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
"We were only 17 minutes away from Adams Falls trail in RMNP. Easy hike and also beautiful."
"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."
$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."
"Easy close access to the Colorado river and the lake."
$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 :)"
TravelerThe hosts are great. Very friendly and informative. Everyone here has been a complete joy to engage with. Quiet restful nights. We will return again in the future!
TravelerWe stayed at the beginning of June, there was a creek flowing over the dirt road about 3 inches deep, could make it over with any kinda SUV.
There was a nice grassy pull off right before the creek. It could fit 4 or 5 cars, maybe a few tents. We we're the only people there all night.
There we're a couple side roads too that might have some good campsites.
TravelerThis was an okay spot for an overnight stay before heading into Rocky Mountain National park. The views are beautiful all around, though there is no shade, but that’s great for starlink or solar power needs!
There are 2 sites right after turning, we chose the second. There was a living room chair next to the fire ring lol and a pair of boots sitting a little ways away but didn’t look like anyone was actually camping there.
The road coming in was fine, easy in my minivan. There is some private land on the way in as well, so check for signs before stopping. The road to get to more sites looked a little terrifying and probably not doable for me, so I chose to skip, but I bet there are some beautiful sites.
I have AT&T and had a few bars of LTE while here.
All in all a great overnight stay, would stay here again.
TravelerThis area has several non-marked pull offs and side roads that don't have signs prohibiting camping. Most of the spots are unlevel, though the setting is great and sites are well-dispersed. Those with 22ft+ rigs or trailers should probably avoid, but small camper vans are just fine.
TravelerJust used for overnight on the way from Colorado to South Dakota. It was quiet and peaceful. Looks like good fishing.
ScoutJust up the hill and through a neighborhood. Lots of switch backs and narrow roads. Thank God I saw the review about the another guy wanting to turn around many time trees but sticking with it, because I legit hit a section in my Rav 4 that I thought I wasn’t going to make it through. To be fair I was here at dusk and I also had a cargo hitch on, which was getting tossed around on the rocks. The RAV4 made it up but highly freaked out my dogs who are fairly tolerant of this kind of stuff.
Someone was at the campsite when I got here, and I decided to pull in a private driveway across from it because there was no way I was driving back down the narrow stretch at night. (Edit: I went back down that narrow stretch later that night - it was easier on the way down)
There’s cell service with Verizon so at least I could call someone to talk me down after the not so fun adrenaline rush.
ScoutWas really looking forward to camping here but the road is still closed as of June 1, 2026.
ScoutAll the directions posted for this location are wrong as of this writing (even from CPW) and most of our group got lost trying to get here this last weekend. The actual location of the Works Ranch Group Campsite is:
307 Damascus Rd
Or for the GPS folks:
39.88139791150872,-105.45215059340553
You need to turn onto Damascus road off of Gap road, travel down about a mile and the locked gate you need to go through will be on the left. There is generally good signage from both the intersection of Mountain Base and Gap road and at the intersection of Damascus and Gap road.
Place is amazing and really secluded! Not sure how you would park 12 cars but six seemed to fit pretty well. Running water at the site is uniquely "milky" so perhaps consider bringing water from home.
Hiking wise, you are not really close to any trails but you can walk along damascus road (north) for about half a mile and hook into the raccoon trail at its low point.
GuideCampground is along the Fraiser River Trail, a local Greenway which sees a fair amount of bike and foot traffic. Easy access from the road, sites are close together. Vault toilets were well maintained. Site 19 is directly on the river, listened to the water all night.
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.
Keep Exploring
