Best Camping in and near Sylvan Lake State Park

75% (4 reviews)

Choose from cabins, yurts, and rustic campsites at this fishing and kayaking hot spot.

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Community favorites near Sylvan Lake State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Sylvan Lake State Park

Elk

32 sites · RVs, Tents In Sylvan Lake State Park

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Fisherman's Paradise

12 sites · RVs, Tents In Sylvan Lake State Park

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Cabins

9 sites In Sylvan Lake State Park

Yurts

3 sites In Sylvan Lake State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Sylvan Lake State Park

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Williams Fork Lodging

5 sites · Lodging80 acres · Parshall, CO

Plan a self care weekend with our Luxury spa amenities away from the crowds and immersed in wilderness. Close enough to visit Rocky Mountain national Park Hot Springs in winter park ski area perfect for the couples and their dog. Hot tub, sauna, ropes, slippers and herbal teas. Hike, bike or snowshoe our 80 acres of trails abundant with wildflowers hummingbirds and wildlife beautiful fall colors to dark sky nights great for stargazing, fresh farm eggs and cinnamon rolls are available to pre-order. We are located at the end of a private road, we value or peace and serenity here and hope you do as well Adjacent to state national public lands, just for miles to the Williams fork reservoir a few more miles will take it to the Colorado river and many other lakes and reservoirs to fish in recreate Ask Dale for references a fun things to do in the area, such as rafting, horseback, riding or zip lining All wheel drive, or 4 x 4 with high clearance is recommended for the best experience We are approximately a half hour to kremmling Hot Sulphur Springs and the closest restaurant We are a little over an hour to Granby in Rocky Mountain national Park. Two hours to any summit county, ski areas, and steamboat. The lodge is basically a triplex building with a common area and three condos within. Bill’s cabin is our fourth lodging option that sits out on our Ridge about a half mile from the lodge building. Bill‘s cabin is off grid and has an out house. It also requires all wheel drive. The common area, houses the sauna, games, washer and dryer, and it’s just basically extra room to spread out. It also includes Wi-Fi and a refrigerator, for bills cabin guests to use. The lodge can be rented as one unit to sleep up to 10 guests. Please note: rates are for two guests only additional guests will be charged Per person per night Or The lodge can also be rented as individual units: Each unit is individually named, has private entrances, and is completely private. There is the Copper Peak, which is a studio. The Williams Peak. and The Byers Peak. The shared areas include the hot tub and sauna which are located in common area. Each unit is filled with luxury and everyday amenities you need for a complete stay. We allow dogs too! Williams Peak and Copper Peak unit has a doggie door leading to a six-foot tall kennel run! NOTE: dogs cannot be left alone when you leave. Bills Cabin is our separate off grid, rental cabin, which offers luxury camping in a forested environment with numerous foot and bike trails right out your door! The total darkness provides a spectacular night time sky full of stars and constellations perfect for viewing from the deck. Expect to see wild life in our exclusive off grid cabin, while you enjoy an Ecco friendly vacation! Bill’s cabin has a primitive road to it and therefore some foresight is required for travel, a 4x4 vehicle is required in any seasonal weather. We recommend a conversation about your means of travel. Alternative methods such as Bike or hike, we just highly recommend that no one hikes at night. Bills cabin is built out of concrete including the "log" siding. The power comes from solar panels and propane to cook and heat. Your kitchen and bathroom include instant hot water and are just outside the door..enjoy an alfresco shower out side! Alternatively the lodge office guest bathroom/shower is also provided for Bill’s Cabin Guests. This unique lodging experience is an opportunity to enjoy a camping vacation with a loved one or a friend without all the cost and hassle of setting up camp. Enjoy a deck complete with a gas grill and fire place. Water is provided for washing dishes, hands and drinking. You need to bring food, ice cubes. Bill’s cabin is available for the summer and fall beginning Memorial Day weekend or earlier as weather permits. All lodging includes bed linens as well as towels, dishes, coffee pot, coffee, grill, within the lodge, all rooms have full kitchens, including microwaves Bills cabin provides a cooler including ice blocks, everything you need to cook with, including a grill burners, and a camp oven! We provide split wood and propane for all guests. bathrooms are supplied with shampoo, lotion, hair dryers and other small necessities! The common area as well as the buyers peak offer a Washer/dryer for guests to use Wifi, smart TV with Netflix, Hulu and pandora various crafts, games, puzzles and corn hole. A large deck for yoga, gathering with other guests or just relaxing over looks the valley and is perfect for wildlife viewing is also located at the lodge. Sorry but our zoning does not allow for any camping of any sort on our property. Come experience the Old West as it was and still is as you meander along the road through working ranches that were homesteaded back in the early 1900’s...their weathered log cabins still standing and often still occupied...others are close enough for a great “back in time” photo opportunity. As Colorado's open range law permits ranchers to graze their cattle without borders, you will often find them on the roadways or you may even get caught up in a cattle drive as the ranchers move their cattle from one pasture or paddock to another. Springtime brings all the calves and branding time! Observing the rancher, his horse, and dog working together is a genuine treat. Look along the roadside for sage grouse, in the open fields for pronghorn, down in the willows and streams for the bull moose, in the trees for the mule deer, and on top of the ridge lines for the elk. There are also bald eagle and osprey nests, alpacas, horses, sheep, and goats. All this just on the ride into Williams Fork Lodging! Our residence sits above this scenic panorama at the end of the road and adjacent to public lands tucked beneath Copper Peak on the Williams Fork Range. The elevation is roughly 8,500 feet and the 180 degree view is breathtaking...encompassing three mountain ranges, many peaks, pastures/meadows, forest, and ponds. Soak in everything from the glorious sunrises to enchanting full moons to brilliant stars that truly seem closer than they are…the view of the Milky Way is unobstructed by light pollution for outstanding celestial shows…and meteor showers are spectacular from the hot tub! We live on the same property as the Lodge and are quite self sustainable: hunting, fishing, gardening, gathering wild berries, and raising our own poultry meat. The Lodge and cabin are constructed of concrete and rock as well as high efficiency windows and takes full advantage of passive solar heat; backup heat and the hot water are provided by wood via an outside boiler maintained by us. if interested, Dale offers fresh baked caramel rolls and other enticing breads and/or meals. Every season has its own special beauty: Spring brings abundant wild flowers, contrasting greens of pine, aspen and sage. Newborn livestock and wildlife. Thunderstorms and brilliant double rainbows. Birds singing, chickens crowing and warm, quiet evenings are welcomed in summer. Our view of the fall colors are hard to match ~ the changing yellow, gold and reds quaking in the valley are quite beautiful. Winter brings diamond-sparkling white snow untouched by humans and cobalt blue skies and picture-perfect post card and right out your

