Roosevelt National Forest

Colorado is chock-full of canyons, but the Poudre Canyon of the northern front range just might be the best of them. This is where you’ll find Ansel Watrous Campground. With sites scattered along the banks of the Poudre River, you could practically cast a line into the river and catch dinner without even leaving your tent. Amazing hikes climb up e Read more...

Jump into Chambers Lake, we dare you! Not up to the frigid dip? We don’t blame you. This mountain water is cold, even in the middle of summer! People who visit Chambers Lake Campground aren’t exactly coming to swim, however. There are no doubt a few daring ones, but you’ll find most people fishing or exploring the waters by boat. Still, it’s fun t Read more...

Spend the day scoring sweet rapids in your kayak and man, it would be SO nice to just get of the water and back to camp, right? Well Lower Narrows Campground is situated pretty dang close to the Cache La Poudre River so you won’t have to walk your tired tucas very far! These walk in sites have privacy too, so change out of your wetsuit beneath the Read more...

An oldie but a goodie, the North Forks Poudre Campground rests along the banks of the North Fork Cache la Poudre River in the thick of a lodgepole pine forest. There are hiking trails, streams for fishing, and plenty of space to braap around on the four-wheeler. Make sure you bring along plenty of drinking water for all of your rugged outdoor esca Read more...

If you’re looking for scenic views and plenty of activities, then you’ve hit the jackpot. Stove Prairie Campground offers a wide range of outdoor scenery, from dense forests to open meadows, all surrounded by steep mountain grandeur. Once you’ve enjoyed the view long enough (if that’s even possible), you can head out to fish the cool rivers, blaze Read more...

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to tell why Kelly Flats Campground is so popular. With eye-catching velvety conifers and the Cache La Poudre River running right through the grounds, it’s a one-of-a-kind fishing and relaxation destination. You’ll want to try to get there early in the week to secure a spot, as it’s first-come, first-served for bo Read more...

Keep it real and relaxed with some down-to-earth camping among the friendly lodgepole pines. Tom Bennett Campground is an older, less-visited site that nevertheless remains a favorite among regulars. Ready to accommodate tents and smaller RVs in rustic sites with tables and fire grates, Tom Bennett is a convenient stop for fishers and hikers as we Read more...

How about a big gulp for the Gulch? Because we guarantee that’s what you’ll be doing once you lock eyes on Jack Gulch’s Campground. Meadows filled with Wizard of Oz colored wildflowers, winding paths through the pines, and babbling streams perfect for fishing will have you itching to take the outdoors by storm! Stay the weekend, or more likely, st Read more...

Calling all brainiacs! BRAINard Lake Recreation Area is the place to stretch your body and mind. Whether your vice is getting lost in thought among the trails or fishing peacefully alongside a pond, Brainard is the place to be. Bring your sketchbook and draw the variety of flora and fauna! Read your favorite book against a tree. When it comes to B Read more...

Fan of the D? (Deer, you guys) Deer is only the beginning of wildlife found at Camp Dick. From deer to moose, beavers to fish, don’t forget to bring a camera to capture it all! For a more domesticated animal experience, go for a guided horseback trail ride and explore the woods. There’s plenty to do, fishing, hiking, and biking included! Camp Dick Read more...

Olive Ridge Campground has plenty of room to bring your tribe (there’s even a playground for young children) and with its location in the southeastern corner of Rocky Mountain National Park, it offers quick access to hiking trails in the Wild Basin area. It’s highly recommended to make reservations at least four days before you go and to arrive su Read more...

Bellaire Lake Campground is located in the far northern end of Roosevelt National Forest in the beautiful Red Feather Lakes region. It’s almost in Wyoming, so you know there won’t be many people up here. It’ll feel like you have the whole mountainside to yourself. Well, you might see a few other adventurous souls, but that’s because this place is Read more...

There is nothing like a gigantic party with your closest friends. Add the wildflowers of the meadows and the twisting and turning paths in the pine and you just might think Jack Gulch Group Campground is heaven. Imagine all of you and your friends hitting the trails at sunrise, fishing the nearby stream in the afternoon, and then circling the camp Read more...

Mountain Park Campground is hooked UP with amenities and it’s the perfect place to find a last minute, first-come, first-served site. There’s a little forest action, and a little meadow action here so pick your fancy, but no matter where you are in camp, you’ll be surrounded by gorgeous mountains and adjacent to the Cache La Poudre River. Fresh fi Read more...

Aspen Glen Campground is the perfect place to frolic in a mountain meadow and belt out tunes from the Sound of Music. Cause that’s what you’ve always dreamed of doing, right? Well, out here in the mountains of northern Colorado there won’t be too many people to hear you, so don’t let your self-consciousness get in the way. The roaring of the nearb Read more...

