Simon Lake Campsites

For Colorado locals seeking a truly authentic, off-the-grid camping experience, away from the crowds and bustling amenities of more developed campgrounds, Simon Lake Campsites offers a unique opportunity. Officially known as the Crosho Lakes Recreation Area, this spot near Oak Creek, CO, is a testament to the rugged beauty and quiet solitude that the Rocky Mountains can provide. This article is tailored for Colorado residents, providing a factual and engaging overview of what to expect when venturing to this primitive camping destination. If your idea of a perfect getaway involves challenging roads and a deep connection with untouched nature, then Simon Lake Campsites might just be your next favorite spot.

Simon Lake Campsites, or Crosho Lakes Recreation Area, is not your typical drive-in, full-service campground. It appeals to those who are prepared for self-sufficiency and the rewards of a more secluded environment. While its charm lies in its undeveloped nature, it's crucial to be well-informed about the access and facilities before you go. This hidden gem, nestled within the expansive Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, promises quiet nights and the chance to observe local wildlife. We'll explore its specific location, the minimalist services it offers, and its unique features that draw a particular kind of adventurous camper from across our beautiful state.

Simon Lake Campsites, officially known as the Crosho Lakes Recreation Area, is located near Oak Creek, CO 80467, USA. This places it within the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, a vast area of stunning wilderness in northwest Colorado. The general vicinity is known for its incredible natural beauty, including forests, mountains, and numerous lakes and streams.

Accessibility to Simon Lake Campsites is a significant factor to consider, and it's not for every vehicle. The road leading into the campsites, particularly after the county-maintained section, is described as being in "bad shape." Reviews indicate that "rivulets of run-off had carved deep ruts," making for "v-e-r-y slow going, rough, and a bit stressful" for approximately two miles. This suggests that a "high clearance vehicle" is absolutely necessary, and a "4WD vehicle" is strongly recommended to navigate the rough terrain, mud holes, and ruts effectively. One review even mentions a capable-looking pickup truck getting "tired of limping down the road at 1 mph" and stopping in the road overnight, underscoring the challenging nature of the access road.

The main access route to Crosho Lake is from Yampa, by taking County Road 17 for about 4 miles, then turning west onto County Road 15 for another 6 miles. This road, Co Rd 15/Crosho Rd, ultimately leads to the area, requiring a turn onto Forest Rd 930 and then Forest Rd 9302B to reach the campsites. For Colorado locals, familiar with mountain roads, this description signals a need for proper vehicle preparation and a patient driving approach. The area is generally accessible from early June through late October, weather permitting. During winter months, access is typically limited to snowmobiles due to heavy snow, as Cottonwood Pass (a major regional pass, though not directly mentioned as the only access to Crosho) closes. Always check current road conditions and weather forecasts from the U.S. Forest Service before planning your trip.

Simon Lake Campsites, being a primitive camping area within the Crosho Lakes Recreation Area, offers minimal services. This is a crucial aspect for campers to understand, as it means visitors must be largely self-sufficient. The appeal of this campground lies in its undeveloped nature and the pure wilderness experience it provides. Here's a breakdown of the limited services available:

• Undeveloped Dispersed Campsites: The area features a "handful of sites, maybe 5 or 6," which are undeveloped and dispersed. There are no designated, numbered sites with standard amenities like picnic tables or fire grates (beyond what previous campers might have created). Campers choose an available spot, with some being sizable and others smaller.
• Pit Toilet (Privy): There is one "privy" available, described as looking like an "actual pit toilet, not a vault." While its interior cleanliness was not confirmed by one reviewer, the presence of any restroom facility in a primitive area is a notable, albeit basic, amenity.
• No Picnic Tables or Fire Grates: Official information from the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests confirms there are "no picnic tables, fire grates, or water" provided. Campers should bring their own cooking equipment and be prepared for primitive fire management, always adhering to current fire restrictions.
• No Potable Water: There is no source of potable water at the campsites. Campers must bring all their own drinking water or be equipped with filters/purifiers to treat water from natural sources (like the lakes), though lake access might be challenging.
• No Reservations; First-Come, First-Served: Camping at Crosho Lakes Recreation Area is on a "first come, first serve" basis, with "no reservations." This adds to the adventurous spirit but means planning to arrive early, especially during peak seasons, is advisable to secure a spot.
• Free Camping: A significant advantage for budget-conscious locals is that camping here is "free" with "no permit required." This contributes to its appeal as an accessible outdoor escape.
• No Trash Disposal: As a primitive area, there are no trash bins or recycling facilities. Campers are expected to practice Leave No Trace principles, packing out all trash, including food scraps, and leaving no trace of their visit.

