Steamboat Lake State Park Campgrounds
Steamboat Lake is often described as one of the jewels of the Colorado wilderness. With over 1,000 acres of mountain lake, views of Hahn Peak, and close proximity to ski areas this lake and the two modern, well-equipped campgrounds on it are extremely popular destinations. You can boat, fish, hike, ride horses, or mountain bikes while taking in the spectacular scenery. With 188 campsites to choose from you can have a wilderness experience with nearly all the comforts of home. A note to campers, a camping permit required in addition to a daily or annual vehicle pass.
- Closest town: Clark Steamboat Springs
- Specs: 78 sites arranged in three loops, water, flush toilets, open
- Amenities: Convenience store, marina, swim beach, showers, laundry, electric sites at Wheeler loop
- Reservations: Yes, at cpwshop.com for the week before Memorial Day to Labor Day, first-come, first-serve remainder of the year
- Address: County Road 62, Clark, CO 80428
- Directions: From Clark take County Road 129 9.1 miles. Turn left on County Road 62, go 1.1 miles. The campground will be on the right.
Consider Kremmling Walden Or Craig
One hour southeast of Steamboat resides the western town of Kremmling. Youll pass it on your way to Steamboat Springs if coming from Denver, making it quicker to reach for a weekend campout. Its a bit long to day trip into Steamboat though, but certainly doable from some of the campgrounds near Kremmling. The biggest attraction in town are the outdoors, with several lakes nearby, including Green Mountain and Williams Fork reservoirs.
One hour northeast of Steamboat lies the North Park town of Walden. Its the county seat and only real town in all of the expansive Jackson County. Unless youre driving from Fort Collins, you wont pass Walden on your way to Steamboat Springs. You can detour north just before Rabbit Ears Pass to check out one of Colorados least visited regions. There are plenty of cool campgrounds by Walden, like those within State Forest State Park.
About forty-five minutes west of Steamboat puts you at 6,198 feet of elevation in Craig. For those looking to hit up Steamboat Springs just for a day, you can pass through town, see its sights, and then roll onto your campground near Craig. At nearly four hours northwest of Denver, youll really get away the crowds here. With a population of around 9,000, there are plenty of businesses in town to outfit your camping trip.
Thats a roundup of the best places to camp around Steamboat Springs, Colo. Remember to practice leave no trace and follow all fire bans
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Camping Near Steamboat Springs
Residing at a comfortable alpine elevation of 6,732 feet, Steamboat Springs features a nice four seasons climate. Combined with a reasonable three hour drive from Denver and a population of over 13,000 people, Steamboat makes an extremely popular destination for weekend trips. Its one of the largest mountain towns in the state, with both a wide western downtown and mountain village. Camping can be found fairly close to town at places like Buffalo Pass.
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Camping Near Steamboat Springs Oak Creek And Clark Around Yampa Valley
Whether youre coming for the dazzling natural beauty or a soak in the local hot springs, Steamboat Springs makes a for a terrific camping destination. Between Oak Creek, Steamboat and Clark, there are ample campgrounds to choose from in this region of Routt County.
The epicenter of the Yampa Valley, Steamboat Springs is a tourist hot spot, offering everything from an alpine coaster to endless national forest. Formed by the Yampa River, the Yampa Valley is a special place to all those whove visited before.
The river, which runs through Steamboat Springs, start south of town in the flat top mountains by Yampa. It flows north to Oak Creek before heading west at Steamboat Springs, all the way past Craig to Dinosaur National Monument. This is where it joins with the Green River. On its way, it passes by numerous opportunities to camp and access the Routt National Forest.
List of camping by Steamboat Springs, Oak Creek and Clark, CO, in order of proximity:
Eagle Soaring Rv Park
For another RV camping option near Steamboat Springs, Eagle Soaring RV Park is located just west of downtown with 27 acres of space for RV hookups, nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The park is located about seven miles outside Steamboat Springs along Route 40.
The RV area has spectacular views of the Steamboat Ski Area and features 25 sites that can accommodate vehicles that are 70 feet long. All sites have 30/50-amp power, state-approved drinkable water, and easy sewer hookup. The park has showers, Wi-Fi, and decent cell phone service. You can even find a small washer and dryer.
