Seedhouse Campground

About

Seedhouse Campground is a 24-site facility located 25 miles north of Steamboat Springs in the Routt National Forest, serving as the primary gateway to the Mount Zirkel Wilderness. At an elevation of 8,000 feet along the Middle Fork of the Elk River, campers can hear the river's roar from their sites. The campground underwent timber removal due to the mountain pine beetle outbreak but remains surrounded by spruce, fir, and regenerating pine trees. The campground offers a good mix of pull-through and back-in sites suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table. Facilities include three vault toilets, two hand pump water systems providing potable water, and trash service. Fifteen sites can be reserved through Recreation.gov while nine sites remain first-come, first-served with a 14-day camping limit. Recreation opportunities include trout fishing on the Elk River and nearby mountain streams, hiking and biking trails into the Mount Zirkel Wilderness, and access to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail via a connector trail. Wildlife in the area includes black bear, elk, mule deer, moose, and bobcat. Steamboat Lake State Park is a short drive away for additional activities.

Directions

From downtown Steamboat Springs, take US Highway 40 west and turn right on County Road 129 (Elk River Road). Continue north 20 miles, cross the Elk River just beyond the Clark Store, and turn right on County Road 60/Forest Road 400 (Seedhouse Road). Continue approximately 9.5 miles to the campground on the right.