Dry Lake Campground (Co)

Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, Medicine Bow-Routt NFs & Thunder Basin NG, Colorado

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As of September 2026, Dry Lake Campground (Co) is a campground in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, Colorado with 17 campsites. Dry Lake Campground (Co) is booked through Recreation.gov.

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Dry Lake Campground (Co) is located at 40.5359° N, 106.7822° W.

people allowed on 15 of 17 sites: 10
people allowed on each of the 2 largest sites: 16

Dry Lake Campground (Co) reservations and next available dates

September 2026

October 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Campsites at Dry Lake Campground (Co)

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Standard 17

Amenities

restrooms

At a glance: Setting: Mountain · Access: Dirt road.

Things to do: fishing, boating, hiking, biking, wildlife, offroad, horse riding.

All sites at Dry Lake Campground (Co), as listed by Recreation.gov

Site	Loop	Type	Sleeps
9	Dry Lake	Standard	10
11	Dry Lake	Standard	16
12	Dry Lake	Standard	10
13	Dry Lake	Standard	10
14	Dry Lake	Standard	10
15	Dry Lake	Standard	10
17	Dry Lake	Standard	10
18	Dry Lake	Standard	16
19	Dry Lake	Standard	10
20	Dry Lake	Standard	10
22	Dry Lake	Standard	10
3	-	Standard	10
4	-	Standard	10
5	-	Standard	10
6	-	Standard	10
7	-	Standard	10
8	-	Standard	10

About Dry Lake Campground (Co)

Overview

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.

Recreation

Dry Lake campground provides a great gateway for hiking and biking.

Facilities

There are 22 campsites, 2 of which are double sites and 8 may be reserved two weeks in advance. Plus, 5 sites are first-come, first-served. Each site is spacious and equipped with a campfire ring, picnic table, bear box.

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.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (970) 870-2299.

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.

Rules and notices at Dry Lake Campground (Co)

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 28, 2026. Check Dry Lake Campground (Co) on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

•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.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

Dry Lake Campground (Co) FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Dry Lake Campground (Co)?

Dry Lake Campground (Co) is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.

How do I find last-minute availability at Dry Lake Campground (Co)?

Cancellations happen frequently at Dry Lake Campground (Co), especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Dry Lake Campground (Co) have?

Dry Lake Campground (Co) has 17 campsites.