Dispersed camping opportunities surround Red Feather Lakes, Colorado, with elevations averaging 8,000 feet in the Roosevelt National Forest. The high-altitude environment creates cool nights even during summer months, with temperature drops of 30°F possible between day and night. Free camping sites along Laramie River Road offer primitive accommodations without hookups for campers seeking alternatives to established glamping facilities.
What to do
Wildlife viewing: Laramie River Road Dispersed camping area provides excellent moose watching opportunities. According to Darla R., "There is a lot of wildlife in the area so be careful. We have had full grown moose run through our camp site and there has been reports of black bears near by as well as elk and deer."
Fishing: North Michigan Campground at State Forest State Park offers fishing directly from campsites. B B. reports, "We were able to paddle board and fish right from our campsite, and had a wonderful fresh trout dinner."
Family activities: Fort Collins Lakeside KOA provides numerous structured activities beyond the glamping experience. According to Cynthia I., "Lots to do - mini train rides around the property, swimming pools, mini golf, arcade, fishing, walking trails, paddle boats, ice cream socials. There is even a little herb garden managed by a local society."
Hiking trails: Access numerous mountain paths directly from campgrounds. One camper at North Michigan Campground recommended the Lake Agnes trail: "It was a steep climb but well worth it. We alternated looking at the beauty of Lake Agnes and watching the skiers hiking to the top and skiing what was left of the snow."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Hermits Hollow Campground offers more secluded camping than many nearby options. Wade R. noted, "Sites spaced nicely apart, very well maintained, great fire pits with an attached grill grate. Moose and black bear apparently frequent but haven't caused any problems."
Dispersed camping freedom: Many campers appreciate the flexibility of Laramie River Road Dispersed camping. Alex S. explains, "From Chambers Lake north down FS 103 you'll find a lot of dispersed camping and a lot of great spots with beautiful views. The closer you are to the lake the busier it will be as the Chambers Lake spots get hammered with people every weekend."
Well-maintained facilities: Despite being a primitive camping area, Hermits Hollow receives praise for clean amenities. A reviewer mentioned, "The park provides every spot with a table, fire ring and bear box. The bear box is for more than just food. If you have anything that smells good, the animals (not just bears) WILL try to get into your vehicle to steal it."
Proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park: Estes Park KOA serves as a convenient base camp. Joey C. shared, "The staff were extremely helpful and welcoming. We didn't feel the 'Oh, God... another tourist' vibes we got from basically everyone else in Colorado."
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Seasonal fire bans affect camping throughout the Red Feather Lakes region. Molly U. noted about Laramie River Road, "The area is extremely fire damaged in places & there was a fire ban in effect when we were there over 4th of July."
Seasonal availability: Many camping areas close during winter months. State Forest State Park offers winter cabin rentals as an alternative to tent glamping in Red Feather Lakes. According to Hayley K., "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!"
Bear safety precautions: Bear activity requires proper food storage. One camper at Laramie River Road Dispersed camping area advised, "Make sure to use a bear bag or put all food in the car at night (bear country)."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely across the region. A review for Laramie River Road noted, "Absolutely zero cell service!" While at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake, a camper reported, "No WI-FI signal at all but some cell services (Verizon)."
Tips for camping with families
Best kid-friendly amenities: For families seeking glamping in Red Feather Lakes with entertainment options, Fort Collins Lakeside KOA stands out. A reviewer shared, "This is kid paradise & there's a lot of them on bikes & running around the campground."
Easier sites for first-timers: Certain campgrounds offer more accessible family experiences. About Hermits Hollow, one camper said, "This campground is the ones that the locals go to when not in RMNP. It is in Estes but far enough away to not be inundated with tourists. It is quiet, it is roomy, it is beautiful."
Cold weather preparation: Families should pack extra warm clothing even during summer. A visitor to Laramie River Road Dispersed camping noted, "It does get cold at night even in summer as it's about 9,000 ft above sea level."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children enjoy spotting animals at State Forest State Park. Meghan H. reported, "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."
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: At Mary's Lake Campground, RVers should note site layout. Dary R. advised, "A couple down falls, no shade trees for RV full hookup sites and lower sites are alittle crowded when filled up."
Winter RV options: State Forest State Park offers limited winter access. One visitor noted, "We were able to paddle board and fish right from our campsite, and had a wonderful fresh trout dinner."
Access road conditions: Some dispersed camping areas require careful navigation. Alex S. shared about Laramie River Road, "I've seen most vehicles make their way down this road with no issue and that includes RVs w/ toy haulers. It's dispersed so no bathrooms, cell service, and the closest amenities are towards Walden and the town of Rustic."
Early arrival recommendation: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. Hannah L. noted about Mary's Lake, "First come, first serve. Got there around 6 and we found a great spot (site M74) that was not super close to anyone else and had beautiful views of the mountains."
