Lynx Pass Campground

For those of us in Colorado who truly seek to escape the hustle and bustle, venturing off the beaten path often leads to the most rewarding outdoor experiences. Lynx Pass Campground, located near Oak Creek, Colorado, is precisely one of those hidden gems. Described by a delighted camper as an "amazing campground, very much 'out of the way' and with very little traffic in the area," it offers a rare blend of solitude and natural beauty. Perched high above a small lake frequently visited by moose, this campground provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the serene wilderness of the Routt National Forest.

Lynx Pass Campground is not your typical resort-style camping destination. It's a primitive, first-come, first-served site with a focus on delivering a genuine Colorado mountain experience. With its limited number of sites – 11 in total – it promises seclusion and a tranquil atmosphere that allows for deep relaxation and connection with nature. Whether you're a seasoned tent camper, have a small trailer, or a compact RV, Lynx Pass offers a peaceful base for exploring the surrounding forests, trails, and enjoying the abundant wildlife that calls this area home.

Lynx Pass Campground is nestled within the Gore Pass area of the Routt National Forest, near Oak Creek, CO 80467, USA. Its address, Forest Rd 270, specifically points to its location along a National Forest Service Road, indicating its immersion in the natural landscape. This places it between the towns of Kremmling and Yampa, offering a strategic yet remote feel.

Accessing Lynx Pass Campground requires a bit of an intentional journey, contributing to its "out of the way" charm. From Yampa, Colorado, travelers can take Highway 131 south for approximately 10 miles to Toponas. From Toponas, veer left onto Highway 134 towards Kremmling and continue for about 9 more miles until you see the sign for Lynx Pass on your left. Following this sign will lead you to the campground via Forest Service Road 270. Alternatively, from Kremmling, you can take Highway 40 to Highway 134 and proceed to Forest Service Road 270. This road is typically accessible during its operational season, usually from mid-June to late September, but can be snow-covered well into June.

The elevation of the campground is approximately 8,990 feet (around 8,989 ft), meaning campers should be prepared for cooler temperatures, even in summer, with cold evenings and cool mornings. Due to its remote location, cell service is typically not available, encouraging a true digital detox. While the campground is within the Routt National Forest, campers should always check with the Yampa Ranger Station for current conditions, road accessibility, and any fire restrictions before planning their trip.

Lynx Pass Campground, designed for a more primitive and self-sufficient camping experience, offers essential services to ensure a comfortable stay:

• Campsites: 11 wooded, single-family campsites. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire grate (or fire ring). Most spots feature "half-moon pass-through parking spots," accommodating large or multiple vehicles (though maximum length for campers/trailers is noted as 18 feet on some sources).
• Tent Pads: At least one graded tent pad is available at each site, with some offering "ample room for two tents," providing a level and comfortable area for pitching.
• Vault Toilets: A clean vault toilet restroom is centrally located within the campground. While there is no running water in the bathrooms, "hand sanitizer dispensers" are provided, as noted by a reviewer.
• Potable Water (with caveat): Potable water is available from a hand pump drawing from a well. However, it's critical to note the reviewer's experience: "the water that came out was a deep yellow in color and ended up leaving a yellow sediment behind on our water vessels that had to be washed out with soap and water." The strong recommendation is to "BE SURE TO BRING YOUR OWN DRINKING WATER." The well water should primarily be considered for washing hands and non-potable uses.
• Trash Collection: Services for trash collection are available within the campground to help maintain cleanliness.
• No Reservations: All campsites at Lynx Pass Campground are strictly first-come, first-served, meaning you cannot reserve a spot in advance. This requires flexibility and often early arrival, especially during popular times.

Lynx Pass Campground offers several distinct features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for Colorado outdoor enthusiasts:

• Exceptional Seclusion and Quiet: The campground's remote, "out of the way" nature means "very little traffic in the area," ensuring a truly quiet and peaceful camping experience. This is a significant draw for those seeking to disconnect.
• Frequent Moose Sightings: A major highlight is its location "perched high above a little lake that is commonly visited by moose." This provides incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing, particularly for spotting these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Lagunita Lake, a short walk from the campground, is a known fishing spot and likely where moose are seen.
• Wooded Campsites with Views: The 11 sites are set among lodgepole pines, offering shade and varying levels of seclusion. Some spots likely provide views of the nearby lake or surrounding forest.
• Access to Multi-Use Trails: Lynx Pass serves as a gateway to extensive ATV/OHV and mountain bike trails, including the Morrison-Divide Trail #1174, which offers a 13.3-mile one-way ride through scenic terrain, including the Muddy Slide geological feature. Mountain bikers can create 20-mile loops utilizing Forest Service Road 270.
• Hunting Opportunities: The surrounding Routt National Forest is known for excellent big game hunting in the fall, making Lynx Pass a popular base camp for hunters.
• Proximity to Sarvis Creek Wilderness: A short drive will take you to the Sarvis Creek Wilderness Area, providing access to designated wilderness hiking trails for those seeking a pure hiking experience without motorized traffic.
• Picturesque Surroundings: The area around Lynx Pass (NFSR 270) is described as a "scenic stretch of road" with diverse habitats, including lodgepole pine, quaking aspen, subalpine fir forests, grasslands, and wetlands, all intermixed. Morrison Creek, along the northern half of the road, offers a very diverse ecosystem to explore.

Lynx Pass Campground is managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Routt National Forest. Since it operates on a first-come, first-served basis, there isn't a direct reservation line for the campground itself. However, general inquiries can be directed to the local Ranger District.

Address: Forest Rd 270, Oak Creek, CO 80467, USA (This address refers to the general location and the forest road it is on.)

Phone: (307) 745-2300 (While this number is provided, it is a Wyoming number. For the Lynx Pass Campground in Colorado, the relevant Forest Service District is the Yampa Ranger District.)

Yampa Ranger District Office (for current conditions, fire restrictions, and general inquiries):Address: 300 Roselawn Ave, PO Box 7, Yampa, CO 80483Phone: (970) 638-4516

It is highly recommended to contact the Yampa Ranger District prior to your trip for the most up-to-date information on road conditions, campground opening/closing dates, any temporary closures, and current fire restrictions, which are common in Colorado.

Lynx Pass Campground is an outstanding choice for Colorado locals, particularly those living along the Front Range or in the western slope communities, who are seeking an authentic, uncrowded, and deeply immersive outdoor experience. Its "out of the way" location is not a deterrent but a defining feature, promising the true peace and quiet that many Coloradans crave when escaping urban environments.

For those who appreciate wildlife, the frequent moose sightings near Lagunita Lake offer a truly special connection to nature, a highlight that sets this campground apart. The diverse recreational opportunities, from extensive ATV and mountain biking trails to nearby wilderness hiking, cater to a wide range of outdoor interests that resonate deeply with the Colorado lifestyle. The rustic nature of the campground, including its first-come, first-served policy and the necessity of bringing your own drinking water, aligns with a self-sufficient, adventurous spirit common among local outdoor enthusiasts. Lynx Pass Campground provides a genuine mountain retreat where the focus is squarely on natural beauty, solitude, and the thrill of discovery, making it a perfect spot for locals to unwind and recharge amidst the stunning Colorado wilderness.

Lynx Pass Campground

Forest Rd 270, Oak Creek, CO 80467, USA