Best Campgrounds near Grand Lake, CO

Grand Lake in Colorado sits right next to Rocky Mountains and the Colorado River, making it a great camping spot. Moraine Park Campground inside Rocky Mountain National Park has good trails and chances to see wildlife while you camp. Arapaho Bay Campground near Lake Granby gives you shady sites with some privacy between them. Green Ridge Campground puts you close to Shadow Mountain Lake and has a boat ramp if you want to get on the water. Watch out for moose and bears in this area - you'll need to store your food properly. Some campgrounds have flush toilets and drinking water, while others are more basic. The views around here are really beautiful, which is why so many people come to camp. Summer gets crowded, so book your spot early if you can. You can hike, fish, or just hang out and enjoy nature at any of the campgrounds around Grand Lake.

Best Camping Sites Near Grand Lake, Colorado (418)

    1. Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    89 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 586-1206

    $30 - $60 / 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. Glacier Basin Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    56 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 586-1206

    $35 - $70 / night

    "A short hike takes you to sprague lake or the park and ride shuttle to bear lake area. The shuttle does come into the camp, but due to construction it was easier to walk over to the park and ride."

    "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."

    3. Timber Creek Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    35 Reviews
    Grand Lake, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 586-1206

    $35 / night

    "The campground is adjacent to the Colorado River, close to the Kauwuneeche Visitor Center and Grand Lake! There are plenty of bathrooms, and they have running water with sinks and toilets."

    "Bathrooms are available within easy walking distance of each camping area."

    4. Arapaho National Forest Stillwater Campground

    28 Reviews
    Grand Lake, CO
    6 miles
    Website

    $32 - $73 / night

    "This CG is a great location to enjoy activities on Lake Granby with an onsite marina and nice beaches. "

    "Nice drive on Trail Ridge Road to Rocky Mountain National Park. The town of Grand Lake is nearby and a nice place to visit."

    5. Green Ridge Campground

    25 Reviews
    Grand Lake, CO
    3 miles
    Website

    $29 - $88 / night

    "Our campsite was great and pretty quiet, kind of tucked away from people. The pit toilets were really clean. Very close to Grand Lake for dining."

    "Green Ridge is a great little campground to stay at to enjoy everything that Grand Lake has to offer. Just a short (10 min) drive into historic Grand Lake to the north, with Granby 20 mins south."

    6. Arapaho Bay Campground

    31 Reviews
    Grand Lake, CO
    10 miles
    Website

    $29 - $58 / night

    "The sunsets were amazing, we saw a moose in the morning drinking from the lake. Plenty of trails, and being right on the water kept us busy all day."

    "Nice sized spaces, many sites close to the water, good wildlife sittings (moose, bald eagles, bear) beautiful large lake with Colorado River headwaters, near town of Grand Lake and entrance to Rocky Mt"

    7. East Portal Campground at Estes Park

    40 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 586-4188

    $35 - $50 / night

    "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."

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

    8. Winding River Resort

    17 Reviews
    Grand Lake, CO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 627-3215

    $40 - $60 / night

    "This campsite is only minutes from Grand Lake so you can go to town fairly easily. I would come back here again."

    "If you enjoy trout fishing, be sure to explore the North Fork of the Colorado River that flows through the southend of the property."

    9. Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake

    44 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 577-1026

    $20 - $55 / 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."

    10. Stillwater Campground

    19 Reviews
    Grand Lake, CO
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 887-4100

    $5 / night

    "I would imagine that this location is heavily trafficked during the summer months due to its proximity to the water and the surrounding towns. "

    "Great location between grand lake and grandby, trees are young, but the whole area has this problem. The beach is amazing our kiddo threw rocks and explored all day!"

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Recent Reviews near Grand Lake, CO

2610 Reviews of 418 Grand Lake Campgrounds



Guide to Grand Lake

Camping near Grand Lake, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning views and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Rocky Mountain National Park. Many campers rave about the easy access to trails, with one reviewer noting, "The hiking trail to Sprague Lake is about a mile with plenty of birds and other critters."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for moose and elk. A camper at Timber Creek Campground shared, "Wonderful place. Moose in campground, and elk calling at night."
  • Fishing: The lakes around Grand Lake are perfect for fishing. One visitor mentioned, "We saw a moose in the morning drinking from the lake," highlighting the area's natural beauty.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers love the breathtaking views. A reviewer at Glacier Basin Campground said, "Great campground with beautiful views of the mountains!"
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are well-maintained. A visitor at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake noted, "Common bathroom, shower, dish and clothes washing facilities centrally located, clean and well maintained."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peaceful environment. One reviewer at Moraine Park Campground mentioned, "Chilly, clear starry night. Tall trees. Close to town but quiet."

What you should know:

  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds have specific seasons. For example, Glacier Basin Campground is open from May 23 to September 11, so plan accordingly.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A camper at Timber Creek Campground pointed out, "Restroom is rustic and functional with dish washing sink."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Expect busy campgrounds in summer. A visitor at Moraine Park Campground mentioned, "It's a bit overcrowded."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. A reviewer at East Portal Campground said, "Big playground and not crazy expensive."
  • Plan for Wildlife: Keep an eye on kids and pets. One camper at Timber Creek Campground noted, "We saw elk and mule deer in the campground on multiple occasions."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring extra blankets and layers. A visitor at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake mentioned, "It gets windy in the afternoon."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Golden Gate Canyon State Park - Reverend's Ridge Campground said, "Choose your loop carefully."
  • Look for Hookups: Some campgrounds offer electric hookups. A camper at Deer Creek Campground noted, "Great place to RV camp with a good amount of hookups and showers/bathrooms on site."
  • Be Prepared for Road Noise: Some sites are near busy roads. A visitor at Timber Creek Campground mentioned, "There’s a bit of road noise from trail ridge road traffic."

Camping near Grand Lake, Colorado, is a fantastic way to enjoy nature, but it's good to be prepared. With the right planning, you can have a memorable outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Grand Lake, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Grand Lake, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 418 campgrounds and RV parks near Grand Lake, CO and 140 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Grand Lake, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Grand Lake, CO is Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 89 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Grand Lake, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 140 free dispersed camping spots near Grand Lake, CO.

What parks are near Grand Lake, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Grand Lake, CO that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.