The best camping near Yampa River State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Yampa River State Park adventure.

Bring your raft and fishing gear to this expansive state park on the Yampa River.

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Community favorites near Yampa River State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Yampa River State Park

Headquarters

48 sites · RVs, Tents In Yampa River State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Yampa River State Park

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Baker’s Acres CO

2 sites · RVs26 acres · CO

This 26 acre ranch has rolling hills, flat pasture land, corrals, an historic red barn, sage brush and a family of rescue animals that currently includes chickens, alpacas, and 3 mini donkeys. A safe place to sleep is what we are all about. We know how hard it is to find an affordable, safe, convenient place to park your RV or van overnight, since camping is not allowed in Steamboat Springs! Where are you supposed to park your RV when the campgrounds are full? We are offering a large, flat parking area in front of our big red barn, conveniently located off Hwy 131, just 10 paved miles from the ski area. The views are beautiful! The animals, which will be roaming freely around the ranch. Feel free to relax and enjoy the beautiful sunsets, in your safe spot by the barn, away from the house. You MUST have your own toilet facilities. Our property borders Highway 131 on the north for easy access year-round. From this site you can hear Oak Creek flowing and you may occasionally see a coal train which runs along the creek. Due to the easy highway access, you will hear traffic when cars go by. We are surrounded by gravel roads, great for gravel bikes. Our animals free-roam in the summer and hang out by the barn in the winter. You may smell animal poo. You may hear chickens cluck. You are welcome to feed the alpacas grain if you wish. We will leave some out for you. The spotted donkey loves kids and loves to be pet, but they shouldn't be fed grain because they'll get too fat. If the animals are out in the pasture, you may venture out there to say hello. Please use common sense and don't scream, chase or tease the animals in any way. And for Pete's sake, close the gate behind you! We don't want animals running away! The stars at night are amazing and on any clear night you can see the milky way! The driveway and site has a dirt/gravel mixture and is snow covered from October - April. May is muddy! Access to Steamboat is extremely easy and about 10 minutes away. Stagecoach Reservoir is about 10 minutes away, too. Baker's Acres really is a great location. You will not be disappointed. NOTE: Dogs and alpacas typically don't mix and a loose dog may get stomped if an alpaca feels threatened. Also note that wild animals such as coyotes, fox, mountain lions, wolves, bears, hawks, eagles, elk, deer, skunk and others also live in this area. FIRE: There are no fires allowed at Baker’s Acres. All cigarettes must be disposed of properly. Prevent forest fires!

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22 West Cabins & Recreation

6 sites · Lodging400 acres · Walden, CO

22 West Cabins & RecreationWhere the deer and the antelope play.We are at the foot of the less-traveled East side of the Mount Zirkel Wilderness area within Routt National Forest22 West is a guest resort with a selection of cabin rentals, each of which fitting a variety of demands in unforgettable settings.We also provide a network of exclusive trails and private access to Routt National ForestAll of which culminates in an experience that is truly one-of-a-kind.

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Trail and Hitch Tiny Home Hotel

54 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Meeker, CO

Trail and Hitch Tiny Home Hotel and RV Park is on 20 acres with the 8 tiny homes on the back of the property. The land is across the White River, 2 miles from downtown Meeker, a bike ride away from mountain biking trails and ON 250 miles of OHV trails. The 8 tiny homes are spread out in a circle surrounding 2 large firepits and a covered deck with a long farmhouse table. The tiny homes can be booked individually or as a group of 4 or 8.

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Ute Lodge - At the End of the Road

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents300 acres · Meeker, CO

The Ute Lodge was homesteaded in the 1930’s by Joe Fox who after leaving the military came west to settle in the White River valley. Joe was known for his friendliness, hospitality and wild stories. Today you might find much of the same. From Joe’s day to today it is a place where families come together to get away. The Ute Lodge is now owned by Karl and Mona Maser who celebrated 20 years of ownership summer of 2019! All summer our cabins are filled with guests from all over the US as well as international travelers. One of our favorite things about the summer is our weekly potlucks where we all share an outdoor meal. All of our visitors have a standing invitation to join us around the community campfire at night. From our beautiful private lake (where you can paddle-board, kayak and fish), to immediate access to the Papoose and Crooks Park Trails on National Forest land, as well as the vast variety of wildlife that roams around, you can find what you need here to unplug and get away from it all.

