Deep Lake Campground

White River National Forest

At 10,500 feet, Deep Lake Campground lies on top of the vast White River Plateau. Nestled against Deep Lake 29 miles from the nearest paved road, this campground offers a remote experience surrounded by meadows and a spruce/fir forest. Wildlife such as elk, mule deer, moose, black bears, bald eagles, ospreys, and numerous other species can be seen in the vicinity of Deep Lake Campground.

Deep Lake Campground offers a primitive campground experience. Each site has an accessible metal picnic table and fire ring. Many sites have designated gravel tent pads. A short walk leads to a vault toilet, of which seven are spaced throughout the 29 campsites. No potable water is on site, so campers will need to bring water for the duration of their trip.

Need to Know

• • Deep Lake Campground is 30 miles from the nearest paved road on FSR 600

  • While FSR 600 is passable to passenger 2WD vehicles, drivers should be prepared for slow rocky sections and changing conditions

  • When wet, portions of FSR 600 may be impassable, even to 4WD vehicles

  • No potable water is available on site. Bring all water needed for the duration of your stay

  • At 10,500 feet, Deep Lake Campground is at a high elevation. Be aware of altitude sickness symptoms. People with symptoms should go down in elevation. Weather can also change rapidly at this elevation

  • Single sites are $6/night, double sites are $12/night, and group site is $24/night

  • To keep this campground in its natural beauty and to respect fellow campers, follow Leave No Trace principles

  • Stay limit is 14 days

  • There is no garbage service at this campground. Pack out all garbage.

Natural Features

Camping at Deep Lake Campground is an excellent way to see the character of the White River Plateau, otherwise known as the Flat Tops. The White River Plateau is a high volcanic uplift ranging from 10,000 to 12,000 feet. On top of the plateau, the landscape is a mosaic of meadows and spruce/fir forests, dotted with lakes, wetlands, and rocky hills. In July and August, wildflowers contrast the lush green landscape with a vibrant array of colors. Deep Lake offers a pleasant scene before its waters plunge through Deep Creek canyon down to the Colorado River over 4,000 feet below.

Recreation

Deep Lake Campground offers access to a variety of different recreational experiences. Fishing for trout in Deep Lake is popular given its close proximity to the campground. The nearby Deep Lake Day Use area offers a small boat launch for non-motorized and electric motorized boats. With an abundant population of elk and mule deer, the Flat Tops offer world class hunting opportunities in the fall. Deep Lake Campground offers an excellent base camp for hunting trips across the region. Hiking is another activity popular with people staying at Deep Lake Campground. The Flat Tops Wilderness lies a few miles to the north, offering hundreds of miles of hiking trails. Numerous trails outside of the Wilderness offer a primitive experience for hikers willing to explore off the beaten path. While the road to the campground is a graded gravel road, many roads in the area require high-clearance four-wheel drive vehicles.

Contact Information

Mailing

Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District PO Box 190 Minturn CO 81645

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

From Interstate 70, take exit 133 (Dotsero). Drive north on Colorado River Road for 1.7 miles. Turn left on FSR 600, Coffeepot Road. Drive FSR 600 for 12 miles to the White River National Forest boundary. Continue on FSR 600 for 17 more miles. Turn right at FSR 600.3E, leading to Deep Lake Campground at the signed entrance.

Available Campsites

• Site 6, Loop Deep Lake , Type Group Standard Nonelectric
• Site 24, Loop Deep Lake , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 29, Loop Deep Lake , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 19, Loop Deep Lake , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 10, Loop Deep Lake , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 4, Loop Deep Lake , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 15, Loop Deep Lake , Type Group Standard Nonelectric
• Site 8, Loop Deep Lake , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 1, Loop Deep Lake , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 7, Loop Deep Lake , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 11, Loop Deep Lake , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 28, Loop Deep Lake , Type Group Standard Nonelectric
• Site 16, Loop Deep Lake , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 27, Loop Deep Lake , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 26, Loop Deep Lake , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 5, Loop Deep Lake , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 3, Loop Deep Lake , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 17, Loop Deep Lake , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 9, Loop Deep Lake , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 2, Loop Deep Lake , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 25, Loop Deep Lake , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 18, Loop Deep Lake , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 22, Loop Deep Lake , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 20, Loop Deep Lake , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 13, Loop Deep Lake , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 23, Loop Deep Lake , Type Group Standard Nonelectric
• Site 12, Loop Deep Lake , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 14, Loop Deep Lake , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 21, Loop Deep Lake , Type Standard Nonelectric

Photo Gallery