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A real jewel of a secluded campground overlooking a picturesque valley adjacent to the Uncompahgre Wilderness. Located near the junction of Soldier Creek and Blue Creek with variety of hiking trails exist in the area including Big Blue Trail, Fall Creek Trail, Ridge Stock Driveway Trail and Alpine Trail. Most of these trails lead south into the wilderness where mechanized and motorized travel is not allowed. The landscape is mostly aspen and spruce trees.
From Sapeniro, CO, take US Rt. 50 west 9.2 miles to Forest Access/Alpine Plateau Road sign (Forest Rt. 867). Turn left at sign onto gravel road (Rt. 867) and go 21 miles to "T" intersection (Forest Rt. 868). Turn right onto Rt. 868 and go 4.7 miles into campground.
The Big Blue turn off is on the West side of Hwy 149, 8 miles north of Lake City. Twelve miles up on FS 868 you'll find quaking Aspen groves mingling with lush pine forests. At the campground you'll find high mountain creeks and ponds sustaining a healthy population of brook and rainbow trout. There is some private land at the beginning of the trail but by four miles up you're in the Uncompahgre National Forest. There are a few trails that branch off 868 that will lead you to some thick dark timber or wide open high mountain meadows. Be on the lookout for roaming free range sheep!!
Area is not realistically accessible without an Suv or truck. It's nice and secluded, and of the dozen sites, 2 others were in use during our mid week visit. Unfortunately a lvl 2 fire ban was in place, and with 35 degree temps overnight at the end of June, it's a little rough in a tent. The creeks were close to dead due to the drought and end of the melt season. Not much wildlife around aside from a few roaming deer. Very peaceful overall.
We have a 20' pull behind and the road from Lake City to this campground was very narrow and luckily we didn't come across another camper going the other direction, or it would have been dangerous. Once we got to the campground, all the spots were open, but there was no water nearby and so we decided to leave, via the Arrowhead Road which was better.
This is my favorite place. Brook trout are plentiful in the creek. It will rain in the afternoons and nights from late in July onwards. Vault toilets are handy. Free camp sights ste there too.
Absolutely loved this campground! Bears, Big Bull Moose, deer, fox, and mountain lions all over just a couple day window. The cold August nights and the drive up the mountain to get there definitely challenged us. Just make sure you have quality bug spray and don't leave anything food/trash laying around. Plan on rain daily!!!!! Oh, bring your own TP. The restroom provided leaves a bit to be desired.
