Deep Lake Campground

For Colorado locals yearning for a truly authentic mountain camping experience, Deep Lake Campground near Gypsum offers an exceptional escape into the high country. Situated at an elevation of 10,580 feet within the vast White River National Forest, this primitive yet incredibly scenic campground provides direct access to the rugged beauty of the White River Plateau, famously known as the Flat Tops. It’s a place where the air is crisp, the views are expansive, and the opportunity to truly disconnect from the everyday hustle is paramount.

Deep Lake Campground is a favorite for those who appreciate a less developed setting, focusing on the natural environment rather than extensive amenities. While it's no longer free, it remains "still cheap," offering great value for a pristine high-altitude experience. Campers can enjoy the serene 37-acre Deep Lake, known for its trout fishing, and use it as a basecamp for exploring hundreds of miles of trails, hunting, and wildlife viewing. Even with the occasional presence of "dead bugs" in nearby lakes, as one reviewer candidly put it, the raw beauty and remote tranquility of Deep Lake Campground make it a beloved destination for Coloradoans built for adventure and seeking radical acceptance of nature in its purest form. The "nice clean toilets considering how remote the location is" are an added bonus!

Deep Lake Campground is located at Forest Rd 6003E, Gypsum, CO 81637, USA. This places it in the Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District of the White River National Forest, a vast and spectacular area in west-central Colorado. The campground sits at a significant elevation of 10,580 feet, nestled on the east side of the 37-acre Deep Lake. This high-altitude setting means it is typically open from July to September, with access dependent on snowmelt and road conditions.

Access to Deep Lake Campground, while leading to a remote location, is generally manageable via a graded gravel forest service road. From Interstate 70, visitors typically take exit 133 (Dotsero). From there, you'll drive north on Colorado River Road for about 1.7 miles, then turn left onto FSR 600, also known as Coffeepot Road. This road continues for approximately 12 miles to the White River National Forest boundary, and then an additional 17 miles within the forest. Finally, a right turn onto FSR 600.3E leads to the signed entrance of Deep Lake Campground. While the main access road is described as passable for most passenger cars, many other roads in the surrounding area may require high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles, particularly for those looking to explore off the main routes. Due to its remote nature, cell service is likely to be extremely limited or non-existent, encouraging a true unplugged experience.

Deep Lake Campground offers a primitive camping experience, focusing on essential amenities to support a stay in the wilderness. Visitors should come prepared for a self-sufficient trip, bringing most of what they need.

• Campsites:
  • Total Sites: The campground features 29 individual campsites, including both single and group sites. There are 36 total sites listed, with 35 single and 1 double site available on Recreation.gov, and 33 RV sites and 36 tent sites listed on CampingRoadTrip.com.
  • Amenities Per Site: Each site is equipped with a metal picnic table and a fire ring with a grill. Many sites also have designated gravel tent pads.
  • RV Accommodation: Sites can generally accommodate RVs or vehicles with trailers less than 35 feet long. The gravel driveways are designed to be level.
• Restrooms:
  • Vault Toilets: Seven vault toilets are spaced throughout the 29 campsites. Reviewers consistently praise these as "nice clean toilets considering how remote the location is."
• Water:
  • No Potable Water On-Site: This is a crucial point. Campers must bring all their own water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene for the duration of their trip, as no potable water is available at the campground.
• Waste Disposal:
  • No Dumpster: As noted by a reviewer, there is no dumpster on-site, emphasizing a "pack it in, pack it out" policy for all trash. Campers are responsible for packing out human waste if not using the vault toilets.
  • No Dump Station: There are no RV dump stations at the campground.
• First-Come, First-Served: Most, if not all, campsites are typically available on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning reservations are generally not taken. This allows for spontaneous trips but also means arriving early, especially on weekends, is advisable to secure a spot.
• Fees: While once free, there is now a modest fee for camping, described as "still cheap."

Deep Lake Campground's appeal lies in its stunning natural setting, the array of outdoor activities it facilitates, and its immersive wilderness experience, making it a true gem for Colorado locals.

