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Sweetwater Lake Campground
Seeking comments on Sweetwater Lake Recreation Management
On May 6, the White River National Forest began the 90-day public scoping period for Sweetwater Lake Recreation Management and Development Project Environmental Impact Statement. Provide comments here.
Sweetwater Lake
The Forest Service recently acquired the 488-acre Sweetwater Ranch, which greatly expands the public access in this area.
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.
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
Know Before You Go
Location