Sweetwater Lake Campground


Sweetwater Lake

The Forest Service recently acquired the 488-acre Sweetwater Ranch, which greatly expands the public access in this area.

More Information

 

Sweetwater Lake Campground, elevation 7,740 feet, is on the south end of 72 acre, Sweetwater Lake. The vegetation surrounding the campground and the sites is scrub oak, serviceberry, wild rose and willow. High limestone cliffs tower above the area on two sides.

FACILITIES:

Sweetwater Campground has 9 partially shaded campsites with picnic tables, food lockers and fire rings. This campground has small sites. Six of the sites can accommodate vehicles up to 30 feet long. There is one vault toilet.

ATTRACTIONS:

TRAILS - There are three popular hiking and horseback riding trails beginning at the end of the campground.

  • The Ute Trail, #2031, (9.4 miles) travels toward Deep Lake on the Flattops.
  • ​The Cross Creek Trail, #1855, (6.5 miles) travels through sagebrush flats full of wildflowers and aspen forests to the Sweetwater Trail.
  • Sweetwater Nature Trail, #2031.1A. This short scenic trail (500 yards) has nice views of the lake and a waterfall.

FISHING - Sweetwater Lake offers good fishing from the lake surface with non-motorized water craft allowed (5 h.p. electric motors only) and very limited access from the shoreline due to the geography of the area.

LAKE ACCESS/BOATING - Canoes and rowboats are popular on this lake and offered for rental at the site.  Only electric motors 5 h.p. or less are allowed on the lake. No gas powered motors are allowed. There is a new floating boat dock along the north shore of the lake. Please ensure your boat/watercraft is cleaned, drained, and dry before you launch at Sweetwater Lake to prevent introduction of aquatic nuisance species.  

PARKING: Please park in the hardened, graveled areas available above the dock or at the day-use parking area at the campground. Please leave the boat dock area clear to allow loading/unloading access. 

DOGS: Please keep your dog on a leash due to the high number of horseback riders who use this area. 

At a Glance

Usage: Medium
Restrictions: All food and refuse must be stored in hard-sided vehicles, approved bear-resistant containers, or suspended at least 10 feet from the ground and 4 feet from any supporting tree or pole.
Closest Towns: Dotsero

General Information

Directions:

Directions from Eagle: Travel 12 miles west of Eagle on I-70 to Dotsero. Go north on Colorado River Road for 7 miles. Turn left onto the Sweetwater Creek road. Stay on road for 10 miles, then turn left at the sign for Sweetwater Campground.


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

No. of Sites 9 single sites
Reservation Info Not reservable

RV Camping

No. of Sites 9
Reservation Info not reservable
Pavement Type for Parking dirt
Hookup - Water no
Size Restrictions Six of the sites can accommodate vehicles up to 30 feet long
Hookup - Sewer no
Dump Stations no
Hookups - Electric no

Day Hiking

Backpacking

Horse Riding

Picnicking

Scenic Driving

Boating - Motorized

Electric motors are permitted.

Boating - Non-Motorized

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Latitude : 
39.79722222

  Longitude : 
-107.1605556

  Elevation : 
7740