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Best Campgrounds near Grand Lake, CO

2,839 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Grand Lake, Colorado (443)

    1. Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    91 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    14 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. Glacier Basin Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    60 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

    38 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. Green Ridge Campground

    27 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."

    5. 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."

    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. Winding River Resort

    20 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."

    8. East Portal Campground at Estes Park

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

    $45 - $80 / 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."

    9. Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite

    19 Reviews
    Grand Lake, CO
    4 miles
    Website

    "Very close to Grand Lake and Rocky Mountain National Park. Didn’t look like there were too many spots but the spots I did see were nice. Had no trouble finding a spot on a Sunday evening"

    "Great site and location about 10 minutes from downtown Grand Lake. The sites had tons of space and a great view of the mountains."

    10. Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake

    46 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    17 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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Grand Lake, CO

1037 Photos of 443 Grand Lake Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Grand Lake, CO

2839 Reviews of 443 Grand Lake Campgrounds

  • B S.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Idlewild Campground

    Fall stay

    Stayed two nights with my sons. Grabbed one of the walk-in sites Friday at 1pm.

    Pros: Availability (one of the only sites in Winter Park), beautiful surroundings

    Cons: Right next to the highway so traffic (trains at times) can be heard at all hours of the night, most walk-in sites don't have a tent pad

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite

    Great view of the Lake + porta-potty

    We took a left at the fork and found a site with the best view and a porta-john at the end of the driveway. The site appears to have been freshly cleared. There were lots of twigs and rocks and no grass, so it became a muddy mess as soon as the rain began. Site had plenty of space and a good amount was flat. No fire ring, but there was a burn ban anyways. Nice and secluded but could still hear the neighbors a bit but it wasn’t bothersome. Gunfire and ATVs were much louder but stopped around sundown. Would go back to this site.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Fall River Reservoir Dispersed Camping Trail

    Camp camp camp

    Went on a bit of a rainy weekend so it got super cold at night. The roads are super rocky as you get up to the reservoir and with the rain there were some large puddles but with the right vehicle should be all good. The views were amazing and the hike up is so pretty. So many great sites all the way up to the reservoir as well.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    Great spot, right on the water

    High clearance 4x4 recommended but could be doable without if you’re an experienced driver. Beautiful lakes and some campsites are right on the water. Only one other person camping on a Wednesday night. There is currently a fire ban so be sure to respect our forests and be updated.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Chief Hosa Campground

    I-70 off-ramp camping

    The campground is unfortunately too close to the highway and the noise makes it difficult to sleep or relax. Nice parking spot if you need to see the sights for a day or two.

  • 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!

  • Trish M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    Absolutely beautiful

    My husband and I are addicted to dispersed camping 🏕 and every weekend, we try to go somewhere different. This place was beautiful beyond words! The road getting there really wasn't bad, but you do need a little ground clearance. We got in around 9 pm, so it was dark, and we didn't know where we were, so there was a spot open right as you get to the top that we parked in. The moon was so bright we could see the mountains around us and could even see the like big of snow up there. Woke up the next morning and fell in love with our spot, so we stayed. We decided to take a walk around the lake and check out the upper lake. Definitely loved it here. Will be back for sure.

  • 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

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

When is the best time of year to camp at Grand Lake, Colorado?

The prime camping season at Grand Lake runs from late June through early September, with July and August being the busiest months. Willow Creek Campground fills quickly during this peak summer period, particularly after July 4th when many campgrounds in the area reach capacity. For those seeking a quieter experience, consider late May to mid-June or September when temperatures remain pleasant but crowds thin considerably. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, with Moraine Park Campground visitors noting occasional summer rain showers that typically pass quickly. Fall brings spectacular color but cooler temperatures, especially at night. Winter camping is available in some areas but requires proper cold-weather gear and experience, as services are limited and many roads may be inaccessible.

Where are the best campgrounds in Grand Lake, Colorado?

Grand Lake offers several excellent campgrounds for your Colorado adventure. Timber Creek Campground is ideally located within Rocky Mountain National Park, adjacent to the Colorado River and close to both the Kauwuneeche Visitor Center and Grand Lake town. It features running water, sinks, and toilets. For those seeking resort amenities, Winding River Resort provides spacious sites with water and electric hookups, clean bathrooms with warm showers, and numerous onsite activities including a popular pancake breakfast. Other notable options include Green Ridge Campground, which offers quiet sites and clean facilities just minutes from Grand Lake, and Stillwater Campground, which provides easy access to Lake Granby for water recreation.

Is tent camping available at Grand Lake, Colorado?

Yes, tent camping is widely available around Grand Lake. Moraine Loop Campground offers excellent tent-friendly sites with level areas specifically designated for tents alongside picnic areas. The campground provides clean vault toilets though lacks water fill stations or shower facilities. For a more immersive nature experience, Primitive Sites — State Forest State Park offers excellent backpacking opportunities along the American Lakes Trail with dispersed camping options. This area is renowned for its moose population and scenic beauty. Other tent-friendly options include Willow Creek Campground and Green Ridge Campground, both offering quiet surroundings and basic facilities. Most campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV camping, though tent campers should check site dimensions when making reservations.

What activities can you do while camping at Grand Lake?

Grand Lake offers abundant recreation opportunities for campers. Water activities dominate the scene, with Arapaho Bay Campground providing spectacular lake access for swimming, fishing, and paddling, plus frequent wildlife sightings including moose, bald eagles, and bears. Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate Stillwater Campground as a jumping-off point for numerous trails into Rocky Mountain National Park. The area boasts excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly moose watching in the mornings. Grand Lake town is just a short drive from most campgrounds, offering dining and shopping options. For those seeking elevation and mountain views, the dispersed sites along NFSR 120 provide panoramic vistas overlooking both Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Lake.

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