Big Creek Lake Campground

For Colorado residents yearning for a truly secluded and awe-inspiring outdoor escape, Big Creek Lake Campground near Walden offers an experience that is nothing short of breathtaking. Tucked away in the expansive Routt National Forest, this popular campground is a destination for those who prioritize dramatic landscapes, quiet contemplation, and a profound connection with nature. If the idea of a vast, tranquil lake, surrounded by majestic mountains and a sky full of galaxies, resonates with your spirit, then Big Creek Lake Campground is calling your name.

Big Creek Lake Campground is consistently praised by visitors for its stunning vistas and the profound sense of peace it provides. Imagine gazing out at a huge lake reflecting the surrounding peaks, with the unique beauty of wildflowers blooming amidst areas of new growth – a testament to nature's resilience after past fires. As one reviewer eloquently put it, "The views here are breathtaking. For the price!!! Omg." This sentiment captures the incredible value and visual splendor that await campers here.

What truly sets Big Creek Lake Campground apart for many Coloradoans is its remote yet accessible nature, coupled with a complete absence of cell service. While it requires a 24-mile drive on a backroad, this journey is often described as "the most paved one I have encountered" for such a remote location, and it offers immediate rewards with sightings of elk, deer, and other wildlife. The quietness of the campground is a highlight, with one visitor declaring it "the quietest place I've ever been." This intentional disconnect from the digital world allows for truly immersive experiences, from exploring multiple nearby trails to witnessing a "once in a lifetime sky" filled with visible galaxies. Despite some minor issues like occasional uncleaned restrooms or persistent mosquitoes (common in pristine lake environments), the overall experience of Big Creek Lake Campground is overwhelmingly positive, promising an unforgettable journey into the heart of Colorado's wilderness.

Big Creek Lake Campground is situated in a stunning high-alpine environment near Walden, CO 80480, USA, within the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests. Located at an elevation of approximately 9,000 feet, it offers cool summer temperatures and truly spectacular mountain scenery.

For Colorado locals, reaching Big Creek Lake Campground involves a commitment to a scenic, yet somewhat lengthy drive. From the town of Walden (which is about an hour's drive to the southeast), you would head northwest. The campground is located approximately 24 miles down a "backroad" from the main highway. While this road is remote, reviews indicate it is surprisingly well-maintained, described as "the most paved one I have encountered" for a road of its kind. This suggests that while it might be gravel in sections, it's generally passable for most vehicles, though some steeper turns on side trails (like the Helena Path) might warrant 4WD.

The drive itself is part of the experience, offering abundant opportunities for wildlife viewing, including elk and deer, even before you reach the campground. This sense of journey and anticipation contributes to the feeling of truly escaping into the wilderness. Despite its remote feel, the campground's adjacency to the large Big Creek Lake and its multiple nearby trails make it a hub for outdoor activities once you arrive. The location deep within Routt National Forest guarantees an immersive natural experience, far from the light pollution and noise of urban centers.

• Campsites: Big Creek Lake Campground boasts 54 campsites, capable of accommodating tents, trailers, and RVs (with parking spurs ranging from 20 to 50 feet). Of these, 24 sites are reservable via Recreation.gov, while 30 are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for outdoor dining and meal preparation.

• Fire Rings/Grills: Every site includes a fire ring with a grill, perfect for enjoying campfires and cooking outdoors (always check for current fire restrictions before lighting a fire).

• Vault Toilets: Abundant and "decently clean" vault toilets are available throughout the campground, providing necessary restroom facilities.

• Bearproof Dumpsters: Numerous bear-proof dumpsters are provided for trash disposal, emphasizing the importance of proper food storage in this active bear country.

• No Potable Water (as of recent reviews): Campers should be prepared to bring their own drinking water, as the water supply may not be consistently available. Recent reports indicate the water was not on, and there is no determined date for it to be back online.

• No Cell Service: A significant feature, there is zero cell service (Sprint and Verizon noted as having no coverage), ensuring a completely unplugged experience.

• No Hookups: The campground does not offer electric, water, or sewer hookups at individual sites.

• Boat Ramps: Two boat ramps are available at the lake, facilitating easy launching for watercraft (check regulations for motor types).

