Bear River Designated Dispersed

About

Bear River Designated Dispersed provides 30 numbered primitive campsites spread along Forest Service Road 900 in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. Each designated site is marked by a numbered post and includes its own picnic table and permanent fire grate. The sites offer views of the Flat Tops Wilderness and surrounding waterways, though campers should be prepared for windy conditions and minimal shade or tree cover. Located at approximately 9,200 feet elevation, these sites serve as a base for exploring the Bear River area. Nearby amenities include Bear Lake Picnic Area and Yamcolo Reservoir, while trail access includes Mandall Lakes Trail, Smith Lake Trail, Bear River Trail from the Stillwater Parking Area, and the Ute-Heart Lake ATV Trail. The sites accommodate trailers up to 40 feet. Camping is first-come, first-served with fees payable at the fee station along Bear River Road. No potable water is available, and campers must pack out all trash. Dispersed camping off designated sites is prohibited along FSR 900.

Directions

From Yampa, CO: Take County Road 7 (behind Montgomery's Grocery store) west for approximately 7 miles. The road becomes gravel and transitions to Forest Service Road 900 upon entering the forest. Continue approximately 3 miles where designated sites begin appearing along the road. FSR 900 continues 17 miles total to a dead end at Stillwater Reservoir trailhead. No high clearance or 4WD required, though road surface is washboard.