Spring Creek Reservoir is a backcountry gem tucked into the Gunnison National Forest west of Taylor Park, sitting at roughly 9,900 feet of elevation in a wide mountain valley surrounded by aspen groves and spruce forest. This is the kind of place where you can park your truck at a dispersed campsite, walk thirty feet to the water, and not see another soul until morning. If you are looking for a Gunnison County lake that combines good fishing, dispersed camping, and direct access to some of Colorado's best OHV trails, Spring Creek Reservoir deserves a spot on your list.
The reservoir is stocked with rainbow trout, brown trout, and cutthroat trout, and the fishing here can be excellent when conditions align. Anglers work the shoreline from several informal access points around the lake. A valid Colorado fishing license is required. The relatively high elevation keeps the water cold and productive through summer, though the reservoir has experienced periodic drawdowns for dam maintenance. Check current water levels before making the drive.
Mosca Campground, operated by the Forest Service, sits on the reservoir's shore and offers 16 reservable sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. There is no potable water at the campground, so bring your own. Beyond the developed sites, dispersed camping on surrounding National Forest land is plentiful and free. Follow the dirt road past the campground toward the far end of the lake to find informal sites with direct water access. The 14-day stay limit on National Forest land applies.
The broader Taylor Park area is a hub for off-highway vehicle riding, dirt biking, and side-by-side adventures. Spring Creek Trail itself is a well-known challenging OHV route, and the network extends toward Tincup, Pitkin, and the ghost town circuit. Mountain biking and hiking trails thread through the surrounding forest. Paddleboarding and kayaking are possible when water levels are sufficient, offering a calm surface with mountain views in every direction.
Spring Creek Reservoir is accessed via unpaved forest roads from Taylor Park. The drive is scenic and manageable for most vehicles in dry conditions, though high clearance helps after rain. The nearest services are in Almont or Gunnison, so arrive self-sufficient with fuel, food, and water. Summer weekends around the Fourth of July draw the biggest crowds, but midweek visits and shoulder-season trips in September offer genuine solitude at one of Gunnison County's most rewarding mountain reservoirs.