Colorado / Park County / Pike National Forest

Jefferson Creek

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates mid-May to mid-October, weather dependent. Roads to Jefferson Lake Recreation Area are not maintained for snow during winter months.

About

Jefferson Creek Campground extends along a ridge overlooking Jefferson Creek at 10,100 feet elevation in Pike National Forest. The campground is located a short drive or hike from Jefferson Lake, one of the highest elevation lakes in the area at 10,685 feet, bordered by steep 12,000-foot peaks. The high-elevation setting features mixed conifer forests and provides access to exceptional outdoor recreation. The campground serves as a gateway to the Colorado Trail, a 471-mile epic route extending from Denver to Durango that accommodates hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. The West Jefferson Loop Trail, an 11-mile footpath to the Continental Divide, is also accessible nearby. Anglers will find rainbow, brown, mackinaw and brook trout in both Jefferson Creek and the 182-acre lake. The lake allows motorized boating but is a no-wake zone, and its deep, cold waters freeze over in winter. With 17 campsites featuring parking spurs of 25-40 feet, the campground accommodates RVs up to 25 feet. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and pedestal grill. The area is active bear habitat with a bear closure order in effect, requiring all attractants to be stored in a bear-resistant manner. The campground is managed by a concessionaire and requires a day-use fee for access to Jefferson Lake Recreation Area.

Directions

From US Highway 285 at Jefferson, take County Road 35 north to County Road 37 and turn right. Pay the fee at the Jefferson Lake Recreation Area entrance station and continue on the road to the campground.

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