Fishing and hiking enthusiasts will find Trappers Lake Cutthroat Campground positioned within the White River National Forest, serving as one of five campgrounds clustered around this high-elevation lake. The Forest Service facility operates on a first-come, first-served basis at $20 per night, with senior discounts available.
Sites vary considerably in layout and terrain. Some lack level ground for tent setup, while others feature squared-off flat areas carved from the forested slope. RV accommodations are limited to smaller rigs and require backing in. The campground sits near a large meadow with direct access to lake fishing and trailheads leading into the surrounding Flat Tops Wilderness Area.
Cell service remains completely unavailable at the campground itself. Campground Recon C. notes that "the nearest cell service is at Buford, which is a little over 50 miles round trip to the west." Campers should prepare for complete disconnection, with the closest supply options at Trappers Lodge's small store or a 100-mile round trip to reach full services.
The remote location attracts visitors seeking extended stays away from crowds. Mosquitoes can be intense during peak season, making insect repellent essential. For those wanting additional options, Trapline Campground sits just steps away with similar amenities.
Description
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundTrappers 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
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
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, CO
- 4 hrs 47 min from Denver, CO
- 4 hrs 57 min from Boulder, CO
- 5 hrs 25 min from Fort Collins, CO
