- Roosevelt National Forest
The best camping in Roosevelt National Forest, CO
83% (44)
Camper favorites near Roosevelt National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.
Snag sold-out campsites.
Get notified the instant a national park campsite becomes available, for free.
See the best spots in one place.
Explore 500K+ public lands, RV resorts, and private sites you won't find anywhere else.
Book with confidence.
Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.Stories from the community
B
Bill
November 2025
10 ft travel trailer
Great place on the edge of town. Very safe to leave the camper while in town. Site was clean and the owner, Vicki, was very friendly.
See more
Travis
October 2025
20 ft campervan
Byron and Dot were incredibly friendly and welcoming hosts — you can tell they truly enjoy sharing their space. They made me feel right at home and had some great recommendations for local trails and scenic spots that really made my stay even better. The property was peaceful, well-kept, and a perfect base to explore the area. Would definitely stay again!
See more
M
Mary
October 2025
Tent
Beautiful spot! Large campsites, great view! Bathrooms very clean. Small store, and firewood sold on site- super convenient.
See more
M
Marysol
October 2025
Tent
Host greeted us, very friendly and flexible with check out time!! Site 5 was great, secluded and beautiful sunset with lots of stars. Would love to come back and check out the other sites. Bonus is you can walk around and see the cows and horses 🥰
See more
G
Giulia
October 2025
17 ft pop-up camper
I loved the site, it was the perfect location to get to Rocky Mountain NP. It was clean & quiet. There is not good service in the area but the WiFi is provided.
See moreL
Lynn
October 2025
34 ft fifth wheel
We loved our stay on this gorgeous little farm. Vicki is warm and friendly and made us feel right at home. Communication was great, and everything exceeded expectations. The location was perfect for everywhere we wanted be in Fort Collins. We look forward to returning with our 5th wheel already!
See more
V
Valerie
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Rocky Mountain Glamping
Dot & Bryon’s place is great! Very peaceful and with everything you need. Dot helped us narrow down things to do and we had a wonderful stay.
See more
Sara
October 2025
With kids
We had such a wonderful greeting from Sara’s grazing sheep, her dog Yogi and her cat Salty. It took only minutes for my son to join her daughter on the family’s swing-set.
We had intended to “glamp” somewhere close to Estes Park, and the Burro fit the bill! The tiny space heater made the camper cozy on the cold nights, and we had access to her walk-in basement restroom and shower (even if we opted not to shower because we like to “rough it” on camping trips).
After a day of hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, my 8-year-old could not wait to “get back to the farm”, and spend time with all the animals. Sara’s daughter Rose even treated my son to a riding lesson on a pony for a very reasonable price.
We also enjoyed the nearby creek just at the back of her property and an excellent recommendation to a nearby park.
Additional perk is that my little loved to pet the animals in the morning while I was getting breakfast or dinner ready. Always something to do at this beautiful location!
See more
K
Kim
October 2025
25 ft pop-up camper
Nestled in a sweet road just outside of town, we still got all the mountain vibes with the convenience of getting quickly to town. Amelia was responsive and friendly. We met her at her tea shop in town and she was personable and helpful. Would stay again next time we are in the area. And the cute wild turkeys roaming the property were bonus!
See more
G
Glen
October 2025
25 ft Class C
Wildlife, dear, turkey, horses.
Easy access to Lory State Park and Horsetooth Reservoir. Thank you!!
See more
Jericho
October 2025
24 ft travel trailer
With pets
My family and I really enjoyed camping at Dot and Byron's boondocking site. I have a 24 ft. travel trailer which fit nicely in their spot. The area is beautiful to say the least. Dot and Byron were very hospitable and very helpful in many ways to include providing information on the area and helping me get my camper in place. It was quiet and peaceful even with other guests on site. Initially, the proximity of the workshop and permanent trailer was slightly off putting but with all the goodness that feeling faded fast. We had a great time and I felt relaxed there.
See more
N
Neal
October 2025
Tent
With kids
Such a cool site. Privacy, all the amenities, great communication. Loved camping here and will definitely be back.
See more
J
Jeffrey
October 2025
Tent
With kids
Beautiful place for tent camping, big flat spaces and firewood available at the entrance. Saw a lot of pronghorn too.
See moreC
Collen
October 2025
20 ft campervan
With pets
Great option for an overnight in FoCo. Vicki was very nice, the site was level and quiet, the pony was a bit standoffish!
See more
S
Sue
October 2025
20 ft pop-up camper
With pets
Beautiful location near the river. Large space, clean and cute outhouse. Easy access to town. Will be back
See moreJ
Jennifer
October 2025
Tent
We loved our stay at Rockaway! Lots of privacy and quiet. Our dog was able to enjoy all the space we had to play fetch. Brenda gave us our privacy but also reached out to check in on us when the weather turned for a bit. Lots of thoughtful details to make the stay very relaxing and enjoyable. We would definitely come back. Thank you!