Additional amenities include picnic and barbecue areas, a full-service bathroom, and showers. . Reservations are required, and a two-night deposit is required. You can reserve a space up to a year in advance, but not within two days of arrival.
Address: 25250 US-40, Steamboat Springs, Colorado
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Stagecoach State Park Campgrounds
A total of 92 campsites divided among four campgrounds provide visitors with a variety of camping venues at this popular Colorado state park. A pair of boat ramps, one on the north shore of the reservoir, and another near the Morrison Cove area offer easy access to the lake. A marina, amphitheater and group picnic and camping sites are spread through this popular destination. Lake and river fishing are among the many activities in the picturesque Yampa Valley.
- Closest town: Steamboat Springs
- Specs: 27 sites, water, flush toilets, open May 15 to September 30
- Amenities: Showers, 30 amp service
- Reservations: Yes, at cpwshop.com
- Address: 25500 County Road 14, Oak Creek, CO 80467
- Directions: From Steamboat Springs take U.S. Highway 40 East 4.1 miles. Turn right on Colorado Highway 131 South, go 6.5 miles. Turn left on County Road 14, go 5.3 miles. Turn left, go 427 feet, continue straight .5 miles, turn right into the state park entrances.
- Closest town: Steamboat Springs
- Specs: 37 sites, water, flush toilets, open May 15 to September 30
- Amenities: Showers, 30 amp service, dump station
- Reservations: Yes, at cpwshop.com
- Address: 25500 County Road 14, Oak Creek, CO 80467
- Directions: From Steamboat Springs take U.S. Highway 40 East 4.1 miles. Turn right on Colorado Highway 131 South, go 6.5 miles. Turn left on County Road 14, go 5.3 miles. Turn left, go 427 feet, continue straight .5 miles, turn right into the state park entrances.
Best Campgrounds In Steamboat Springs Co
Written by Meagan DrillingerSep 3, 2021
Steamboat Springs, Colorado is surrounded by spectacular nature, with scenery that spans soaring mountains expansive grasslands babbling rivers and thick, verdant forest. Some of the best options for campgrounds can actually be found right in the heart of the wilderness around Steamboat Springs, in the two national forests that surround the city.
Campgrounds include dispersed camping in the national forests, dedicated campgrounds, recreation sites, and RV parks. While the camping within the Steamboat Springs city limits is rather limited, you’ll find several high-quality options anywhere from eight to 30 miles outside of town. In fact, Steamboat Springs is one of the best places to camp in Colorado if you’re looking to get off the grid.
Most of the campgrounds are small near Steamboat Springs, with typically less than 30 individual campsites. Sites like the Kampgrounds of America within Steamboat Springs are much larger, and offer something for every style of camper though campgrounds of this size in this area are not the norm.
Dispersed camping or campgrounds within the national forests are primarily first come, first served. Private campgrounds, however, are reservable, and should be booked well in advance. You’ll find that many of the campgrounds are out of cell service range, so it’s always good to plan ahead. The campgrounds that are a bit closer to town offer much more in terms of connectivity.
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Free Dispersed Camping On Buffalo Pass Road
This is probably the closest, best free camping to downtown Steamboat Springs. Buff pass also provides fast access to Strawberry Park Hot Springs. After you pass the turnoff for the above Dry Lake Campground, youll begin to wind up Buff Pass, passing by numerous pull offs for preexisting campsites. Always practice leave no trace. 2WD is fine for the bottom of the pass, but the higher you go, and if you continue onto Walden, youll want a high-clearance 4×4.
- Closest town: Steamboat Springs
- Address: County Road 38/Buffalo Pass Road, Steamboat Springs 80487
- Directions: From downtown Steamboat, take 6th St to North Park Rd for 0.7 mi. Follow Strawberry Park Road for nearly 1 mile. Take a right onto County Road 38 and follow that up Buffalo Pass. Youll see a sign entering the Routt National Forest and pull offs for campsites.
Hahns Peak Lake Campground
This campground offers non-motorized or electric boating on Hahns Peak Lake, along with terrestrial adventures in biking, and hiking. Anglers can pursue trout from many offshore points or from a boat on the lake. The area is rich in wildlife with bear, bobcat, mule deer, moose, and elk seen often from the campground. There is no water at the campground, plan accordingly.
