Beaver Mill Backcountry Campsite sits south of Sandbeach Lake Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park’s Wild Basin area. The single-site camping area tucked in a lodgepole pine and aspen forest makes a good overnight stop for backpackers heading to the lake and its sandy beach. The 9,640-foot site is south of the trail above Hunters Creek about a half-mile west of the Campers Creek crossing. The campsite, like the other four on Sandbeach Lake Trail, is popular so reserve early. There is no pit toilet at the site so bring wag bags for human waste. Obtain water from either Campers Creek or Hunters Creek, but boil or treat it before use. Bear Mill is three miles from Sandbeach Lake Trailhead and gains 1,330 feet from car to camp. Allow three hours to hike to the site. The area is free of snow by early June.
Pro Tips
Find Sandbeach Lake Trailhead by driving south from Estes Park on Colorado Highway 7 to Wild Basin Road. Turn right or west on Wild Basin Road and continue to the park entrance station. The trailhead is beside the station. Hike up the trail for three miles, gaining 1,330 feet of elevation, to a wooden sign on the left. Follow a short path south to the campsite.A backcountry permit is required for overnight camping in Rocky Mountain National Park’s backcountry. Obtain permits at the Park Headquarters Backcountry Office next to Beaver Meadows Visitor Center west of Estes Park, at Kawuneeche Visitor Center north of Grand Lake, or at the park website.To obtain a permit you agree to obey National Park regulations for backcountry camping. The Backcountry Use Permit must be with you at all times and a tent tag must be displayed on your pack while hiking and on your tent. You must follow your planned itinerary so campsites aren’t overused or crowded. You also receive a tag to place on the dashboard of your vehicle, allowing overnight parking at trailheads without being towed.Practice a Leave No Trace ethic when camping at Beaver Mill. Pitch tents in designated areas near a silver arrowhead. Secure food and garbage. Black bears are here so keep food in a bear-resistant canister, which is required May to October at all campsites below timberline. Stash food, trash, and scented items in the container and store it 200 feet from the campsite. Don’t camp below dead trees; wind storms blow branches off them.There is no privy at the campsite. It’s best to pack in at least two RESTOP wag bags for human waste to avoid site contamination. Otherwise dig a six-inch deep hole and bury waste and toilet paper. Make sure you’re at least 200 feet from the campsite, water sources, and trails.Recommended season(s): June to September.
—Stewart M. Green
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