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

    $29 / 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

    $30 - $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

2091 Reviews of 307 Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG Campgrounds


  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake

    Camping near Rocky Mtn NP

    What a wonderful campground! Friendly hosts, full hookups offered, beautiful scenery and right outside the entrance to the national park!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Curt Gowdy State Park Campground

    Beautiful campground

    Great pull thru campsite and a view of the lake. Nice spacious spots with good distance between other campers.

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    vedawoo campground

    Wonderful

    Beautiful campground! Destination worthy. Lots of trails and rock formations. Pristine vault toilets. Paved sites. No hookups. Come to site with full water tanks and empty gray & black tanks. Located just of Interstate 80 between Cheyenne and Laramie.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    A. B Camping

    Noisy and crowded

    Overcrowded, noisy and tacky - certainly not worth the money. Also, the price advertised is wrong and they advertise they accept AAA and they do not. Keep driving !

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Nice view of Gold Lake

    Overlook of Gold Lake

    Beautiful camp site setup. Huge Rock fire pit. Piled firewood. At a high point with views of gold's Lake roads to site have been deactivated so it would be necessary to walk in. AT&t cell service a little bit spotty. Nice open areas up there. Roads in sight. Very secluded

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Gold Lake Roosevelt Forest dispersed camping

    Peaceful. Nobody around

    Adjacent to boundary fence line between the private Lake and the national Roosevelt Forest. Nice high spot. Well shaded. Very large fire pit for fires when they're allowed. Weak AT&T.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Poudre Canyon Road Camp

    Low key but functional

    Full disclosure: I crashed here after driving straight through eastern Wyoming so my standards may have been a little low at the time. I would have preferred to stay at Pingree but it wasn’t an option so I snagged a site here for a few nights and explored the canyon during the day. Overall I found it comfortable and quiet. The sites are spaced far enough apart for privacy. The view of the canyon isn’t spectacular; the opposing hillside is a little scruffy looking. But there are still trees and vegetation around the site so I wouldn’t call it ugly by any means. It just depends where you look I guess.

    There were a handful of flies buzzing through the campsite which my dog took great personal offense to. But otherwise it was a very mellow, low-key site. I would describe it as a serviceable alternative if your first choice is full and you are tired of driving.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Vedauwoo Wagon Road

    Great location

    I went on Labor Day weekend, it was quite busy BUT I was still able to find a spot. Need high clearance and a good off roading car to get all the way through. Also side note, turns out the road goes all the way through! Both ends go straight to a high way which is sweet. There are many animals so make sure everything is bear proof and prepared for one to come by!

    The road winds through and there are many different roads that brand off and have a bunch of sites at too

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Cottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park

    Good near city and lake access

    Clean, relatively quiet. During week not crowded. Look for a spot with a tree to park in shade. Nice path along lake. We like it while visiting Loveland with good cell coverage and close to town.


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.