About GORE CREEK CAMPGROUND
Overview Gore Creek Campground is situated six miles east of Vail, Colorado, at an elevation of 8,700 feet and centrally located for recreation and relaxation in the White River National Forest.Recreation The Gore Creek campground is located along Gore Creek in a forested setting near the boundary of the Eagles Nest Wilderness. This is the closest campground to the town of Vail and there are several trailheads nearby into the Eagles Nest Wilderness; all wilderness regulations must be observed when traveling in the wilderness (foot and horse travel only). The campground is also located at the west end of the paved Vail Pass/Tenmile Canyon recreation trail open to foot traffic and bicycles.Facilities The campground offers 16 back-in sites, eight walk-in tent sites; number 18 is a fully accessible tent site, four handicapped accessible bathrooms and bear-resistant food lockers. Parking spurs for campsites are up to 35 feet long. RVs longer than this would not fit in this campground.Natural Features In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the 2.3 million acre White River National Forest is a place of serenity and adventure, boasting eight wilderness areas, four defined seasons, and 10 peaks surpassing 14,000 feet in elevation. Wildlife in the area abounds. Bighorn sheep navigate rocky ridges and bull elk bugle at dusk. Black bear and mule deer are common. Scenic rivers sustain populations of cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout. Alpine regions provide habitat for pika and ptarmigan. These species, along with many others, depend on surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams, and diverse forests to live. Nearby Attractions The nearby town of Vail is a popular destination for visitors to the area. From downhill skiing and world-class fly fishing, to dining and resorts, there are a multitude of outdoor and indoor opportunities in this resort mountain town. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (801) 226-3564.Charges & Cancellations Once your reserva
How to Get There
Travel east on I-70 to Exit 180 for East Vail. Turn right and follow the south frontage road (Bighorn Road) east to the road closure gate at about 2 miles. The campground is on the left just before the gate. For more White River National Forest on the Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District information visit www.fs.usda.gov/whiteriver or call 970-827-5715.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to GORE CREEK CAMPGROUND
Heading to GORE CREEK CAMPGROUND? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for GORE CREEK CAMPGROUND?
No central reservation system listed for GORE CREEK CAMPGROUND. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234794) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to GORE CREEK CAMPGROUND?
Travel east on I-70 to Exit 180 for East Vail. Turn right and follow the south frontage road (Bighorn Road) east to the road closure gate at about 2 miles. The campground is on the left just before the gate. For more White River National Forest on the Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District information visit www.fs.usda.gov/whiteriver or call 970-827-5715.
How do I contact GORE CREEK CAMPGROUND?
You can reach the park at phone: 970-468-7681 or email: Help.WhiteRiver.HolyCross@AmericanLL.com.
References & Official Resources
