Summit Lake Campground
4.4110 reviewsBuffalo Pass, near Steamboat Springs, CO
Summit Lake Campground
$10.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fees are $10 per night for single units, $20 per site for exact cash or check only. Day-use fees are $5. No credit cards accepted. Payment instructions are found on the kiosk.
About this campground
Perched high in the Colorado Rockies at over 10,300 feet, Summit Lake Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience far from the crowds. This intimate mountain retreat features 9 back-in campsites and 6 secluded walk-in tent sites, each tucked beneath towering Engelmann spruce that whisper ancient alpine stories. Here, where the air is thin and the stars seem close enough to touch, you'll find yourself at the gateway to the magnificent Mount Zirkel Wilderness. While the campground embraces its rustic character—you'll need to bring your own water and come prepared for enthusiastic mosquitos—the rewards are immeasurable: solitude, pristine hiking trails, world-class mountain biking, and fishing opportunities that make every minor inconvenience worthwhile.
Summit Lake Campground provides options for back-in campsites and walk-in tent sites. All sites are first-come, first-served and cannot be reserved.
Weather and SeasonsAt this lofty elevation, Summit Lake's weather writes its own rules. Summer days bring gentle warmth with temperatures reaching the pleasant mid-60s°F, perfect for outdoor adventures, while nights remind you of your altitude with crisp 40°F temperatures that make sleeping bags and campfires essential companions. Mountain breezes dance through the spruce throughout the day, carrying the scent of pine and possibility. Early and late season visitors should prepare for nature's surprise snowfalls, which transform the landscape into a crystalline wonderland but require careful planning and appropriate gear.
ElevationLiving at 10,300–10,400 feet above sea level, Summit Lake Campground offers a true high-altitude adventure where the air is crisp, pure, and noticeably thinner. This rarified atmosphere creates spectacular conditions for stargazing and photography, though visitors should take time to acclimate and stay hydrated. The elevation brings cooler temperatures year-round and may affect those sensitive to altitude, but it also delivers unparalleled access to alpine ecosystems and panoramic views that stretch for miles across the Colorado high country.
Natural Features and ScenerySummit Lake Campground sits like a jewel beside its namesake 40-acre alpine lake, where morning mist dances across mirror-still waters reflecting the surrounding peaks. Ancient Engelmann spruce create a natural cathedral overhead, their branches filtering sunlight into ethereal patterns. Visitors often describe late summer here as 'camping inside a painting,' with wildflower meadows exploding in color against the dramatic mountain backdrop. While the forest bears the scars of pine beetle activity—a reminder of nature's cycles—this only adds to the raw, authentic wilderness character that defines this special place. Every sunrise brings new light to the landscape, revealing hidden details in the rocky ridgelines and secret spots where wildlife come to drink.
Geological RegionNestled on the legendary Buffalo Pass, Summit Lake Campground occupies a privileged position at the southern doorstep of the Mount Zirkel Wilderness, one of Colorado's most pristine protected areas. This high-altitude sanctuary sits between 10,300 and 10,400 feet, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a dramatic landscape of weathered peaks, glacial valleys, and pristine alpine lakes. The surrounding Engelmann spruce forests tell the story of centuries of adaptation to extreme conditions, while the 40-acre Summit Lake serves as a shimmering centerpiece to this remarkable mountain ecosystem. This is quintessential Colorado high country, where the Continental Divide's influence creates a unique environment found nowhere else on Earth.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not mentioned in the provided information.
Sites SizeThe campground offers 9 back-in campsites and 6 walk-in tent sites. Site sizes are not explicitly described.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are well-spaced according to user reviews, although some reviews noted that sites are relatively close together.
Total Campsites16 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites adjacent to Summit Lake offer the best scenic views. Avoid setting tents under damaged pine trees due to safety risks.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14 consecutive days
Groups
The campground does not offer designated group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground offers 9 back-in campsites and 6 walk-in tent sites. Sites are well-separated for privacy. Two parking lots are available for day-use visitors.
Open and Closed SeasonOpens mid-July and closes when snow makes the site inaccessible, typically late September.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable – no reservations allowed.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll 16 sites are first-come, first-served. Sites tend to fill up by weekends, as noted by user reviews.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable since all sites are first-come-first-serve.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Summit Lake Campground, situated near Mount Zirkel Wilderness, offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, mountain biking, dirt biking, ATVing, and horseback riding. The lake permits only hand-powered watercraft, and there is no boat ramp available.
