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Best Campgrounds near Walden, CO

1,349 Reviews

Dispersed camping areas and established campgrounds extend throughout the region surrounding Walden, Colorado, a small town in Jackson County. Free options like Walden Reservoir Dispersed Camping provide primitive sites for tent and RV camping with views of the water, while North Michigan Campground at State Forest State Park offers more developed facilities with electric hookups and amenities. The landscape includes a mix of high plains terrain, reservoir shorelines, and mountain access points extending into the Medicine Bow Mountains and Routt National Forest, giving campers various choices between remote wilderness experiences and sites with basic amenities.

Most camping areas near Walden experience significant seasonal variations in access and conditions. Summer months provide the most reliable camping weather, though temperatures can fluctuate dramatically between hot days and cool nights given the high elevation. Winter brings heavy snow accumulation, making many sites inaccessible except by snowmobile or cross-country skis. Spring conditions often feature muddy roads that may require high-clearance vehicles. Mosquitoes and biting insects are consistently mentioned in visitor feedback as a notable concern during warmer months. One camper noted, "So many mosquitoes and biting ants but the sunsets are gorgeous and make it worth it."

The region's camping areas provide varying levels of solitude and natural experiences. Campsites around Walden Reservoir offer expansive views across the water with minimal tree cover, creating excellent opportunities for stargazing and sunset viewing. Many visitors report the area as uncrowded, even during summer weekends. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "Amazing views but lacks tree coverage. Smells like sage and fresh air. Quiet as can be." Sites within State Forest State Park provide more sheltered camping with improved amenities. Wildlife viewing is frequently mentioned as a highlight of the experience, with moose sightings common in the park area. Cell service varies dramatically across the region, with most remote areas having limited or no coverage, requiring advance planning as services in this remote part of Colorado are widely scattered.

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Best Camping Sites Near Walden, Colorado (283)

    1. Walden Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    6 Reviews
    Walden, CO
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 826-5000

    "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."

    "Sites aren’t really marked/but are right next to the reservoir. No fires/water pumps."

    2. North Michigan Campground — State Forest State Park

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

    $28 - $120 / night

    "There is no gas or groceries til Walden. Beautiful and sweeping vistas. Visit ranger lakes. Totally worth it. Lake Agnes was still closed when we were there. NO service."

    "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."

    3. Vic & Sigrid Hanson Memorial Park

    1 Review
    Walden, CO
    0 miles

    4. Cowdrey Lake State Wildlife Area

    1 Review
    Cowdrey, CO
    8 miles

    "Colorado has lots of SWA camping, Good Verizon service! We camped in  a 22ft travel trailer"

    5. Whitewoods Outdoor Adventures

    1 Review
    Walden, CO
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (720) 442-0878

    $25 - $45 / night

    6. BLM North Sand Hills Campground

    2 Reviews
    Cowdrey, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 724-3000

    "It’s clearly an area for off-roaders and people with ATVs. Since I got in so late I didn’t make it to the actual coordinates this provides."

    "Sites are fairly close together but no one was around on a Sunday and Monday night. We ended up camping not in the campground but in dispersed camping located all around the dunes."

    7. Lake John Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Walden, CO
    10 miles

    "After driving past the more established Lake John RV Resort we found this spot to park our campervan. Site has a metal tin can fire pit. Very peaceful with private location."

    8. Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    91 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    44 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."