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Bristlecone Camp Breckenridge

1 site · RV, Tent160 acres · Alma, CO

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Sawatch Base Camp

2 sites · Lodging10 acres · Leadville, CO

Completely surrounded by National Forest in the heart of the Rockies at 10,600 feet in elevation, Sawatch Base Camp is one of a kind property at the site of an old turquoise mine with accessible yet private backcountry lodging. Located 6 miles northwest of Leadville, Colorado and 1 mile north of Turquoise Lake, Sawatch Base Camp is perched on a hill overlooking the Arkansas Headwaters, Leadville and the Mosquito Range including 14er Mt. Sherman. This prime location gives quick access to all the best outdoor recreation of the High Rockies, while also being removed enough to provide solitude and quality time with friends and family. In summer and fall (May through November), the property has vehicle access by Forest Service Road 103- known by many other names depending on mapping service including County Road 9A, Turquoise Chief Rd, and St. Kevin Rd. This segment of road is part of the famous Leadville 100 MTB race, lying at roughly Mile 8/Mile 95. In winter months (December through April), the camp is accessible by snowmobile, ski or snowshoe on groomed multi-use winter trails open to the public. The trek in is approximately 4.4 miles from the Leadville Junction Parking Lot, with an elevation gain of roughly 800 feet. The terrain around the yurt provides backcountry skiing through trees with occasional glades. Our backcountry lodging is designed to have minimal impact on the landscape, intentionally rustic while also providing amenities like a wood stove, solar lighting, plush beds and a roomy indoor space to gather. Firewood and propane for the camp stove are provided. The restroom is an outhouse a few yards from the yurt stocked with toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Sawatch Base Camp operates under Lake County CUPs 21-10 and 23-33.

