Granite Campground
01 reviewRoutt County Road 38, Steamboat Springs, CO
Granite Campground
$10.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$20.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$20.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
$10/night for single units and $20/night for group sites. Payment accepted via exact cash or check only; no credit cards or change provided. Payment instructions available at the kiosk.
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About this campground
Perched at an breathtaking 10,200 feet, Granite Campground offers adventurous souls a true high-alpine escape beside the pristine waters of Fish Creek Reservoir. This intimate mountain retreat features just 8 thoughtfully spaced campsites—4 peaceful walk-in tent sites for those seeking solitude and 4 convenient drive-up spots for easier access. While you'll find essential vault toilets and trash services, this remote gem embraces its wild character without potable water or modern amenities, inviting campers to experience the raw beauty of Colorado's high country.
Granite Campground provides a rustic camping experience with 8 campsites, including both walk-in and drive-up options. It is suitable for tent and RV campers, but there are no group sites, cabin rentals, or glamping facilities.
Weather and SeasonsSummer arrives late and leaves early at this alpine sanctuary, where winter's icy grip dominates much of the year. The sweet spot for camping falls during the fleeting months of July and August, when wildflowers paint the meadows and daytime temperatures become pleasantly cool—though nights remain crisp enough for warm sleeping bags. Be prepared to share these precious warm weeks with nature's less welcome residents: clouds of mosquitoes that thrive in the brief mountain summer.
ElevationAt 10,200 feet above sea level, Granite Campground places you firmly in Colorado's thin-air territory, where the atmosphere contains significantly less oxygen than at lower elevations. This dramatic altitude demands respect and preparation—expect cooler temperatures year-round, increased sun intensity, and the possibility of altitude-related symptoms for those arriving from sea level. The reward? Crystal-clear night skies and panoramic vistas that make every labored breath worthwhile.
Natural Features and SceneryGranite Campground unfolds along the stunning shoreline of Fish Creek Reservoir, where morning mists dance across mirror-still waters reflecting towering peaks. Dense evergreen forests create a natural amphitheater around the campground, their dark green canopy contrasting brilliantly with exposed granite outcroppings and the reservoir's sapphire waters. This quintessential alpine landscape offers endless opportunities for photography, quiet contemplation, and immersion in Colorado's rugged high-country beauty.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast expanse of Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, Granite Campground occupies a landscape sculpted by ancient glaciers and volcanic activity. This dramatic terrain showcases the region's signature features: crystal-clear high-altitude reservoirs cradled by weathered granite peaks, dense subalpine forests clinging to steep mountainsides, and expansive meadows that burst with color during the brief growing season. The surrounding wilderness represents millions of years of geological history written in stone and ice.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not mentioned in the provided materials.
Sites SizeThe campground includes a total of 8 campsites, divided into 4 walk-in tent sites and 4 drive-up sites.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels at the sites are not explicitly mentioned, but user reviews describe the ground as 'very dusty and rocky,' which might affect the overall camping experience.
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesWalk-in tent sites offer more privacy; group sites suitable for larger parties.
Best CampsitesNone specifically identified.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum duration unclear but weekends tend to fill up early due to limited sites.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Unknown formal limitations, but noted groups frequent premium campground site.
Groups
Group camping options are not available at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout4 walk-in tent sites and 4 drive-up sites; compact campground.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen mid-July contingent upon snow levels.
Reservation PlatformsNo online reservation or pre-booking; entirely walk-up availability.
Walk-in AvailabilityEntirely walk-up; 8 total sites available including 4 walk-in tent sites.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservations are accepted to cancel.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Granite Campground is an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Activities include fishing and non-motorized boating on Fish Creek Reservoir, with hiking, biking, and ATV trails nearby. A user review notes, 'Good hiking in the area.'
Hiking
Hiking trails are readily accessible from the campground. According to a user review, 'Good hiking in the area,' though no specific details about the trails' difficulty or length are provided.Fishing
Fishing is permitted on Fish Creek Reservoir. However, no specific details about the types of fish available or the quality of fishing are provided in the source materials.Biking
Biking trails are readily available, but no specifics about their difficulty or terrain are provided.Boating
Non-motorized boating is allowed on Fish Creek Reservoir. No additional information about docking facilities or boat rentals is available.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned, but the seasonal closure when snow makes the site inaccessible suggests that winter recreation is limited.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or canoeing are implicitly supported by the allowance of non-motorized boating on the reservoir, but further details are not available.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitos are a significant issue in summer months. Rocky and dusty terrain makes tent setup challenging. Roads pose risks requiring high-clearance vehicles and careful driving.
Active alertsCampground currently closed due to seasonal snow. Confirm opening with USFS.
Weather forecast
57
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 61%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 2 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Steamboat Springs offers emergency services including the nearest hospital, police station, and fire department.
Good to know
Peak season datesJuly-August (snow permitting).
Trash and recyclingTrash services are available at the site, but recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresSituated directly on Fish Creek Reservoir; allows non-motorized boating and fishing.
Common complaints"Very limited campsites," "dusty and rocky tent grounds," "mosquitos almost laughable."
HostNo information available on campground hosts.
Campground Map
Routt County Road 38, Steamboat Springs, CO
Driving directionsTravel 2 miles northeast of Steamboat Springs on Routt County Road 36 (Strawberry Park Road), then 13 miles northeast on Routt County Road 38 (Buffalo Pass Road) to Buffalo Pass. Go 4 miles south on FDR 310 to Fish Creek Reservoir and Granite Campground.
Road requires high-clearance vehicles, careful driving due to rugged and challenging terrain; inaccessible when snowed in.Nearby places
Steamboat Springs - approximately 15 miles (45-minute drive depending on road conditions).
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be found in Steamboat Springs, including groceries, camping gear, and fuel stations.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Granite Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's beautiful scenery, clean vault toilets, and good hiking opportunities. However, they also note several challenges, such as the high clearance vehicle requirement, dusty and rocky campsites, and the significant number of mosquitoes.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects mentioned by users include well-maintained bathrooms, beautiful scenery, and the availability of good hiking trails.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints revolve around the absence of running water or showers, the dusty and rocky ground at campsites, the need for high clearance vehicles to access the site, and the high number of...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Reviewers suggest bringing your own toilet paper, insect repellent to combat mosquitoes, and appropriate equipment for the rugged terrain. One user states, 'Make sure your anti-bug game is on point.'
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground becomes inaccessible when snow blocks access, and it opens mid to late July. Users note that weekends are very busy, while weekdays may offer solitude.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Beautiful scenery, well maintained bathrooms (but bring your own TP as supplies are limited).' 2. 'The road to get to this CG requires high clearance, very careful driving, and good shocks.' 3....
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific information is not available. However, the campground has 8 total sites, divided into 4 walk-in tent sites and 4 drive-up sites.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
Reviews about accessibility features are not provided.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies or experiences related to pets are not covered in the source materials.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025