Shepherds Rim Campground

Show on map 970-927-0107 sm.fs.r2whiteriver@usda.gov

220 East Market Street
MEEKER, CO 81641

Notice

Due to current drought conditions, we request that RV/Camper owners fill their tanks before arriving at the campgrounds to best preserve the water systems. RVs should not use campground water spigots for filling. Filling small jugs is acceptable. Thank you for helping us preserve the water resources for all the campers.

Jul 15, 2026 – Jan 1, 2027

Overview

Surrounded by mountains and nestled near the wilderness, the Shepherds Rim Campground at Trappers Lake has 15 scenic campsites. Located at 9,720 feet in elevation, visitors can locate this campground on the right side of the road as you travel south from the Trappers Lake Outlet area.

Recreation

Trappers Lake is known as the Cradle of Wilderness. At approximately 302 surface acres, the lake contains a strain of native cutthroat trout and the Colorado Parks and Wildlife operates a spawn collection station at the Cabin Creek inlet during May and June.
Trappers Lake lies completely within the Flat Tops Wilderness; motorized boats and wheeled carts for boat transport are prohibited.

Facilities

Shepherds Rim Campground has 16 sites suitable for tents, trailers and RVs. The sites are equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings. Guests also have access to vault toilets and drinking water, but electrical hook-ups are not available. There is an RV dump station within the Trappers Lake complex.

Natural Features

In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the 2.3 million acre White River National Forest is a place of serenity and adventure, boasting eight wilderness areas, four defined seasons, and 10 peaks surpassing 14,000 feet in elevation. Wildlife in the area abounds. Bighorn sheep navigate rocky ridges and bull elk bugle at dusk. Scenic rivers sustain populations of cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout. Alpine regions provide habitat for pika and ptarmigan. These species, along with many others, depend on surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams, and diverse forests to live.

Shepherds Rim Campground at Trappers Lake is located adjacent to the Flat Tops Wilderness, offering a natural environment with many pothole lakes, surrounding glacier carved mountains, and access to trails and wilderness areas. Wildlife frequent the area and moose, elk, deer, marmots, pine marten, and an abundance of birds may be seen.

Nearby Attractions

Fishing Access: Trappers Lake, Little Trappers Lake, Wall Lake, Fraser Creek, Lake of the Woods

Trail Access: Little Trappers Trail #1814, Carhart Trail #1815, Trappers Lake Trail #1816, Wall Lake Trail #1818, Island Lakes Trail #1842, Chinese Wall Trail #1803, Deer Lake Trail #2021, South Derby Trail #1857, Himes Peak Trail #1877

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (801) 226-3564.

Charges & Cancellations

Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

Camp site features

Across 15 camp sites:

Fire pit: all 15 sites
Picnic table: all 15 sites
Pets allowed: all 15 sites
Longest RV: 54 ft
Largest party: 10 people

Directions

From Meeker, take Colorado Highway 13 east for 1 mile, then turn right on Rio Blanco County Road 8 and follow this for 39 miles to Trappers Lake Road #205. Turn south on Trappers Lake Road #205, and continue for 10 miles just past the Outlet Trailhead. The Shepherds Rim Campground is on the right.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

166 reviews

5 stars

145

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Dwayne H

Loop:Shepherds Rim Campground

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Reviewed 17 days ago

The grounds were clean and orderly. Reservation signs were clearly marked and set. Tim the Camphost was amazing. He made sure every camp was settled and would check on us several times over our stay. As well, he kept the grounds and bathrooms in the best shape. Kudos to Tim and a great stay.

James K

Loop:Shepherds Rim Campground

Site:

Reviewed 24 days ago

Great campground. Tim was tremendously helpful. Thanks Tim!!

Kenny S

Loop:Shepherds Rim Campground

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

Great location. #06 had a flat area for my tent. Tim,our camp host has a great demeanor. You could hear elk bugle. I will return in the future.

Peter W

Loop:Shepherds Rim Campground

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

A very well run, clean campground. Excellent camp host.

Thomas L

Loop:Shepherds Rim Campground

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Reviewed a month ago

Stayed at site 015 (Shepards Rim) next to host site 014, and hot Tim. He is a valuable and informative part of the campgrounds and does an excellent job. He works hard and covers all the campgrounds. The fishing in Trappers Lake was good. I released all my fish, mostly native Cutthroat, they were quite large. The scenery around the lake is stunning. I like this area as it still has a wilderness feel, more than most areas of CO,m. This is waning as encroachment growth occurs all over the state. The lodge below the lake can provide a meal of desired and I would encourage folks to give them some business as it is a tough go so far up valley, and being isolated the way they are. It was early fall during my visit (maybe the best time) cool, and with elk bugling . For those who want an site with a great view: Buck’s CG #005 is the one!

Kurt S

Loop:Shepherds Rim Campground

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

Well kept clean campground. The host, Tim, is friendly and does a great job.

Availability

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

Reserve

Season dates

Peak season

Jun 3, 2027 – Oct 31, 2027

Reservable online

Peak season

Jun 3, 2028 – Oct 28, 2028

Reservable online

Camp Sites

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Camping

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