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Gondola Village at Holy Cross

4 sites · Lodging2 acres · Red Cliff, CO

Gondola Village at Holy Cross (fka Holy Cross Refugio), is a little sanctuary in the mountains between Vail, Leadville, and Aspen. There is little nearby except for the next door Holy Cross Wilderness, with a lifetime worth of trails, lakes, and peaks to explore -- all only two hours from Denver. Gondola Village at Holy Cross has direct access that many dream of to Colorado's water wilderness, and some of the best backcountry skiing, hiking, scrambling, backpacking, and fly fishing in the Summit Vail Eagle Aspen area. Our modern alpine cabins are some of the cutest cabins you'll step foot in, complete with a mix of amenities to make your wilderness stay a bit more comfortable. Gondola Village at Holy Cross is at 11.5k feet above sea level (believed to be the highest altitude Hipcamp in the world). Gondola Village at Holy Cross has been featured on Discovery Channel’s Reclaimed, Airbnb's OMG! Fund, Arch Digest, and the site of many product shoots. The managers of this property have worked in yurt, ADU, and cabin construction and hospitality for many years and have brought together some of the best Scandinavian and modern design with a mining town aesthetic. The trip up can be challenging (only off-road, winch / locker equipped vehicles dare try the 759 Holy Cross City jeep road, others will need to hike in at least 2.5 miles), but the views and cabins are well worth the trek. Snow free season tends to be June 15 an October 30 annually, and outside of this guests should be prepared for up to 11 miles of over-snow travel with no cars allowed (a bit less depending on snow coverage in the shoulder seasons from May 21 - early June and late October - November 20)

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Stoneyard Distillery Awesome Possum RV Camping

1 site · RV1 acre · Gypsum, CO

Stoneyard Distillery, producing Beet Sugar Spirits since 2013. Taking its name from the old stoneyard surrounding it. Upstream from the confluence of the Eagle and Colorado Rivers, this site was chosen for it's private water source. Rocky Mountain water pulled directly from the river. The Distillery sits on a 4000 year old lava flow from the Dotsero Volcano. This lava rock provides the vapor refining distillation packing in the still hand built by the owners. With it's scratch built process, Stoneyard distills the true Spirit of Colorado into every last drop. Get Hammered... Responsibly!Learn more about this land:With beautiful Rocky Mountain views, the Distillery sits on a 4000 year old lava flow from the Dotsero Volcano. River access just a short walk away! 10 minutes to Hiking, Mountain Biking, and Eagle River Water Park. 25 minutes to Hot Springs, 35 minutes to World-Class Skiing! 40 Flavorful & Smooth Spirits distilled from Colorado beet sugar and rocky mountain water from the pristine Eagle River Craft Cocktails Production Tours

Arrowhead Point Camping Resort

96 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents23 acres · Buena Vista, CO

Come join our family at friendly Arrowhead Point Campground & Cabins. You’ll feel right at home in our welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re playing a round of horseshoes, joining in on a volleyball game, surfing the web on our free WIFI network, or stopping in for an espresso drink at our Espresso Bar, you’ll be glad you chose to stay with us. Located on the beautiful Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway in Buena Vista Colorado, Arrowhead Point is the Home of The Original 1800’s Pony Express and Stage Coach Stop. The 23-acre property still contains the bunkhouse, stable, and tack room from the 1800s when it was one of the 165-way stations on the Pony Express route. Come see! We’re committed to making your stay with us an enjoyable and memorable experience. Come see why so many of our customers come back to visit year after year! We know that your vacation time is valuable to you. Our job is to make sure that every guest enjoys every day with us here at Arrowhead Point Campground & Cabins. You’ll love our welcoming and helpful environment, and will quickly see that we offer Buena Vista Colorado camping at its finest. At Arrowhead Point Campground & Cabins, we’re proud of our beautiful facilities. You’ll find everything clean and well-maintained to ensure your stay with us will be a comfortable one. Our convenient location gives you easy access to a host of local attractions. Arrowhead Point Campground is a great place to call “base camp” while enjoying much in the surrounding area!

