Best Campgrounds near Rand, CO

Dispersed camping options surround Rand, Colorado, primarily in State Forest State Park, which encompasses over 70,000 acres of mountain terrain. The park features several developed campgrounds including North Michigan, Ranger Lakes, and Bockman, offering a mix of tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurts. Most campgrounds provide basic amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, while some developed sites also offer electric hookups and water access. Particularly notable are lakeside campsites at North Michigan Campground that provide direct water access for fishing and paddling activities.

Snow can remain well into summer at higher elevations, with unexpected weather patterns common even during peak season. As one camper noted, "We were there in late June and we saw about 6 inches of snow overnight. It was cold!" The park's location at nearly 10,000 feet elevation means temperatures drop significantly at night even during summer months. Cell service is limited throughout the region, with most campgrounds reporting only 1 bar of service or none at all. Many campgrounds require advance reservations through Colorado Parks and Wildlife, especially during the peak summer season from late May through September. Winter access remains possible for cabin stays, though visitors should prepare for snow-covered access routes.

Moose sightings represent a significant draw for the area, with State Forest State Park known as the "moose capital of Colorado." Water recreation opportunities abound at Michigan Reservoir and Ranger Lakes, where campers can fish, kayak, and paddleboard directly from some campsites. The park's extensive trail system includes routes to alpine lakes, ranging from 6-10 miles round trip. Pine beetle infestation has impacted tree coverage in many campgrounds, as mentioned by several visitors who noted the lack of shade at affected sites. A visitor described their experience: "The campground has been affected by beetle infestation so a lot of the trees have been cut down leaving many of the sites in full sun." Winter camping remains popular in the park's cabins, which feature propane heaters but no electricity or running water.

Best Camping Sites Near Rand, Colorado (375)

    1. Timber Creek Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    38 Reviews
    Grand Lake, CO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 586-1206

    $35 / night

    "The campground is adjacent to the Colorado River, close to the Kauwuneeche Visitor Center and Grand Lake! There are plenty of bathrooms, and they have running water with sinks and toilets."

    "Very near for a really nice walk along the Colorado River."

    2. North Michigan Campground — State Forest State Park

    17 Reviews
    Rand, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 723-8366

    $28 - $120 / night

    "Getting to the campground and visitors center is easy as they are both right off the highways 41 and 14, but it is quite a drive to get to, in general."

    "Fishing, hiking, off-roading, kayaking or canoeing, or simply sightseeing - there are big mountain vistas to enjoy."

    3. Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    91 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 586-1206

    $35 - $70 / night

    "Took the kids camping in Colorado for the first time and we had a blast. It rained on us a lot but it didn't stop us. Took a great hike up deer mountain....stunning views. Can't wait to go back."

    "Very enjoyable spot, close access to trails and entrance and exit of the park."

    4. Ranger Lakes Campground — State Forest State Park

    8 Reviews
    Rand, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 723-8366

    $36 / night

    "Small campground next to three lakes. One lake has dried up. Beautiful Gould, CO. We also boondock camp in this area as well. Don't miss Lake Agnes. It's at the top of a mountain."

    "I tent camped at Ranger Lakes. I was the only one tent camping among all the RV’s. I didn’t mind that the spaces were visible from each other since I was camping alone."

    5. Winding River Resort

    20 Reviews
    Grand Lake, CO
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 627-3215

    $40 - $60 / night

    "They have direct access to the headwaters of the Colorado River.  We visited a little late in the season (August) to catch many fish, but we still had fun. "

    "A lovely wooded campground literally on the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park - we even saw moose from the back window of our RV! "

    6. The Crags Campground — State Forest State Park

    10 Reviews
    Rand, CO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 723-8366

    $28 / night

    "You get to camp next to a nice running creek. Surrounded by the forest and mountains. Friendly staff, good shade and privacy. Highly recommend for a true getaway. Nice trails nearby as well."

    "I love the opportunity to connect to the wild spaces that surround us. I love finding people who share that same passion."

    7. Arapaho National Forest Stillwater Campground

    29 Reviews
    Grand Lake, CO
    24 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."

    8. Green Ridge Campground

    27 Reviews
    Grand Lake, CO
    25 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. "

    9. Bockman Campground — State Forest State Park

    5 Reviews
    Rand, CO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 723-8366

    $28 / night

    "The campsite has two entrances - one from the west passing North Michigan Reservoir and one from the South East which is basically from Lake Agnes Trailhead."