- Closest town: Clark Steamboat Springs
- Specs: 23 sites, 3 double sites, no water, vault toilet, late June to snow closure
- Amenities: On the north shore of Hahns Peak Lake
- Reservations: Yes, at recreation.gov
- Address: Forest Road 486, Laramie, CO 82070
- Directions: From Clark take County Road 129 11.3 miles. Turn left on Forest Road 486, go 1.9 miles. Turn left on Forest Service Road 486 go .7 miles. Turn right into the campground
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Pearl Lake State Park Poverty Bar Campground
Camping at all Colorado state parks now requires a reservation. This popular campground has two loops with scenic views of Pearl Lake and the surrounding area. A wide variety of outdoor recreation is available including all-terrain vehicles, non-motorized boating, horseback riding, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, off-road vehicle trails, and kayaking.
- Closest town: Clark Steamboat Springs
- Specs: 36 sites, water, flush toilets, vault toilets, open late May to mid-October
- Amenities: Host, equestrian trail, access to Pearl Lake
- Reservations: Yes, at cpw.state.co.us
- Address: Forest Service Road 63B, Clark, CO 80428
- Directions: From Clair take County Road 129 north 5.8 miles. Turn right on County Road 209, go 1.7 miles. Turn left on Forest Service Road 63B go .3 miles to the campground.
Seedhouse Campground And Group Campground
There are both two dozen individual campsites, as well as a group camping venue for up to 100 guests. Mountain biking, horseback riding and hiking are all popular venues along with canoeing, rock climbing, kayaking, off-road vehicles, and rock climbing. Fishing on the Middle Fork of the Elk River is a popular pastime. Wildlife is abundant in the area, along with great opportunities to watch native birds. The area surrounding the campground is inhabited by mule deer, elk, black bear, bobcats, moose and coyotes, animals that are often spotted near the campground.
- Closest town: Clark Steamboat Springs
- Specs: 24 sites, water, vault toilet, open July to late October
- Amenities: Group campground, handicapped-accessible trails, river access, host
- Reservations: Yes,
- Reservations: Yes, at recreation.gov or 877-444-6777, 9 are first-come, first-serve
- Address: Forest Road 400, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
- Directions: From Clark go 1 mile north on County Road 129. Turn right on Seedhouse Road go 4.7 miles. Continue straight on Seedhouse Road .8 miles. Turn left on Forest Service Road 400 go 3.2 miles to the campground.
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Camping Near Oak Creek
Thirty minutes south of Steamboat at an elevation of 7,428, Oak Creek is a gateway to Stagecoach Reservoir. This small town features nearly 1000 people, but there arent many facilities, so expect to drive to Steamboat for restaurants or shopping. The local Stagecoach State Park features two campgrounds with a combined 64 campsites, as well as a couple of group campground.
Steamboat Springs Koa Holiday
The Steamboat Springs KOA Holiday is one of the more centrally located campgrounds within the Steamboat Springs city limits. It also happens to be the only campground in Steamboat Springs proper that accepts RVs.
The campground is open year-round and features amenities like a pool, mini golf, biking rentals, propane, and even Wi-Fi.
The campground is impeccably clean, with a combination of tent sites, cabins, and RV hookups. The maximum RV hookup is 50 amps here. The tent sites are kept separate on the other side of the Yampa River from the RV sites, so you can choose whatever vibe you like. Note: No tents are allowed on cabin or RV lawns, and only one tent is allowed per site.
The cabins require a two-night minimum stay when making reservations because they tend to be very popular. In the center of the campground are the facilities, like the playground, mini golf, pond, and pool. Steamboat Springs KOA Holiday features full-service washrooms.
Bear in mind that Steamboat Springs sits at an elevation of 6,732 feet above sea level, which means nights up here can be cool in seasons other than summer. During the summer, the cooler evenings are rather refreshing after the beating, dry heat of the day.
Address: 3603 Lincoln Ave, Steamboat Springs, Colorado
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Camping Near Clark And Hahns Peak
Isolated thirty minutes north of Steamboat Springs via County Road 129, Clark is the perfect place for nature lovers who want to get away from the city. Located between Clark and its northern neighbor Hahns Peak Village, thirty minutes north, are two state parks: Steamboat Lake and Pearl Lake. The communities of Clark and Hahns Peak feature outdoor recreation throughout the year, and restaurants to accommodate the crowds.