Deerlodge Park Campground
Open
— Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. Winter access is very difficult due to snow. Stage 2 fire restrictions are in effect: no wood or charcoal fires allowed, only pressurized gas stoves. Drinking water is available seasonally; during winter months, no water is available on-site. The campground floods when the Yampa River exceeds 18,000 cfs, typically during late spring runoff.
About
Deerlodge Park Campground occupies a flat, shaded area beneath large cottonwood trees along the Yampa River at the head of Yampa Canyon in Dinosaur National Monument. Located 51 miles east of the Canyon Visitor Center and 80 miles from the Quarry Visitor Center, this remote campground offers seven walk-in tent sites, each equipped with a table and fire pit. The campground sits at the boat ramp that serves as the primary put-in for Yampa River rafting trips, where boaters begin their 44-mile journey through Yampa Canyon to Echo Park.
The Yampa River is the largest free-flowing tributary in the Colorado River system, characterized by seasonal fluctuations and famous rapids including Teepee, Big Joe, and Warm Springs. When river flows exceed 18,000 cfs during late spring runoff, the campground floods and becomes inaccessible. Access to Deerlodge Park requires driving 17 miles north from Highway 40 on Deerlodge Road (also labeled Dinosaur Park Service Road on some maps).
Dinosaur National Monument encompasses over 210,000 acres of rugged canyon country, ancient petroglyphs, and world-famous dinosaur fossils. While the campground itself offers a quiet riverside setting, the monument provides extensive opportunities for hiking, scenic drives, and exploring both natural and cultural history. Winter access to Deerlodge Park can be extremely difficult due to snow accumulation on the access road.
Directions
From Highway 40, drive 59 miles west from Craig, Colorado or 51 miles east from Dinosaur, Colorado. At the Dinosaur National Monument sign, turn north onto Deerlodge Road (labeled Dinosaur Park Service Road on some maps) and drive 17 miles to the campground. Winter access can be very difficult due to snow.
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