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Eagle River Recreation Management Area

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Eagle River Recreation Management Area

Eagle River Recreation Management Area is a Bureau of Land Management camping ground east of Denver, Colorado. Camping in this area provides remarkable recreational opportunities for boaters and anglers. Visitors may also engage in other activities, including hiking, picnicking, hunting, wildlife viewing, photography, and star gazing.

Located 12 miles north of Cherry Creek State Park and 73.9 miles south of Rocky Mountain National Park, the area is home to wildlife like bighorn sheep, black bears, and horses. Other than camping in the Eagle River Recreation Management Area, visitors may opt for nearby campgrounds. These camping grounds provide an opportunity for both primitive and developed camping.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Cherry Creek Reservoir Loop Trail

This is a kid-friendly loop trail near Centennial popular for hiking, biking, bird watching, paddle sports, and fishing. The trail remains open year-round, and dogs aren’t allowed.

Length: 6.7 miles

Intensity: Easy

Cherry Creek Pipeline Trail

This is a partially paved out-and-back trail best for solo-hiking or biking during the quieter times of the day. The best time to visit this trail is between February and November. Dogs aren't allowed.

Length: 1.4 miles

Intensity: Easy

Smoky Hill Trail to Parker Road Trail Loop

The trail is paved, making it stroller, wheelchair, and kid friendly. It is a popular trail for hiking and road biking. There is no shade, but visitors will enjoy wildlife viewing and bird watching.

Length: 4.7 miles

Intensity: Easy

Ouzel Falls Trail

Ouzel Falls Trail is popular amongst hikers as it leads to a stream below the waterfalls, and visitors can see the infamous ouzel bird (American Dipper).

Length: 5.4 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Timberland Falls Trail

This is a strenuous trail with an elevation gain of 1,510 feet, taking you through lovely Loch Vale towards the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Length: 8 miles round trip

Intensity: Hard

Fishing and Boating

The fishing season in Colorado runs from April to July. Eagle River Recreation Management Area allows fishing, but anglers must have a fishing license. You may enjoy fly fishing at the Eagle River or take a boat into deeper areas to catch the popular brown and rainbow trout. You may consider white water rafting if you prefer a more exciting boating adventure. Swimming is also allowed, but there aren't any lifeguards.

Wildlife Viewing

There is plenty of wildlife in the Eagle River Recreation Management Area, including eagles, wild horses, black bears, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, snakes, and prairie dogs. Bring a camera to capture excellent shots of these animals in their natural habitat.

Skiing and Snowmobiling

Skiing and snowmobiling are common activities at Eagle River Recreation Management Area during the off-season. During the winter, artificial paths for skiers are popular spots for families. If you prefer snowmobiles, you may need to rend one or bring your own.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are available in the Eagle River area and the White River National Forest. Fulford Cave campground in the White River National Forest, 37.9 miles south of Eagle River, is a reputable RV camping site and home to the eighth largest cave in Colorado. It offers seven campsites, each costing $8 per night, with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. There is no reservation as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Also, the maximum recommended RV length is 25 feet. Yeoman Park campground is also found in the White River National Forest area and offers 24 campsites. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis for an $8 per night daily rate. About 15 campsites are in a forest area, while nine are on open ground. There are no RV hookups, but visitors can access vault toilets. The maximum RV length is 43 feet, and the width is 10 feet. Pets are allowed. Another nearby camping area is the Halfmoon campground. It charges $20 per night for its four campsites that accommodate up to six people. The campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, offering vault toilets, hookups, fire rings, and picnic tables.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is possible at the BLM Deep Creek campground north of the Colorado River road. It is the ideal area for BLM RV camping for individuals or groups. There is no water, but campers can access toilets and picnic tables. Also, pets are allowed on the campsites. Lyons Gulch Recreation Site is another free campground to consider. It offers fire rings, picnic tables, and toilets. It is wheelchair accessible, and pets are allowed. Search "free BLM camping near me" to get suggestions for more dispersed campgrounds in the Eagle River area.

RV Rentals Near Eagle River Recreation Management Area Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Eagle River Recreation Management Area BLM trip

If you plan to go dispersed camping, you should bring items like sleeping bags, stakes, rods, or a tarp. Also, include fire supplies like matches or lighters, logs, and sticks. A small shovel will help you prepare fire pits or dig holes. Developed camping will require that you identify reputable campgrounds. Research each campground to know its location, amenities, and distance from the closest city. Also, check your maps for the best routes to these campgrounds.

Leave No Trace

It is every camper’s responsibility to keep their campsites clean as required by BLM. If it is your first-time camping, you can check out the BLM outdoor ethics to learn more about camping principles. Limit the noise you make while camping as noises like playing loud music, screaming, or shouting could disturb the wildlife and other campers. Avoid littering by disposing of trash in available trash bins. If there is no trash bin, pack your trash in plastic bags. Do not feed any wildlife and avoid getting too close. If you visit a historic area, avoid touching the structures as you might damage them.

Eagle River Recreation Management Area Location

To get to the Eagle River Recreation Management Area via Denver, you may use I-70 W, which is approximately 164 miles to the Grand Junction. While at the junction, take exit 97, which leads towards the 9th street for about 0.2 miles, and turn left. You will see the River Frontage Road. Follow this road for 0.9 miles, and your destination will be on the right.

Address: Colorado River Valley Field Office 2300 River Frontage Road Silt, CO 81652

Ready to visit Eagle River Recreation Management Area? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day of exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, enjoying a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.