Copyright: USDA Forest Service
Sweetwater Campground and Lake
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NATURAL FEATURES
Sweetwater Campground, elevation 7,740 feet, is on the south end of 72 acre, Sweetwater Lake. The vegetation surrounding the campground and the sites is scrub oak, serviceberry, wild rose and willow. High limestone cliffs tower above the area on two sides.FACILITIES
Sweetwater Campground has 10 partially shaded campsites with picnic tables and fire ring grills. This campground has small sites, some of which can not accommodate tents. Four sites have no room for RVs but 6 sites can accommodate vehicles up to 30 feet long. There are two vault toilets and drinking water is available 1/4 mile up the road from the campground at a hydrant on the roadside. Trash cans are provided for garbage disposal. There is a dock to fish from, but there is no public boat ramp. Sweetwater Campground is the only public access to Sweetwater Lake. ATTRACTIONS
TRAILS - There are three popular hiking and horseback riding trails beginning at the
end of the campground.
The Ute Trail, #2031, (9.4 miles) goes up to Deep Lake on the Flattops.
The Cross Creek Trail, #1855, (6.5 miles) travels through sagebrush flats full of wildflowers and aspen forests to the Sweetwater Trail, #1854.
The short Scenic Overlook trail, (500 yards) has nice views of the lake and a waterfall. FISHING - Sweetwater Lake offers good fishing from the shore or small boats for brook, brown and rainbow trout, as well as kokanee salmon. BOATING - Canoes and rowboats are popular on this lake, but some electric motors
are used. No gasoline-powered motors are allowed on Sweetwater Lake.
Directions from Eagle: Travel 12 miles west of Eagle on I-70 to Dotsero. Go north on Colorado River Road for 7 miles. Turn left onto the Sweetwater Creek road. Stay on road for 10 miles, then turn left at the sign for Sweetwater Campground.
Directions from Vail: Travel 43 miles west on I-70 to Dotsero. Go north on Colorado River Road for 7 miles. Turn left onto the Sweetwater Creek road. Stay on road for 10 miles, then turn left at the sign for Sweetwater Campground.
Directions from Beaver Creek: Travel 43 miles west on I-70 to Dotsero. Go north on Colorado River Road for 7 miles. Turn left onto the Sweetwater Creek road. Stay on road for 10 miles, then turn left at the sign for Sweetwater Campground.
Seasonal Information:
Normal Services Available:
June through October
(NOTE: Seasons vary depending on weather conditions.)
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Closed for the season Updated: 2002-01-16 09:46:00.0
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