• Breathtaking High-Elevation Scenery: Situated at 10,580 feet, the campground offers immediate access to the "White River Plateau, otherwise known as the Flat Tops." This subalpine landscape is a vibrant "mosaic of meadows and spruce/fir forests, dotted with lakes, wetlands, and rocky hills." The "nice views of Deep Lake, the subalpine meadows surrounding and the start of Deep Creek canyon" are particularly striking.
• Scenic Deep Lake: The 37-acre Deep Lake itself is a central feature. Its waters are clear before they "plunge through Deep Creek canyon down to the Colorado River over 4,000 feet below," creating a unique hydrological interest. The lake offers a pleasant and serene atmosphere.
• Excellent Trout Fishing: Fishing for trout in Deep Lake is "popular" and a major draw, given its close proximity to the campground. Reviewers emphasize the active fishing, even if some nearby lakes have "dead bugs" (though this might refer to insect hatches that actually indicate healthy fish populations and food sources).
• Non-Motorized Boating Opportunities: The nearby Deep Lake Day Use area provides a small boat launch for "non-motorized and electric motorized boats." This ensures a peaceful experience on the water, ideal for kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding.
• World-Class Hunting Basecamp: The Flat Tops region is renowned for its "abundant population of elk and mule deer," offering "world-class hunting opportunities in the fall." Deep Lake Campground serves as an "excellent base camp for hunting trips across the region."
• Extensive Hiking Opportunities:
  • Flat Tops Wilderness Access: The Flat Tops Wilderness Area is just a few miles north, providing "hundreds of miles of hiking trails" for experienced backpackers and day hikers seeking true wilderness immersion.
  • Primitive Trails: Numerous trails outside of the Wilderness offer "a primitive experience for hikers willing to explore off the beaten path," catering to those seeking less manicured routes.
• Vibrant Wildflowers: In July and August, the landscape transforms with "wildflowers contrast the lush green landscape with a vibrant array of colors," adding to the visual beauty.
• Remote and Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite being a popular campground, its remote location ensures a significant sense of tranquility. It's a place to "unplug and get away from it all."
• Wildlife Viewing: Beyond deer and elk, the diverse ecosystem supports various bird species and other small mammals, making it a great spot for wildlife enthusiasts.

Deep Lake Campground is situated within the White River National Forest and is managed by the Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it's best to contact the Ranger District directly.

Address: Forest Rd 6003E, Gypsum, CO 81637, USA (within the White River National Forest)

Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District Phone: (970) 827-5715

Mobile Phone: +1 970-827-5715 (This may be the general district number)

Mailing Address: Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District, PO Box 190, Minturn, CO 81645

For detailed information on current conditions, road accessibility (crucial for this high-elevation site), fire restrictions, and available campsites, it is highly recommended to visit the official White River National Forest website on the USDA Forest Service site (fs.usda.gov/whiteriver) or check Recreation.gov for specific campground details. Always verify information before you head out, as conditions in the mountains can change rapidly.

For Colorado locals, Deep Lake Campground is an ideal destination for experiencing the state's iconic high-country wilderness without venturing too far off the beaten path of accessibility. Its location within the White River National Forest, high up in the Flat Tops, offers a pristine and invigorating escape from lower elevations. While the drive is a journey, it's manageable for most vehicles, leading to a truly rewarding sense of seclusion.

This campground is perfectly suited for those who appreciate primitive camping and are self-sufficient. While it lacks showers and hookups, the presence of clean vault toilets and the abundance of natural beauty more than compensate. For anglers, the excellent trout fishing in Deep Lake is a major draw, offering peaceful hours by the water with stunning mountain backdrops. Hunters will find it an unparalleled basecamp for pursuing elk and mule deer in the renowned Flat Tops.

Beyond specific activities, Deep Lake provides a vital opportunity for Coloradans to reconnect with the wild. The extensive hiking trails, from easy strolls around the lake to challenging treks into the Flat Tops Wilderness, cater to all levels of adventure. The vibrant wildflowers of summer add an explosion of color to the lush landscape, and the chance to witness abundant wildlife is a constant reminder of the incredible ecosystems unique to Colorado. Even the "bugs," as one humorous reviewer noted, become part of the immersive acceptance of nature. Deep Lake Campground truly embodies the spirit of Colorado's rugged beauty, offering a memorable, affordable, and deeply authentic outdoor experience right in their own majestic backyard.

Deep Lake Campground

Forest Rd 6003E, Gypsum, CO 81637, USA