This page is part of our record of great campsites and spots we find along the way. We are hoping that the information below, accurate to the best of our knowledge, will help you in planning an awesome camping experience, and help us in remembering and recording some of the places we have been along the way.
Click on the links below to find more info about camping in each area
Freeman Campground is a small, no frills spot run by the Routt National Forest. It costs $12 per night and there are pit toilets and fresh water available to campers. There is a corral for trail riders as well. We were able to get a meager 1 bar of Verizon cell service while here, barely. The reservoir has a day use fee ($5) for non campers.
The campground is accessed from Route 13 north of Craig, Colorado. Turn off this paved road and drive about 15 miles east (and UP) on a well-maintained gravel and dirt road. The route is steep and there are some washboard sections, especially around turns with steep drop-offs… as we discovered on the way down. Go slow!
We arrived at this lovely campground in late September and the (many) aspen trees surrounding and reservoir and campsites were a vivid yellow. They were so beautiful, in fact, that our experience of this campground might be colored (pardon the pun) by their stunning beauty.
The sites are well separated and the area, when we were there, was super quiet and peaceful. It is clear, though, that this is a prime elk hunting spot, so later in the fall, it is likely a different sort of place altogether. We followed some of the trails back into the woods and enjoyed the beautiful trees. There were signs of past hunting seasons (we found an elk whistle on the trail and a few elk legs!) and sign of past sheepherding (carvings on the aspen trees). It was a great hike.
There is a short trail around the reservoir as well and we observed many fish rising. Apparently, this is a prime spot for cutthroat trout. We also observed a pair of bald eagles in the trees above the reservoir.
This spot could definitely accommodate a larger trailer or group. Bring a Routt National Forest map to make the most of the many intersecting trails. We did one lovely five mile hike before the weather turned cold and rainy and we headed back down hill.
