Established Camping
Trappers Lake Cutthroat Campground
Trappers Lake Cutthroat Campground, near Steamboat Springs, Colorado, is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its larger sites and first-come, first-served policy, it’s a great place to set up camp and unwind in nature.
This campground is surrounded by the stunning Flat Tops Wilderness Area, making it a prime location for hiking and fishing. Visitors have noted the beauty of the area, with one camper describing it as “remote and beautiful.” You’ll find basic amenities like toilets, drinking water, and trash disposal, but don’t expect any cell service or nearby stores—this is a true getaway.
The campground is pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friends along for the adventure. Just be prepared for some pesky mosquitoes; bug spray is a must! As one reviewer pointed out, “Put the phone down!” and enjoy the peace and quiet of the great outdoors.
If you’re planning to stay for a few nights, keep in mind that RV sites are limited and available on a first-come basis. The nearby meadow offers a lovely backdrop for your camping experience, and the trails around the campground provide plenty of opportunities for exploration. Whether you’re fishing, hiking, or just soaking in the scenery, Trappers Lake Cutthroat Campground is a solid choice for a nature-filled retreat.
Description
US Forest Service
White River National Forest
Trappers Lake is known as the "Cradle of Wilderness." The 302-acre lake contains a strain of native cutthroat trout.
Trappers Lake itself lies completely within Flat Tops Wilderness; motorized boats and wheeled carts for boat transport are prohibited.
There are 5 Forest Service campgrounds nearby. Dispersed camping is prohibited within 1/4 mile of Trappers Lake and the campgrounds.
Location
Trappers Lake Cutthroat Campground is located in Colorado
Directions
From Denver, CO via 1-70: Take I-70 West from Denver, Take the Rifle/Meeker exit, and turn right at the light. Drive through Rifle – Hwy 13 will take you to Meeker, which is 39 miles from Rifle. After you pass through Meeker – there will be a sign for Trappers Lake. This is County Rd 8 (also known as the Scenic Byway) – Turn Right onto CR 8. Travel on CR 8 for 31 miles (on pavement), once you pass from pavement to a dirt road, begin clocking 10 miles. At or near the 10-mile mark, you will see another sign on the right-hand side of the road for Trappers Lake.
Coordinates
39.99264607 N
107.24160928 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 18 min from Grand Junction
- 4 hrs 47 min from Denver
- 4 hrs 57 min from Boulder
- 5 hrs 25 min from Fort Collins