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Meadow Hot Springs Glamping Cabin

1 site · Lodging100 acres · Alma, CO

The Zella Hut is a cabin built in the late 1800's. It was redone in the 70's and recently updated with mid century modern interiors. Now it serves as a backcountry hut in the winter and glamping cabin in the summer. During the winter it can be accessed by skinning, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. During the summer it can be accessed by car. Its a small cabin, but it can sleep 4 in comfort. No Rv campers, van and sprinter rvs ok.

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Hillside Park

4 sites · RVs, Tents9 acres · New Castle, CO

Located 5 minutes from Highway 70. (Exit 105) Hillside Park is near the river with public access only 2 minutes away. 3 minute hike to a beautiful sunset view. Borders public State Wildlife property. Within Colorado Unit 42 for hunting easily reached by OHV on county road 312. 15 minutes from Rifle and Glenwood Springs. ***Please text or call before or after arrival***

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Mountain Meadow Glamp Camp

1 site · Lodging160 acres · Alma, CO

Campgrounds, people, noises, regulations, things you won't find here. You will find happiness, peace, the sound of the winds in 3000 year old trees, alpine streams tricking through ancient untouched forests, great horned owls and moose calling into the night, coyote echoing at sunset signaling night approaching, the warm smell of pine and summer grasses, touching the warm rocks next to the stream while you listen to the birds and crickets. I could go on and on, these are the things I see when I close my eyes and think of this place. This site sits at the base of (2) 14ers. in thee middle of a sunken meadow. This is the most beautiful and secluded camping experience you will experience in Colorado. There are miles of 4x4 and atv trails. There are countless hiking trails for day and short nature hikes. Above the site sits bristlecone pines that have appeared in ansel adams prints and are absolutely amazing. The sites sit on 160 private acres which borders national forest. There is a small a-frame tent that's insulated with big windows, locking door, skylight, solar for charging electronics, and a full size bed. The cabin is roughly the size of the full size mattress but seems bigger because of the a-frame roof. Its warm and cozy and keeps the critters and animals out, so you feel safe and comfortable. There are lots of amenities on site. There is a picnic table, 10'x12' waterproof awning and wood deck. There is a bbq, bear box, huge stone fire pit and bucket toilet. The road into the site was graded last year but still has small potholes typical of a Colorado county road, most low-profile cars will do fine. If you have a rv or camper, the turn around is limited, no tow behind campers or vehicles over 20'

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Vail Valley BackCounty Access

6 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Eagle, CO

This Gorgeous 6 acre property has DIRECT PRIVATE ACCESS to Hardscrabble Mountain, The Holy Cross Wilderness and The White River National Forest. There are 24,000 acres of BLM public land and also The White River National Forest with over 3,500 square miles, both with thousands of miles of recreation trails for mountain biking, hiking, ATVing, MOTO X Dirtbiking, SidebySide UTVing, backcountry skiing and snowboarding, 4x4 Jeeping/Mudding and snowmobiling. Walk out of your tent, your RV or my cabin and you are in of BLM and The White River National Forest. Plenty of flat, shaded ground with water and electiric available. The biggest shade trees in Eagle County, firepits, and a creek with pond and waterfall with sand beach await. Incredible views of Castle Peak, The Flat tops Wilderness, Red Canyon and Hardscrabble Mountain right from the Property. Vail and Beaver Creek Ski Resorts with the best skiing and powder in the world and Glenwood Springs with the world famous Hot Springs Pool and Glenwood Caverns Amusement Park ( amusement park on top of a mountain) and the Iron Mountain Hot Springs Each 25 minutes away. Aspen is a little over an hour away. Pets are welcome and can be off leash if they can respond to voice controls and owners are responsible for their pets at all times. Dogs love it here! All poop must be picked up, $25 per pet per night. GoPro Mountain Games June 6-9, 2024, Eagle County Rodeo July 24-27, 2024, Eagle is the county seat of Eagle County and is know for the Eagle and Colorado River and the amazing system of biking and hiking trails.

