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Site Open
Recreation Region: Steamboat Springs Area

Summit Lake Campground

*NOTE: This campground will stay open until the snow makes it unreachable.

Summit Lake Campground generally does not open until Mid July due to the high elevation of 10,300 ft and is located on Buffalo Pass outside of Steamboat Springs. It provides 9 back-in campsites and 6 walk-in tent sites (all are first come first serve and cannot be reserved. Each site has a table and a fire grate, and vault toilets and trash service is offered.

Day Use is also obtainable in two parking lots provided for the visitor to use while fishing or picnicking. Only hand powered watercraft are permitted on Summit Lake, with no boat ramp available. This campground provides great opportunities for mountain biking, dirt biking and ATVing, horseback riding, fishing and hiking. It is located near the boundary of Mount Zirkel Wilderness which offers numerous backcountry opportunities.

 

This site was approved for a fee change - Click here for more information

General Information

Mid July - Until unreachable due to snow

Generally opens in Mid July. (Open seasonally due to snow and high elevation of 10,300 feet) For questions call the Steamboat Springs Ranger Station: 970-870-2299  

No permit required

Overnight Use:
Single Site: $20 per night
Day Use:
$5 per day

$20 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.

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 40.54673

Longitude: -106.68329

Elevation

10,300

Directions

Directions from Steamboat Springs: Travel 2 miles north of Steamboat Springs on Routt County Road 36 (Strawberry Park Road), then 13 miles northeast on Routt County Road 38 (Buffalo Pass Road). Campground is at the summit.

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Vault Toilet (2)

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

Recreation Opportunities

Last updated August 27, 2026