Trappers Lake / Trapline Campground
02 reviewsnull
Trappers Lake / Trapline Campground
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
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 campsite fee is $20 per day.
About this campground
Perched in the heart of the Trappers Lake Recreation Area, Trapline Campground offers 11 thoughtfully arranged sites along a single loop, where the landscape opens up to endless Colorado skies. Unlike the dense forest campgrounds below, Trapline embraces its high-altitude setting with sun-drenched sites that bask in natural light from dawn to dusk. Here, the commanding presence of the Flat Tops Wilderness stretches across the horizon, creating a backdrop that transforms with each passing hour as shadows dance across ancient peaks and valleys.
Trapline Campground offers a mix of camping experiences with combined sites suitable for a variety of setups.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsAt 9,700 feet, Trapline Campground exists in a world above the clouds, where summer brings crisp mountain air that offers sweet relief from the sweltering heat of the valleys below. Visitors often find themselves reaching for an extra layer as evening approaches, grateful for the cool temperatures that make for perfect sleeping weather. Outside the brief summer window, this high-altitude paradise transforms into a winter wonderland, with snow blanketing the landscape and temperatures that remind you just how close you are to the sky. The dramatic elevation creates its own microclimate, where afternoon thunderstorms can roll in quickly and morning frost might greet early risers even in July.
ElevationRising to an impressive 9,700 feet above sea level, Trapline Campground sits in Colorado's alpine zone where the air is thin, the views are endless, and summer temperatures remain refreshingly cool. This lofty perch provides a natural escape from the heat that grips lower elevations, creating an environment where afternoon naps are possible without breaking a sweat and evening campfires become a welcome source of warmth rather than just ambiance.
Natural Features and SceneryThe crown jewel of this high-altitude retreat is the pristine Trappers Lake, a wilderness-protected body of water that maintains its untouched character through strict preservation. Adventure seekers willing to carry their canoes and kayaks down to the water's edge are rewarded with mirror-like reflections of the surrounding peaks and the chance to paddle through one of Colorado's most photographed mountain lakes. The campground itself serves as a front-row seat to the dramatic Flat Tops Wilderness, where ancient volcanic plateaus create a unique landscape of rolling tundra punctuated by dramatic cliff faces and hidden valleys that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Geological RegionTrapline Campground sits at the gateway to the legendary Flat Tops Wilderness, home to one of the largest flat-topped mountain ranges in the world. This unique geological wonderland was formed by ancient lava flows that created massive plateaus, now carved by centuries of erosion into a landscape unlike anywhere else in Colorado. From your campsite, witness the dramatic interplay between the volcanic origins and glacial sculpting that shaped these mountains, while Trappers Lake below serves as a crystalline reminder of the ice age forces that left their mark on this remarkable terrain.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific details about accessibility features were provided.
Sites SizeThe campground has a single loop layout. Parking aprons are gravel, and sites are described as flat and easily accessible.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is not heavily wooded, creating an open, sunny environment. Users did not report high levels of privacy due to the open nature of the space.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended Campsitesnull
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 5 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
Details about group sites were not provided.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSingle loop with 11 combined sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen June 9 through September 10.
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in AvailabilityReservations are not allowed; walk-up availability only.
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The Trapline Campground offers a variety of activities centered around outdoor exploration and recreation in the adjacent Flat Tops Wilderness and Trappers Lake.
Hiking
Multiple trails, including Trappers Lake Trail (6.6 miles), Stillwater Trail (4.2 miles), Wall Lake Trail (6.2 miles), and Himes Peak Trail (5 miles), are accessible to hikers and horseback riders, leading into the Flat Tops Wilderness.Fishing
Trappers Lake offers fishing opportunities for Cutthroat trout (over 10-inch, catch & release) and Brook trout.Boating
Non-motorized boating such as canoeing and kayaking is allowed at Trappers Lake. However, motorized boats and wheeled carts for boat transport are prohibited due to the lake's location in the Flat Tops Wilderness.Wildlife viewing
The nearby wilderness area offers opportunities to observe various wildlife species in their natural habitats.Winter Activities
No details about specific winter activities were provided.Water Sports
Besides non-motorized boating, no specific water sports such as water skiing or paddleboarding are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
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- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsHigh elevation (9,700 feet) may result in altitude sickness for some visitors.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
64
°F
Aug 24
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 35%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 11.2 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
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Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingNo detailed information about trash or recycling facilities was provided.
Proximity to water featuresNear Trappers Lake, which is 286 acres in size.
Common complaints"While on a road trip from the San Francisco Bay Area to Northern Colorado in mid-August, 2021, we stayed at this campground for 1 night and had no problem finding a flat site on a Sunday afternoon -- the campground was very sparsely occupied."
Hostnull
Campground Map
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Driving directionsFrom Buford, CO, take County Rt. 8 east 18.6 miles to Trapper Lake and Forest Rt. 205 signs. Turn right at signs and go 7.6 miles to Trappers Lake campground sign. Turn right, crossing one lane bridge, and go 1.4 miles to 'T' intersection. Turn left to campground.
"NOTE: County Rt. 8 becomes Forest Rt. 8 and dirt after 10 miles." This indicates that the road includes unpaved sections, which may require careful driving.Nearby places
Meeker (approximately 39 miles via Rio Blanco County Road 8)
Nearby supplies
Limited groceries, camping supplies, boat and horse rentals are available at the Trappers Lake Lodge.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Trappers Lake / Trapline Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's scenic views, cleanliness, and convenient access to the Flat Tops Wilderness area. The elevation provides cool temperatures, making it a comfortable retreat during warmer months.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praised the 'clean and well-supplied' vault toilets, the scenic and open environment, and the proximity to hiking trails and Trappers Lake. The cool elevation was specifically appreciated...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
No significant complaints were noted in the reviews provided.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend visiting during summer for comfortable temperatures and easy access to the area's trails and fishing opportunities.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is open seasonally from June 9 through September 10, with reviews indicating cooler temperatures and a sparsely occupied environment, especially during late summer.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The vault toilet restrooms were clean and well-supplied with essentials." - David Lobree
"Great camping and outstanding views. We love it here!" - gjflyfisherman
Based on 2 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers were highlighted as the best or worst in the reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically addressed accessibility features.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user reviews specifically addressed experiences with pets.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025