Dry Lake Campground (CO)
Medicine Bow-Routt Nfs & Thunder Basin Ng
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.
There are 7 campsites, 4 of which may be reserved two weeks in advance. Remaining sites are first-come, first-served. Each site is spacious and equipped with a campfire ring and picnic table.
Notifications and Alerts
Due to Construction Dry Lake Campground will be closed the summer of 2024. Please visit recreation.gov or https://www.fs.usda.gov/mbr for information on other nearby campgrounds.
Other Nearby Campgrounds
Hinman Campground
Meadows Campground
Dumont Campground
Seedhouse Campground
Need to Know
• No water available
• This is a high elevation facility (8,000 ft); please use caution when traveling from lower elevations.
• Be bear aware; keep all food out of site in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from area after eating.
• Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
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.
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.
Recreation
Dry Lake campground provides a great gateway for hiking and biking.
Contact Information
Mailing
Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District 925 Weiss Drive Steamboat Springs, Colorado 970-870-2299 M-F 8am to 4:30pm
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
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.
Available Campsites
- Site 6, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 1, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 8, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 3, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 5, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 2, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 4, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
