Parshall, Colorado serves as a gateway to several camping areas in the Arapaho National Forest and along Williams Fork Reservoir. The Williams Fork Reservoir Campground provides established sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and toilet facilities, while lacking hookups for electricity and water. Nearby, the Hot Sulphur Springs State Wildlife Area offers free dispersed camping with more primitive conditions. Camping options range from developed sites suitable for RVs and tents at Williams Fork to more remote dispersed areas that provide greater solitude. Local campgrounds are searchable through The Dyrt's listings.
Road conditions and accessibility vary significantly throughout the region, with many dispersed sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. The camping season typically runs from May through October, with some areas closing earlier depending on weather conditions and elevation. Williams Fork Reservoir sites now require advance reservations, a change from previous years when they operated on a first-come basis. Cell service becomes limited or non-existent at many camping locations, particularly those farther from highways. "Our boys were raised camping on this lake. Great fishing, boating, kayaking, camping, and crawfishing. Make sure to reserve before getting here because there is little to no service once at the reservoir," noted one visitor about Williams Fork.
The mixed-use campgrounds around Parshall provide access to fishing, boating, and hiking opportunities. Williams Fork Reservoir attracts families seeking water recreation, while the more primitive sites in the surrounding national forest appeal to those seeking quiet and solitude. Campers frequently mention wildlife viewing opportunities, including moose sightings in the nearby Rocky Mountain National Park. Proximity to Grand Lake and Hot Sulphur Springs offers additional recreation options within a short drive. The area balances accessibility with a genuine mountain experience, though amenities are limited at most sites. Several visitors highlighted the family-friendly atmosphere of Williams Fork Reservoir, with one camper noting the excellent opportunities for "fishing, boating, kayaking, camping, and crawfishing" that make it a destination worth returning to year after year.
$27 / night
"An easy drive in from highway 40 in any size rig. This place is great it is FREE plus there are a lot of sites to choose from. "
"Has bathrooms and a road around the lake. Hiking near RMNP and Grand Lake aren’t too far!"
$32 - $73 / night
"The entire campground is basically two loops next to the water so pretty much every campsite has gorgeous view of the lake and the mountains. I visited in July of 2020 and it was beautiful."
"This campground is well-laid out and has some great views of the mountains and Lake Granby, but there are few trees, which means little to no shade and little to no windbreaks."
$51 - $350 / night
"Pool, hot tubs, bar/restaurant, general store, arcade, mini bowling alleys, lake for paddle boarding, access to fishing on the Colorado River. Views are beautiful and a very easy drive from Denver."
"There are all kinds of things to do on the grounds, plus you have quick and easy access to the Rocky Mountain National Park, Arapaho National Forest, and Roosevelt National Forest."
"The first couple of sites are close together, but if you drive further in, they space out more. Had a really good time camping close to the Colorado River."
"Nice area to set up camp and fish on the Colorado River. There is a bear-proof dumpster and a portapotty (BYO TP) available."
$15 / night
"Great because its free, but no real amenities Close to town too, close to the river, nice open spots with big trees.
Next to Colorado Open Space and SWA"
"Raising our boys in Hot Sulphur Springs right next to Pioneer Park, this camping spot is our home base."
$25 / night
"Sites this year(2023) are free even though the land is privately owned by Colorado Electric. The lake is clean. Vault toilets are clean. Sites are currently first come first serve."
$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."
"There is a boat ramp and dock The campground is nestled at the base of Shadow Mountain with the Colorado River running alongside the campground. "
$17 / night
"Willow Creek Campground is located on Lake Granby, six miles north of Granby, in north central Colorado. Great canoeing, kayaking, fishing and hiking."
"We spent that morning roaming around highway 14 near SFSP looking for moose - and found two!"
"The more popular Colorado gets, the faster these spots fill up so get up there early to lock it down! Some spots are bigger than others but all can fit groups."
"Camping spots are far away from each other."
