Sheriff's Reservoir Campground
Open for the 2026 season as of early April. First-come, first-served with no reservations. The campground is typically accessible by vehicle from mid-June through mid-October depending on snow conditions, though early openings are possible in lighter snow years. No potable water available.
Hydrologic Outlook issued October 9 at 10:53AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
ESFGJT A strong low pressure system off the Pacific Coast will begin to draw in tropical moisture associated with Topical Storm Rachel this weekend. This strong southerly fetch will draw anomalously high moisture content across the Desert Southwest and into eastern Utah and western Colorado. The chance for widespread precipitation increases Saturday evening into Sunday. Total precipitation forecasts range from 1 to 3 inches across high terrain, with highest amounts favoring the Uintas, Tavaputs and the Southwest San Juan mountains. Embedded thunderstorms are also possible Sunday afternoon, increasing the threat for flash flooding across vulnerable terrain. While confidence in location and rainfall rates remain low at this time, the potential for rapidly rising rivers, streams, normally dry arroyos and slot canyons are possible Sunday through Monday. Please follow the evolving forecast, especially if your plans including recreating or commuting across eastern Utah and western Colorado Sunday onward. Also, keep in mind weather potential above your location and upstream, particularly for those who reside below sensitive terrain like recent burn scars.
Wheeled Vehicles in Wilderness
This order describes the prohibition of wheeled vehicles in all National Forest Wilderness Areas of the Rocky Mountain Region and any exceptions thereof.
Weed Free Forage Products
The purpose of this Order is to prevent the introduction or spread of noxious weeds.
About
Sheriff Reservoir Campground sits at 9,700 feet elevation in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, approximately 15 miles west of Yampa, Colorado. This small campground features 5 sites arranged in a tight forested loop, making it ideal for tent campers seeking a quiet, primitive experience. While trailers up to 17 feet can technically fit, the sites are quite cramped for anything larger than a tent. The campground provides basic amenities including one vault toilet, picnic tables, and fire grates. Campers must bring their own drinking water as no potable water is available. The reservoir is just steps away, offering excellent fishing for Rainbow Trout, Colorado River Cutthroat Trout, and Brook Trout. Shore fishing and small non-motorized watercraft are permitted; internal combustion engines are prohibited. Several hiking trails depart from the trailhead across the dam, including Sand Creek Trail #1123, Bunker Basin Trail #1109, and Black Mountain Creek Trail #1117, providing access to the scenic Flat Tops area. If the campground is full, dispersed camping opportunities exist along the 4-mile approach road.
Directions
From Yampa, follow County Road 17 (Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway toward Dunckley Pass) for 5.2 miles. Turn onto County Road 132 (becomes County Road 8) and continue for 8.7 miles. Turn left on Forest Service Road 959 and follow for 3.6 miles to the campground.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $14 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | 17ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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