Idlewild Campground

Some highlights:

- plenty of trees, nice and shady

- some sites are close to the river/creek; you can walk right from your site through some trees and bushes and get to the water

Some lowlights:

- right on the bike path (could be a pro or a con though)

- right off the highway

- next to the highway on the other side is a fairly busy train track. Most of the trains that went by didn't blow their horns, but a few did, even as it was getting later in the evening.

Other points/advice:

- one pro about the bike path (for me personally) was that you are within walking distance to Winter Park. Once you get out of the woods though, it is all sun...

- if you buy firewood from the camp host, you have to load/stack your own wood. It is not already bundled. The host has you load a bin and whatever you can fit is considered a bundle. **PRO TIP** load the wood vertically ;)

- mosquitos were fairly bad, but they have also had a lot more rain than usual so take that as you will :)

Campsite #18 was perfect for my group of 8 people. Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring. This campsite was away from almost all the other sites with the most privacy. Site #18 is on the south side of the campground located along the Fraser River which has a nice sound to it. The site also sits on the Fraser River trail that is paved and runs into town. Site #18 is conveniently located about 100 ft from the outhouse. This is a paid campground. 

Campsite map: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3838641.pdf

$22 a night with many campsites. We got there around 3 pm and there were a few campsites left with varying layouts and proximity to the amenities. We had no problems and didn't need 4x4 to get there.

Some spots are close to the road so heard the traffic all day and night. It’s first come so that’s nice some spots don’t fit a tent. Host are great people. Restrooms are clean.

We were looking for a nice campground for one night that was first come first serve. This worked out perfect. they have areas you can refill water and toilets. It is a little close to the highway but we didn't mind that. it was quiet and everyone was super friendly and the toilets were clean. The river was nice and the kids got to play near it and check it all out and hike around. I will defiantly come back.

I love this site! It’s about an hour from Denver. Great first come first serve. By a creek, we saw a variety of wildlife including deer and a moose. Has some trails around. It’s free, first come first serve, nice flat ground for tents. Just outside of winter park if you need to run to town. No amenities.

Extremely convenient to Winter Park activities and close to downtown. Right off of the main highway into town so it is quite noisy compared to other campgrounds in the area. Set in the woods, no real views of the nearby mountains. No water onsite, portable restrooms only. Would recommend some of the other campgrounds in the area over this one due to noise and proximity to the highway. Specifically, Saint Louis Campground has amazing views (although it is a bit further away from town), but is secluded and offers a most rustic and remote camping experience (while still only being 15 minutes away from amenities).