Trappers Lake/Trapline Campground

Closed

The campground operates seasonally, typically opening in late June or early July and closing in late September, depending on snow conditions. At nearly 10,000 feet elevation, access roads remain snow-covered into late spring. The White River NF Winter Travel Season runs through May 20.

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

Trapline Campground is one of five Forest Service campgrounds in the Trappers Lake recreation area, located in the remote northwestern corner of the White River National Forest. The campground's 13 sites sit at high elevation near the boundary of the 235,000-acre Flat Tops Wilderness. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table, with vault toilets and potable water available. Trappers Lake itself is a 302-acre alpine lake containing a native strain of Colorado River cutthroat trout. The lake lies entirely within the Flat Tops Wilderness, so motorized boats and wheeled carts for boat transport are prohibited. Boats must be carried approximately 1/4 mile from the parking area. The Outlet Trailhead provides immediate access to wilderness trails for day hiking or extended backpacking trips. An RV dump station serves the entire Trappers Lake campground complex. Bear-proof food storage is required in this area. Dispersed camping is prohibited within 1/4 mile of Trappers Lake and the developed campgrounds.

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 past the Outlet Trailhead. The campground entrance 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 $25

Vehicle

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

Contact

Phone +1 (970) 878-4039

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Community Posts

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