Sweetwater Lake Campground

Open

The campground operates seasonally, typically opening in mid to late May and closing in fall depending on weather. Campfires are permitted only in the provided metal fire rings. Camping is restricted to designated sites only. Entry to several cliff, cave, and raptor protection areas near the lake is prohibited year-round or seasonally.

Hydrologic Outlook issued October 9 at 10:53AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO

October 9th, 10:53 AM — October 12th, 6:00 PM

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.

White River National Forest

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.

White River National Forest

Weed Free Forage Products

The purpose of this Order is to prevent the introduction or spread of noxious weeds.

About

Sweetwater Lake Campground is a small, scenic campground located at 7,740 feet elevation on the south shore of Sweetwater Lake in the Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District. The 72-acre lake is surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs and vegetation including scrub oak, serviceberry, wild rose, and willow. The lake is stocked with rainbow and kokanee trout by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, with only electric motors of 5 hp or less permitted. The campground offers nine partially shaded sites, six of which can accommodate vehicles up to 30 feet. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and food locker for bear-country camping. One vault toilet serves the campground. There is no potable water, so campers must bring their own supply. Three popular trails begin at the end of the campground: the Ute Trail (9.4 miles) leading toward Deep Lake, the Cross Creek Trail (6.5 miles) through sagebrush and aspen forests, and the short Sweetwater Nature Trail (500 yards) with views of the lake and waterfall. Horseback riding is common in the area, so dogs must be kept on leash.

Directions

From Eagle: Travel 12 miles west on I-70 to Dotsero, go north on Colorado River Road for 7 miles, turn left onto Sweetwater Creek Road, stay on the road for 10 miles, then turn left at the sign for Sweetwater Campground.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups —
Water Hookups —
Sewer Hookups —
Camp Store No
Price $8

Vehicle

Max RV Length 30ft
Max Trailer Length 30ft
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites —

Contact

Phone +1 (970) 827-5715

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Community Posts

No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!