    9. Sage Campground

    1 Review
    Cowdrey, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 724-3000

    10. Sentinel Mountain RV & Quick Stop

    1 Review
    Cowdrey, CO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 723-4212

    $45 - $50 / night

    "We are full-timers in a 36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow and needed a place to dump, do laundry and take on fresh water after a week of boondocking in the mountains outside of Steamboat Springs"

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Recent Camping Photos near Walden, CO

526 Photos of 283 Walden Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Walden, CO

1349 Reviews of 283 Walden Campgrounds

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Libby Creek Willow Campground

    More expensive

    Within 2 miles you have a free site, a cheaper site $14/7 then this site $20 or $10 per night with america the beautiful pass. The only advantage to this site is a small creek that helps drown out the noise. 0-1 bar verizon. Skip this place stay down the road

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Libby Creek Pine Campground

    Standard campground

    America the beautiful pass gets you this place for only $7 per night. Paved road all rhe way to and through. Pit toilet and dumpster in common area. The sites are small open and close together. Picnic table fire pit and park grill at the sites. Stay limmit is 14 days it is currently closed maybe seasonal.but maybe gov shutdown. Check dates if you come in the fall

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Laramie Overlook Disperesed Camping

    Amazing views

    The reading getting up here is bumpy and a little washed out but nothing to worry about you can get to the first area with just a normal car no issues. 4 bars verizon cell. No bathrooms or amenities. The views are amazing up here you can see all the way into colorado. If yiu go down the hill like 3 minutes you come into a little town had gas, a bar and some food options. Up the hill takes you to some amazing mountain lakes. This is a great spot to adventure and then come back to camp for some rest

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2025

    Meeboer Lake

    Best cell signal

    Of the 3 or 4 spots out here this has by far the best cell over by the boat ramp I get 4 bars of 5g on verizon. This is similar to all the other spots in the area. Gravel area. Some picnic tables and a vault toilet seems to be the standard load out in this area. This one does have a large pull through spot where a guy had a very large pull behind and a truck so if you have a bigger rig check thus one out. Not as many waterfront spots here tho

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2025

    Gelatt Lake Park

    Smallest of the area

    This is the smallest of the lakes in the 5 mile radius. Its also closest to town. It seems like maybe a couple people are staying long term here but seem to keep to themselves. Had a vault toilet like the othet spots and a little better verizon signal 2 -3 bars. The gravel lot and turn around area is alot smaller and not as big rig friendly. Their is a small pier to fish off of and a small picnic area. None of the " spot" seem to have a fire ring or table. Maybe skip this spot and go down the road to one of the bigger spots

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2025

    Lake Hattie Public Access Area

    Not a campground

    On dyrt this is green icon as if it were a campground. It really isnt. There are only a few spots and they are really just random picnic tables in a field. No designated spots or numbers, just kind of a gravel lot with some places thrown around. Their is a vault toilet and 2 bars verizon cell. The little lake has a boat ramp but in october it is currently snowing and the water appears very shallow. This place will work but is not a destination. A few bad apples in close proximity could make this a really annoying place

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2025

    Twin Butte Lake

    Area around lake

    When you first pull in there is a vault toilet and a gravel lot. That is NOT this camp. Take the road down and around the lake. Their is a second vault toilet and many spots right on the waters edge. This is a great spot for fishing as you can camp all along the edge of the lake. The road is okay not great a 4x4 is required for a couple spots but you can access many with a normal car. Cell signal all depends on if you are on a hill or not anywhere from 0-3 verizon bars but you need to face backward to town. Just know its a windy and exposed spot

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2025

    Twin Buttes Reservoir

    Season matters here

    A nice place in the summer but brutal past October. The wind absolutely ravages this place. Your van or RV will rock. There isnt a tree in sight just open land so you feel really exposed. There is a large gravel lot and a couple picnic table and fire pit spots. You can park a big rig in here in the gravel lot. There is also a pit toilet. If you face back to town you can get okay not great verizon signal. If you gave the water the signal is very poor. Overall this is just a 1 night place.

