Sweetwater Lake Recreation Area

Open

Open for first-come, first-served camping at $8 per night. Camping is restricted to designated sites only. Campfires are permitted only in Forest Service metal fire rings. Active management order through December 2027 includes seasonal raptor protection closures February 1 through August 15.

Red Flag Warning issued July 1 at 8:00PM MDT until July 1 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO

8:00 PM — July 2nd, 4:00 AM

...TODAY'S RED FLAG WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 8 PM MDT... Winds are diminishing across the region below criteria for the Red Flag Warnings and have thus allowed the warnings to expire at 8 PM. Relative humidity remains very low and will only see minimal recovery to about 20% for a few hours around 6 AM in the morning. Winds pick up again in the late morning with more Red Flag Warnings tomorrow from noon to 8 PM. * AFFECTED AREA...In Colorado, Fire Weather Zone 205 Colorado River Headwaters below 8000 feet. * TIMING...From noon to 8 PM MDT Thursday. * WINDS...Southwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...6 to 11 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

Red Flag Warning issued July 1 at 8:00PM MDT until July 2 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO

8:00 PM — July 2nd, 4:00 AM

...TODAY'S RED FLAG WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 8 PM MDT... Winds are diminishing across the region below criteria for the Red Flag Warnings and have thus allowed the warnings to expire at 8 PM. Relative humidity remains very low and will only see minimal recovery to about 20% for a few hours around 6 AM in the morning. Winds pick up again in the late morning with more Red Flag Warnings tomorrow from noon to 8 PM. * AFFECTED AREA...In Colorado, Fire Weather Zone 205 Colorado River Headwaters below 8000 feet. * TIMING...From noon to 8 PM MDT Thursday. * WINDS...Southwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...6 to 11 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

Air Quality Alert issued July 1 at 4:10PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO

4:10 PM — July 2nd, 9:00 AM

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued the following... WHAT...Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke. WHERE...Moffat, Routt, Jackson, Grand, Rio Blanco, Garfield, Eagle, Summit, Gilpin, Clear Creek, Mesa, Pitkin, Lake, Park, Delta, Gunnison, Chaffee, Montrose, Ouray, San Miguel, Dolores, and northern parts of Montezuma and Saguache Counties. Locations include, but are not limited to Craig, Steamboat Springs, Walden, Granby, Hot Sulphur Springs, Kremmling, Meeker, Rangely, Glenwood Springs, Eagle, Vail, Breckenridge, Central City, Georgetown, Grand Junction, Aspen, Leadville, Fairplay, Delta, Gunnison, Buena Vista, Salida, Montrose, Nucla, Ouray, Telluride, Dove Creek, and Saguache. WHEN...900 AM Wednesday July 01 to 900 AM Thursday July 02 IMPACTS...Areas downwind of large fires in southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah could have periods of moderate to heavy smoke through at least Thursday morning. HEALTH INFORMATION...Public Health Recommendations: If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. If visibility is less than 5 miles in smoke in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy.

About

Sweetwater Lake Campground occupies a scenic location at the south end of 72-acre Sweetwater Lake in the White River National Forest, surrounded by scrub oak, serviceberry, wild rose, and willow vegetation. High limestone cliffs frame the lake on two sides, creating a dramatic backdrop at 7,700 feet elevation. The campground offers nine partially shaded sites equipped with picnic tables, food lockers, and fire rings. One vault toilet serves the area. Potable water is not available, so campers must bring their own supply. Three popular trails begin at the campground: the 9.4-mile Ute Trail (#2031) climbs toward Deep Lake on the Flattops, the 6.5-mile Cross Creek Trail (#1855) traverses sagebrush flats and aspen forests, and a short 500-yard nature trail provides views of the lake and a waterfall. The lake is stocked by Colorado Parks and Wildlife with rainbow and kokanee trout. A floating boat dock on the north shore accommodates non-motorized watercraft; only electric motors 5 hp or less are allowed. The Sweetwater Lake Area operates under a long-term management order (through December 2027) that restricts camping to designated sites only and limits campfires to Forest Service-provided metal fire rings. Various seasonal closures protect raptors and other sensitive resources. Dogs must remain leashed due to high horseback rider traffic in the area.

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. Continue 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

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