Sheriff's Reservoir Campground

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.