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.
Flood Watch issued August 30 at 7:37PM MDT until September 1 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of Colorado, including the following areas, Central Colorado River Basin, Central Gunnison and Uncompahgre River Basin, Central Yampa River Basin, Debeque to Silt Corridor, Flat Tops, Four Corners/Upper Dolores River, Gore and Elk Mountains/Central Mountain Valleys, Grand Valley, Grand and Battlement Mesas, Northwest San Juan Mountains, Paradox Valley/Lower Dolores River, Roan and Tavaputs Plateaus, Southwest San Juan Mountains, Uncompahgre Plateau and Dallas Divide, Upper Gunnison River Valley and West Elk and Sawatch Mountains and Utah, including the following areas, Arches/Grand Flat, Canyonlands/Natural Bridges, La Sal and Abajo Mountains, Southeast Utah and Tavaputs Plateau. * WHEN...Through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Recent burn scars will also be especially susceptible and these include the Lee and Elk RX, Gold Mountain and Elk, Ferris, and Babylon burn scars to name a few. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Monsoonal moisture will remain across the area through Monday evening and will support thunderstorms and showers with heavy rainfall across the watch area. Several rounds of heavier rain are expected increasing the chance for flash flooding especially in our more susceptible areas. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
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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