Camping near Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG, CO has a lot to offer. Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Camping Sites Near Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG (307)

    1. Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    91 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 586-1206

    $35 - $70 / night

    "Took the kids camping in Colorado for the first time and we had a blast. It rained on us a lot but it didn't stop us. Took a great hike up deer mountain....stunning views. Can't wait to go back."

    "Very enjoyable spot, close access to trails and entrance and exit of the park."

    2. Upper and Lower Ansel Watrous Campgrounds

    25 Reviews
    Livermore, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6700

    $20 / night

    "There is a hairpin switchback to get into the lower loop and the website states that it is not accessible to trailers longer than 20 feet."

    "Fees: $23.00 standard single $7.00 for 3rd vehicle  Reservations: 877-444-6777 or recreation.gov 

    Out of season: FCFS 

    Firewood for sale by camp host located at Upper Ansel Watrous Campground."

    3. Mountain Park

    15 Reviews
    Red Feather Lakes, CO
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6700

    $41 - $185 / night

    "There are many places for multiple groups to be near each other, and reservations usually fill up."

    "They have done a lot of work on the sites and surroundings. Family oriented and nice playground for them to play on."

    4. Dutch George Campground

    16 Reviews
    Red Feather Lakes, CO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6700

    $25 - $50 / night

    "Beautifully placed right at the curve of the Poudre, there is a short walking trail next to it,a perfect hammock place in a shallow runoff, a spot to tether tubes or paddleboards in an eddy, a picnic table"

    "The drive into the Poudre Canyon is a beautiful one. We camped Thursday to Sunday. Spots are scarce and were full by Friday mid day. Some sights have shade, some do not."

    5. Dowdy Lake Campground

    23 Reviews
    Red Feather Lakes, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 295-6700

    $30 - $81 / night

    "Clean bathrooms, sites spread out nicely and lake access for paddleboarding. Unique Colorado location."

    "First time there was around 1978. Been our favorite since. The lake is magnificent, complete with islands, giant boulders, and peaceful beyond belief."

    6. Glacier Basin Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    60 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 586-1206

    $35 - $70 / night

    "Firewood sold next to the entrance by the same husband and wife that have been selling firewood there for 35 years. There is a shed full of firewood."

    "The spaces are large, but quite close to one another with few trees for privacy. Each site here is variable, with some open with no trees and others nestled in some mature trees."

    7. Kelly Flats Campground

    11 Reviews
    Red Feather Lakes, CO
    3 miles
    Website

    "Big picnic table, bear-proof food box, close to river."

    "The spots were well spaced, so I didn't feel like we were uncomfortably close to our neighbors. The campgrounds were well kept, and the guests were pretty quiet. I would definitely make a trip back!"

    8. Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake

    46 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 964-7806

    $45 - $70 / night

    "There’s access to a small playground for kids. The pool looked nice, the lake is right across the road. Overall a good campsite."

    "Since there was construction going on at the national park campgrounds and none were available, we found Mary’s Lake to be a great alternative to take our chances at camping in the park."

    9. Aspenglen Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    23 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 586-1206

    $35 / night

    "I got a walk-in site, and, besides not having trees perfectly situated for my hammock, I had no complaints - secluded, quiet, well-maintained, beautiful scenery, plenty of bear lockers, easy park access"

    "Loved the location inside Rocky. We were lucky to get two nights from cancellations and were happy even though we had 2 different sites so had to move."

    10. East Portal Campground at Estes Park

    40 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 964-7806

    $45 - $80 / night

    "The bathrooms were clean, and close to almost every site. They had a very nice playground for the kids with a climbing wall."

    "Estes Park Campground at East Portal is a short drive away from both RMNP and the city of Estes Park, so you are nearby everything."

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Recent Reviews near Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG

2119 Reviews of 307 Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG Campgrounds


  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    St. Vrain State Park Campground

    Great Stop Through State Park

    We were surprised how nice this was. Great little walks around ponds with Mountain View’s in the background. Only stayed a night on way to Tetons, but definitely was a surprise of the trip being right off the high. Would definitely use this as a stop again.

  • Haley B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Walden Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    Great place for one night, confusing if you show up at night!

    We ended up driving too far and just parking next to the lake for the night to camp. Lots of dirt trails near the lake, maybe not for camping but we showed up after driving 6 hours. The gps takes you past the 2 visible pulloffs that would be great for campers

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Comanche Peak View Campground

    Solitude

    Great spot near Red Feather Lakes and probably the only dispersed spot around that has AT&T service. Nobody else was here while I was camping and hardly anyone drove by, it’s pretty far out here. Good views at the end of the road of the meadow if you can make it up, other wise the lower spots have some cool rock formations to check out.

    Highly recommend for car camping instead of trailers or RVs, though it is do-able. I came up here with a small off-road trailer just fine, and my family made it up with a 25ft RV but did bottom out at the first turn into the campsite as it is really rutted (short tho). If you come in, come in through Red Feather Lakes on 74E, that way you only have 8 miles of dirt road. Otherwise if you come in from the north it’s like 20 miles + of dirt and gravel, not anything bad but it is washboard-y.

