Skip to main content

Flat Tops Area

The Flat Tops area is managed by the Yampa Ranger District, located in Yampa, Colorado, 27 miles south of Steamboat Springs. The Flat Tops offer many recreation opportunities for all seasons, including camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, snowshoeing, scenic drives, picnics, horseback riding and snowmobiling. The Scenic Byway, known as the Flat Tops Trail, runs from Yampa to Meeker on County Road 8 and spans the Routt National Forest and White River National Forest. Multiple access points for the Flat tops Wilderness can be found up the Bear River corridor and off of the byway. There are numerous camping opportunities in the Flat Tops area, from developed campgrounds to dispersed camping. To see dispersed camping areas please refer to our Motor Vehicle Use Map by clicking here Motor Vehicle Use Maps which will show all Forest Service roads that offer dispersed camping. 

Recreation Sites

Showing: 1 - 10 of 34 results

Allen Basin Trailhead

Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
This Trailhead serves as the access point for the Allen Basin Trail No. 1181. This 1 mile long doubletrack route grants access to Allen Basin reservoir.This trail is closed to all vehicles over 50”…

Baldy Trailhead

Horse Riding and Camping Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
This Trailhead serves as the access point for Baldy Trail #1200. This 6.75 mile trail begins on private land, please respect the landowner and stay on the trail.The trail begins by crossing the East…

Bear Lake Campground

Site Open
Hiking Water Activities Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Outdoor Science and Learning Scenic Drives Horse Riding and Camping
Bear Lake Campground is located 11 miles outside of Yampa, Colorado on Forest Service Road 900. The campground typically opens in early June and has a range of outdoor recreation opportunities from…

Bear Lake Fishing Pier

Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Picnicking Winter Sports
This day use area is free of charge and is popular for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding. It offers a pier to fish from and a picnic area with tables, grills and fire…

Bear Lake Picnic Site

Picnicking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
This is a free day use area that accesses some great trout fishing and has a large fishing pier with perfect views of the Flat Tops Wilderness. There are 2 picnic tables and fire grates.No camping is…

Bear River Developed Camp Sites

Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities
Weather dependent (typically June-October)There are 30 designated campsites along Forest Service Road 900. Each site is designated by a numbered post and has its own picnic table and permanent…

Chapman Reservoir Campground

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
This campground is located outside of Yampa, CO off Dunckley Pass (along the Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway) on Forest Service Road 940 between the towns of Yampa and Meeker. The campground offers…

Coal Creek/Sawtooth Trailhead

Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking Horse Riding and Camping Outdoor Science and Learning
This Trailhead serves as the southern access point for the Sand Creek Trail No. 1123 and the Sawtooth Trail No. 1165. Additional access to the Sand Creek Trail can be found at Sheriff Reservoir…

Cold Springs Campground

Cold Springs Campground is located approximately 16.5 miles outside of Yampa, Colorado with views of the Flat Tops Wilderness. This is a small, very popular campground that makes a loop with 5…

Crosho Lake Recreation Area

Site Temporarily Closed
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities Hiking
Crosho Lake is a popular spot to canoe, kayak, wade, camp or fish. Only non-motorized boats are allowed. This recreation area offers undeveloped dispersed camping opportunities free of…

Last updated August 8, 2025