$32 - $60 / 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. "
"The lake was amazing and the sites are somewhat distance from others. On the flip side you here the next highway, but once I was asleep I didn’t hear anything :)"
ScoutIt sucked. Was closed says till May 20th. Can do everything else but reckon can't camp there till May 20th. It didn't say that on this site. Another month then might could camp at this dump. I didn't take a picture of the locked gate. Probably should had. Just a heads up. I wasted my time so hopefully can help someone not waste their time.
LegendThis time of year the park is really quiet and you have plenty of options for camping spots. There are a lot of camping trails nearby and we went to Cub Lake for a day where we saw so much wildlife. The deer in the elk were out, turkeys were roaming, ran across a couple of woodchuck’s. All in all it was beautiful but park has vault toilets which are the worst!!
GuideStayed 2nd night on Santa Fe trail up top. Took a hike and scouted an open site further up so moved camp. This site is a less protected from wind and somewhat less private but stellar views.
GuideFound this site on my drive from Nashville to Moab for an overnight stop. Arrived shortly after sunset and was able to find the trail easily and navigate up to the site. This road definitely needs raised 4 x 4 vehicle as the switchbacks and rocks would be too much for a lower vehicle. OnX rate this trail as Green and I would agree although it’s on the higher end of Green. I arrived on a Saturday and sites filled up quickly. Vehicles arrived 10 minutes after I found this spot and turned around.
TravelerExcellent spot! Navigate in daylight! Do NOT go all the way to the coordinates if you’re in a sedan, STOP at the “entering national forest” sign. There’s plenty of camp space behind the sign. You will not make it to the coordinates. Internet service went in and out
ScoutNice spot by the resovoir - as others have said the actual water is private and difficult to get to, the camp spots do not actually have a view of the water. Nice walking routes nearby. We parked up in the open spots close to the resovoir and had to move in the night because of intense wind - pick your spot carefully! A bit of rubbish/old tents around the place which was sad!
ScoutThe mosquitoes will eat you alive.
ScoutWe found this site and several others while exploring around State Forest State Park. These sites are very remote and off grid. This specific one runs alongside Laramie River and is absolutely beautiful and peaceful. You’ll definitely need a 4X4 to get back here and be prepared to disconnect from your cell service.
TravelerTraveled down, the road head/trail head have a non flush bathroom, nice full circle roundabout, and level parking for 5-10 vehicles. Didn't go beyond the road closed sign so didn't see any of the camp sites.
Camping near Parshall, Colorado offers access to both reservoir settings and riverfront sites at elevations between 7,500-8,300 feet. The camping season typically runs May through September, though higher elevation sites open later due to snowpack. Temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night are common even in summer months, requiring layered clothing for comfort.
Fishing at multiple locations: Williams Fork Reservoir provides ample fishing opportunities for multiple species. "Beautiful ample views of the water. Very clean pit toilets are available. Some cell service, more spotty in some areas than others," notes Anne M. about Williams Fork Reservoir.
Wildlife viewing: The riverfront camping areas offer chances to observe foxes, deer, and occasionally moose. A visitor to Pioneer Park shares, "We found little clusters of aspen trees, and saw deer and foxes on an evening walk. I got up early the next morning to see if I could photograph any wildlife, and found the foxes again!"
Water recreation beyond fishing: Paddleboarding, kayaking and non-motorized boating are popular at several reservoirs. "We absolutely loved this camp ground! It was absolutely gorgeous, right on the lake, and the campsite was impeccable. It was quiet and not too crowded in mid-June," reports a visitor to Willow Creek Campground.
Easy reservoir access: Many campers appreciate the ability to camp near the water. "The lots were spread out and I was fortunate to get one right on the beach. Was great to be able to walk with the dog off leash and throw the ball on the beach without having to worry about others," mentions Eric B. about Williams Fork Reservoir Campground.
Clean facilities despite remote locations: Several campsites maintain clean restroom facilities. "The outhouses were well maintained and plenty through the area," notes Angus B., who stayed at Williams Fork.
Availability without advance planning: Some sites operate on a first-come basis. At Hot Sulphur Springs SWA, a camper reports, "There's usually plenty of spots open and it's right on the water. There's a porta potty there, which was very convenient."
