Dumont Lake Campground

For Colorado locals who dream of waking up to vast alpine meadows, surrounded by stunning mountain views, and having immediate access to some of the state's most beloved hiking trails, Dumont Lake Campground is a destination that perfectly fits the bill. Nestled in the picturesque landscape near Coalmont, CO, this campground offers a unique blend of spaciousness and remoteness, providing an authentic mountain camping experience within the expansive Routt National Forest. This article is crafted with you, our fellow Colorado residents, in mind, offering a detailed look at what makes Dumont Lake Campground an exceptional choice for your next outdoor adventure.

Dumont Lake Campground stands out for its magnificent setting at the base of Rabbit Ears Peak, bordering the Continental Divide. It’s a place where the grandeur of Colorado's high country is on full display, from fields of vibrant wildflowers in summer to panoramic vistas that stretch for miles. While it offers essential amenities, its true appeal lies in its natural beauty and the abundance of recreational opportunities right at your doorstep. We'll explore its strategic location, the services it provides, and the unique features that make it a cherished spot for those who appreciate peace, natural splendor, and the thrill of exploring Colorado's wilderness. Prepare to discover why Dumont Lake Campground is perfectly suited for a memorable and affordable mountain getaway.

Dumont Lake Campground is situated near Coalmont, CO 80430, USA. This places it approximately 22 miles southeast of Steamboat Springs on U.S. Highway 40, nestled near the base of the iconic Rabbit Ears Peak. The campground is part of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, an area renowned for its breathtaking mountain scenery and extensive outdoor recreation opportunities.

Accessibility to Dumont Lake Campground is generally considered good, making it accessible for a variety of vehicles. The approach is via a "Gravel road" that is "1 mile from a paved road" (U.S. Highway 40), indicating a relatively smooth transition from a major highway to the campground. The campground itself features a "good combination of pull-through and back-in sites," making it accommodating for both tents and RVs. While "most sites are well separated and have a panoramic view of a large alpine meadow," some sites may be "a bit sloped" or require "quite a bit of leveling," particularly for larger rigs. However, "the majority of pull-throughs can accommodate almost any size RV," which is a significant advantage.

Dumont Lake Campground is typically open from "June 25 through October 31," although this is highly dependent on snowmelt and weather conditions. For Colorado locals, being aware of these seasonal variations is crucial for planning. While the lake itself is located at a separate picnic area, it is accessible via a short trail, allowing for easy transitions between camping and lake activities. The campground and picnic area are also noted as "handicapped accessible," further enhancing its accessibility for a broader range of visitors. Its prime location at Rabbit Ears Pass means it’s a convenient base for exploring one of Colorado's most famous natural landmarks.

Dumont Lake Campground offers essential services typical of a U.S. Forest Service campground, providing a comfortable yet rustic experience. It focuses on facilitating an enjoyable stay without extensive modern amenities, aligning with its natural setting. Here's a detailed look at the services you can expect:

• Designated Campsites: The campground boasts "22 campsites" spread out across one large loop with a smaller inner loop and a two-site spur. Each campsite is equipped with a "fire grate and a picnic table," providing basic necessities for outdoor living and cooking.
• Vault Toilets: "Basic pit toilets" (vault toilets) are available and generally maintained, with reviews mentioning they were "clean enough" and had "TP and hand sanitizer." These are standard, non-flush facilities.
• Drinking Water (Hand Pumps): The campground has "water pumps" available, though a recent review (June 30th) indicated they were "not working yet." When operational, these are hand pumps, meaning campers should be prepared to pump their own water and ideally have backup water or filtration methods. The official Forest Service site states "potable water is not available," which might indicate a seasonal or intermittent availability.
• No Hookups: As a Forest Service campground, Dumont Lake does not offer RV hookups (water, sewer, or electricity). It is designed for tent camping and dry camping for RVs.
• First-Come, First-Served: All sites are available on a "first-come, first-served" basis. There are no reservations, so arriving early, especially on weekends and during peak season, is highly recommended to secure a spot.
• Affordable Fees: Camping is incredibly affordable, with a typical fee of "$12 a night." Payment is usually made via an honor system at a self-pay station.
• 14-Day Stay Limit: There is a "camping limit of 14 days," which allows for extended stays but encourages turnover, providing opportunities for more visitors.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are generally allowed in national forest campgrounds, provided they are leashed and properly managed to minimize impact on wildlife and other campers.