Little Yellow Jacket Ranch

5 sites · RVs, Tents225 acres · Hamilton, CO

Wildlife abounds on this property, featuring elk, deer, giant horseshoe hares, golden and bald eagles, as well as porcupines, mountain lions, and bears. You'll feel deeply connected to nature and have the opportunity to get away from it all, all while being just 20 minutes away from Walmart. The Flat Top Wilderness and Aldrich Lakes are in close proximity, offering hiking, breathtaking scenery, paddleboarding, kayaking, ATV, and snowmobiling trails. Explore the nearby Battle of Milk Creek, an integral event that shaped this portion of the US. Hamilton, a hidden gem, boasts beautiful views, cattle ranches with little streams, and mountain peaks.

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The Cabin at Welder Ranch

2 sites · Lodging120 acres · Meeker Po Box 823, CO

If you are looking to get far away where you can see every star at night, enjoy the sound of a pristine headwaters stream, look out on horses and green pastures and walk out your door to some of the most beautiful alpine trails in the world, the Cabin at Welder Ranch is your place. Moose, elk, and deer travel these forests and meadows, and the Cabin's adjacency to the enormous and pristine White River National Forest gives you incredible space to imagine yourself back in time. Unwind and rejuvenate in alpine nature, with each season offering its own incredible and unique beauty. Make a fire, cocoon over your own homecooked meals, enjoy a cocktail or hot chocolate and listen to the outdoor sounds as you sit on the porch overlooking open meadows with beaver ponds and gushing streams. Ride horses, hike, fish, and explore. This is a dream location for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Our ranch property is surrounded by the White River National Forest and has been in the family for over 30 years. There are 100's of miles of streams and trails for hiking, riding, and OHV's. There is an additional charge for pets but they are welcome as long as they stay off the furniture. We operate a guide and outfitting service from the ranch and provide horseback rides and back country trips. The cabin was built around 1973. It has a bedroom, full bathroom, living area, and kitchen. It uses electric heat and has a wood stove.

The best camping near Yampa River State Park guide

Overview

About

Stretching for 134 miles along the Yampa River, this state park attracts boaters, hunters, anglers, and whitewater rafters, particularly in the warm summer months. There are 12 river access points in the park, seven of which have boat ramps, plus a handful of primitive camping areas. The developed Headquarters campground is set right by the visitor center near Hayden, Colorado. Overnight options include a mix of drive-in electric sites suitable for RVs, and walk-in tent sites, plus a couple of tipis. Other facilities include a dump station, coin-operated showers, and laundry facilities.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Campsites and tipis at Headquarters can be reserved through Colorado Parks and Wildlife online reservation system or over the phone.
Reservations can be made up to six months in advance.
If you can't get a reservation at Yampa, enquire about one of the four primitive camping sites available along the river—these are located 12 to 32 miles away from the Headquarters campground.
More camping is also available at Elkhead Reservoir State Park, Moffat County's Loudy Simpson Park, and at privately owned Hip camps in the area.

When to go

Yampa River State Park is best visited from May through September, when the weather is generally warm and pleasant; just be aware that low water levels in late summer can lead to voluntary fishing closures. The campground at Headquarters usually stops taking reservations around the beginning of November, depending on hunting season, although the water supply is sometimes cut off earlier if temperatures drop too low. The campground generally reopens for the year by Memorial Day Weekend, or earlier if the weather is hot enough.

Know before you go

You can fill up your gas tank and pick up basic supplies in the town of Hayden, a five-minute drive from the Headquarters campground.
There's a Visitor Center with a bookstore and a nature trail with an observation deck near the Headquarters campground.
During periods of high fire risk, the use of campfires and charcoal grills may be restricted or prohibited. The segment of the Yampa River that flows through the park offers mostly Class I and II rapids, though there are some Class III-V rapids in stretches.
Parking fees are not included in the price of camping reservations. Daily and annual parking passes are available for purchase online or in person.