Sheriff Reservoir Campground

in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest

The numbers that decide it

Recreation.gov publishes no site-level detail for this campground, so we cannot say what length of rig it takes. Call the managing office before committing to it in a large vehicle.

Site-level detail from Recreation.gov, checked 2026-08-05. Where a field says “not published”, the agency has not published it — it does not mean zero.

Sheriff Reservoir Campground

Sheriff Reservoir is a small campground with 5 sites in a tightly forested loop best suited for tents and is located approximately 15 miles to the west of Yampa, CO. Each site has a picnic table and firegrate and there is a vault toilet. This campground does not have potable water so campers should plan to pack in plenty of their own water. Dogs must remain on a leash at all times. Campers should come prepared with a variety of different insect repellants as the mosquitos are exceptionally thick this year. Although the views of the reservoir and the Flat Tops are very limited from most sites, the beautiful views are a few steps outside the campground. The area offers fabulous lake and stream fishing for trout and is also very popular among hunters during big game season. Shore and dam are easily accessible by foot or by car from the campground and can accommodate canoes, belly boats, paddle boards, kayaks and non-motorized fishing boats. Fish species in the reservoir are Rainbow Trout, Colorado River Cutthroat Trout, and Brook Trout. If the campground is full, there is plenty of dispersed camping opportunities leading towards the campground. Enjoy some beautiful hiking from the main trailhead over the Sheriff Reservoir dam that goes to several little lakes. Hiking Trails include: (see hiking tab for specific details of each trail) • Sand Creek #1123 • Bunker Basin #1109 • Black Mountain Creek Trail #1117 This site was approved for a fee change - Click here for more information

Before you go

Season

Mid to late June (weather permitting) – October/November (weather permitting)

Reservations

First-come, first-served

Fees

$14 per site. Exact cash or check only as there is no option for change back if paying cash. NO CREDIT CARDS accepted. Payment instructions are found on the kiosk.

Hours

Accessbile mid to late June through late September/early October dependent on snow conditions

Restrictions

*Those with campers and trailers may want to check out the large dispersed camping opportunities located along the 4 mile stretch that leads into the campground. Dogs must remain on a leash at all times. Campers should come prepared with a variety of different insect repellants as the mosquitos are exceptionally thick this year.

Scenic drives that pass close

Make it a night on a better road

Byway plans the drive in — real stops, real weather, nothing invented.