Despite its primitive nature and challenging access, Simon Lake Campsites (Crosho Lakes Recreation Area) offers several unique features and highlights that appeal to a specific type of Colorado adventurer:

• Quiet and Peaceful Environment: Consistently noted by visitors, the campground is "quiet," offering a serene escape from noise and crowds. This is a significant draw for those seeking tranquility in nature.
• Authentic Primitive Camping: For experienced campers who enjoy self-sufficiency, this area provides a genuine primitive camping experience. It’s an opportunity to truly rough it and connect deeply with the wilderness.
• Limited Number of Sites: With only "maybe 5 or 6" sites, the campground maintains an intimate feel, ensuring a less crowded experience than larger, developed parks. This contributes to the peaceful atmosphere.
• Access to Crosho Lakes: The area provides access to Crosho Lakes, which are popular for "canoeing, kayaking, wading, camping and fishing for graylings and trout." While access to the lakes themselves can be challenging (one lake having a "marshy border" and the larger one requiring a hike over a ridge), the presence of these water bodies offers recreational opportunities for non-motorized boating and fishing.
• Wildlife Viewing Potential: Being in a remote, natural setting, the area likely offers opportunities for observing local wildlife, contributing to the immersive wilderness experience.
• Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Potential: One reviewer noted that other campers had "an OHV and a motorcycle," suggesting there might be "some decent rides around the area." This could be a highlight for those who combine primitive camping with off-road exploration, provided trails are designated and legally accessible from the campground.
• No Fees: The fact that camping here is free is a major highlight, making it an incredibly affordable option for enjoying Colorado's backcountry.
• Seasonal Accessibility: While challenging, the seasonal accessibility via rough roads (and snowmobile in winter) provides varied experiences for those who return throughout the year, truly embracing the changing Colorado seasons.

As Simon Lake Campsites is the popular name for the officially designated Crosho Lakes Recreation Area, a primitive and dispersed camping zone, there is no direct phone number specifically for "Simon Lake Campsites." Instead, information regarding this area is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, which oversees the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests where the area is located.

Address: Oak Creek, CO 80467, USA (This indicates the general geographic location)

For Colorado locals planning a trip to Simon Lake Campsites (Crosho Lakes Recreation Area), it is highly recommended to contact the local U.S. Forest Service office responsible for this specific part of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests. The relevant office for this region is the Yampa Ranger District.

Contact information for the Yampa Ranger District, which oversees Crosho Lakes Recreation Area:

• Phone: (970) 638-4516
• Address: 300 Roselawn Ave, Yampa, CO 80483
• Email: r2_mbr_vis@fs.fed.us (This email is associated with the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests & Thunder Basin National Grassland, which includes the Yampa Ranger District)

It is crucial to contact them for the most up-to-date information on road conditions (especially given the challenging access), current fire restrictions, and any other regulations or advisories for the Crosho Lakes Recreation Area. They can provide essential details to ensure a safe and responsible primitive camping experience.

Simon Lake Campsites, known officially as Crosho Lakes Recreation Area, is a highly suitable destination for a specific type of Colorado local: the adventurous spirit who seeks true wilderness, is prepared for challenges, and values solitude over amenities. For residents of our state, this primitive campground offers a unique opportunity to experience the rugged, untamed beauty of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests without the crowds and commercialization often found at more accessible sites. Its location near Oak Creek provides a relatively accessible mountain escape for those willing to navigate the rough access road, putting genuine backcountry experience within reach for many Coloradans.

The "quiet and peaceful" atmosphere is a significant draw, allowing locals to truly disconnect from daily stresses and immerse themselves in nature's tranquility. Unlike bustling RV parks or developed campgrounds, Simon Lake offers a handful of dispersed sites where you can enjoy privacy and the sounds of the wilderness. The availability of a pit toilet, while basic, is a nod to convenience in an otherwise undeveloped area. The opportunity for non-motorized boating and fishing on Crosho Lakes, despite some access challenges, adds another layer of recreational appeal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Furthermore, the "no fee" policy makes this an incredibly attractive and affordable option for regular excursions into the mountains, appealing to budget-conscious adventurers who frequently explore Colorado's public lands. While the challenging road conditions and lack of amenities demand self-sufficiency and preparation – including bringing all your own water and practicing Leave No Trace principles – these aspects are precisely what make it suitable for experienced and responsible local campers. For those who own high-clearance 4WD vehicles and are eager to embrace a more demanding yet deeply rewarding camping adventure, Simon Lake Campsites offers an authentic taste of Colorado's wild heart, truly setting it apart as a destination for the discerning local outdoor enthusiast.

Simon Lake Campsites

Oak Creek, CO 80467, USA