Best Campgrounds near Parshall, CO

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Parshall, Colorado (447)

    1. Williams Fork Reservoir

    14 Reviews
    Twin Lakes, CO
    4 miles
    Website

    $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!"

    2. Arapaho National Forest Stillwater Campground

    29 Reviews
    Grand Lake, CO
    17 miles
    Website

    $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."

    3. Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountain

    14 Reviews
    Granby, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 557-0200

    $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."

    4. Hot Sulphur Springs SWA - Joe Gerrans Unit

    6 Reviews
    Parshall, CO
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 725-6200

    "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."

    5. Williams Fork Reservoir Campground

    6 Reviews
    Parshall, CO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 893-2444

    $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."

    6. Pioneer Park

    6 Reviews
    Hot Sulphur Springs, CO
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 725-3933

    $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."

    7. Green Ridge Campground

    27 Reviews
    Grand Lake, CO
    20 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."

    "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. "

    8. Willow Creek Campground

    10 Reviews
    Granby, CO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 887-4100

    $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!"

    9. Ute Pass Dispersed Camping

    13 Reviews
    Heeney, CO
    15 miles

    "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."

    10. Stillwater Campground

    19 Reviews
    Grand Lake, CO
    17 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. "

    "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 :)"

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Recent Reviews near Parshall, CO

2698 Reviews of 447 Parshall Campgrounds


  • Susan D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    FR-302 Dispersed Camping - Rabbit Ears Pass

    Great spot

    We found a spot about a mile up 302. You hit kind of an intersection. We took the road to the right and went all the way to the end. It ends in a big loop (really big enough space for a few rvs). We pull a 33' fifth wheel and just went slow. The spot at the end was beautiful!

  • Vinny D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot

    Great spot, quiet

    Good spot, this is my second time staying here. You have to drive through a neighborhood to get to the serving road. Follow the directions on Google and you’ll be fine. The best spots are a little further back. The road will come to a Y go left. Once you go left down be hill you’ll go back up a hill and go around the curve to the right. There’s a creek on the left and great spots.

  • Vinny D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Miners Creek Rd Designated Dispersed Camping

    Great spot but have to drive a good ways back

    This is a good spot but confusing. You turn to go towards the trail. Once you get to the service road it starts at as what would look like a bike off. Yes you can drive on the path. Once you cross the road from the path you have to drive approximately 3/4 miles on trail. It’s pretty rough. I made it in my outback but I do have an Onyx XT with a 2 in suspension lift and 32’s. 2 creek crossings, rock bottom don’t be alarmed. After that there will be a sign said camping permitted passed this point. You’re good to go.

  • B R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Vail Area

    Super unfriendly town for RV

    There is no parking for RV around town in walking distance (Long Walk included). All parking only for cars.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    ESTES PARK / ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK KOA HOLIDAY

    Great Views

    This is a really nice KOA. It doesn't seem like there are any bad sites, but there are a few premium sites that would totally be worth the extra money if you are here a few days and spending evenings at camp. Amazing views from a private deck. We were next to these, and still had great views and a nice fire pit and table area.

  • Rachel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    N Boulder Creek Dispersed Camping

    2x winner

    Have now camped here twice, in June & late September, both on Friday nights, and it has been perfect. Loads of well spaced spots, secluded, gorgeous views.

  • Brittanie T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Nice Pull Off Dispersed Site

    Easy access

    Easy to access spot with plenty of parking. There is a slope around the area so will possibly need leveling blocks. Campfire ring and great views.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Beaver Park Reservoir - Dispersed

    Good overnight spot

    Stayed here overnight and car camped before going into Estes Park. There are some more private wooded spots on the way in, but these were full so we stayed in an open area further down the road where there was not much/any privacy from neighbors. Super windy in early August. Pretty good views. Moderately busy. Road in was not too bad.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Gold Lake Area Dispersed

    Great dispersed camping

    I stayed at a small spot maybe a mile further down the road from where these coordinates lead you to. There was a fire ring and it was right on the lake. My spot was just before the large spot with the uphill drive that overlooks the lake. Perfect balance of solitude and presence of distant neighbors. Road to get in is a little rough but not the worst and I even saw some sedans doing fine. Easy one hour drive into RMNP in the morning.


Guide to Parshall

Camping near Parshall, 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 campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails nearby, perfect for all skill levels. One camper mentioned, "The hiking trail to Sprague Lake is about a mile with plenty of birds and other critters" while staying at Glacier Basin Campground.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep your eyes peeled for moose and elk. A visitor at Timber Creek Campground shared, "Wonderful place. Moose in campground, and elk calling at night."
  • Fishing: The lakes around Parshall are great for fishing. One camper at Arapaho Bay Campground said, "We saw a moose in the morning drinking from the lake."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful landscapes. A review from Moraine Park Campground states, "Just beautiful and in the park so don’t deal with timed entry."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are well-maintained. A visitor at East Portal Campground noted, "Clean bathrooms, hot showers, friendly hosts."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peaceful surroundings. One reviewer at Prospector Campground mentioned, "The campground was mostly private with a lot of little trees in-between sites."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area, lack basic facilities. A camper warned, "The road is in very poor condition and there were at least 2 large piles of trash."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A visitor at Arapaho Bay Campground said, "The whole campground was full by the time we got there at 8pm on Friday."
  • Seasonal Closures: Some campgrounds have specific open dates. For example, Glacier Basin Campground is open from May 23 to September 11.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. A camper at East Portal Campground mentioned, "Big playground and not crazy expensive."
  • Plan for Wildlife: Teach kids about local wildlife. One family at Timber Creek Campground enjoyed, "We saw elk and mule deer in the campground on multiple occasions."
  • Pack Snacks and Games: Keep kids entertained. A visitor at Prospector Campground suggested, "The fam stayed here for 3 nights and we had a nice experience."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits. A camper at Peak One Campground noted, "We had no trouble fitting our 29' Class C."
  • Look for Hookups: Some campgrounds offer electric hookups. A review from Heaton Bay Campground mentioned, "The sites are nice but there is no personal hookups for water."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Arrive early to secure a spot. A visitor at Glacier Basin Campground shared, "Camping at this campground also gives you a time+ entry permit good for bear lake road."

Camping near Parshall, Colorado, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Enjoy the great outdoors!

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.