Big Creek Lakes is a pair of high-elevation lakes in Jackson County, situated in the remote Routt National Forest of north-central Colorado near the Wyoming border. Reaching Big Creek Lakes requires a drive on unpaved forest roads, but visitors who make the trip are rewarded with some of the most pristine mountain scenery and quietest camping in the state. The lakes sit in a broad, open valley surrounded by forested ridges, offering panoramic views that make the journey worthwhile.
Camping is the primary draw at Big Creek Lakes. The Big Creek Lakes Campground is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and features well-maintained, level pull-through sites that accommodate RVs and trailers comfortably. The campground is clean and organized, and the sites offer enough spacing to preserve a sense of privacy and quiet. For RV campers seeking a mountain destination with real pull-through access at elevation, Big Creek Lakes is one of the better options in northern Colorado.
Fishing at Big Creek Lakes targets trout in clear mountain water. The lakes are productive enough to attract dedicated anglers, and the relatively low visitor numbers compared to Front Range reservoirs mean less competition for shoreline access. Float tubes, canoes, and kayaks are practical ways to reach deeper water, and the calm surface conditions on most mornings make for pleasant paddling.
Fall is a particularly rewarding time to visit Big Creek Lakes. The aspens turn gold across the surrounding hillsides, and the campground quiets down considerably after summer crowds thin out. Wildlife sightings increase in the shoulder season, and the cooler temperatures make for comfortable hiking and exploring on nearby forest roads and trails.
Jackson County is one of Colorado's most sparsely populated counties, and Big Creek Lakes embodies that solitude. Cell service is unreliable to nonexistent, so come prepared to disconnect. The nearest services are in Walden, the Jackson County seat, so stock up on fuel, food, and supplies before heading in. For campers, anglers, and anyone seeking genuine quiet in the Colorado mountains, Big Creek Lakes is a destination that consistently earns its near-perfect reviews.