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 (448)

    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. Pioneer Park

    7 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."

    5. 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."

    6. 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."

    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

2715 Reviews of 448 Parshall Campgrounds


  • cThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 12, 2025

    Meadows Campground

    Very peaceful near steamboat

    Stayed here two nights when visiting steamboat springs! Hiked up rabbit ears peak, visited some distillery and breweries in town, and relaxed with very few neighbors! We stayed a few days after 4th of July and had no issue finding an open spot. It is pay when you arrive first come first serve and you must have exact cash! I think the amount was something like $12-14 a night but I can’t recall! Sites weren’t too close to each other, easy access. Pit toilets only

  • cThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 12, 2025

    McCullough Gulch Designated Dispersed Camping

    Quandary peak base camp

    Stayed here the night before hiking up quandary peak! It was perfect, did some exploring and found multiple waterfalls on the side of the mountain! Need a 4x4 to get to the furthest campsites but could possibly get to the first couple without one. No room for an rm but maybe a pop up or small bumper pull! Warm during the day but got to the 30s at night!

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 8, 2025

    Hell Canyon Dispersed

    4WD NOT RECOMMENDED ITS REQUIRED

    You WILL get stuck if you drive a FWD car. you NEED a 4WD to get out to this spot because of the entrance road

  • Haley L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 7, 2025

    fall river reservoir

    Beautiful dispersed camping

    There’s a lot of tent only suitable areas for camping past where the road stops that goes deeper into the forest along the lake here. Definitely very peaceful. Did an overnight here with my tent. Lots of spots to camp that aren’t just near the road. You’ll see the trail that takes you to different spots. As other reviews say, it’s highly recommended that you drive something 4WD and you don’t necessarily need high clearance, but you will need to be careful about picking your line. Had 1 bar of intermittent Verizon LTE. enough to send texts and call.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2025

    Hermits Hollow Campground — Hermit Park

    Hermits Hollow is a nice play to camp near Estes but away from the crowds.

    Hermits Hollow is a nice place to camp near Estes, offering a quiet retreat away from the crowds.  We only stayed the night, arriving late and leaving early.  Some mule deer walked through the camp.  

    Each site had a bear box, sturdy picnic table, and fire pit.  The site was level.

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 26, 2025

    Spruce Lake RV Park

    Nice location

    There are a few of these campgrounds in estes park. They are all about the same. All close to the park and to restaurants and shops in town. This one, spruce lake rv is a little better because it had a pond you can fish in. But its not amazing just a gravel lot with a pond in the middle. Has a playground for the kids. Verizon 5g signal is good. But you are packed in tight here and overpaying

  • aThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 26, 2025

    Hell Canyon Dispersed

    Good dispersed road

    Good spot for dispersed camping. Maybe 6 spots total going all the way up the road. 4x4 recommended. Fires allowed in established rings only, always check with Roosevelt National Forest website to see if fires are allowed during your stay as this varies by season.

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Elk Meadows Lodge & RV Resort

    Nothing special

    This place is right outside the national park. Thats about the main feature. Its a huge open gravel lot where if its busy, 100s of rv are packed in as tight as they can get them. Standard hookups and cabins available. Nice mountain views and full verizon 5g signal. But this is just a sardine can. The plus side is you will probally see or hear elk

  • Haley B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Walden Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    Great place for one night, confusing if you show up at night!

    We ended up driving too far and just parking next to the lake for the night to camp. Lots of dirt trails near the lake, maybe not for camping but we showed up after driving 6 hours. The gps takes you past the 2 visible pulloffs that would be great for campers


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.