Big Creek Lakes Campground

About

Big Creek Lakes Campground is the most popular campground on the Parks Ranger District, located about an hour northwest of Walden, Colorado. At 9,000 feet elevation, the campground sits among lodgepole pine and fir trees adjacent to Big Creek Lake, Colorado's second largest natural lake at 343 acres. The lake offers fishing for trout, muskie, grayling, and Kokanee salmon. Non-motorized boats are allowed on the upper lake section while motorized boats are permitted on the lower section, with two boat ramps available. The campground provides 54 sites total, with 24 available through Recreation.gov reservations and 30 on a first-come, first-served basis. Sites accommodate tents, RVs, and trailers up to 40 feet, with some pull-through sites available. A horse corral near site 17 is available for equestrians on a first-come, first-served basis. The Mount Zirkel Wilderness is accessible via nearby hiking trails, and ATV trails are in the area. The wetlands surrounding the lake are prime moose territory, and black bear, bobcat, coyote, elk, and mule deer are frequently seen. Cell phone reception is limited, and the nearest telephone is 26 miles away. Campers should be prepared for cool summer temperatures and potential snow at this elevation.

Directions

From Walden, follow Route 125 north for 9 miles into Cowdrey. Turn left (west) onto CR 6W and travel 18 miles to Pearl. Turn onto Forest Road 600 and drive for 6 miles, following signs to campground.