Sweetwater Lake Recreation Area
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.
Air Quality Alert issued June 11 at 4:10PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued the following... WHAT...Air Quality Health Advisory for Ozone. WHERE...Mesa and Garfield Counties. Locations include, but are not limited to Grand Junction and Glenwood Springs. WHEN...300 PM Thursday June 11 to 1000 PM Thursday June 11 IMPACTS...A weather event known as a stratospheric intrusion is occurring. During these events, ozone from high in the atmosphere is pulled to the ground, resulting in elevated ozone concentrations. Ozone is expected to be Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups through late Thursday evening. HEALTH INFORMATION...Public Health Recommendations: Increasing likelihood of respiratory symptoms and breathing discomfort in active children and adults and people with lung disease, such as asthma. Active children and adults, and people with lung disease, such as asthma, should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.
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.
Cave Closure and Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to reduce the spread of the fungus that causes White nose syndrome and to protect bat species during critical biological periods.
Road Closure Wolf Creek Pipeline Replacement Project
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety along the Described Road while construction, maintenance, and hauling activities are active in the area.
Gore Creek Campground Hard-sided Camper requirement
The purpose of this Order is to protect human health and safety.
Temporary Road Closures in Homestake area
This order affects the Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District. The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety from roadway maintenance that will be occurring over a 10-day period.
Dinkle Lake not being filled
Because of anticipated dam repairs, Dinkle Lake on the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District will not be filled with water this year.
Sapphire Point Overlook Trail and parking closed beginning May 17
The popular Sapphire Point Overlook and parking area above Dillon Reservoir will be closed for public safety during renovations May 17 through June 13.Learn More
Water will not be available at Lowry, Prospector, Windy Point and Marvine Campgrounds
In the Dillon Ranger District, the Lowry Campground, Prospector Campground, and Windy Point Group Campground will not have water available. The Lowry well, which serves Lowry Campground, Prospector Campground, and Windy Point Campground is dry. In the Blanco Ranger District, the well serving the…
Sopris and Dillon Ranger Districts, Occupancy and Use Prohibition
The purpose of this Order is to provide for natural resource protection by preventing infestation of aquatic nuisance species such as zebra and quagga mussels and provide for public safety.
Grizzly Creek Trail Closure
Access to Grizzly Creek Trail will continue to be limited while bridge replacements and other improvements are completed.
Blanco Ranger District, Occupancy and Use Prohibitions
The following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands and trails in the Blanco Ranger District, White River National Forest:
Avalanche Forecast
Always check the avalanche forecast before heading into the backcountry!Avalanche danger on the White River National Forest is real! Since the 1999/2000 winter, 52 people have died in avalanche accidents on this National Forest, and hundreds more have been in avalanches. If you are interested in…
Termination of Derby Fire Closure Order
Pursuant to Title 36 CFR 261.50(a), the prohibitions listed in Order Number WRNF-2025-028, applicable to the Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District of the White River National Forest for National Forest System Lands within the Derby Fire perimeter, dated September 26, 2025, and signed by Brian Glaspell…
Sopris Ranger District, Occupancy and Use Prohibitions
The purpose of this Order is to protect resources and Public Safety.
Aspen RD, Occupancy and Use Prohibitions
The purpose of this Order is to protect resources and Public Safety.
Aspen RD Seasonal Area and Trail Closures and Dog Restricitions
The following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest:
Ruedi Marina Day Use area Dump Station is CLOSED
The septic waste dump station at Ruedi Marina day use area is closed and non-functional. The nearest dump stations are in Silt and Edwards.
Eagle - Holy Cross Ranger District, Occupancy and Use
The following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District, White River National Forest
Grizzly Creek Trail Closure
Beginning in May 2024, access to Grizzly Creek Trail will be limited while bridge replacements and other improvements are completed.
