Cataract Creek Campground
4.508 reviewsCataract Creek Campground
$13.00 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$18.00
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
The standard fee is $18 per night, as per authoritative content and user review clarity. Some users noted discrepancies about policies for extra vehicles, which can increase costs. The campsite fees are payable through cash envelopes managed by park officials.
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About this campground
Tucked away in Colorado's high country, Cataract Creek Campground offers an intimate escape with just five tent-only sites, perfect for those seeking solitude and authentic wilderness experiences. This hidden gem serves as your gateway to the renowned Cataract Creek Trail, where hikers are rewarded with breathtaking vistas and frequent wildlife encounters. As darkness falls, the campground transforms into a natural planetarium, with some of the clearest, most spectacular night skies you'll find anywhere in the Rockies.
The campground is designed for tent-only camping, with no RV sites or advanced accommodations.
Weather and SeasonsThe dramatic seasonal changes at Cataract Creek create distinct camping experiences throughout the year. Winter blankets the area in pristine snow, transforming the landscape into a frozen wonderland accessible only to the most adventurous souls. Summer brings crisp mountain air and refreshingly cool evenings that demand a warm sleeping bag, while crystal-clear skies create perfect conditions for meteor watching and constellation spotting. The high-altitude climate means you'll experience four seasons in their purest form.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 9,800 feet above sea level, Cataract Creek Campground places you firmly in Colorado's alpine zone. The thin mountain air creates an invigorating atmosphere that sharpens your senses and deepens your connection to the wilderness. While the elevation delivers consistently cool nights perfect for sleeping under the stars, visitors should take time to acclimate and stay well-hydrated to fully enjoy this high-altitude paradise.
Natural Features and SceneryNature puts on a daily show at Cataract Creek, where elk graze in nearby meadows and marmots whistle from rocky outcrops. The campground's location provides easy access to a trio of pristine mountain waters: the emerald expanse of Green Mountain Reservoir, the mirror-like surface of Surprise Lake, and the alpine jewel of Cataract Lake. Natural mountain runoff creates a soothing soundtrack, while the surrounding peaks frame every view like a masterpiece.
Geological RegionNestled within the Cataract Creek drainage above Green Mountain Reservoir, this campground sits at the heart of the White River National Forest's most spectacular terrain. The location serves as a perfect launching point for adventures into the Eagles Nest Wilderness, where ancient peaks tell stories written in stone over millions of years. The dramatic landscape showcases Colorado's geological diversity, from glacially carved valleys to towering granite formations that define the Continental Divide.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo accessibility information was provided in the source materials.
Sites SizeThe campground features 5 campsites, with no specific details on dimensions.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews suggest that the campsites are relatively close to each other, limiting privacy: 'The campgrounds are a little closer to each other than I would like.'
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesEarly arrival is recommended due to limited availability.
Best CampsitesSite #1 is frequently praised for its views and proximity to the creek.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Two weeks consecutively.
Groups
No group camping facilities are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 5 individual sites, laid out in close proximity to each other. Several trails start near the campground.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen June 9 through October 8
Reservation PlatformsWalk-up reservation only. No online platform, as confirmed by user reviews.
Walk-in AvailabilityUser reviews confirm walk-up based reservation system. Spots are limited and fill up fast, requiring early arrival, especially on weekends.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Cataract Creek Campground is surrounded by hiking opportunities and scenic wilderness areas. Reviews highlight the nearby Cataract Creek Trail and attractions like Cataract Lake and Surprise Lake.
Hiking
Many trails in the area access the Eagles Nest Wilderness. A user review mentions, 'A very nice hiking trail less than half a mile down the road (Cataract Creek Trail).' The Lower Cataract Lake area offers additional trails, including a 2-mile loop with a waterfall.Wildlife viewing
User reviews highlight an abundance of wildlife: 'Lots of wildlife and hidden natural runoff surrounding the campsites.'Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsUser reports note occasional wildlife activity, proximity to water features, and seasonal access challenges.
Weather forecast
68
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 39%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
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
Good to know
Peak season datesMid-June to Early October
Trash and recyclingNo information provided on trash and recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresNearby water features include Cataract Lake, Surprise Lake, Green Mountain Reservoir, and Dillon Reservoir, offering opportunities for hiking and fishing.
Common complaintsSome users reported that sites are closer together than desired, contributing to a lack of privacy.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom I-70 take Exit 205, Silverthorne/Dillon, and travel north on HWY 9. Travel 16 miles north on HWY 9. Just after mile marker 118 turn left onto Heeney Rd (County Rd 30). Follow Heeney Road for 5.3 miles and turn left onto Cataract Creek Road (FDR 1725). The campground will eventually be on your left.
The campground is accessible via paved roads from Silverthorne/Dillon and HWY 9, with a transition to County Rd 30 (Heeney Rd) and Cataract Creek Road (FDR 1725).Nearby places
Silverthorne, CO - 16 miles north, approximately 20 minutes drive.
Camper Reviews
4.5
8 reviews
Cataract Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews describe Cataract Creek Campground as a quaint but basic facility with favorable hiking opportunities and natural surroundings.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews
What Campers Love
- 'Great little 5 Spot Campground.'
- 'Tent only camping so no loud annoying RVs.'
- 'Beautiful Cataract Creek Valley. An awesome place we have been to often.'
- 'Bathroom service was on point!'
-...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
- Sites are 'a little closer to each other than I would like.'
- 'Busy. We only got a place by taking Friday off work and arriving early.'
- 'Unnecessarily expensive. It was just shy of $100 bucks...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
- Arrive early to secure one of the five sites.
- Carry cash for on-site payment.
- Explore the Cataract Creek Trail and Lower Cataract Lake for scenic hikes.
Based on 8 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is described as busy during weekends and high seasons due to its limited number of sites. Seasonal highlights include the waterfall and trails around Lower Cataract Lake.
Based on 8 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'Great little hidden gem in the Silverthorne area.'
- 'We stayed at site #1 and I feel like it's the best one for sure!'
- 'If you haven't been here, head up past the campgrounds to Lower Cataract...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #1 is particularly favored: 'We stayed at site #1 and I feel like it's the best one for sure! Amazing views, and a path to the creek!'
Based on 8 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features were provided.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews related to pet policies or experiences were provided.
Based on 8 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025