Deer Lakes

Deer Lakes is a cluster of small, high-country lakes east of Lake City in Hinsdale County, managed by the Gunnison Ranger District of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests. The campground and day-use area sit along a dirt road off Highway 149, reached after a scenic drive through rolling subalpine terrain dotted with aspen groves and open meadows. Several lakes are connected by short walking paths, making it easy to explore multiple bodies of water in a single visit.

The site underwent a major renovation funded by the Great American Outdoors Act, reopening in 2025 with 12 rebuilt campsites, new vault toilets, improved accessibility on roads and walkways, updated picnic tables, fresh fire rings, and information kiosks. Visitors who knew the area before the renovation note significant upgrades, including better wheelchair-friendly access and a new day-use pay station charging $8 per vehicle. Despite the improvements, the area retains its unhurried character, with quiet mornings, minimal crowds, and the kind of panoramic mountain views that keep people returning year after year.

Moose sightings are frequent and reliable — visitors regularly spot them standing in or near the lakes, especially in early morning and evening. Deer, elk, and a range of mountain birds round out the wildlife viewing. The lakes hold small trout that attract casual anglers and families, and the gentle terrain makes the area accessible to visitors of varying fitness levels. November through May the access road is typically snow-covered and closed, so plan visits between June and September for the best conditions. Lake City, roughly 30 minutes to the west, provides the nearest fuel, groceries, and lodging.