See more
JulieandLance
October 2025
3 nights at Rocky Mountain Glamping
Love the frontier tent at Dot & Bryon’s. The property was beautiful and the amenities were amazing!!!
See more
E
Elizabeth
October 2025
20 ft campervan
With pets
Nice, level, easy access site for our Campervan. Perfect for a stay off the peak to Peak Highway after a day of leaf peeping. We had a nice day and we would recommend.
See moreE
Emma
October 2025
Tent
We loved tent camping here! It was very quiet and well maintained. The small town next to the area is also adorable!
See moreB
Brandy
October 2025
19 ft Class B
Dot and Byron’s place was fantastic! We were in town for the Elk rut, RMNP, and Estes park. It was the perfect distance for privacy, but not too far away from Estes. They were great host and directions were perfect! We will definitely be staying again!
See moreTop public campgrounds in the park
Stay at a public campground in Roosevelt National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds
The best camping in Roosevelt National Forest, CO guide
Overview
About
Administered in conjunction with the Arapaho National Forest and the Pawnee National Grassland, the Roosevelt National Forest is a popular getaway from nearby Fort Collins, attracting campers and day trippers alike throughout the year. The Cache la Poudre River, the only designated Wild and Scenic River in Colorado, winds through the forest, and attracts experienced white-water rafters and kayakers in search of thrills as well as its fair share of anglers, particularly in spring and summer. The greater Arapaho-Roosevelt-Pawnee area offers 53 designated campgrounds plus 10 wilderness areas ideal for backcountry adventures.
Notable campgrounds
- Best for RV camping: North Fork Poudre Campground can accommodate RVs measuring up to 35 feet in length.
- Best for short breaks from the city: Sleeping Elephant Campground is just over an hour from Fort Collins.
- Best for planning ahead: about half of the sites at the Peaceful Valley Campground can be reserved during high season
Tips for snagging a campsite
- The Roosevelt National Forest offers a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served (FCFS) campsites. If you’re looking for an FCFS site, it’s usually best to arrive early in the morning to beat crowds or to nab a site from a departing camper.
- Arrive mid-week for the best shot of securing a good site, particularly if you want to camp in the busy summer season.
- Reservable sites open for bookings at 8am Mountain Time, six months in advance. If you’re trying to book a popular spot or a cabin, try to reserve as soon as it’s released.
When to go
The Roosevelt National Forest is a year-round destination, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure no matter the season. Popular wintertime activities include ice fishing, snowmobiling, skiing, and snowshoeing. Early spring and summer are popular for white-water rafting along the Cache la Poudre River, while July and August see the biggest crowds when it comes to camping and hiking; if you want a bit more forest to yourself, September is a great alternative.
Know before you go
- Cell service can be spotty at best in the Roosevelt National Forest. Be sure to download offline maps before heading out. Having a paper map as a backup is wise, too.
- Forest fires are an issue in Colorado, particularly in the summertime. Be prepared for burn bans and potential road and campground closures.
- Check ahead for the latest information on snow-related road closures if you’re visiting during the wintertime. It’s a good idea to also pack chains or get snow tires if driving in higher altitudes during the cooler months.
- Bicycles are not allowed in wilderness areas, and dogs must be kept leashed at all times.
Nearby attractions
Experience the beauty of camping in Poudre Canyon, a picturesque mountain getaway. Set up camp amidst towering cliffs, hike scenic trails, and listen to the soothing sounds of the Poudre River. Enjoy fishing, spot wildlife, and create lasting memories in this tranquil natural paradise.
83%
44 ratings · 21 reviews
Not recommend
· January 2021
This is a small campground that offers little hiking without trespassing on private property! There is a twenty acre active mine above this campground. Trespassing is not only illegal it's dangerous! New fencing & signs will be going up this summer.
Kim S.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2019
Beautiful lake. Very peaceful. Campground host was wonderful. Campground is clean.
The Free Birds- #livefree
www.livefreebirds.com
IG: thefreebirdsrv
G
Gwendolyn M.
6 years on Hipcamp
September 2019
Small campground by creek. Lots of room between sites. Very pretty location.
-The Free Birds RV-
https://livefreebirds.com
IG: thefreebirdsrv
G
Gwendolyn M.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2019
Open camping. arrive early in the week
S
Sunni M.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2019
A very nice campground with electric hookups and a easy hiking trail around the camp.
J
Jackie S.
