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.
Hydrologic Outlook issued October 9 at 10:53AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
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.
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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