Dry Lake Campground (CO) campground

Dry Lake Campground (CO)

Mostly first-come
8 campsites
Open in maps

8

Total Campsites

Campground

Reservable Sites

Mostly first-come

Accessible

ADA-compliant sites

Organization

Managing agency

Overview

About Dry Lake Campground (CO)

Overview Dry Lake Trailhead is located off County Road 60 (Buffalo Pass Road) and is near the Dry Lake Campground. This trailhead provides access to both non-motorized and motorized trails. Access for dirt bikes and other recreational vehicles on Buffalo Pass Road. This is a very high-use year-round trailhead and a gateway to exploring the aspens, sub-alpine firs, and wildflowers of the mountains of the Park Range. A vault toilet is provided at the Trailhead. Dry Lake Trailhead is managed by the Hahn’s Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District in Steamboat Springs. In the summer and shoulder seasons, there is access to multiple hiking trails which are also beginner through advanced mountain bike trails (Panorama, Fiddlehead, Flash of Gold, Spring Creek, Spring Roll, BTR, Soda, Buffalo Billy's, and several others) and single-track dirt-bike trails (Great White Buffalo and upper Flash of Gold). Continental Divide Trail heading south from the top of Buffalo Pass is open to ATC 50” or less. Heading north from the top of the pass users almost immediately enter Mount Zirkel Wilderness. In the winter, Dry Lake Trailhead is the primary access to the Buffalo Pass Winter Backcountry Permit Area. This area has special regulations to ensure the enjoyment of both non-motorized and motorized user. Winter users especially motorized users please pay attention to access regulations and information. Recreation Dry Lake campground provides a great gateway for hiking and biking. Facilities Dry Lake campground provides a great gateway for hiking and biking. Natural Features At an elevation of 8,277 feet, Dry lake lies in the Rocky Mountains in the heart of the Routt National Forest. The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland encompass nearly three million acres from central and northeastern Wyoming to north-central Colorado. Black bear, bobcat, coyote, elk, mule deer and moose are just some of the many animals that inhabit these rich and diverse lands. contact_info For facility specific information, please call (970) 870-2299. Nearby Attractions There are many attractions with Steamboat Springs only a short drive away. Many more outdoor opportunities exist in the surrounding national forests and grasslands, including hiking, biking, camping, horseback and off-road vehicle riding, fishing, hunting, sightseeing and winter sports.

  • 8 total campsites listed.
  • Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
  • Most common site type: unknown (8).
  • Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Dry Lake Campground (CO) photo 2
Dry Lake Campground (CO) photo 3

Our Take

What makes Dry Lake Campground (CO) special

Perched along County Road 60, better known as Buffalo Pass Road, Dry Lake Campground is a quiet basecamp for exploring the high country of northern Colorado. With just eight sites scattered among the spruce and fir, this is a campground built for solitude rather than spectacle, though the surrounding Routt National Forest landscape delivers plenty of both. The Dry Lake Trailhead sits right at the campground's doorstep, opening up a network of trails that climb toward Buffalo Pass and beyond. Hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders all share these paths through wildflower-studded meadows and dense subalpine forest. In late summer the columbines and Indian paintbrush put on a show that rivals anything in the state. At elevation, the season here is short but sweet. Plan to visit between late June and September, keeping an eye on weather reports since afternoon thunderstorms are a regular feature of Colorado mountain summers. The eight sites are first-come, first-served in nature, so arriving early on a Friday gives you the best shot at snagging a spot. Bring layers even in July as nighttime temperatures can dip significantly. For anyone who has ever wished a trailhead came with a campfire ring and a place to lay their head, Dry Lake delivers exactly that.

Campsite Inventory

8 sites to choose from

Unknown

8total sites

0

Reservable

0

Accessible

Amenities & Details

Everything you need to know

Campfire Allowed

Yes

Site capacity

Single

Check-in time

01:00 PM

Check-out time

11:00 AM

Condition Rating

Good

Electricity Hookup

No

Location Rating

Good

Pets allowed

Yes

Shade

Yes

Site Access

Drive In

Site Rating

Good

Water Hookup

No

Reservations & Contact

Plan your stay

Mostly first-come

Getting There

Directions from Steamboat Springs, Colorado: Travel 4 miles north of Steamboat Springs on Routt County Road #36 (Strawberry Park Rd), then 3.6 miles east on Routt County Road #38 (Buffalo Pass Rd). The campground is located to the north of the road.

FAQ

Common questions

Everything you need to know before your trip to Dry Lake Campground (CO).

How do reservations work for Dry Lake Campground (CO)?

Reservation availability for Dry Lake Campground (CO) can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.

What campsite types are available at Dry Lake Campground (CO)?

Dry Lake Campground (CO) currently lists Unknown (8).

Where is Dry Lake Campground (CO) located?

See this page for location details and directions.

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Dry Lake Campground (CO) – 13 Amenities, 8 Campsites, Photos, Map | TheCampVerse