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Established Camping

Sweetwater Lake

4 Reviews

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Sweetwater Lake offers camping near Gypsum, Colorado, surrounded by mountainous terrain and forested areas. Temperatures can range from lows in the 30s Fahrenheit during spring and fall to highs in the 80s during summer. Nearby attractions include the Flat Tops Wilderness Area, providing opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing.

Description

Bear activity has been increasing. For this reason a "food storage order" is in effect at all developed campgrounds on the Eagle/Holy Cross Ranger District, and the Piney Guard Station, Tigiwon Lodge, Mount of the Holy Cross Overlook, Homestake Road FSR 703, and Nolan Creek Road. This order requires all food and refuse to be stored in hard-sided vehicles, approved bear-resistant containers, or supended at least 10 feet clear of the ground at all points and four feet horizontally from any supporting tree or pole. This order has been issued to provide for public safety and wildlife conservation. Hopefully it will reduce wildlife habituation problems. Click here to see food storage order. NATURAL FEATURES: Sweetwater Campground, elevation 7,740 feet, is on the south end of 72 acre, Sweetwater Lake. The vegetation surrounding the campground and the sites is scrub oak, serviceberry, wild rose and willow. High limestone cliffs tower above the area on two sides. FACILITIES: Sweetwater Campground has 9 partially shaded campsites with picnic tables and fire ring grills. This campground has small sites. Six of the sites can accommodate vehicles up to 30 feet long. There is one vault toilet. ATTRACTIONS: TRAILS - There are three popular hiking and horseback riding trails beginning at the end of the campground. The Ute Trail, #2031, (9.4 miles) goes up to Deep Lake on the Flattops. The Cross Creek Trail, #1855, (6.5 miles) travels through sagebrush flats full of wildflowers and aspen forests to the Sweetwater Trail, #1854. The short Scenic Overlook trail, (500 yards) has nice views of the lake and a waterfall. FISHING - Sweetwater Lake offers good fishing from the shore or small boats for brook, brown and rainbow trout, as well as kokanee salmon. BOATING - Canoes and rowboats are popular on this lake, but some electric motors are used. No gasoline-powered motors are allowed on Sweetwater Lake. Hand-launched boats only since there is no public boat ramp. Sweetwater Campground is the only public access to Sweetwater Lake. There is a printable Recreation Quicksheet for this campground which is complete with directions, details, and other information about this campground.

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Location

Sweetwater Lake is located in Colorado

Directions

Directions from Eagle: Travel 12 miles west of Eagle on I-70 to Dotsero. Go north on Colorado River Road for 7 miles. Turn left onto the Sweetwater Creek road. Stay on road for 10 miles, then turn left at the sign for Sweetwater Campground.

Coordinates

39.79700008 N
107.16100055 W

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BY

Deep Lake

1 hr 43 min away

Horseshoe Campground

2 hrs 33 min away

Drive Time

Presented by

2 hrs 18 min from Grand Junction
3 hrs from Denver
3 hrs 10 min from Boulder
3 hrs 45 min from Fort Collins

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Connectivity

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T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

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L F.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 16, 2025

Beautiful, Peaceful Spot

We loved camping here, there was so much to explore. The drive is gorgeous, we kept stopping to take photos.

The campsite has 1 single-stall campsite potty near the entrance. There are trails from the campsite that go around the lake. There’s also horse trails around the campsite, and we saw quite a few people on horseback riding through.

The other reviews were right in that there are very limited campsites. There’s only 7 and they’re relatively small, some are very close together- especially sites 2 & 3. It would be a good idea for a larger groups to reserve those spots.

We stayed in site 2 and enjoyed our setup. The fire pits are great, they’re tall so they collimate the smoke up and away. The sites also have a bear-proof cabinet you can store food in. They were large enough to fit a large cooler and our dry foods.

Would definitely recommend, we had a fantastic experience.

Site2

Month of VisitJune

Dan S.

Guide

Reviewed Jan. 4, 2020

Quite

This is a great quite place but has limited spots and fills up early. Also trailers larger than 30 feet will not fit at this campground and the tow vehicle will need to use the entire road to keep the camper from going off the edge at to loop.

Ben P.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 30, 2019

Very nice and quiet campsites. Not many site so get there early to get a site. The hike nearby was really nice. Bring bug spray

The campgrounds were clean and very nice. There weren't many sites so get there early to get a site. The hike nearby was really nice. Bring bug spray

Jenny S.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 26, 2017

disappear

9 quiet, small campsites on a beautiful lake. first come sites.

Site8

Month of VisitJuly

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Sweetwater Lake Campground?

Sweetwater Lake Campground offers basic amenities including a single-stall restroom near the entrance. The campground features only 9 small sites situated around a beautiful lake. Hiking and horse trails surround the campground and lake, providing excellent recreational opportunities. The sites are primitive but clean and well-maintained. Bug spray is recommended as insects can be prevalent in this natural setting. The campground's simple amenities contribute to its quiet, peaceful atmosphere.

Are there photos available of Sweetwater Lake Campground?

Yes, photos of Sweetwater Lake Campground showcase its beautiful lakeside setting and natural surroundings. The area is highly photogenic, with many visitors capturing images of the scenic drive to the campground, the lake itself, and the surrounding landscapes. The campground's rustic setting among nature makes for excellent photography opportunities. For official and recent photos, check the campground's managing agency website or The Dyrt, where campers often share their visual experiences of this picturesque location.

Can you RV camp at Sweetwater Lake Campground?

RV camping at Sweetwater Lake Campground is limited to smaller units. The campground cannot accommodate RVs larger than 30 feet due to the tight access road and campsite layouts. Even with smaller trailers, tow vehicles will need to use the entire road in some sections to prevent campers from going off the edge, particularly at the loop. The small, quiet campground has only 9 sites that fill up quickly. For larger RVs, it's advisable to seek alternative campgrounds in the area.

Where is Sweetwater Lake Campground located in Colorado?

Sweetwater Lake Campground is located in Colorado's scenic mountain region. The campground sits on the shores of Sweetwater Lake, a beautiful mountain lake. While the exact county isn't specified, the area is known for its gorgeous natural surroundings and scenic driving routes leading to the campground. Visitors frequently stop to photograph the impressive landscape on their way to the lake. For precise directions, contacting the managing agency is recommended.

What do reviews say about Sweetwater Lake Campground?

Sweetwater Lake Campground is highly regarded for its quiet atmosphere and beautiful lakeside setting. The small campground offers clean facilities and numerous exploration opportunities around the lake and beyond. Visitors appreciate the nearby hiking trails and natural beauty. The campground fills up quickly due to having only 9 sites, so arriving early is essential. The surrounding area offers gorgeous scenery with plenty of photographic opportunities. Bug spray is recommended for a more comfortable experience.

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