Trappers Lake/Bucks Campground

Closed

The campground is likely still closed for the season due to snow. High-elevation Trappers Lake campgrounds typically open in late June or early July and operate through September, depending on snow conditions.

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

Bucks Campground is one of five Forest Service campgrounds at Trappers Lake, known as the "Cradle of Wilderness" in Colorado's White River National Forest. With just 10 sites, it offers a quieter camping experience near the Flat Tops Wilderness boundary. The campground is positioned close to the Trappers Lake Outlet parking area, making it an excellent base for hiking into the wilderness. Trappers Lake itself is a 302-acre alpine lake containing native Colorado River cutthroat trout. The lake lies entirely within the Flat Tops Wilderness, where motorized boats and wheeled carts for boat transport are prohibited. An RV dump station is available within the larger Trappers Lake campground complex. The campground features vault toilets, potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, and bear-proof food storage. Due to its high elevation, the campground operates seasonally, typically opening in late June or early July depending on snow conditions and closing in September.

Directions

From Meeker, take Colorado Highway 13 east for 1 mile, then turn right on Rio Blanco County Road 8 and follow for 39 miles to Trappers Lake Road (Forest Road 205). Turn south on Trappers Lake Road and continue for 10 miles, just past the Outlet Trailhead. Bucks Campground is on the left.

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station Yes
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups —
Water Hookups —
Sewer Hookups —
Camp Store No
Price $23

Vehicle

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

Contact

Phone +1 (970) 945-2521

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Community Posts

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