Quiet mornings at West Lake campground bring the sounds of anglers working the shoreline, a reliable signal that this small US Forest Service campground in camping spots around Red Feather Lakes draws a consistent crowd of fishing-focused visitors. Set within Roosevelt National Forest, the campground sits directly at the edge of West Lake, and most sites look out over the water. Sites are large and shaded, spaced out enough that neighbors rarely feel close. Note that swimming is not permitted in the lake.
The camp hosts here have a strong reputation. Multiple reviewers mention clean vault toilets and well-maintained sites, with hosts observed actively cleaning between guests. Eight sites are first-come, first-served; the remainder require reservations, which fill quickly. Sabrina S. notes it's "hard to get a spot here unless you reserve a spot 6 months ahead." Sites 16 and 17, nearest the entrance, are smaller than most. A trail runs along the lake's edge, and a nearby store carries a solid selection of supplies. Campers exploring campgrounds around Roosevelt National Forest will find additional options in the area, including Arapaho-Roosevelt/Dowdy Lake roughly half a mile north.
Electric hookups and flat parking make the campground workable for RVs up to 40 feet. Cell service is available. The access road has drawn some rough-road comments, so check conditions before arriving, especially early in the season. The campground runs from late May through late September, and given how competitive reservations are, booking as early as the system allows is strongly advisable.
Description
Overview
West Lake Campground is located 48 miles northwest of Fort Collins, in north central Colorado, near the village of Red Feather Lakes. Visitors enjoy the area for its canoeing, fishing and trail opportunities.
Recreation
Canoeing and fishing are popular activities on the 25-acre, no-wake West Lake. Anglers cast for rainbow and lake trout. Several additional lakes are in the vicinity. Many hiking, biking and horseback riding trails are in the surrounding area, including the 1.5-mile West Lake Trail and 4-mile Mount Margaret Trail. Several off-road vehicle trails are located within five miles of the campground. Other popular activities include viewing wildlife and visiting nearby Redfeather Visitor Center.
Facilities
The campground offers 31 accessible single- and double-family campsites, with electric hookups. Five additional sites are designated for tent camping only and do not have hookups. Each site contains a tent pad, picnic table and campfire ring with grill. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Firewood may be gathered in the forest or purchased from the campground host.
Natural Features
The campground is situated in a ponderosa pine forest, on the shore of West Lake, at an elevation of 8,200 feet. Afternoon thunderstorms can be expected during spring and summer months. Due to the mountain pine beetle infestation and removal of hazardous trees, some sites have reduced shade.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (530) 529-0578.
Nearby Attractions
The small village of Red Feather Lakes is nearby, offering limited dining options, gift shops, general stores, a library, post office and golf course.
Charges & Cancellations
Modifications for this campground must be made through Recreation.gov or by calling the call center at 1-877-444-6777 PRIOR to your reservation start date. Customers and contact center agents cannot modify reservations on or after the check-in date.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
STAGE 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT: Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 551 and 36 C.F.R. 261.50(a), the following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland.1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal barbecue, or grill, except if using a device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device. 36 CFR 261.52(a)2. Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building. 36 CFR 261.52(d)3. Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame. 36 CFR 261.52(h)4. Using an explosive. 36 C.F.R. 261.52(b)5. Possessing or using a motor vehicle off NFS roads, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the motor vehicle. 36 CFR 261.56.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsWest Lake is located in Colorado near Red Feather Lakes
Directions
From Fort Collins, take Highway 287 north approximately 24 miles to Livermore. Turn west on County Road 74 and continue 24 miles to the campground.
Coordinates
40.7887028 N
105.5684639 W
Connectivity
T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 11 usersLast on 7/14/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 23 usersLast on 7/14/26
AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/14/26
Connectivity
- T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 11 usersLast on 7/14/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 23 usersLast on 7/14/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/14/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 50 min from Fort Collins, CO
- 1 hr 6 min from Cheyenne, WY
- 1 hr 15 min from Greeley, CO
- 1 hr 38 min from Boulder, CO