6 years on Hipcamp
June 2018
If you are a straight couple/family etc.. you will have a great time. Rick will be warm and welcoming, friendly, and inform you how to deal with bears and moose nearby. My girlfriend and I (two women in our 20s) on the other hand had the worst experience. One of the first lines out of his mouth was homophobic, so luckily we both ‘pass’ as straight. He asked us if we were together in which we had no other choice but to say no. He came back multiple times throughout the night, telling us ironic/suggestive stories of “young women” trying to get his money. I am exhausted having to protect myself from men who treat women this way. If one of us had been a boy, he wouldn’t have given us a second glance. I am so sad a man like this has authority.
A
Anonymous A.
7 years on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· January 2018
The better campground is Camp Dick which you access by driving through Peaceful Valley. All fill up fast in the summer months due to the proximity to Boulder and Denver.
Terry G.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2017
Large area is designated for a boy scout summer camp program. There are other spots near and around that are for the public and it has incredible views with little light pollution.
Spencer T.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2017
Great campsites and the camp host, Rick, is a great guy who will go to great lengths to make sure your stay is pleasant.
R
Ralph I.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2017
Bring cash to pay for the site
Abby S.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2017
The camping we found was dispersed and you could bring your car up to the sites.
Z
Zak L.
8 years on Hipcamp
August 2016
Nice small campground with only 9 sites. The tent sites are in a cluster of cottonwood trees, and the RV sites have "some" trees at the back of the sites.
Each site has a path to the river, which is nice! There were a lot of people launching tubes right out of camp and going down half a mile, walking up, and doing it again. Fishing was good with flies and worms, nothing big, but that may have been me. This is a good site where you won't be overwhelmed with people since it's small.
It's on our return to list for Cache la Poudre camping.
G S.
9 years on Hipcamp
October 2015
Wonderful campground though not all sites are created equal - some are fully exposed (ie no tree canopy) and are very close to each other. I would highly recommend reserving the walk-in sites as the are more secluded and surrounded by trees.
The area around the campground is beautiful, and chock-full of hiking trails. Wildlife can often be spotted, whether a fox crossing the road, or a moose drinking water by Brainard Lake.
Elena E.
10 years on Hipcamp
October 2015
If Peaceful Valley is full, try Camp Dick. Terrible name, but it is right behind Peaceful Valley. For an even better experience, go into the backcountry, permit required. This is a great jumping off point for crossing the continental divide...although its a bit of a hike, so be prepared!
Jody C.
5 reviews
October 2015
The road to Brainard Lake is only open in the summer. Mid-June through early fall. If the road is blocked/locked, there is no fee, but there is a 2 mile hike from the parking lot at the fee station, so be prepared for that. Also, this is a very popular area, so be prepared for lots of people. No backcountry camping in this area.
Jody C.
5 reviews
October 2015
Love this place! Brainard Lake is a great place enjoy the great outdoors in the quintessential Colorado setting. Glacier fed lakes, soaring mountain peaks, and babbling brooks make this the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Also, this place is a known hot spot for the growing Colorado moose population, so keep your eyes out. There is a entrance fee ($10 per passenger car, good for three days), so make sure you have cash, but trust me, it's worth it!
Johnathan V.
10 years on Hipcamp
September 2015
This might be the nicest campground in Colorado, at least in the loop that did not suffer the blow down from high winds. The campground itself is all newly redone. Sites are huge and clean with a bear box in each site. Accommodations from walk in tent sites to sites that have a 75 foot long parking spot. It is only a few hundred yards to Brainard Lake and the jewel that is the Indian Peaks Wilderness just past that. There is near endless hiking here with pristine alpine lakes and even access to the continental divide. You can't go wrong.
Tom N.
10 years on Hipcamp
September 2015
The staff was so friendly and helped us get paid and oriented. Our site was quiet and clean and the previous campers left us some firewood. They did not sell any wood at the campground so pick some up in Ward. Access to Brainard Lake and the lakes beyond for hiking was the highlight for us.
Evan W.
10 years on Hipcamp
August 2015
This is a great smaller campground when you want a quick escape from Denver but still close to fun Ned and great trails. Vault toilets and campsites very clean. Don't be fooled by the description, the small playground is old and our kids didn't stay very long.
M
Mary Jane V.
10 years on Hipcamp
June 2015
A nearby lake called Creedmore Lake is a bit quieter than Dowdy and offers a more secluded environment for fishing, hiking or tent camping (you don't need to reserve a spot, just be ready to carry your things for .5 miles) Definitely worth checking out!
Amy B.
2 reviews
May 2015
We stayed here the night before attempting Meeker and Longs (meaning 2:30-3:00 AM departure from camp). Super convenient for that, but also super busy...and therefore loud! The caretaker is awesome, though! Just a friendly old lady who lives there
Mitch W.
10 years on Hipcamp