Deep Lake Campground

FS USDA Forest Service · Minturn, CO · Primitive

View on Recreation.gov

Conditions

Road Access 4WD Required
Season Not recorded
Campfires Campfires Allowed
Boondock Access Rough High clearance or 4WD may be required

The managing agency hasn't published season for this campground. The description and directions below often mention it — and it's worth calling the agency before a long drive.

Features

Warning 4WD Required High Clearance
Access Paved Access
Style Primitive Potable Water Vault Toilet Reservable

Campground Stats

Total Sites29
Group Sites4
Overnight Sites29

Photos

A photo of Site 26 at Deep Lake Campground with Picnic Table, Shade, Tent Pad. A photo of Site 22 at Deep Lake Campground with Picnic Table, Fire Pit, Shade, Tent Pad. A photo of Site 21 at Deep Lake Campground with Picnic Table, Fire Pit. A photo of Site 10 at Deep Lake Campground with Picnic Table, Fire Pit, Shade, Tent Pad. A photo of Site 24 at Deep Lake Campground with Picnic Table, Fire Pit, Shade A photo of Site 17 at Deep Lake Campground with Picnic Table, Fire Pit.

Description

Overview

At 10,500 feet, Deep Lake Campground lies on top of the vast White River Plateau. Nestled against Deep Lake 29 miles from the nearest paved road, this campground offers a remote experience surrounded by meadows and a spruce/fir forest. Wildlife such as elk, mule deer, moose, black bears, bald eagles, ospreys, and numerous other species can be seen in the vicinity of Deep Lake Campground.

Recreation

Deep Lake Campground offers access to a variety of different recreational experiences. Fishing for trout in Deep Lake is popular given its close proximity to the campground. The nearby Deep Lake Day Use area offers a small boat launch for non-motorized and electric motorized boats. With an abundant population of elk and mule deer, the Flat Tops offer world class hunting opportunities in the fall. Deep Lake Campground offers an excellent base camp for hunting trips across the region. Hiking is another activity popular with people staying at Deep Lake Campground. The Flat Tops Wilderness lies a few miles to the north, offering hundreds of miles of hiking trails. Numerous trails outside of the Wilderness offer a primitive experience for hikers willing to explore off the beaten path. While the road to the campground is a graded gravel road, many roads in the area require high-clearance four-wheel drive vehicles.

Facilities

Deep Lake Campground offers a primitive campground experience. Each site has an accessible metal picnic table and fire ring. Many sites have designated gravel tent pads. A short walk leads to a vault toilet, of which seven are spaced throughout the 29 campsites. No potable water is on site, so campers will need to bring water for the duration of their trip.

Natural Features

Camping at Deep Lake Campground is an excellent way to see the character of the White River Plateau, otherwise known as the Flat Tops. The White River Plateau is a high volcanic uplift ranging from 10,000 to 12,000 feet. On top of the plateau, the landscape is a mosaic of meadows and spruce/fir forests, dotted with lakes, wetlands, and rocky hills. In July and August, wildflowers contrast the lush green landscape with a vibrant array of colors. Deep Lake offers a pleasant scene before its waters plunge through Deep Creek canyon down to the Colorado River over 4,000 feet below.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (970) 827-5715.

Directions

From Interstate 70, take exit 133 (Dotsero). Drive north on Colorado River Road for 1.7 miles. Turn left on FSR 600, Coffeepot Road. Drive FSR 600 for 12 miles to the White River National Forest boundary. Continue on FSR 600 for 17 more miles. Turn right at FSR 600.3E, leading to Deep Lake Campground at the signed entrance.

Activities

BIKING CAMPING DAY USE AREA FISHING HIKING HUNTING NON-MOTORIZED BOATING OFF HIGHWAY VEHICLE TRAILS WILDLIFE VIEWING

Details

FeeNightly fees may be paid on-site using the fee envelopes at the entrance to the campground or using the Recreation.gov Mobile App's Scan & Pay feature.
ReservableYes