Positioned at 9,000 feet elevation along Dillon Reservoir's shoreline, Heaton Bay Campground sits 1.6 miles from Frisco in Colorado's high country. The Forest Service facility operates seasonally from late May through September, with paved roads leading to 76 sites spread across multiple loops.
Loop A provides the only hookup sites, featuring both electric and water connections for RVs up to 40 feet. The remaining loops offer standard sites with bear boxes, picnic tables, and fire rings but no utilities. Thomas B. notes "Lake Dillon Res is cold water. Always, even in July and August," while several campers mention direct water access from select sites. The reservoir prohibits swimming but allows fishing for lake trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon.
Sites vary considerably in tree cover and proximity to neighbors. Some reviewers describe dusty conditions, particularly on heavily used interior sites where tents may be pitched within 15 feet of each other. Water spigots appear on each loop, though Wren H. clarifies the "pump water available, but it's not for cleaning things." Clean pit toilets and dumpsters serve the campground, but no dump station exists on-site.
Interstate 70 runs nearby, creating vehicle noise that some campers notice at night. Cell coverage reaches three bars for major carriers. The campground accommodates various access methods including boat-in camping, and several sites allow direct boat launching. Firewood sells at local stores in Frisco, which provides full services within a 10-minute drive.
For those wanting hookups beyond Loop A, Pine Cove Campground offers additional utility sites nearby.
Description
Overview
Heaton Bay Campground is situated at an elevation of 9,000 feet and centrally located for recreation and relaxation in the White River National Forest. There is little or no shade in the campground due to pine beetle infestation and the removal of hazard trees, but the sites offer open views to Dillon Reservoir and several mountain ranges.
Recreation
Dillon Reservoir is 3,233 acres with 26.8 miles of shoreline, offering an ideal spot for fishing, boating, and sailing. The reservoir supports a healthy population of rainbow and brown trout, in addition to a few cutthroat finding their way into the lake from feeder streams. Opportunities for hiking and biking in this area include more than 7 paved miles of the 50-mile Summit County trail system. The Old Dillon Reservoir Trail is a favorite. This short, easy trail has spectacular views of the Tenmile Range and the Continental Divide. For those wanting a bit more solitude, hiking in the Ptarmigan Wilderness area is a wonderful escape from the crowds.
Facilities
Heaton Bay Campground has 87 sites, able to accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. Walk-in only tent sites available of a first-come, first-served basis.The campground is equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings, vault toilets, and drinking water. Electrical hook-ups are available for a fee at several of the sites.Firewood is for sale from hosts at the campground.Boat ramp access is available in the marinas located in the nearby towns of Frisco and Dillon.
Natural Features
In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the 2.3 million acre White River National Forest is a place of serenity and adventure, boasting 8 wilderness areas, 4 defined seasons, and 10 peaks surpassing 14,000 feet in elevation. Wildlife in the area abounds. Bighorn sheep navigate rocky ridges and bull elk bugle at dusk. Scenic rivers sustain populations of cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout. Alpine regions provide habitat for pika and ptarmigan. These species, along with many others, depend on surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams, and diverse forests to live.
Nearby Attractions
Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, Breckenridge, and Copper Mountain ski resorts are all located within 10 miles from Dillon Reservoir. These resorts stay open year round.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (801) 226-3564.
Charges & Cancellations
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
Fee Info
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsWhite River National Forest Heaton Bay Campground is located in Colorado near Frisco
Directions
From I-70, take Frisco exit to 203. Turn left onto the Dillon Dam Road. Travel northeast for 1 mile. The campground will be on the right hand side of the road.
Coordinates
39.605 N
106.0777778 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 26 usersLast on 6/14/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 48 usersLast on 6/14/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 33 usersLast on 6/14/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 26 usersLast on 6/14/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 48 usersLast on 6/14/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 33 usersLast on 6/14/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 13 min from Denver, CO
- 1 hr 22 min from Boulder, CO
- 1 hr 58 min from Fort Collins, CO
- 2 hrs 3 min from Colorado Springs, CO


























































