around and its immense.  

    Enjoy!

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Sunrise Vista Campground — Steamboat Lake State Park

    Amazing Views

    This campground is just beautiful. Lots of space between sites and clean spacious bathroom. The views are spectacular. Site 94 is a bit steep, but offers a fairly level spot once you travel down into it. The best part is that you are truly alone with awesome Mountain Views.

  • Jill C.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Meadow Ridge Campground

    Stunning Secluded Campground

    If you’re looking for a quiet, beautiful spot-this is it! Great for smaller units and tent campers. The road leading towards the campground is a bit rough, but if you take it slow, it’s a breeze. The camp hosts are quite welcoming and informative. There are no utilities however, there are several water spigots throughout the small campground. Two vault toilets. The hiking trail is gorgeous and takes you to the beautiful lake. The water and rocks are gorgeous! We enjoyed sitting around the fire pit watching the wildlife. As this is in higher elevation and well shaded, it was nice and cool during our mid summer visit.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Pinion Pine Dispersed Campground

    Dispersed camping witha view of the Colorado river

    Camped here in order to do the hike to the Radium Hot Springs down the road.

    The access track (off Trough Rd) had one huge rut that a smaller car might find a bit hairy but we saw a small SUV had gotten in there.


Guide to Yampa

Camping options around Yampa, Colorado range from high-elevation forest settings to riverside accommodations at elevations between 7,800-9,700 feet. The region experiences significant temperature variations with summer nights often dropping to 35°F even during peak season. Mosquitoes are prevalent near water sources throughout the summer months, particularly at higher elevations where insect repellent with high DEET percentages becomes essential.

What to do

Fishing at Bear Lake Campground: Access excellent fishing at Bear Lake Campground where multiple stocked waters provide reliable catches. "The fishing was great from the bank and also from a float tube. We are going back this month," reports Peggy S., who visited in June.

Hiking from Lynx Pass Campground: Explore numerous trails directly accessible from Lynx Pass Campground. "A pond within walking distance was stocked with trout for some fishing. Tons of ohv and mountain bike trails nearby. Tons of wildflowers in July! Great place to get away from road noise," explains Courtney L.

Water activities at reservoir sites: Enjoy paddle boarding, kayaking and swimming at the reservoirs around Yampa. According to Spencer B. at Allen Basin Reservoir, "There are roughly 6-8 dispersed camp spots on the road towards Allen Basin Reservoir. We camped at this spot for 3 days, and 2 nights and loved it!"

What campers like

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campsites near Yampa provide excellent wildlife watching. At Bear Lake Campground, one camper noted, "The chipmunks were alittle intrusive but my dog was fully entertained by them."

Clean, well-maintained facilities: Meadows Campground receives praise for its maintenance. "Each campsite has a place for 2 cars, a picnic table, flat places for 2-3 tents, and a fire ring with an adjustable grill. Plenty of shady trees to hang your hammock from and enough space between campsites to give you some privacy," describes Lis G.

Site separation and privacy: Many campers appreciate the space between sites at the less developed campgrounds. At Cold Springs Campground, Tracy V. shares, "Stayed here for two nights while hiking trails in the area. Small 5 site loop with 2 pull through sites #1&5. Very clean pit toilet. Water between sites 4&5."

What you should know

Limited or no reservations: Many campgrounds near Yampa operate on a first-come, first-served basis. At Cold Springs Campground, Blue B. notes, "There are only 5 sites here, they are $20 per night, no reservations accepted, all first come basis. Has one pit toilet, picnic table and fire grate."

Road conditions and access: Many campgrounds require travel on unpaved, washboard roads. "The road up is very washboard so a very slow drive. Bring warm clothes even in mid July it is very cold at night and in the mornings at this high of elevation!" advises a Cold Springs camper.

Weather and temperature swings: Temperature fluctuations are extreme, even in summer. A Bear River Designated Dispersed camper shares, "Bring 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."

Tips for camping with families

Easy access activities: Stagecoach State Park Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "There is a general store, putt putt, propane fill, a small dog run, bikes for rent, swimming in season and the city bus comes to take you to town for free," explains Shannon G.

Kid-friendly outdoor exploration: Stagecoach provides numerous child-friendly activities. "The protected swim beach was a hit during the day with day visitors as well as campers. Lots of the children enjoyed the warm(ish) waters and my son particularly enjoyed hunting for crawfish or crawdads," shares one visitor.

Educational opportunities: Some parks offer learning experiences for children. "On Saturday the Parks offered fur, skulls, scat, and tracks for guests/visitors to examine and learn about. Some of the skulls and fur were real. However, the scat that they displayed was plastic replicas thankfully," reported a Stagecoach camper.

Tips from RVers

Site selection at developed campgrounds: For RVs, Steamboat Springs KOA offers varying site types. "We stayed at the Steamboat KOA for 2-1/2 weeks on a business trip and greatly appreciated the solid Wi-Fi. The first half of our stay we were in the original Campground with a center, gravel, pull thru, #71. 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," advises Love4travel T.

Water quality considerations: Some campgrounds have mineral-heavy water. One RVer at Steamboat Springs KOA noted, "We have a great site nice & big with electric hook up and had to fill with water. The water was Iron colored so we used bottled water for making coffee & ice cubes."

Limited services at forest campgrounds: Bring all necessary supplies as services are limited. "There isn't much around so stock up on groceries before you go," recommends one camper at the Steamboat KOA.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to go camping in Yampa, Colorado?

The prime camping season in Yampa, Colorado typically runs from late May through September, with July and August offering the most reliable weather. Stagecoach State Park Campground is ideal during summer months when you can take advantage of water activities on the reservoir and nearby Yampa River fishing. Higher elevation campgrounds like Gore Creek Campground may have shorter seasons due to snow and access issues. Early summer brings wildflowers while September offers beautiful fall colors with fewer crowds. Be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms during summer months and potentially cold nights even in peak season. Many forest service campgrounds in the area operate seasonally and close during winter months.

Where can I find camping areas near Yampa, Colorado?

The Yampa area offers several camping options within a short drive. Cold Springs Campground near Yampa is a small, secluded spot with only 5 sites ($20/night), featuring a small lake with waterfalls, pit toilets, and tables with fire pits. For those seeking additional options, Bear Lake Campground provides shaded sites for $20/night, though be prepared for a 45-minute drive on washboard roads from Yampa. The area around Yamcolo Reservoir and Stillwater Reservoir also offers Horseshoe Campground and numerous dispersed camping opportunities. If you prefer amenities closer to town, consider exploring Stagecoach State Park or the campgrounds at Yampa River State Park.

What amenities are available at Yampa campgrounds?

Amenities vary significantly across Yampa area campgrounds. Steamboat Springs KOA offers extensive facilities including electric/water hookups, a small pool, miniature golf course, trike rentals, and prime Yampa River access. For a more rustic experience with some conveniences, Yampa River Headquarters Campground provides both powered sites and primitive tent camping options. Most public campgrounds in the national forest like Cold Springs and Bear Lake offer basic amenities such as pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. Some locations have potable water available seasonally. Stagecoach State Park features reservoir views and access to water activities. Always check current conditions as amenities may change seasonally.