    Also go check out Elf Lane (Illy road) in Red Feather if you like weird stuff 🤓

  • L
    Oct. 16, 2025

    LaVern M. Johnson Park

    Downtown Lyons

    Nice campground downtown Lyons and on the river. Full hookups. Tents sites right next to the river. Slow and not reliable wifi but 5G. Showers nearby closed and further showers you need to pay for. Very nice camp host. I will return.

  • Caleb A.
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Pole Mountain Dispersed Camping

    good place

    everything was good about the campsite, quiet, respectful, other campers, except for the drive to the actual site, road was good in some portions but in others I had a hard time with some bigger bumps and getting in, scraped in some portions, ended up parking on one of the first few because of that, have a x5,

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Forest Road 703C

    Secluded Dispersed Camping Site off 80

    There are lots of places to set up camp here with many different fire pits to enjoy. The views at the top are phenomenal!

  • Ken B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Hermits Hollow Campground — Hermit Park

    Nice campground

    The sites are spacious and far enough apart. Not much for views but the place was clean and the staff very welcoming. Close to the park and t-shirt shopping in Estes Park.

  • A
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Manor RV Park

    Location Excellent - Campground and showers OK

    The campground is extremely conveniently located and in a pretty area. The campground itself is just ok. Super close together spaces and zero privacy at sites. Nice concrete pads to park beside to help with mud and tracking so that was nice. Each site has its own picnic table. The shower house was centrally located within the grounds. The women's side entrance wasn't very well lit at night. There are no private changing areas in the shower house, except the handicap stall, which I am not a fan of. Water wasn't very hot even on straight hot.

    Men's side was even less private my husband said.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Forest Service Road 700 Designated Dispersed Camping

    Amazing First Time in WY!

    Coming from CO, I was able to cross off another US state in only a 2 hour drive. This spot is great for groups! I was by myself and it’s early October so I figured I could get a spot at 4pm on Friday. Plenty were available, road goes forever with (I heard over 90+ dispersed spots) and easily accessible for RVs and trailers, just gotta go slow, not rocky just washboardy in spots. Many sweet rock formations, a little creek for water for the fire, and plenty of dead wood (just make sure u get a permit online I think if u wana take any home right?) - I cleaned up a good amount of small trash left in my area from previous campers like nails and glass, but other than a couple things it was very clean and every spot looked like it was respected!! (Just things I think got blown into the rocks at night and campers didn’t see it the next morning) - would go back, every spot is far from others and the rocks def help with the wind and noise. Far from highway but right off it so it’s easy to get to road if needed. One gas station about 15 mins down the road between Cheyenne. Pack in and pack out! Will be going back one day!


Guide to Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG

Camping near Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG, Colorado, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're a tent camper or an RVer, there are great spots to set up camp and enjoy the beauty of the Rockies.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the many trails in the area. Campers at Timber Creek Campground mention, "There’s a bit of road noise from trail ridge road traffic but we didn't think it was too bad. Views are great."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for moose and elk. One visitor at Timber Creek Campground shared, "Moose in campground, and elk calling at night."
  • Fishing: If you’re near water, fishing can be a relaxing way to spend your time. Campers at Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed noted, "The view is beautiful," even if fishing access can be limited.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Many campers rave about the beautiful landscapes. A reviewer at Glacier Basin Campground said, "Great campground with beautiful views of the mountains!"
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and well-maintained sites are a big plus. One camper at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake mentioned, "Clean bathrooms with hot pay showers which are $2 for 6 minutes."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peacefulness of the campgrounds. A visitor at East Portal Campground said, "Quiet, no generators heard as big rigs won’t fit!"

What you should know:

  • Crowded Spots: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak season. A reviewer at Moraine Park Campground noted, "It's a bit overcrowded."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have showers or electric hookups. Campers at Glacier Basin Campground mentioned, "Restrooms were clean. Their time actuated lights makes the campground dark if no one is using the head."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A camper at Timber Creek Campground shared, "The elk never bothered us but it was a bit nerve-racking in the moment because elk are still huge wild animals."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. One reviewer at East Portal Campground mentioned, "Big playground and not crazy expensive."
  • Space Between Sites: Choose campgrounds that offer some distance between sites for privacy. A camper at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake noted, "Sites are spread out a bit if also a little small."
  • Activities for Kids: Look for nearby hiking trails and fishing spots to keep the little ones entertained. Campers at Cottonwood Campground enjoyed the "swim beach, playgrounds, close to stores for supplies."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Glacier Basin Campground mentioned, "Sites are reasonably well separated."
  • Prepare for Limited Hookups: Many campgrounds don’t have electric hookups. Campers at Moraine Park Campground noted, "NO electric hookups."
  • Plan for Road Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A visitor at Timber Creek Campground said, "There’s a bit of road noise from trail ridge road traffic but we didn't think it was too bad."

Camping near Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG, Colorado, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot for your next outdoor getaway!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG?

According to TheDyrt.com, Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG offers a wide range of camping options, with 307 campgrounds and RV parks near Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG and 104 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG is Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 91 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG?

What parks are near Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG that allow camping, notably Rocky Mountain National Park and Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland.