Sheriff's Reservoir Campground

Closed — Closed for the season due to snow. Typically opens mid-June and closes mid-October depending on weather. Accessible only by snowmobile during winter months.

About

Sheriff Reservoir Campground is a small, secluded campground nestled in the Flat Tops area of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, approximately 15 miles west of Yampa, Colorado. Situated at 9,700 feet elevation in a tightly forested loop, the campground features 5-6 intimate campsites designed primarily for tent camping, though small trailers up to 17 feet can fit with effort. Each site includes a picnic table and open fire grate. The campground provides one vault toilet but no potable water, so campers must bring adequate water supplies. Dogs must remain leashed at all times. The reservoir is just steps from the campground and offers fabulous fishing opportunities for rainbow trout, Colorado River cutthroat trout, and brook trout. The lake accommodates non-motorized watercraft including canoes, belly boats, kayaks, and paddle boards, with electric trolling motors permitted. Shore and dam access is easily reached by foot or vehicle from the campground. The area is also popular with hunters during big game season. Hiking enthusiasts can access multiple trails from the main trailhead over the reservoir dam, including Sand Creek Trail #1123, Bunker Basin Trail #1109, and Black Mountain Creek Trail #1117, leading to several backcountry lakes. The campground is accessed via a scenic 4-mile stretch along Forest Service Road 959, where abundant dispersed camping opportunities exist for larger RVs and trailers. The remote location and moderate use levels provide a peaceful mountain camping experience surrounded by the beauty of the Flat Tops.

Directions

From Yampa, follow County Road 17 (Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway toward Dunckley Pass) for 5.2 miles. Continue on County Road 132 (which becomes County Road 8) for 8.7 miles. Turn left on Forest Service Road 959 and follow 3.6 miles to the campground.

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