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Riverside Rest for RVs

2 sites · RVs30 acres · Gypsum, CO

The original homestead cabin from 1903 is still here! This became our home when my husband retired because it is his dream. Our Highland cattle have personality plus!! The river wrapping around the ranch at the foot of the mountain washes away the stress and leaves a peace here that fills the spirit with calm. We love the land, the bald eagles, the wildlife, our guests and each other! Learn more about this land: Sleep in your RV with the sound of the river lulling you to recharge and just breath in the peace. We have a great boat ramp with a put-in and a place to kayak, tube, raft or fish! Great hiking trails nearby and a quiet country road to bike that the big bike races use. Our Scottish Highland cows give kisses are happy to share your carrots, apples and watermelon! We only rent two spots to keep it peaceful here.

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Lodge pole forest

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Fairplay, CO

This property was once a Gold mining encampment in the turn of the last century, just out of view nestled in a pine forest, Learn more about this land: It’s like a national park setting in the trees, you should be very aware that wildlife wanders through here 24/7, near several national forests and gold medal fishing as well as beautiful hot springs within 40-45 minutes

The best camping near Sylvan Lake State Park guide

Overview

About

Adjacent to the White River National Forest, Sylvan Lake State Park is a great place for those new to the outdoors and hardcore campers alike. Accommodation options range from simple campsites without hookups to cozier yurts and cabins, and there are plenty of creature comforts (notably coin-operated showers and flush toilets) to keep things pleasant. The park’s eponymous lake is its biggest draw, with 42 surface acres for paddling, and it’s kept stocked with cutthroat and rainbow trout. Plenty of people come in the winter, primarily for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.

Notable campgrounds

Best for anglers: as the name suggests, Fisherman's Paradise Campground offers easy access to fishing on Sylvan Lake—there’s even a boat ramp.
Best for taking in the scenery: Many of the sites at Elk Run Campground have lovely views over the lake.

Tips for snagging a campsite

You can reserve a campsite or yurt through Colorado Parks and Wildlife, either online or over the phone.
Campsites and cabins open for reservation six months in advance. Book as early as possible if you’re after a cabin or want to come on a summer weekend.
If you can't find a campsite, cabin, or yurt on your preferred dates, consider booking a campsite in the surrounding White River National Forest or reserving a private Hipcamp.
Elk Run Campground closes from November through April, Fisherman’s Paradise and cabins are available year-round. Yurts are available from mid-May until the middle of November.

When to go

Sylvan Lake State Park is at its most popular between Memorial Day and Labor Day, when the weather is great for paddling and camping, and it can get crowded, especially on weekdays. September weekends are a great alternative if you want warm weather without the big crowds, but note that there are restrictions on where you can fish in September and October (spawning season).

Know before you go

The closest place to get food, supplies, and gas is the town of Eagle, a half-hour drive away.
There's no Wi-Fi or cell-phone coverage in the park. If you need to make a call, there are a couple of courtesy phones. If you need to get online, you'll need to drive to the outskirts of Eagle to get a signal.
The dry dump station, flush toilets, spigots, and coin-operated showers are only available from mid-May through October, but vault toilets are available year-round.
Paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes are available for rent in the summer months. Loaner snowshoes are available in winter.

Nearby attractions

Camping near Taylor Park Reservoir promises an idyllic setting with ample fishing and boating. Surrounded by Colorado's majestic peaks, it's a haven for nature lovers seeking lakeside tranquility and outdoor adventure.