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Piney River Ranch at Piney Lake

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Piney River Ranch at Piney Lake is located near Vail, Colorado, surrounded by mountainous terrain and dense forests. Summer temperatures range from 40°F to 75°F, while winter temperatures can drop to 0°F with highs around 30°F. Visitors can explore nearby attractions such as the scenic Piney Lake and hiking trails in the White River National Forest.

Location

Piney River Ranch at Piney Lake is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Directions

Red Sandstone Road, the road to Piney River Ranch, is owned and maintained by the US Forest Service. You may access the ranch via Red Sandstone Road from June 21st through the last weekend in September 2021. The road to Piney stays open beyond the closing date of the ranch and is closed by the Forest Service shortly after. This schedule is dictated by the Forest Service to ensure the road is safe to travel, due to high level of snowfall in the off-season and winter months. We suggest calling the USFS on (970) 827 5715 after September each year for updates on the road and its condition. Piney River Ranch is located 12 miles from West Vail at the end of Red Sandstone Road. Our physical address is 700 Red Sandstone Road. Please note that GPS systems typically only take you to the beginning of the U.S. Forest Service road that leads to the ranch. You must travel 12 miles past that point to reach the ranch entrance, which is about 45 additional minutes. Due to our location within a National Forest, sites such as Google Maps or MapQuest will not always route you properly to the ranch. If using GPS please enter Piney Lake otherwise please use the directions below. The road is not paved, so it can be a little rough—however, four-wheel drive is not necessary. Please allow at least 45 minutes from the start of the dirt road to arrive at Piney River Ranch. FROM VAIL From I-70, take Exit 176 for Vail. Take your first right thru the round-a-bout on to North Frontage Road (you will now be traveling on the north side of the interstate). At Red Sandstone Road (.5 miles), turn right, and follow the paved road until about 0.7 miles. Just before the sharp curve to the right – the dirt road you need to take will be straight ahead, turn here. There should be a large green Forest Service sign indicating this is Red Sandstone Road #700 (Reset your odometer here). Continue for about 2.7 miles to a fork in the road at Lost Lake Road (#786). Do not turn right – Keep left here to stay on Red Sandstone Road. Around mile 6.5 you will pass Red and White Mtn Road/FSR 734 which forks to the left – Stay straight. At mile 6.7 you will pass another fork to the left for Muddy Pass/Moniger Road. Stay straight. When you are just over two miles from the ranch, you will cross a small bridge over Piney River. Follow the road as it curves to the right, where you will see a sign for Piney Lake two miles ahead. You will reach a Forest Service parking lot on the right at mile 10.65 before the entrance to Piney River Ranch. If you are only hiking, we request you park in this lot. The trailhead is on the north side of the parking lot (left side of the parking lot as one faces the Piney River Ranch entrance). If visiting the ranch, you may drive further to our parking lot. FROM AVON Take I-70 East to Exit 173 – West Vail Exit. Go left round the roundabout and under the highway. Turn right onto North Frontage Road. After passing the shops, the post office and one roundabout, you will turn left onto Red Sandstone Road, and follow the paved road until about 0.7 miles. Just before the sharp curve to the right – the dirt road you need to take will be straight ahead, turn here. There should be a large green Forest Service sign indicating this is Red Sandstone Road #700 (Reset your odometer here). Continue for about 2.7 miles to a fork in the road at Lost Lake Road (#786). Do not turn right – Keep left here to stay on Red Sandstone Road. Around mile 6.5 you will pass Red and White Mtn Road/FSR 734 which forks to the left – Stay straight. At mile 6.7 you will pass another fork to the left for Muddy Pass/Moniger Road. Stay straight. When you are just over two miles from the ranch, you will cross a small bridge over Piney River. Follow the road as it curves to the right, where you will see a sign for Piney Lake two miles ahead. You will reach a Forest Service parking lot on the right at mile 10.65 before the entrance to Piney River Ranch. If you are only hiking, we request you park in this lot. The trailhead is on the north side of the parking lot (left side of the parking lot as one faces the Piney River Ranch entrance). If visiting the ranch, you may drive further to our parking lot.

Coordinates

39.7210508402469 N
106.40125745208644 W

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Site Types

  • Cabins
  • Yurts

Features

For Campers

  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Fires

Contact

General Info


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Reviewed May. 31, 2023

Great little cam area

I have camped at the campsites located just before the entrance to the Piney Lake Ranch. There’s about 8 Free campsites. Short walk to Ranch. Outside restrooms. Great restaurant at the Ranch.

Siteopen site area
Month of VisitAugust

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dispersed camping allowed at Piney Lake in Colorado?

While dispersed camping isn't permitted at Piney Lake itself, there are approximately 8 free campsites located just before the entrance to Piney River Ranch. These sites provide a convenient option for camping in the area without staying at the main ranch facilities. The proximity to the ranch means you can enjoy access to Piney Lake while camping at these dispersed sites. Be prepared for primitive camping conditions and always follow Leave No Trace principles. For updated regulations or restrictions, consider contacting the White River National Forest office before your trip.

How do I access Piney Lake for camping near Vail, Colorado?

To reach Piney Lake from Vail, Colorado, take Red Sandstone Road (Forest Road 700), which is a dirt road that winds through the mountains for approximately 11 miles. The road can be rough and bumpy, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended, especially after rain or early in the season. The free campsites are located just before you reach the entrance to Piney River Ranch. The drive typically takes about 45-60 minutes from Vail. Check road conditions before departing, as the road is generally open seasonally from late spring through early fall.

What's the difference between Piney Lake Campground and Piney River Ranch camping options?

Piney River Ranch at Piney Lake offers more developed accommodations including cabins and glamping tents that require reservations and payment. These ranch accommodations provide a more amenity-rich experience with access to ranch facilities. In contrast, the free campsites located just before the ranch entrance offer a more primitive camping experience. These sites are first-come, first-served with no reservation system. Both options provide beautiful surroundings and access to Piney Lake, but they differ significantly in terms of comfort, amenities, and cost.

What amenities are available at Piney Lake Campground in Colorado?

The free campsites near Piney Lake offer basic, primitive camping with limited amenities. Campers can access outside restrooms located at the nearby Piney River Ranch. The ranch also features a restaurant where campers can enjoy meals with scenic views. There's a short walk from the campsites to the ranch and lake area. No hookups, showers, or other developed facilities are available at the campsites themselves. Campers should come prepared with their own water supply, food, and camping gear. The stunning mountain scenery and proximity to Piney Lake are the primary attractions rather than campground amenities.