    "There are lots of great activities to participate in very close by - fishing, hiking, 4-wheeling and more!"

    10. Glacier Basin Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    60 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 586-1206

    $35 - $70 / night

    "Firewood sold next to the entrance by the same husband and wife that have been selling firewood there for 35 years. There is a shed full of firewood."

    "The spaces are large, but quite close to one another with few trees for privacy. Each site here is variable, with some open with no trees and others nestled in some mature trees."

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Recent Reviews near Rand, CO

1957 Reviews of 375 Rand Campgrounds


  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Bevercreek Dispersed Camping

    Quiet overnighter

    It's a nice dirt road up the hill to these three or four sites. The first site is about a quarter mile before the last three sites. It can be windy as all the sites are completely exposed. No facilities or access to water available. Relatively flat pads that are quite generous in size could fit two or three smallish campers per site. Big rigs could pull in here as well.

  • Ken B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Hermits Hollow Campground — Hermit Park

    Nice campground

    The sites are spacious and far enough apart. Not much for views but the place was clean and the staff very welcoming. Close to the park and t-shirt shopping in Estes Park.

  • Ben W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Pioneer Park

    Cute, but...

    Great little campground, right on the Colorado River.

    Would be better if a freight train didn't pass through every 2-3 hours, blowing the train horn.

  • A
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Manor RV Park

    Location Excellent - Campground and showers OK

    The campground is extremely conveniently located and in a pretty area. The campground itself is just ok. Super close together spaces and zero privacy at sites. Nice concrete pads to park beside to help with mud and tracking so that was nice. Each site has its own picnic table. The shower house was centrally located within the grounds. The women's side entrance wasn't very well lit at night. There are no private changing areas in the shower house, except the handicap stall, which I am not a fan of. Water wasn't very hot even on straight hot.

    Men's side was even less private my husband said.

  • leah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    The Lost Site - Dispersed Campsite

    The lost site

    Beautiful quiet spot. Large sites with pull thru. Easy turn around. No facilites and cold in October

  • 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.

  • 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.


Guide to Rand

Dispersed camping options near Rand, Colorado put you in the heart of the Medicine Bow Mountains at elevations nearing 10,000 feet. Winter conditions can persist into June with overnight temperatures dropping below freezing even during summer months. The area receives significant snowfall, making many access roads impassable from November through May without proper vehicles and equipment.

What to do

Lake Agnes hiking: Access this alpine lake via a 1.2-mile trail with 400 feet of elevation gain from The Crags Campground in State Forest State Park. "We ended up here after the nearby state park was full, and we're SO glad. Small trailers are fine, 2WD is fine as long as you aren't battling the weather and aren't scared of gravel," notes a visitor who found this less-developed option.

Wildlife viewing: The west side of Rocky Mountain National Park offers excellent moose spotting opportunities, particularly at Timber Creek Campground. "We're the type of travelers who intentionally seek out underrated places/hidden gems and lesser-visited spots, even in tourist hotspots. That's exactly why we loved Timber Creek CG. It's on the (much) quieter west end, near Grand Lake and a good distance from all of RMNP's most popular sites," explains one camper who documented early morning elk sightings.

Paddling on reservoirs: Ranger Lakes Campground offers direct access to clear, cold alpine waters. A recent visitor reported, "Had so much fun! Camp site was very clean, level, and well kept. The highlight was fishing. BEAUTIFUL clear waters, PLENTY of trout, and great trails through the woods to explore." Rentals for kayaks and paddleboards are not available on-site, so bring your own equipment.

What campers like

Mountain solitude: The lack of cell service and remote location create a true wilderness experience at Ranger Lakes Campground. "I tent camped at Ranger Lakes. The pads were very spacious and flat. The lakes are very pretty and are a short walk from the campground. The trails around the lakes were nice to walk around," notes one solo tent camper who appreciated the peaceful setting.

High altitude fishing: North Michigan Reservoir provides excellent trout fishing directly accessible from some campsites. One visitor to North Michigan Campground shared, "We were able to paddle board and fish right from our campsite, and had a wonderful fresh trout dinner."

