Vaughn Lake Campground
Open for the 2026 season. Dunckley Pass and the Scenic Byway are passable from Yampa to Meeker. All sites are first-come first-served with no reservations. Season typically runs June through October, weather dependent.
Flood Watch issued August 30 at 7:37PM MDT until September 1 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of Colorado, including the following areas, Central Colorado River Basin, Central Gunnison and Uncompahgre River Basin, Central Yampa River Basin, Debeque to Silt Corridor, Flat Tops, Four Corners/Upper Dolores River, Gore and Elk Mountains/Central Mountain Valleys, Grand Valley, Grand and Battlement Mesas, Northwest San Juan Mountains, Paradox Valley/Lower Dolores River, Roan and Tavaputs Plateaus, Southwest San Juan Mountains, Uncompahgre Plateau and Dallas Divide, Upper Gunnison River Valley and West Elk and Sawatch Mountains and Utah, including the following areas, Arches/Grand Flat, Canyonlands/Natural Bridges, La Sal and Abajo Mountains, Southeast Utah and Tavaputs Plateau. * WHEN...Through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Recent burn scars will also be especially susceptible and these include the Lee and Elk RX, Gold Mountain and Elk, Ferris, and Babylon burn scars to name a few. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Monsoonal moisture will remain across the area through Monday evening and will support thunderstorms and showers with heavy rainfall across the watch area. Several rounds of heavier rain are expected increasing the chance for flash flooding especially in our more susceptible areas. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
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.
About
Vaughn Lake Campground is a primitive 6-site campground nestled at 9,500 feet elevation in the Dunckley Pass area of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. Located along Forest Highway 16, part of the Flat Tops Trail Scenic and Historic Byway, the campground provides access to Vaughn Lake and the surrounding high-country landscape between Yampa and Meeker. The fairly open campground features aspen trees and excellent views of the lake. Each site includes a fire grate, tent pad, and picnic table. Facilities include one standard vault toilet and one accessible vault toilet. Potable water is not available, so campers must bring their own. The lake allows non-motorized boats only and is not stocked with fish. The area is popular with hunters during big game season. Dogs are permitted but must be kept on leash. The campground accommodates trailers up to 18 feet in length.
Directions
From Yampa, travel 5 miles west on County Road 17 toward Dunckley Pass, then 26 miles west on County Road 132 (becomes County Road 8). Campground is on the left.
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 | $20 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | 18ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (307) 745-2300 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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