Dumont Lake Campground boasts numerous features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for Colorado locals seeking an authentic outdoor experience:

• Very Large and Spacious Spots: A recurring highlight from reviews is the "very large and spacious spots," which provide a sense of privacy and room to spread out. Some even "felt like we were more remote than some dispersed camping spots," a testament to the generous spacing.
• Magnificent Views: The campground offers "magnificent views" of the surrounding Colorado mountain ranges, especially as it "borders on the Continental Divide and sits on top of the Park Range." This provides a truly scenic backdrop for your camping adventure.
• Proximity to Rabbit Ears Peak Trailhead: Being "right by the trailhead to Rabbit Ears" makes it an ideal base for hikers wanting to explore this iconic landmark and its extensive trail system.
• Abundant Wildflowers: Visitors rave about the "incredible" experience when "the wildflowers were out in full force," transforming the meadows into a vibrant tapestry of colors. This makes it a paradise for nature photographers and enthusiasts.
• Walking Distance to Dumont Lake: While the lake is separate from the campground at a picnic area, it's within "walking distance." This allows for easy access to the lake for fishing, non-motorized boating, and enjoying the water.
• Variety of Recreation: Beyond hiking, the area offers "fabulous lake and stream fishing," and the lake is restricted to "electric motors or hand propelled boats only," ensuring a peaceful boating experience. There's also access to "backpacking and mountain biking on the many nearby dirt roads and trails."
• Bird Watching Paradise: "Bird watchers and wildflower enthusiasts will find this area a paradise," indicating rich biodiversity and opportunities for wildlife observation. Deer are also often spotted near the water.
• Affordable Camping: At just "$12 a night," it's an incredibly budget-friendly option for experiencing high-quality mountain camping in Colorado.
• Remote but Accessible Feel: Despite feeling "remote," its accessibility via a short gravel road from a major highway (US 40) strikes a good balance, making it convenient without sacrificing the wilderness experience.

For inquiries regarding Dumont Lake Campground, the primary source of information is the U.S. Forest Service, specifically the Yampa Ranger District, which manages this area within the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests. There isn't a direct phone number for the campground itself, as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Address: Coalmont, CO 80430, USA (This indicates the general geographic location)

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on Dumont Lake Campground, including current operational status, road conditions, fire restrictions, and any general inquiries about the Routt National Forest, Colorado locals should contact the Yampa Ranger District.

Contact information for the Yampa Ranger District:

• Phone: (307) 745-2300 (This number is associated with the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests & Thunder Basin National Grassland, which encompasses the Yampa Ranger District. It's a general information line where you can be directed to the correct district.)
• Local Ranger District Phone (if available for specific direct inquiries): (970) 870-2299 (This number is sometimes listed for the Steamboat Springs area Forest Service office which may manage parts of this region.)
• Address: 300 Roselawn Ave, Yampa, CO 80483 (Physical address of the Yampa Ranger District office)
• Website: The official U.S. Forest Service website (fs.usda.gov) is an excellent resource for detailed information on campgrounds within the national forests. Searching for "Dumont Lake Campground Routt National Forest" will likely lead to specific details.

It is highly recommended to call the Ranger District prior to your trip, especially early in the season, to confirm that water pumps are operational and to check for any critical alerts or fire bans.

Dumont Lake Campground is an exceptional choice for Colorado locals seeking an authentic and deeply rewarding mountain camping experience. Its prime location near Coalmont, right at the base of Rabbit Ears Peak and bordering the Continental Divide, places it within a manageable drive for many Coloradans, offering a truly accessible wilderness escape. For residents who cherish the vast landscapes and pristine nature that define our state, Dumont Lake provides an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the high country's beauty without breaking the bank.

The campground's "very large and spacious spots" offer a sense of privacy and remoteness often sought by discerning campers, making it feel more expansive than many developed sites. The "magnificent views" are a constant reminder of Colorado's grandeur, while the seasonal burst of "incredible wildflowers" creates a breathtaking environment unique to our state's alpine meadows. Direct access to hiking trails, especially those leading to Rabbit Ears Pass, makes it an ideal base for avid hikers and explorers, offering countless opportunities for adventure right from your campsite.

While preparedness for bugs and potentially non-operational water pumps (especially early in the season) is advisable, these minor considerations are easily outweighed by the campground's significant advantages. The incredibly affordable nightly rate of just "$12 a night" makes it a budget-friendly option for regular outings. For locals who appreciate the tranquility of a non-motorized lake, excellent fishing opportunities, and a truly immersive connection with the natural world, Dumont Lake Campground is a perfectly suitable and highly recommended destination. It's a place where memories are forged amidst stunning vistas, providing an authentic slice of Colorado's wild heart that will undoubtedly draw you back for longer weekends and more adventures.

Dumont Lake Campground

Coalmont, CO 80430, USA