Big Creek Lakes Campground

Access Impact: Big Creek Lakes Dam Project

Forest visitors in the Big Creek Lakes area of the Routt National Forest should be aware of heavy equipment and construction activity at the lower reservoir dam. No closures are in place, however equipment is traveling/operating along Forest Roads 600 and 660. The public should use caution along those roads and near Big Creek Lakes Campground. The 600 Road also accesses Seven Lakes Trailhead and the 660 Road accesses the Helena Trailhead. Dam repair construction will occur six days/week and is expected to continue through December if weather conditions allow. The Big Creek Lakes area is on the Parks Ranger District, in northwest Jackson County, Colo.

Overview

The popular Big Creek Lakes Campground offers a peaceful, scenic setting in the heart of the Rocky Mountains of northern Colorado. The campground is located in Routt National Forest at an elevation of 9,000-ft., and is adjacent to Big Creek Lake, where fishing, boating and hiking are available. Trails and one corral are available for the Equestrians.

Recreation

This campground offers boating and fishing on Colorado's second largest natural lake, hiking in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness and ATV trails nearby. There are also ample opportunities for viewing wildlife, including moose.

Fishing for trout, muskie, grayling and Kokanee salmon is available in the lake. Anglers also have access to a creek. Non-motorized boats are allowed on the upper section of the lake and motorized boats are permitted on the lower section.

Facilities

This facility has a campground and day use area. There are 24 reservable campsites and 30 first-come, first-served campsites, all of which are near Big Creek Lake. Two boat ramps are provided for the convenience of boaters and anglers. A campground host (When available) is on-site for visitor assistance and one horse corral, located near site 17, is provided on a first come first served availability.

Natural Features

Big Creek lies among Lodgepole pine and fir trees. Some previously forested areas of the campground have been thinned due to pests and now provide more sun. The campground offers beautiful views of the surrounding wilderness.

The wetlands around the lake are prime moose territory. Black bear, bobcat, coyote, elk, mule deer and moose are just some of the many animals that inhabit these rich and diverse lands.

The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland, encompass nearly 3 million acres from central and northeastern Wyoming to north-central Colorado.

Nearby Attractions

The closest town is Walden, Colorado, about 35 miles from the campsite. Many more outdoor recreation opportunities exist in the surrounding national forests and grasslands, including hiking, biking, camping, horseback riding, OHV riding, fishing, hunting, sightseeing and winter sports.

Camp site features

Across 24 camp sites:

Picnic table: all 24 sites
Pets allowed: all 24 sites
ADA accessible: 9 of 24 sites
Longest RV: 50 ft
Largest party: 10 people
Equipment: RV, Tent, Trailer

Directions

From Walden, follow Route 125 north for 9 miles into Cowdrey. Turn left (west) onto CR 6W and travel 18 miles to Pearl. Turn onto Forest Road 600 and drive for 6 miles, following signs to campground.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 2 PM.

Reviews

101 reviews

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1 stars

Freddy H

Loop:Big

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

We love the area. Just a couple concerns over this years trip. There were no camp hosts anywhere. Restrooms needed cleaning. Water was unavailable. Might be late in the season and really wasn't a big deal but not winter yet.

Sasha O

Loop:Big

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Remote, quiet, beautiful, and worth the trip.

Katie S

Loop:Big

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Reviewed 3 months ago

It was a great campsite, very quiet. The toilets were clean. Would return again.

John C

Loop:Big

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

Would’ve been much better if the fish would’ve been biting. I wish there was some trails to be able to access the other side of the lake and the upper Big Creek Lake

Christina C

Loop:Big

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

Great lake, nice campsites. Loved the seclusion, though the road going to the lake was really rough.

Jessica B

Loop:Big

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

My favorite place to camp.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.