Hiking
The campground provides access to hiking trails, including the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail #1101. This trail spans 3,100 miles and offers numerous backcountry opportunities.Fishing
Fishing is permitted at Summit Lake, which spans 40 acres and is partially located within the Mount Zirkel Wilderness. Brook trout can be caught in the lake.Biking
The area surrounding the campground supports mountain biking and dirt biking activities.Boating
Only hand-powered watercraft are allowed on Summit Lake. No boat ramp is available, and access is limited to carry-down boating.Winter Activities
Summit Lake Campground does not mention specific winter recreation options.Water Sports
Hand-powered boating activities such as canoeing or kayaking are allowed on Summit Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings at campsites.
Hazards
General hazardsHigh elevation may present altitude sickness risks. Wildlife, including bears, may be present, but there are no food storage lockers. The damaged pine trees from beetle infestations pose a risk, so campers should select tent sites carefully.
Active alertsSeasonal road conditions can deteriorate, requiring high-clearance, 4WD vehicles especially from the west approach.
Weather forecast
54
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 80%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 3.6 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Partly cloudy
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
For emergencies, contact the Steamboat Springs Ranger Station at 970-870-2299. No specific mention of proximity to hospitals or police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesMid-July through early September.
Trash and recyclingTrash service is available at this campground, but recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Summit Lake, a 40-acre body of water. Only hand-powered watercraft are permitted, and there is no boat ramp.
Common complaintsSwarming mosquitos are a significant nuisance. 'Mosquitos are a huge drawback, only relenting a couple of hours each day.' Another recurring complaint is the challenging road condition from Steamboat Springs.
Campground Map
Buffalo Pass, near Steamboat Springs, CO
Driving directionsFrom Walden, CO, take State Rts. 125S/14W 0.9 miles to Steamboat Springs sign. Turn right onto Rt. 14W and go 11.6 miles to National Forest Access/Buffalo Pass sign (County Rt. 24). Turn right at sign onto Rt. 24 and go 7.4 miles to a 'Y' intersection and end of paved road. Bear left, continuing on Rt. 24, and go 8.8 miles to campground on right. NOTE: County Rt. 24 also becomes Forest Rt. 60 just past the Grizzly Creek campground. The condition of Forest Rt. 60 may deteriorate as the season progresses. Check with the Hahns Peak/Bears Ears Ranger District Office for condition.
Access is challenging depending on the direction. The drive from Steamboat Springs on Buffalo Pass Road is described as very bumpy with large rocks, requiring careful navigation. User reviews also note that the road may require 4WD and high clearance vehicles in certain conditions. The approach from Coalmont is considered much easier and smoother, taking about an hour.Nearby places
Walden: 28 miles (approximately 1 hour)
Nearby supplies
RV waste station and potable water available in Walden, CO. For other supplies, visitors may need to plan ahead as none are mentioned nearby.
Camper Reviews
4.4
10 reviews
Summit Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Summit Lake Campground praise its scenic beauty, seclusion, and recreational opportunities. However, the bumpy road to the campground, swarming mosquitoes, and lack of potable water are common complaints.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include breathtaking views, scenic hikes to nearby lakes, and the peaceful environment due to its remote location. Reviewers also appreciated the picnic tables and fire rings...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common issues raised in reviews include swarming mosquitoes, lack of potable water, and poor bathroom cleanliness. The road conditions are also criticized, with some routes requiring high-clearance...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing plenty of bug spray and using the eastern approach to avoid difficult road conditions. Select tent placement carefully due to damaged pine trees from pine beetles.
Based on 10 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is busiest during weekends, especially in the peak summer months. Nights can be quite cold due to the high elevation, even during the warmest part of the summer.
Based on 10 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Beautiful secluded spot. Can get a bit breezy & chilly at nights." — David Hudson; "The pine trees have been heavily damaged by the pine beetle, so select your tent placement carefully." — Henry...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews mention that although the sites are relatively close together, some overlook Summit Lake, offering great views.
Based on 10 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 10 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies and experiences are not discussed in the provided reviews.
Based on 10 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025