Jefferson Creek
Open for the 2026 season from mid-May through mid-October, weather dependent. Reservations available via Recreation.gov up to 5 days before arrival; unreserved sites become first-come, first-served. A one-time $11 entry fee applies for Jefferson Lake Recreation Area.
Fire Weather Watch issued June 30 at 3:08PM MDT until July 1 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Denver CO
...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS EXPECTED FOR THE HIGH COUNTRY TODAY...POTENTIALLY CONTINUING THROUGH FRIDAY... A warm and dry airmass will coincide with gusty west and southwest winds today. Sustained winds are expected to be 15 to 25 mph across much of the high country with gusts up to 40 mph, strongest for exposed areas and higher elevations. These conditions will drive very high fire danger across the warned area. Any new starts or established fires will likely spread rapidly under these conditions. ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE I-70 MOUNTAINS, SOUTH PARK, AND THE SOUTHERN FRONT RANGE FOOTHILLS... * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 212, 214 and 216. * TIMING...For the Red Flag Warning, until 9 PM MDT this evening. For the Fire Weather Watch, from Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday evening. * WINDS...Southwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 8 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire.
Red Flag Warning issued June 30 at 3:08PM MDT until June 30 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Denver CO
...CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS EXPECTED FOR THE HIGH COUNTRY TODAY...POTENTIALLY CONTINUING THROUGH FRIDAY... A warm and dry airmass will coincide with gusty west and southwest winds today. Sustained winds are expected to be 15 to 25 mph across much of the high country with gusts up to 40 mph, strongest for exposed areas and higher elevations. These conditions will drive very high fire danger across the warned area. Any new starts or established fires will likely spread rapidly under these conditions. ...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR THE I-70 MOUNTAINS, SOUTH PARK, AND THE SOUTHERN FRONT RANGE FOOTHILLS... * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 212, 214 and 216. * TIMING...For the Red Flag Warning, until 9 PM MDT this evening. For the Fire Weather Watch, from Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday evening. * WINDS...Southwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 8 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire.
Air Quality Alert issued June 30 at 9:10AM MDT by NWS Denver CO
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued the following... WHAT...Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke. WHERE...Moffat, Routt, Jackson, Grand, Rio Blanco, Garfield, Eagle, Summit, Gilpin, Clear Creek, Mesa, Pitkin, Lake, Park, Delta, Gunnison, Chaffee, Montrose, Ouray, San Miguel, Dolores, and northern parts of Montezuma and Saguache Counties. Locations include, but are not limited to Craig, Steamboat Springs, Walden, Granby, Hot Sulphur Springs, Kremmling, Meeker, Rangely, Glenwood Springs, Eagle, Vail, Breckenridge, Central City, Georgetown, Grand Junction, Aspen, Leadville, Fairplay, Delta, Gunnison, Buena Vista, Salida, Montrose, Nucla, Ouray, Telluride, Dove Creek, and Saguache. WHEN...900 AM Tuesday June 30 to 900 AM Wednesday July 01 IMPACTS...Areas downwind of large fires in southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah could have periods of moderate to heavy smoke through at least Wednesday morning. HEALTH INFORMATION...Public Health Recommendations: If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. If visibility is less than 5 miles in smoke in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy.
About
Jefferson Creek Campground offers a classic high-country camping experience in Pike National Forest at 10,100 feet elevation. The campground's 17 sites are spread along a ridge with views of Jefferson Creek and surrounded by mixed conifers. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and pedestal grill. Potable water is available via hand pump, and vault toilets are provided. Jefferson Lake, just a mile away, is a 182-acre reservoir that reaches 10,685 feet elevation and is bordered by steep 12,000-foot peaks. The lake supports rainbow, brown, mackinaw, and brook trout, with motorized boating allowed at no-wake speeds. The Colorado Trail passes near the campground, offering access to the epic 471-mile route from Denver to Durango, while the West Jefferson Loop Trail extends 11 miles to the Continental Divide. The campground accommodates tents and smaller RVs with parking spurs of 25-40 feet and a maximum trailer length of 25 feet. Sites are limited to 8 people, 2 tents, and 2 vehicles or 1 RV. Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., and stays are limited to 14 consecutive nights.
Directions
From US Highway 285 at Jefferson, Colorado, take County Road 35 north to County Road 37 and turn right. Pay the user fee at Jefferson Lake Recreation Area entrance station and continue on the road to the campground.
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $24 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 25ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 25ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (719) 836-2031 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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