Lake Creek (FR 198) in CO -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in Colorado
Lake Creek (FR 198) in CO
An 8.5-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Custer County, CO. The road serves Balman Dam.
Pike and San Isabel National Forests, San Carlos Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit in any 30 days. Camp at least 100 ft from water.
7.6 of the 8.5 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. 7.6 of the 8.5 miles in are dirt. Climbs 3,400 ft over 8.5 miles -- sustained grades near 16%, with pitches to 27%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~120 ft on the downhill side. Winds through 29 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch. Water crossings 1.4, 1.4, 1.6 and 4.2 miles in.
Eagle Peak stands 4,487 ft above the site, 3.3 miles southwest. North Lake Creek runs 0.3 mi off. Private here -- the nearest through road is 1.1 miles off. The nearest town, Salida, is 26 mi off.
September normals 40–70°F, 1.3″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.
Set by Pike and San Isabel National Forests, San Carlos Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.
fs.usda.gov