• Horse Stalls/Corrals: Equestrian facilities are available at the Seven Lakes Trailhead corral, though horses are not allowed in campsites.

• Camp Hosts: While reviewer noted some hosts had parties over a holiday weekend, camp hosts are typically present to assist campers and manage the campground.

• Breathtaking Views: Offers spectacular views of Big Creek Lake and the surrounding Rocky Mountain landscape, providing a picturesque backdrop for camping.

• Massive Lake: Big Creek Lake is a large body of water (343 acres, 160 acres in other reports), offering ample space for boating (electric/hand-propelled), fishing, and enjoying lakeside activities.

• Incredible Stargazing: Due to minimal light pollution and high elevation, the night sky is exceptionally dark, providing "once in a lifetime" opportunities for stargazing and viewing galaxies.

• Extremely Quiet: Consistently described as one of the quietest places visitors have experienced, perfect for those seeking solitude and tranquility.

• Wildlife Abundance: The area is prime habitat for moose, elk, deer, and various rodents. While bears and coyotes are present (bear-proof dumpsters and coyote sounds noted), sightings of larger animals are common, especially on the drive in.

• Diverse Hiking Trails: Three distinct trails are accessible near the lake, including the popular Seven Lakes Trail (not too strenuous, with wildflowers and new growth), and Helena Path (steep, may require 4WD for access).

• Excellent Fishing: Big Creek Lake is a popular destination for trout fishing, stocked with species like rainbow trout, cutthroat, lake trout, splake, and tiger muskie.

• Mount Zirkel Wilderness Proximity: Offers direct access to and views of the Mount Zirkel Wilderness, providing vast areas for exploration and backpacking.

• Forest Regeneration: Evidence of past fires showcases natural regeneration, with wildflowers thriving amongst dead trees, creating a unique and beautiful landscape.

• Horse-Friendly Area: Dedicated corrals near trailheads cater to equestrian campers, expanding recreational options.

Address: Walden, CO 80480, USA (Note: The campground is about an hour's drive northwest of Walden.)

Phone: (970) 723-2700

Mobile Phone: +1 970-723-2700

These phone numbers connect to the Parks Ranger District of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, which manages Big Creek Lake Campground. It is highly advisable for Colorado residents to contact this number for the most current information regarding road conditions (especially for the 24-mile backroad), water availability (as it has been off), fire restrictions, and any updates on site availability.

For reservations for the 24 reservable sites, or to check availability for the 30 first-come, first-served sites, the official booking platform is:

Website: Recreation.gov (Search for "Big Creek Lakes Campground").

The USDA Forest Service website for the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests (fs.usda.gov/mbr) also provides essential information on the campground's operating season, fees (which may require exact cash or check, as no credit cards are accepted on-site), and current alerts. Due to its remote location and the lack of cell service, gathering information before you depart is crucial.

For Colorado residents, Big Creek Lake Campground offers the quintessential remote mountain escape that embodies the spirit of our state's vast wilderness. While it requires a bit of a drive and careful preparation, the rewards are immense, making it an ideal destination for those truly looking to unplug and immerse themselves in nature.

The absolute quietness of the campground, combined with the complete absence of cell service, creates a rare opportunity for a true digital detox. This is invaluable for locals seeking to escape the constant connectivity of urban life and fully embrace the tranquility of the Rockies. The "once in a lifetime sky" for stargazing is a profound experience, connecting campers directly with the cosmic beauty often obscured by city lights.

Furthermore, the diverse recreational opportunities—from excellent fishing in the large lake to a variety of hiking trails (including the beautiful Seven Lakes Trail)—cater to a wide range of outdoor interests. The chance to spot elk and moose in their natural habitat adds an exciting wildlife element to the experience, appealing to Coloradoans who cherish our state's abundant fauna. While preparation for mosquitoes and ensuring you bring your own water are key, these minor considerations fade in comparison to the breathtaking views, peaceful ambiance, and unique sense of solitude that Big Creek Lake Campground provides. It's a true gem for locals, offering an authentic, unadulterated taste of the Colorado high country that will leave you refreshed and reconnected with the wild.

Big Creek Lake Campground

Walden, CO 80480, USA