New fee structures: Williams Fork Reservoir now requires payment where it was previously free. "The app says this used to be free but now you have to pay a fee that began May 22, I was very disappointed that you have to pay," notes Jess G.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be significant, particularly near water. "Beware of ticks here and be sure you bring bug spray!" adds the same visitor to Williams Fork.
Road and rail noise: Some riverfront camping areas experience train noise. At Ute Pass Dispersed Camping, a camper notes, "The river is loud, but calming, and you can still hear your friends or listen to music. Overall great spot, was also able to hammock right next to the water."
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies widely by location and provider. "There is zero T-Mobile cell signal here at all," reports a visitor to Hot Sulphur Springs SWA, while another mentions, "I was able to get a tiny bit of connection on my AT&T service."
Kid-friendly water activities: Several reservoir campsites offer shallow beach areas for children. "Our site had an outdoor kitchen area, nice firepit and chairs, and outdoor table and chairs," notes a visitor to Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountain.
Noise considerations for sleep schedules: When camping with children, consider site location relative to roads and railroad tracks. "The train was a downside as it went through twice in the night, whistle and all," reports a camper at Pioneer Park.
Entertainment options for rainy days: Some developed campgrounds offer indoor activities. "They have an amazing pool! Bowling alley, arcade, restaurant, bars (yes more than one!) they had live music," shares Kelsey C. about Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountain.
Bear safety education: All camping areas require proper food storage. "You ARE in bear country and there were no bear bins in the campground - be bear safe and bear smart, lock all of your food and toiletries inside your car at night," advises a visitor to Willow Creek Campground.
Dump station availability: Several campgrounds offer dump stations, though seasonal closures occur. "There is also a dump station that is free as well but there is NO water (not even rinse water) so bring your own," notes Laura M. about Stillwater Campground.
Generator policies: Policies vary by campground, with some restricting hours or prohibiting use entirely. "We initially started out in the cluster of sites near the boat ramp but moved because of an on-going generator user so we moved to the east side of the reservoir and were much happier!" shares a camper at Williams Fork.
Site leveling challenges: Many dispersed sites require additional preparation. "The dirt road is a bit rough and rocky but not far to get back to the sites by the river," explains a visitor to Ute Pass Dispersed Camping.
Varying electrical hookups: RV campers should verify amperage available. "We stayed in a first come first serve RV site with power and water during early season snow (the day after Labor Day!) with high winds," reports an RVer at Stillwater Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there rental cabins available in Parshall, Colorado?
Yes, rental cabins are available near Parshall, Colorado. Winding River Resort offers beautiful cabin accommodations along with family-friendly activities and direct access to the headwaters of the Colorado River. It's perfect for those who want comfortable lodging while enjoying outdoor adventures like fishing. Additionally, Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountain near Granby provides cabin rental options with modern amenities in a convenient location. Both resorts offer a good balance of comfort and wilderness access, ideal for visitors wanting to explore the Parshall area without tent camping.
Where can I find the best camping spots in Parshall, CO?
Parshall offers excellent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. Williams Fork Reservoir West Ramp is a top choice with great fishing, boating, kayaking, and family-friendly amenities. The reservoir area offers plenty of space for camping with beautiful mountain views. Another excellent option near Parshall is Williams Fork Reservoir Campground, which features reservable sites, toilet facilities, and is big-rig friendly. The area provides easy access to water recreation and scenic Colorado mountain landscapes, making it perfect for both tent camping and RV setups.
What is The Berm Pit in Parshall and can you camp there?
The Berm Pit is a local recreation area near Williams Fork Reservoir in Parshall that's primarily known among locals. While not an official designated campground, some dispersed camping may be possible in the surrounding area following Forest Service regulations. For reliable camping options near this area, consider Hot Sulphur Springs SWA - Joe Gerrans Unit, which offers drive-in access with basic toilet facilities and is free to use. Alternatively, explore Ute Pass Dispersed Camping for a more primitive experience. Always check current regulations with the local Forest Service office before camping in non-designated areas.
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