Best Campgrounds near Red Feather Lakes, CO
Red Feather Lakes, Colorado provides access to numerous camping options within the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest. The area features established campgrounds like Dowdy Lake Campground with 70 sites including electric hookups, as well as dispersed camping opportunities such as Lost Lake Dispersed and Comanche Peak View. Camping styles range from developed sites with amenities to primitive backcountry locations. Bellaire Lake Campground offers 26 sites at 8,600 feet elevation with electric hookups, while West Lake Campground provides lakeside camping with drinking water and toilet facilities. Both tent and RV camping are supported throughout the region, with varying levels of accessibility.
Road conditions to some dispersed camping areas require high-clearance vehicles, particularly in more remote locations. "The road to lost lake requires high clearance. It is located 30 min away from Red Feather Lakes. There are a lot of dispersed camp sites," noted one visitor on The Dyrt. Most campgrounds in the area are seasonal, typically operating from May through September, though some offer year-round access. Elevations around 8,000-10,000 feet mean cooler temperatures even in summer months. Many established campgrounds require reservations through Recreation.gov, especially during peak summer weekends. Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, and campers should check current regulations before planning trips. Cell service is limited throughout the area, particularly at more remote sites.
Lakeside camping represents a significant draw in the Red Feather Lakes region, with several water bodies providing scenic backdrops for overnight stays. Campers frequently mention the unique rock formations typical of the area as highlights of their experience. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, sites at Lost Lake Dispersed camping are often "set back from the road, in a meadow, surrounded by boulders" with good access to water recreation. Wildlife viewing opportunities include various bird species and larger mammals. Campgrounds closer to the lakes tend to fill quickly during summer weekends, while more remote dispersed sites offer greater solitude but fewer amenities. The pine forests provide shade at many developed campgrounds, though beetle infestations have affected tree cover in some areas. Fishing is popular at Dowdy Lake, Bellaire Lake, and other water bodies throughout the region.