Winter cabin options: Several State Forest State Park cabins remain accessible during winter months, offering propane heat without electricity. "We stayed in cabin #3 and it was an awesome experience! We had room enough for 4 people and 3 dogs and didn't feel like we were on top of each other. The gas stove kept us nice and toasty all night long!" reports a winter visitor who enjoyed snowshoeing directly from their cabin.

What you should know

Limited services: The Rand area has minimal facilities, with the nearest substantial services 30+ miles away. Plan accordingly with fuel, food, and supplies. "We were visited by a moose at dinner time two nights in a row as she had unfortunately become accustomed to eating from people's unsecured trash and had a special liking for hot dogs and potato chips," reports a visitor to The Crags Campground, highlighting the importance of proper food storage.

Weather variability: Summer thunderstorms are common in afternoon hours, with rapid temperature drops. "We spent a lot of time sledding and snowshoeing and we were basically the only ones out there. There was another large group in the bigger cabin but we barely saw them until they left on Sunday," notes a winter cabin user who experienced significant solitude during off-season.

Pine beetle impact: Many campgrounds have lost significant tree cover, affecting shade and privacy. A camper at Bockman Campground observed, "This campground is large and flat. There are lots of spots that are relatively close together, but it seems quite spacious. There are almost no trees in the campground, but the 360 degree views are worth it!"

Tips for camping with families

Proximity to water activities: Select lakeside sites for easy water access with children. A family at North Michigan Campground shared: "Amazing views and something for everyone. My 4 year olds threw rocks in the reservoir, they bikes on nearby trails. The bathrooms were clean too. My dog was able to cool off in the reservoir on a hike."

Wildlife education opportunities: The Moose Visitor Center provides educational programs suitable for children of all ages. Families can learn about local wildlife before attempting to spot animals in their natural habitat.

Winter yurt options: For families seeking winter camping experiences, Winding River Resort offers additional family activities. "Lots of activities to do. Loved the petting zoo and stream to swim in. Also really enjoyed the horseback riding and ATV ride. Would definitely go back," mentions a family that found the structured activities beneficial when camping with children.

Tips from RVers

Winter preparation: RVs camping in fall and spring should bring extra propane and heating supplies due to overnight temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. "Winter access remains possible for cabin stays, though visitors should prepare for snow-covered access routes," notes a regular visitor.

Limited hookups: Many campgrounds near Rand offer electric but lack full hookups. "This campground is beautiful and clean. Sites are nice and level and potable water available. If you have an RV make sure to fill your tank at the maintenance center 6 miles up the road," advises a camper at Ranger Lakes who found the water situation required planning.

Size restrictions: Many forest roads have tight turns and steep grades unsuitable for larger rigs. The Crags Campground specifically notes "No RVs or trailers allowed or able to make it up the narrow one lane access road," making site selection critical for RV campers exploring the Rand area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities does Old Homestead Campground in Rand offer?

Based on available information, Old Homestead Campground in Rand offers basic amenities typical of campgrounds in Colorado's North Park region. While specific details for Old Homestead are limited, nearby options like Bockman Campground — State Forest State Park provide toilets and accommodate big rigs. The Rand area campgrounds typically feature fire rings, tent pads, and vault toilets. Water is generally not provided, so campers should bring their own. The area is known for excellent access to hiking trails, fishing spots, and wildlife viewing (particularly moose). Rand's remote location means limited cell service, so plan accordingly. For more developed facilities, consider North Michigan Campground which offers similar amenities in the region.

Where is Rand, Colorado located and how do I get there?

Rand is a small mountain community located in north-central Colorado in Jackson County, near the Wyoming border. It's situated in the North Park region, approximately 4 hours from Denver. The town lies close to State Forest State Park, known for its moose population and outdoor recreation. To reach Rand, take Highway 40 west from Denver to Granby, then north on Highway 125 through Walden. While remote, Rand provides access to excellent camping areas like Ranger Lakes Campground — State Forest State Park and outdoor attractions including Teller City ghost town. The drive is lengthy but rewards visitors with stunning Colorado mountain scenery.

What camping is available near Rand, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Rand, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 375 campgrounds and RV parks near Rand, CO and 143 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Rand, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Rand, CO is Timber Creek Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park with a 4.4-star rating from 38 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Rand, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 143 free dispersed camping spots near Rand, CO.

What parks are near Rand, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Rand, CO that allow camping, notably Rocky Mountain National Park and Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland.