Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest offers numerous dispersed camping options in the Red Feather Lakes region at elevations between 8,000-9,000 feet. The area features distinct geological formations with large granite boulders and thick pine forests that provide natural separation between camping areas. Summer temperatures typically range from 45-80°F with rapid cooling after sunset.
What to do
Hiking at Mountain Park: Access the Mount McConnel Trail directly from the campground for panoramic views. "There is a whole loop of FCFS sites in case you don't get a reservation 6-months in advance," notes Becky M. about Mountain Park.
Paddle sports on Bellaire Lake: Non-motorized boating permitted with designated docks for launching kayaks and paddleboards. "The lake is beautiful, great for fishing...with 2 loops, one close to the river, and one a short walk away, it's a nice smaller alternative to other campgrounds in Red Feather," reports Maria M. about Bellaire Lake Campground.
Fishing the Poudre River: Cache la Poudre offers excellent trout fishing opportunities accessible from multiple campgrounds. "Caught trout 20 yards from my tent from the Cache La Poudre," shares Luke C. about the riverside sites at Upper and Lower Ansel Watrous Campgrounds.
What campers like
Natural sound barriers: The rushing river drowns out road noise at canyon campgrounds. "Close to the highway but river drowns out the traffic," explains Cody L. about Ansel Watrous Campground.
Accessible dispersed options: Many free sites accommodate standard vehicles without specialized equipment. "This area is in National Forest so it is free and there are no 'designated' spots but there are lots of spots where people have made fire pits. Beautiful views and you don't need 4x4," explains Josh S. about Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest Dispersed Camping.
Privacy between sites: Most established campgrounds feature natural barriers between campsites. "The sites are well spaced and the tent spots are maintained to be even - no lumps under you! Toilets are a reasonable distance," notes Patty F. about Mountain Park.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Road access changes dramatically with weather conditions. "Dirt road that is well maintained in the summer. Specifically says it is NOT maintained in the winter," explains Kim A. about dispersed camping areas.
Wildlife awareness: Large mammals are common throughout the area, requiring food storage and waste management. "Saw snakes, blue birds, chipmunks, cranes," reports Kelsey C. at West Lake campground.
Site selection timing: Reservations for summer months fill extremely quickly at established campgrounds. "It's hard to get a spot here unless you reserve a spot 6 months ahead," advises Sabrina S. about West Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Rock exploration: Many campgrounds feature boulder formations safe for supervised climbing. "Great beginner rock piles for the kids to climb on," shares Kimberly N. about Bellaire Lake Campground.
Water activities: Though swimming is prohibited in most lakes, shoreline activities provide alternatives. "There's a beautiful lake but posted no swimming. Fish were jumping out of the water and there's nice docks to sit on," notes Kimberly N.
Amenities for longer stays: Some campgrounds offer additional facilities that make extended trips more comfortable. "I appreciate the playground and horseshoe area as well as the bathhouse with coin-op showers. Great for a longer stay," explains Becky M. about Mountain Park.
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Access roads to many campgrounds include dirt sections requiring preparation. "The road to get here is graded gravel & really not too bad. We saw some larger rigs, so people do manage it," explains Cynthia K. about Bellaire Lake.
Dog-friendly dispersed options: Free camping areas provide more space for pets to explore safely. "Stayed here over a weekend and wanted to stay longer. Pulled our 33' travel trailer and there were good spots off the road," mentions Lorene N. about Lost Lake Dispersed camping area, a popular dog friendly campground near Red Feather Lakes.
Electric hookups: Several campgrounds offer power connections for RVs and tent campers. "Some sites have electricity according to the Forest Service site," notes Cynthia K. about Bellaire Lake Campground, making it one of several pet-friendly camping options with hookups in the area.
Guide