  • 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

Guide to Walden

Camping near Walden, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning scenery and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the beautiful views and wildlife sightings. One reviewer mentioned, "We had great fly fishing in the creek and the beaver ponds" at State Forest State Park.
  • Fishing: The lakes and rivers are perfect for fishing. A camper at Chambers Lake Campground said, "We fished. We hiked. We were inspired by everyone there to buy our own blow-up kayaks."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for moose and elk. One happy camper at Timber Creek Campground shared, "Moose in campground, and elk calling at night."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the breathtaking landscapes. A visitor at Sunrise Vista Campground noted, "The wildflowers were beautiful and the views of the lake and the mountains were gorgeous."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peacefulness of the campgrounds. One reviewer at Dutch Hill Campground mentioned, "It was level and quiet with a tent pad a short distance away."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Campers enjoy seeing wildlife up close. A visitor at Buffalo Pass Dispersed said, "It was a beautiful area mid-September. All the leaves were changing, it was cool and misty."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds have basic facilities. A camper at Dumont Campground pointed out, "Campground is a short distance down a gravel road and was not crowded at all."
  • Road Conditions: Be prepared for rough roads, especially if you're heading to more remote sites. One reviewer at Buffalo Pass Dispersed warned, "The road leading up to the summit is back open, but it is ROUGH."
  • Weather Variability: The weather can change quickly, so pack accordingly. A camper at Steamboat Springs KOA mentioned, "Women’s restrooms were great and hookups were awesome."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with amenities like picnic tables and fire rings. A family at Meadows Campground enjoyed, "Pit toilets were clean and stocked."
  • Plan Activities: Bring games and outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. One parent at Dutch Hill Campground suggested, "There are nice hiking trails in the park and the lake looks like an awesome place for paddle boarding."
  • Safety First: Teach kids about wildlife safety. A camper at Timber Creek Campground noted, "The elk never bothered us but it was a bit nerve-racking in the moment."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Steamboat Springs KOA mentioned, "Site 74 was perfectly flat and needed no leveling."
  • Look for Hookups: Some campgrounds offer electric hookups, which can be a game-changer. A camper at Dutch Hill Campground appreciated, "Electric hookups were awesome."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Cell Service: Many areas have poor reception. A visitor at Buffalo Pass Dispersed noted, "No one in our group had cell phone service for most of the drive up the Poudre Canyon."

Camping near Walden, Colorado, is a fantastic way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Walden campgrounds?

Amenities vary widely across Walden area campgrounds. North Michigan Campground — State Forest State Park offers basic facilities but compensates with spectacular views and access to Ranger Lakes. For more developed options, Winding River Resort provides family-friendly activities and direct access to the Colorado River headwaters. Most public campgrounds in the area feature fire rings and picnic tables, with vault toilets being common. Some dispersed camping options like Buffalo Pass and Laramie River Road offer few to no amenities but provide excellent scenery and privacy. For full hookups and modern facilities, private RV parks like Sentinel Mountain RV & Quick Stop are available, though limited in number in this remote region.

What is the best time of year to go camping in Walden, CO?

The prime camping season near Walden runs from mid-June through early September due to the area's high elevation. Buffalo Pass Dispersed typically doesn't open until June 15th because of snow conditions, which is representative of many high-elevation sites in the region. Primitive Sites — State Forest State Park offers excellent wildlife viewing (especially moose) throughout summer. For fishing enthusiasts, early to mid-summer is ideal, as August can see reduced catches in some waterways. Fall brings spectacular colors but also colder nights. Be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms in summer and rapid weather changes year-round. Winter camping is possible but requires specialized equipment and experience due to extreme conditions.

Where are the best campgrounds near Walden, Colorado?

State Forest State Park offers exceptional camping options near Walden, with North Park Campground — State Forest State Park featuring newly refurbished full hookups, picnic tables, fire rings, and shower facilities. For a more rugged experience, Big Creek Lakes Campground provides excellent fishing opportunities, beautiful hiking trails to waterfalls, and nearby OHV trails. Other notable options include Cowdrey Lake State Wildlife Area for fishing enthusiasts, and BLM North Sand Hills Campground for those seeking a more primitive experience. Be prepared for the remote nature of this area – Walden is the main supply point, so stock up before heading to your campsite.

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