Big Bend Campground is tucked away deep in the Poudre Canyon, next to the Cache La Poudre River. Quick history tidbit: Cache La Poudre means “stash the powder” in French, which originates from the 1820s when French trappers were forced to stash their gunpowder on the banks of the river during a snowstorm. Now, instead of gunpowder, you can stash a Read more...

With only a few sites, Big South Campground is your chance to embrace the freeing feeling of mountain solitude. Here’s what you can expect—a lovely site amidst sagebrush and an open conifer forest, mere steps away from the scenic Cache La Poudre River. Scenes like this are why they invented postcards. The only thing better than looking at the scen Read more...

Cross off your entire camping bucket list at Upper Narrows Campground! This campground has anything you could dream of: canoeing, fishing, horse trails, biking, rafting, the list goes on and on. Go hans solo or bring a pal, this campground is waiting for you. Read more...

Colorado’s hottest campground is West Lake Campground and it has e-very-thing: boating, fishing, swimming and more galore! Is it a celebrity magnet? We'd like to think so! That alone should convince anyone to visit. If not, maybe the gorgeous trees and trails will. Read more...

If you’re looking to get away from your home in the city, but not all its comforts, Dutch George Flats Campground might just be the place. It’s in a flat, wide open area right off the paved highway that takes you up the Poudre Canyon, so it’s perfect for campers with a large RV or trailer. Land your house-on-wheels near the river, relax under a co Read more...

One visit to Grandview Campground and you’ll know why it got its name. Located by the west end of Long Draw reservoir, you can see clear to Rocky Mountain National Park. Just as easily find a meadow to toss a frisbee in as a forest to get lost in. This place has everything you’d hope to find in the Colorado mountains and more. Keep your eyes peele Read more...

Near Long Draw Reservoir, with on-site setups for picnicking and outdoor cooking, Long Draw Campground is close to fishing and hiking in the area but also just a great place for hanging out. With double site options, you can come along with some extra friends in tow! Just keep in mind, Long Draw has big draw, so you’ll want to show up early to sna Read more...

Lions and tigers and elephants, oh my! JK, you (unfortunately) wont find any elephants at the Sleeping Elephant Campground. However, you will find a great view of the Sleeping Elephant Mountain, which is equally as exciting. Some other great perks are the ideal fishing spots and scenic hiking trails. Read more...

With most of its sites nestled between the West and East branches of the Laramie River, plus picnicking amenities, Tunnel Campground is a favorite destination for fishers and general nature lovers. Clumps of old lodgepole pines in the area create patches of shade to stroll through while walking between your campsite and river of choice. Hikers and Read more...

Sleeping on the ground is oodles of fun… but, so is sleeping on a real mattress. Just 75 miles from Fort Collins, this quaint cabin beckons you to visit the open land it sits on. If you aren’t sure how you’ll spend your time, how does this itinerary sound? Rise with the sun and meander through the dense forest and down to Stub Creek, a quick walk Read more...

Normally we’re all gung-ho and positive about the campgrounds on this site, but we’re going to shoot straight with you on this one. Browns Park was once set in a beautiful forest of lodgepole pine, but recently that forest has been devastated by the dreaded mountain pine beetle, forcing the cutting down of many dead trees. You can expect a more op Read more...

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Peaceful Valley Campground—if the name alone isn’t enough to entice the work-weary, a quick description about the setting will. Situated in a glacial valley next to Middle St. Vrain Creek, this campground as pretty as it is peaceful. Forest-covered mountains rise around you in every direction, and a wide variety of wildlife will likely be sharing Read more...

You probably won’t find Leslie Knope here (cue sad sigh) BUT Pawnee Campground in Colorado shares the same spirit that Leslie would love! With pond fishing, canoeing, and hiking trails amongst the beautiful spruce and fir trees—wait actually keep an eye out for Ron Swanson; this seems right up his alley! There is much to explore in the beautiful c Read more...

Howdy, Dowdy Lake! The western vibes of this place just brought out our inner cowboy. Dowdy Lake Campground embodies the heart of the west—wild and free. For the full experience, find yourself a horse to explore this beautiful country. You’ll discover lakes, groves of aspen trees and wildflower-covered meadows. And being in the Red Feather Lakes a Read more...

What better way to spend a weekend than with Kelly Dahl! With outdoor activities right outside your tent, Kelly Dahl Campground is a magical escape for the family. Kids can exhaust themselves on the playground and parents can relax by the campfire, getting s’mores all ready to go! There are trails and a reservoir nearby begging to be explored. Rem Read more...

A little ways west from the hippie mountain town of Nederland, Colorado lies Rainbow Lakes Campground. A popular spot for Boulderites seeking a more rustic mountain getaway, this campground provides a satisfyingly remote experience. Pack up your poles—fishing and hiking—because there are excellent opportunities for both up here. If you stay a whil Read more...