The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Sage Campground to the east of Highway 125 was installed in 2011 to provide camping spots for oversized RVs. This campground has two vault toilets and 13 pull-through campsites. Every spot comes with a picnic table, tent pad, and fire ring for your convenience. You'll also find several dispersed camping sites throughout the North Sand Hills OHV Area. Sage Campground is protected by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a federal organization that oversees more than 8 million acres of public land in Colorado.
You'll find several picnicking, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities near this campground. Rocky Mountain National Park is less than 45 miles away. If you drive about six hours south, you'll find Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The best place to get your groceries is Walden near the Walden Reservoir.
Head north into Wyoming to explore the Platte River Wilderness. This trail is great for hiking and mountain biking. Much of the path is flat, and you'll have no trouble finding a camping spot. The path also provides views of Lake Owen and several smaller swampy lakes.
Intensity: Moderate
Length: 21.8 miles
The best time to visit this trail is in the summer when the weather is pleasant and you don't have to worry about ice or snow. You'll see seven gorgeous lakes as well as a stunning waterfall once you make it to the end. Bug spray is a must.
Intensity: Hard
Length: 11.3 miles
The small Canadian River is home to brown trout and brook trout. You'll find largemouth bass, northern pike, and rainbow trout in the larger Government Creek. Boating and fishing are permitted in the Lake John State Wildlife Area. While motorized boats are allowed, windsurfing and water skiing are prohibited. The lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout and cutthroat trout. This area also holds fishing tournaments in the summer and winter.
Sage Campground is a short distance away from both the Mount Zirkel Wilderness and the Rawah Wilderness. These wilderness areas have numerous lakes, camping areas, and massive peaks just waiting to be climbed. Rocky Mountain National Park is well-known for its exceptional alpine climbing opportunities. While bolted or sport routes are rare here, you're sure to enjoy the adventurous routes that use cams and nuts.
Walden is popular with local wildlife enthusiasts due to its frequent moose sightings. Colorado is home to bighorn sheep, golden eagles, beavers, otters, raccoons, and elk. Keep watch for lark buntings, mule deer, bison, foxes, coyotes, and prairie dogs. Black bears are most commonly found in forested areas and will move to lower altitudes in the fall to find food.
Feel free to picnic at Sage Campground before starting your Colorado exploration. There are several parking lots and restrooms throughout the North Sand Hills OHV Area, giving you plenty of convenient picnicking options. You're welcome to picnic at an established site or plan your meals while out hiking, climbing, or fishing. If you can't find a nearby trash can, be sure to carry your garbage with you until it can be safely thrown away.
Since Sage campground is miles away from civilization, there's much less pollution and smog. This region of Colorado is peaceful and secluded, giving you breathtaking views of the nighttime sky. Make camp on a high ridge or plateau where you can set up your telescope and take a look at distant constellations and galaxies.
Sage Campground is one of the only established Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in the area. In addition to oversized campsites, this campground also gives you access to several beautiful nature trails, fishing spots, and wildlife habitats.
You also have the option to enjoy more modern RV camping experiences at sites like Sentinel Mountain RV and Quick Stop and Lake John Resort. Up in Cowdrey, the pet-friendly Sentinel Mountain RV and Quick Stop has 11 campsites with full hookups. There's also a shower house, play area, convenience store, and laundry facility. They're open seasonally from April to November. Lake John Resort offers boat rentals, rustic cabins, and full RV hookups. This facility provides a dump station, propane fill station, and RV and boat storage options.
Don't miss out on the local Bureau of Land Management free camping opportunities available at Cowdrey Lake State Wildlife Area. You’ll also find a few sites in the North Sand Hills OHV Area along Government Creek. These spots are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and can't be reserved. While they may allow you to better personalize your experience, these sites typically don't have access to water, electricity, or trash services. To find nearby camping areas, search online for "BLM camping near me."
Venturing out into the Colorado wilderness for BLM RV camping can often leave you without Wi-Fi. Consider investing in high-speed data and bring paper maps and trail guides as a precaution. It’s also important to use firewood from around your campsite rather than haul it across state lines. Transporting firewood is an easy way to bring invasive pests to a new area.
Additionally, it's best to pack clothes for all seasons as the Colorado weather can change quickly. If you're traveling to higher elevations, bring extra coats, thick socks, and sturdy hiking gear. Pack more water than you think you need in case of an emergency. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
All Colorado BLM visitors are expected to follow Leave No Trace principles. Pack out all of the trash and food waste you bring in. Avoid disturbing the local wildlife or your fellow visitors. Camp in places that have been used before rather than harming pristine areas. Bring extra bags with you where you can conveniently store your dirty clothes and trash.
From Walden, head north on Highway 125 for about 10 miles. Turn east onto County Road 6 and travel for an additional 3.5 miles. You should then turn right on County Road 6N and drive for another two miles.
Address: 2103 East Park Avenue, Kremmling, CO 80459
Ready to visit Sage Campground? 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 exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night, where you’ll enjoy 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.
