Camping in Steamboat Springs is a bucket-list item for many when visiting the area in the Summer or Fall. Whether you crave the solitude of dispersed camping or are looking to unplug in nature with the comforts of a toilet and running water, there are plenty of camping options to explore in the Yampa Valley.
Popular camping spots in and around Steamboat Springs
Camping in Steamboat Springs is a bucket-list item for many when visiting the area in the Summer or Fall. Whether you crave the solitude of dispersed camping or are looking to unplug in nature with the comforts of a toilet and running water, there are plenty of camping options to explore in the Yampa Valley.
State Parks
If being up in the mountains is more what you’re looking for, Steamboat Springs’ surrounding State Parks are a great option. Each State Park offers different amenities so be sure to check each website for complete details.
To the south, Stagecoach State Park offers sites for tents, RVs, or group camping. The nearby Stagecoach Marina & Reservoir is great for boating and fishing.
To the north, Pearl Lake offers a quiet camping experience by a small, wakeless boating lake perfect for kayaking or paddleboarding. Further north, Steamboat Lake is the area’s largest campground complete with several camping areas, a camp store, a swim beach, and a large reservoir for many types of boating. A bit further up County Road 129, Hahns Peak Lake Campground is operated by the US Forest Service. Your Colorado State Parks pass won’t work here, but you’ll find lots of solitude and great camping spots.
Buffalo Pass Area
About three and a half miles off County Road 36, you’ll find Dry Lake campground, a developed yet still primitive campground run by the US Forest Service. Further north on Buff Pass Road (County Road 38) are many dispersed camping options. Be aware that this popular area fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Spots are first come, first served, and never guaranteed.
Rabbit Ears Pass
Rabbit Ears Pass is a great place to find a quieter camp spot. If you like a developed area, check out Dumont Lake or Meadows campgrounds. There are also many dispersed spots on the surrounding County roads in the area. Keep in mind that Rabbit Ears Pass is about 15 miles southeast of Steamboat Springs and offers more remote options so make sure you are well-prepared before you find that perfect spot.
Looking for more? Check out our camping page for more options and information.
Know Before You Go
To be sure you can enjoy your camping experience in the Yampa Valley, here are some things you should know.
Leave No Trace
Whether you are in a developed campground or a dispersed area, channel your inner yeti and leave no trace of your visit. Better yet, leave the area better than you found it. This includes proper waste disposal. If you’re camping somewhere without a toilet, be prepared with a disposable WAG bag (found in most outdoor stores) and conveniently pack out your waste. The other option is to find privacy by walking 70 steps from the water and any trails, digging a 6- to 8-inch hole, and then burying your business.
Learn more about Care for Colorado’s Leave No Trace principles before you head out.
Wildfire Danger
In recent decades much of Colorado has grown hotter and drier, increasing wildfire risk. You should always check local regulations as fire bans can and do change quickly, and it is your responsibility to know before you go.
- Keep campfires small and manageable.
- Never let a fire burn unattended.
- Do not build a fire at a site in hazardous, windy, or dry conditions.
- Use an existing fire ring or fire pit. If there is not an existing fire pit, and pits are allowed, look for a site that is at least 15 feet away from tent walls, shrubs, trees or other flammable objects. Also, beware of low-hanging branches overhead.
- Never cut live trees or branches for fires.
- Properly extinguish and dispose of cigarettes.
- When putting out a fire, water it until you can handle the embers.
Reservations
Many campgrounds now require reservations, and some are reservation-only. Double-check the details for the site you are interested in before leaving home. Can’t find an open reservation? There is always the dispersed campaign option. For these sites, be prepared to have to search a bit more (there is always the chance all spots are taken) and leave more prepared as you will be more remote, and facilities will not be available.
Unpredictable Weather
Have you heard the saying that in the Rocky Mountains, “If you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes”? Trust us, it’s true. Storm systems can come in quickly. Night temperatures dip well below daytime temperatures. Sometimes it snows in July. Being prepared is your best defense.
- Dress in layers
- Drink lots of water
- Bring rain gear
- Look at the weather radar
- Know your limits
- Know your limits
Keep Wildlife Wild
One of the most thrilling parts of being in the great outdoors is the proximity to wildlife. The Yampa Valley shares the habitats of many species, including moose, elk, bears, foxes, coyotes, and many more. While they are great to look at and capture in photos, we all need to do our part to keep wildlife wild. Use our rule of thumb trick: If you can stretch out your arm and put up a thumb, the thumb should cover the animal completely. If you can still see the animal around your thumb, you are too close!
You should also make sure all food and scented products are properly stored at night. It is dangerous for both you and the animal if you are luring them to your campsite. Remember wild animals are unpredictable – it’s best to enjoy them from a distance.
