Deep Lake Campground
4.238 reviewsDeep Lake Campground, White River National Forest, Eagle Ranger District, Colorado
Deep Lake Campground
$6.00 - $6.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$6.00
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 campground charges a flat rate of $6 per day.
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About this campground
Perched at a breathtaking 10,600 feet, Deep Lake Campground reigns as the crown jewel of Eagle Ranger District's outdoor destinations. This expansive haven offers 35 thoughtfully designed sites, each featuring sturdy picnic tables, fire ring grills, and level gravel driveways that welcome RVs up to 35 feet. Nestled along the pristine eastern shore of Deep Lake—a sparkling 37-acre alpine gem—this beloved campground draws adventurers seeking the perfect blend of accessibility and high-country splendor.
Deep Lake Campground caters to a mix of campers, including those with RVs, tents, and groups. However, it is a primitive campground with limited amenities.
Historical SignificanceThe ground beneath your tent holds centuries of stories. Long before modern campers arrived, Ute hunting parties made these shores their seasonal home in the early 1800s, following ancient game trails through the mountains. In 1905, President Teddy Roosevelt himself chose this spectacular setting for his legendary Flat Tops hunting expedition, cementing Deep Lake's place in American outdoor heritage. The whispers of history linger near the water's edge, where a grand hotel once welcomed travelers until flames claimed it in 1906, leaving only memories and the untouched wilderness we cherish today.
Weather and SeasonsHere in the thin mountain air, nature paints with a dramatic palette of weather. Summer days bring crisp, invigorating temperatures that rarely climb above 67°F—perfect for hiking without breaking a sweat. As darkness falls, the mercury often plunges to a brisk 38°F, making those campfire gatherings all the more magical. Winter transforms this alpine paradise into a snow-laden wonderland, where heavy snowfall creates a pristine landscape that beckons the hardy souls who venture here in the colder months.
ElevationAt 10,600 feet above sea level, Deep Lake Campground offers a true high-altitude adventure. This lofty perch places you nearly two miles closer to the stars, though the thin air at this elevation demands respect—visitors should take time to acclimate and stay hydrated as their bodies adjust to this rarefied atmosphere where the air holds 30% less oxygen than at sea level.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a landscape that seems painted by the gods themselves. Sparse stands of ancient spruce and fir create natural cathedral spaces, their weathered trunks testament to centuries of mountain storms. Beyond the forest, subalpine meadows explode with wildflowers in summer, creating carpets of color against the dramatic backdrop of surrounding peaks. The centerpiece remains Deep Lake itself—its mirror-like surface reflecting sky and mountains in perfect symmetry. From various vantage points throughout the campground, sweeping vistas reveal distant canyons and the distinctive 'flat top' mountains that give this region its unique character.
Geological RegionDeep Lake Campground sits within a remarkable subalpine ecosystem, where hardy spruce and fir forests have adapted to life on the distinctive 'flat top' mountain terrain—ancient volcanic plateaus that create unexpectedly level camping areas at extreme elevations. These meadow-dotted highlands mark the birthplace of Deep Creek, which begins its journey here before carving its dramatic canyon through the landscape below. This unique geological setting creates a rare combination of accessible high-altitude camping amidst some of Colorado's most distinctive mountain topography.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly toilets and accessibility features are unavailable at this campground.
Sites SizeThe sites are spacious and can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet in length. Level gravel driveways are provided for parking.
Sites PrivacySites are widely separated, with some located on ridges overlooking Deep Lake. About half the sites are open, while the other half have tree cover.
Total Campsites34 campsites
Recommended CampsitesHalf the campsites are tree-covered while the other half are in open areas; choose based on your preference for shade or sunlight.
Best CampsitesSome campsites are located on ridges overlooking Deep Lake, offering particularly good views.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
The maximum stay is 14 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No exact number specified for guests per site.
Groups
The campground includes one group site designed for three parties.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground contains 35 sites that include single, double, and one group site. Sites are spacious and widely separated.
Open and Closed SeasonServices provided June 21 through October 15 - weather dependent.
Walk-in AvailabilityReservations are not accepted; all sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Deep Lake Campground include picnicking, fishing, scenic driving, and wildlife viewing. The location's remote and scenic nature makes it ideal for these recreational activities.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities include Rainbow, Brook, and Mackinaw trout in Deep Lake.Boating
Only non-motorized boats or boats with electric motors are allowed. A primitive boat ramp is located at the day-use area.Wildlife viewing
The remote location and scenic views make wildlife viewing a popular activity.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not specified, but the area is described as remote and likely inaccessible during heavy winter conditions.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as canoeing and kayaking are suitable due to the restriction on motorized boats.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed within the provided fire ring grills.
Hazards
General hazardsThe access road to the campground features steep grades, sheer drop-offs, and narrow, winding paths. There is also no cell service at the campground.
Weather forecast
58
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 59%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 12.5 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
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
Closest hospital and emergency services are located in Gypsum, approximately 33 miles away.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash bins are not available. Campers are advised to pack out their trash.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located on the east side of the 37-acre Deep Lake.
Common complaintsComplaints include trash left by previous campers, road challenges, and the high presence of bugs in some seasons.
Campground Map
Deep Lake Campground, White River National Forest, Eagle Ranger District, Colorado
Driving directionsFrom Gypsum, CO, take Interstate 70 west and go 5.3 miles to Exit 133, Dotsero, CO. At end of exit ramp, go north on Frontage Rd. for 0.8 miles to a stop sign and Sweetwater/Burns sign (County Rt. 301). Turn right at sign onto Rt. 301 and go 1.7 miles to Forest Access sign. Turn left at sign onto dirt and gravel road (later identified as Forest Rt. 600) and go 27.6 miles to a 'Y' intersection. Bear right, staying on Rt. 600, and go 1 mile to campground sign. Bear right at sign and go 0.1 miles into campground.
The first 9 miles of Forest Rt. 600 are narrow, intermittently single-lane, winding, and steep with sheer drop-offs. This road is not recommended for those who fear heights.Nearby places
Gypsum: 33 miles (approximately 1 hour)
Nearby supplies
No gas for 35 miles. Supplies can be found in Gypsum, approximately 33 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.2
8 reviews
Deep Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's remote location, scenic views, and clean facilities. The lack of cell phone service and amenities was noted as a drawback, but the beauty of the location compensates for these limitations.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers often praised the campground's cleanliness, spacious sites, and stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Many appreciated the peace and isolation.
Based on 8 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include the lack of trash facilities, the rough road leading to the campground, and the absence of potable water.
Based on 8 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend packing in and packing out all trash, bringing sufficient water, and being prepared for the challenging drive to the site.
Based on 8 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer months are highlighted as the best time to visit due to accessible roads and milder weather. In contrast, winter conditions could render the campground inaccessible.
Based on 8 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Middle of nowhere! Nobody around, no cell phone service." "It's not free anymore, but it's still cheap!" "Beautiful place to camp and ride dirtbikes. Very peaceful, had the whole lake to ourselves."
Based on 8 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
One user noted that the campground technically has 29 sites, with three doubles and one group site.
Based on 8 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features.
Based on 8 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025