Dispersed camping near Grand Lake, Colorado offers access to the western side of Rocky Mountain National Park at an elevation of approximately 8,400 feet. The area features a mix of alpine meadows, dense forests, and high mountain lakes where temperatures can drop into the 40s even during summer nights. Stillwater Pass provides free primitive camping sites along Forest Road 123 with limited facilities and no reservations required.
What to do
Wildlife viewing from campsites: At Timber Creek Campground, elk frequently visit the grounds. "We have seen moose and elk just yards away from our tent. When the sun goes down you can see millions of stars," reports Kelsey W. The campground's location on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park makes it ideal for wildlife spotting.
Fishing opportunities: Arapaho Bay Campground sits right on Lake Granby with excellent shoreline access. "Kayaking and swimming in Lake Grandby and hiking nearby areas was a lot of fun," mentions Amber Z. Campers can often fish directly from sites near the shoreline.
Trail access without driving: Several campgrounds connect directly to hiking trails. "I didn't have to take my car to trailheads - hiked nearly 20 miles of low traffic trails with the trailhead right across from my site," notes a camper at Green Ridge Campground. Many trails outside the national park boundaries welcome dogs, making them ideal for pet owners.
What campers like
Family-friendly animal encounters: Winding River Resort offers unique animal interactions outside typical wildlife viewing. "The animals were adorable. Horseback riding was fun, staff was friendly. Horses, and a donkey walk around like they own the place," explains Jona R. Children especially enjoy the petting zoo and watching horses roam the grounds.
Lake views and water access: Many campers appreciate Stillwater Campground's location right on Lake Granby. "Really awesome views and close to the west entrance of the Rocky Mountain National Park. Spacious sites, we had water view which we all enjoyed," states Olaf I. The campground provides easy boat and shoreline access.
Star viewing opportunities: The lack of city lights creates exceptional night skies. "When the sun goes down you can see millions of stars," mentions a Timber Creek camper. Several campsites in the area offer unobstructed views of the night sky, with some campers reporting seeing the Northern Lights on clear nights.
What you should know
Limited shade at many sites: The pine beetle infestation and forest fires have affected tree coverage. "The pine beetle infestation has left the campground with virtually no mature trees, so noise carries easily and there's no privacy," notes Brent K. about Timber Creek. Bring portable shade structures and extra sunscreen during summer months.
Bear precautions vary by campground: While all areas require proper food storage, the storage options differ. "Each site had shared bear lockers for storing food," mentions Quentin C., while other campgrounds provide individual bear boxes. Always check specific bear management requirements before arrival.
Weather changes rapidly: The high elevation means quick temperature shifts. "Both times in June. I gave four stars because to get 5 from me it has to be truly spectacular. Both visits we have had rain every day around 5-8 PM, temps in mid 40s at night," reports a Glacier Basin Campground visitor. Pack layers and rain gear regardless of season.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with kids' amenities: Some campgrounds offer extra features for children. "Playground was small and looked nice. There's a bocce ball court with a basketball hoop," mentions a Winding River Resort visitor. This resort also provides scheduled activities like ice cream socials and chuckwagon breakfasts.
Look for calm water access: Families appreciate safe swimming areas. "The views were amazing! The lake is calm and perfect for beginner kayakers," notes a visitor to East Portal Campground. Shallow shorelines at several campgrounds allow for safer water play.
Book early for summer weekends: Family-friendly sites fill quickly. "We were looking for first come first serve sites, as there was nothing available to book the week before our visit," shares Grace K. about Arapaho Bay. For summer visits, especially during weekends, reservations are essential at reservable campgrounds.
Tips for RVers
Size restrictions matter: Many campgrounds limit RV length. "There is a limit of 35 feet for RV/Trailer length," points out Judy B. regarding Glacier Basin campground. Always check specific length restrictions before booking.
Limited hookup options: Full hookups are scarce in national forest and park campgrounds. "Big note: our observation is Loop A and Loop B are esthetically like 2 different campgrounds. Trees being older in Loop A we had much more privacy & beauty in Loop A," advises Michele A. about Green Ridge Campground, showing how site selection affects the camping experience.
Seasonal road conditions: The mountain roads can challenge larger rigs. "Be warned: road in across the dam is ROUGH to the point of hazard, and lacks guardrail. Significant safety concern for others or those with large or unwieldy vehicles," warns Chris E. about access to certain camping areas. Check road conditions before arrival, especially during shoulder seasons.
