Sheriff Reservoir sits at the edge of the Flat Tops Wilderness in Rio Blanco County, roughly 30 miles east of Meeker along County Road 8 and then south on Forest Road 205. This remote reservoir is a classic Colorado camping and fishing destination that rewards visitors willing to make the drive on unpaved mountain roads. At over 9,800 feet in elevation, the reservoir is surrounded by dense spruce and fir forest with meadows stretching toward the Flat Tops plateau, one of the largest flat-topped mountains in the world.
Fishing is the primary reason people visit Sheriff Reservoir. The lake holds brook trout and cutthroat trout, and shore fishing access is straightforward around much of the perimeter. Small boats and float tubes work well here, though there is no formal boat ramp. Fly fishing is productive, particularly in the morning and evening hours when insect hatches bring fish to the surface. The reservoir is stocked periodically by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, keeping the fishing consistent through the summer months.
Camping at Sheriff Reservoir is a family favorite. Several dispersed camping spots ring the reservoir, offering direct water views from your tent or vehicle. The campground is basic with vault toilets and fire rings but no hookups, no potable water, and no trash service. Pack out everything you bring in. Sites are first-come, first-served and rarely fill up completely due to the remote location, though weekends during July and August see the most visitors.
The Flat Tops Wilderness trailheads are accessible from the reservoir area, opening up miles of backcountry hiking through alpine meadows and past additional high-country lakes. Wildlife is abundant, with elk, mule deer, and black bear all common in the surrounding forest. Bird watchers will find a variety of mountain species, and the open meadows attract hawks and eagles.
Sheriff Reservoir is best visited from late June through September, after snowmelt opens the forest roads. The drive in requires a vehicle with decent clearance, as the final stretch of road can be rough and rutted, especially after rain. There is no cell service in the area, so come prepared with maps, supplies, and a full tank of gas. The nearest services are in Meeker, about an hour's drive back down the mountain. For visitors who want a genuine backcountry camping and fishing experience without a long backpacking trip, Sheriff Reservoir delivers exactly that.