Collegiate Peaks Wilderness, Occupancy and Use
The following acts are prohibited within the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness on the Leadville and Salida Ranger Districts of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, Gunnison Ranger District of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests, and the…
Food storage order
May 15 to October 1, annually: Prohibits possessing or storing food - solid or liquid substance that is or may be consumed by any person or animal (including pet and stock food and harvested fish and game but excluding water or hay without additives) - or refuse, including items that may have…
Eagles Nest Wilderness, Occupancy and Use
The following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands and trails within the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area, Eagle-Holy Cross and Dillon Ranger Districts, White River National Forest
Ptarmigan Wilderness, Occupancy and Use
The following are prohibited on all National Forest Service (NFS) lands and trails within the Ptarmigan Peak Wilderness Area, Dillon Ranger District, White River National Forest
Camping stay limitations
Camping within the White River National Forest for more than 14-days with in any continuous 30-day period is prohibited; this begins on the first day of occupancy. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(a)
Flat Tops Wilderness, Occupancy and Use
The following are prohibited within the Flat Tops Wilderness on the Blanco, Rifle, and Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger Districts of the White River National Forest, and the Yampa Ranger District of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, in Eagle, Garfield, and Rio Blanco Counties, State of Colorado:
Wildwood Parcel, Occupancy and Use
The following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands known as the “Wildwood Parcel” in the Aspen- Sopris Ranger District, White River National Forest:
Holy Cross Wilderness Prohibitions
The following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands and trails within the Holy Cross Wilderness in the Eagle-Holy Cross and Aspen-Sopris Ranger Districts of the White River National Forest and the Leadville Ranger District of the San Isabel National Forest:
Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness, Occupancy and Use
The following are prohibited within the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness of the White River and Gunnison National Forests in the Aspen, Sopris, and Gunnison Ranger Districts, including in specific zones within the Wilderness, described below and shown on the attached maps incorporated into this…
Tenderfoot - Frey Gulch Fire Closure
The following act is prohibited in the Dillon Ranger District, White River National Forest, Summit County, State of Colorado
Holy Cross Wilderness, Occupancy and Use
The following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands and trails within the Holy Cross Wilderness in the Eagle-Holy Cross and Aspen-Sopris Ranger Districts of the White River National Forest and the Leadville Ranger District of the San Isabel National Forest:
El Jebel Administrative Site Prohibitions
The following acts are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands known as the El Jebel Administrative Parcel in the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District, White River National Forest
Sweetwater Lake Area, Occupancy and Use
The following acts are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands at Sweetwater Lake and vicinity in the White River National Forest, Garfield County, State of Colorado:
Maroon Bells Scenic Area - Maroon Valley Prohibitions
The following acts are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands and waters in the Maroon Valley and Maroon Bells Scenic Area:
Holy Cross RD, Group Size Limits
The following acts are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands within the White River National Forest described below and shown on the attached maps:
Eagle-Holy Cross RD, Occupancy and Use
The following acts are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands in the White River National Forest described below and shown on the attached maps:
Eagle-Holy Cross and Dillon RD, Dispersed Camping Restrictions
The following acts are prohibited on National Forest System (NFS) lands in the White River National Forest described below and shown on the attached map:
Eagle - Holy Cross and Dillon Ranger District, Dispersed Camping Restrictions
The following acts are prohibited on National Forest System (NFS) lands in the White River National Forest
McCoy Park - Beaver Creek Ski Area, Seasonal Closure
The following act is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands at McCoy Park in Beaver Creek Ski Area in the White River National Forest, Eagle County, State of Colorado:
Ski Area prohibitions
ls is prohibited to go into or be upon the Restricted Area when in violation of Colorado Revised Statutes Title33, Article 44, specifically including, but not limited to, Sections 105 and I 09, also known as the ColoradoSki Safety Act of 1979. 36. C.F.R 261.53(e)
Hanging Lake Occupancy and Use
The following acts are prohibited on those National Forest Service lands described as the Hanging Lake National Natural Landmark Area and on all trails within the Restricted Area within the Eagle/Holy Cross Ranger District, White River National Forest:
Bicycle Use
The following acts are prohibited as shown on Exhibit A of this order within the White River National Forest, Colorado:
Raggeds Wilderness, Occupancy and Use
The following acts are prohibited on National Forest System lands within the Raggeds Wilderness of the White River and Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests:
No Travel Off Roads and Trails in Parts of Camp Hale
The following acts are prohibited on National Forest lands in Township 7S and Range 80W (parts of Camp Hale)
Asbestos safety closure - Camp Hale
The following acts are prohibited on National Forest lands in Sections 3, 4, 9, and 10 in Township 7S and Range 80W (parts of Camp Hale)
Dillon Reservoir, Boat Storage
The following act is prohibited within the boundaries of the Dillon Ranger District, White River National Forest, until this Order is rescinded.
No Motorized Vehicles off Boreas Pass Road
The following act is prohibited, at the area surrounding the Boreas Pass Section House, {as shown on Exhibit A), within the White River National Forest
Unlicensed OHV/vehicle restrictions and camping
Prohibitions on all National Forest system lands, roads, trails and improvements on the White River National Forest and the Dillon District of the Arapaho National Forest until further notice
Webster Pass Seasonal Road Closure
The following acts are prohibited on the South Platte Ranger District and Dillon Ranger District as described in this order
Aspen RD, No Camping within 300' of a Trailhead- Exceptions
The following acts are prohibited within the boundaries of the Aspen Ranger District, White River National Forest:
Cooper Basin Drainage Closed to Motorized Vehicles
To continue historic modes of travel within the Cooper Basin Drainage, operation of motorized vehicles is prohibited:
Developed campground stay limitations
Stay limits for developed campgrounds on the White River National Forest
Red Flag Warning issued June 11 at 12:17PM MDT until June 12 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
* AFFECTED AREA...In Colorado, Fire Weather Zone 203 Lower Colorado River and Fire Weather Zone 205 Colorado River Headwaters below 8000 feet. * TIMING...From 1 PM to 9 PM MDT Friday. * WINDS...West 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...7 to 12 percent. * IMPACTS...Fires will catch and spread quickly. Exercise extreme caution with any outdoor burning.
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
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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