Arapaho National Forest's St. Louis Creek Campground sits just outside Fraser, Colorado, operated by the local Lions Club rather than a standard Forest Service crew. That arrangement shows in the day-to-day upkeep. Hosts know the surrounding trails, resupply points in Winter Park and Fraser, and the quirks of the campground itself. At $29 per night with water hookups and sites that accommodate RVs up to 55 feet, it draws a mix of tent campers and rigs looking for a base in the Fraser Valley.
One thing to set expectations on before arrival: beetle kill has removed most of the tree cover. Several reviewers note the campground feels more open and exposed than neighboring sites in the forest. That cuts both ways. Shade is minimal on warm afternoons, but sightlines toward Byers Peak and the Continental Divide are unobstructed. Alicia V. notes "great views of the Continental Divide and Byers Peak" directly from camp. Sites are spaced well apart, and the vault toilets draw consistent praise, with one host famously claiming the cleanest bathrooms of any campground in the area.
St. Louis Creek runs alongside the campground, giving anglers easy access to trout fishing without hiking anywhere. Hiking and mountain biking trails connect directly from camp, including access toward Byers Peak. A kids' pump track sits within walking distance. Bear boxes are provided at sites, and at least one reviewer reports a bear crossing nearby on the Dead Horse Trail roughly a mile out, so the boxes are worth using. Firewood is available on-site.
The campground runs May through October, with reservations available. Labor Day weekend has drawn full crowds, though some campers have found sites without advance booking. Cell service is listed as available. Access carries a rough road warning, so lower-clearance vehicles should check conditions before heading in. For campgrounds around Arapaho National Forest with more tree cover, ST. Louis Camp Ground sits 0.3 miles south and may offer a different site experience.
Description
Overview
St. Louis Creek Campground is located at 8,900' near the Fraser Experimental Forest, four miles southwest of the Town of Fraser, CO. Visitors to the area enjoy hiking, biking, and fishing, as well as easy access to the town of Fraser. This campground provides a rustic camping experience with access to standard amenities.
Recreation
Hiking, biking, fishing and wildlife viewing are all accessible near the campground.
Facilities
St. Louis Creek Campground provides 18 non-electric single-party units with picnic tables, metal fire rings and bear-resistant food storage lockers. Vault toilets, trash service and drinking water are available to campground guests. A campground host is on site.
Natural Features
Located near the Fraser Experimental Forest, a 23,500 acre outdoor research area with elevations ranging from 8,800'-12,000', St Louis Creek Campground provides access the rugged Vasquez and Byers Peak Wilderness Areas. Nearby trailheads include Byers Peak Trailhead and St. Louis Lake Trailhead. Afternoon thunderstorms can be expected during spring and summer months.
Nearby Attractions
Grocery shopping and restaurants are available in Fraser, Winter Park, and Granby. The Arapaho National Recreation Area and western portal of Rocky Mountain National Park are within an hour's drive.
Charges & Cancellations
Modifications for this campground must be made through Recreation.gov or by calling the call center at 1-877-444-6777 PRIOR to your reservation start date. Customers and contact center agents cannot modify reservations on or after the check-in date.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
STAGE 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT: Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 551 and 36 C.F.R. 261.50(a), the following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland.1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal barbecue, or grill, except if using a device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device. 36 CFR 261.52(a)2. Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building. 36 CFR 261.52(d)3. Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame. 36 CFR 261.52(h)4. Using an explosive. 36 C.F.R. 261.52(b)5. Possessing or using a motor vehicle off NFS roads, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the motor vehicle. 36 CFR 261.56.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSt. Louis Creek Campground is located in Colorado near Fraser
Public CampgroundDirections
From Fraser, travel 4 miles southwest on County Road 73 (St. Louis Creek Road). The campground is located on the south side of the road.
Coordinates
39.928606 N
105.858471 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 6/14/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 12/11/25- AT&TLTESome CoverageLast on 6/14/25
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 6/14/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 12/11/25
- AT&TLTESome CoverageLast on 6/14/25
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 34 min from Denver, CO
- 1 hr 34 min from Denver, CO
- 1 hr 43 min from Boulder, CO
- 1 hr 43 min from Boulder, CO
- 2 hrs 15 min from Greeley, CO
- 2 hrs 15 min from Greeley, CO
- 2 hrs 19 min from Fort Collins, CO
- 2 hrs 19 min from Fort Collins, CO
