Overview Heaton Bay Campground is situated at an elevation of 9,000 feet and centrally located for recreation and relaxation in the White River National Forest. There is little or no shade in the campground due to pine beetle infestation and the removal of hazard trees, but the sites offer open views to Dillon Reservoi…
Overview Heaton Bay Campground is situated at an elevation of 9,000 feet and centrally located for recreation and relaxation in the White River National Forest. There is little or no shade in the campground due to pine beetle infestation and the removal of hazard trees, but the sites offer open views to Dillon Reservoir and several mountain ranges.Recreation Dillon Reservoir is 3,233 acres with 26.8 miles of shoreline, offering an ideal spot for fishing, boating, and sailing. The reservoir supports a healthy population of rainbow and brown trout, in addition to a few cutthroat finding their way into the lake from feeder streams. Opportunities for hiking and biking in this area include more than 7 paved miles of the 50-mile Summit County trail system. The Old Dillon Reservoir Trail is a favorite. This short, easy trail has spectacular views of the Tenmile Range and the Continental Divide. For those wanting a bit more solitude, hiking in the Ptarmigan Wilderness area is a wonderful escape from the crowds.Facilities Heaton Bay Campground has 87 sites, able to accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. Walk-in only tent sites available of a first-come, first-served basis.The campground is equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings, vault toilets, and drinking water. Electrical hook-ups are available for a fee at several of the sites.Firewood is for sale from hosts at the campground.Boat ramp access is available in the marinas located in the nearby towns of Frisco and Dillon. 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 8 wilderness areas, 4 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. 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 o
Photos
Excellent Kayaking on Dillon Reservoir — Kristi BlanquartDillon Reservoir In Winter — Kristi BlanquartDillon Reservoir — Recreation One StopSuperb Fishing in Dillon Reservoir — Recreation One StopHeaton Bay — Sara SalanskySunset View From Heaton Bay Campground — Recreation One StopHEATON BAY — Billy McMillenExcellent Kayaking on Dillon Reservoir — Kathleen AlexanderFirewood available at camp host — Mark SalanskyCalm Waters on Dillon Reservoir — Sara SalanskyView of lake from East edge of Heaton Bay campground — Mark SalanskyMiles of Shoreline — Recreation One Stop
How to Get There
From I-70, take Frisco exit to 203. Turn left onto the Dillon Dam Road. Travel northeast for 1 mile. The campground will be on the right hand side of the road.
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 HEATON BAY
Heading to HEATON BAY? 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 HEATON BAY?
No central reservation system listed for HEATON BAY. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232220) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to HEATON BAY?
From I-70, take Frisco exit to 203. Turn left onto the Dillon Dam Road. Travel northeast for 1 mile. The campground will be on the right hand side of the road.
How do I contact HEATON BAY?
You can reach the park at phone: 970-468-7681 or email: [email protected].
