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Red Feather Lakes camping is the best way to enjoy northern Colorado’s rugged wilderness. An hour from Fort Collins, the rustic mountain village of Red Feather Lakes sits in the Arapaho National Forest, betwixt 12 sparkling lakes. The campgrounds offer tons of wildlife, recreation, and magnificent mountain views. It’s a popular destination for hiking, biking, and off-roading. The village is also near the Cache La Poudre River, Colorado’s first designated Wild and Scenic River, so it’s an excellent destination for rafting, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. These Red Feather lakes camping spots are your ticket to enjoying the Rockies and all the mountains have to offer.
The Best Red Feather Lakes Camping
1. CanyonSide Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper June A.
CanyonSide Campground is 12 miles south of Red Feather Lakes, right off State Highway 14. This quaint campground has sites for tents and RVs up to 30 feet, and, for something a little different, they have rental cabins and glamping trailers. Some sites overlook the Cache la Poudre River, while others offer immediate access to hiking trails. Amenities include full hookups, Wi-Fi, fire rings, flush toilets, and showers. CanyonSide is an excellent spot for kayakers who want to ride the river and outdoor lovers looking to explore the Red Feather Lakes area.
“Such an amazing and laid back place to camp! With two separate tent area, RV camping, and cabins, this place has it all! The bathrooms are always super clean, there is even an outdoor shower. There are sinks available at both tent sections as well. There are also communal areas where you can hang out and meet other campers, you can watch directv in one area as well! There is a short trail that goes up the mountain behind the CG to a small chapel, and a swing that overlooks the river across the road. There is a convenient gas station/convenience/liquor store across the road within easy walking distance. There is a restaurant and bar under two miles as well. June, the owner, is fantastic, she makes you feel like you are at home. Her hospitality alone is worth stopping by and checking the place out!” – Will T.
Campground Details:
- Price: $20-60
- Number of sites: 14
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
2. Dowdy Lake
Image from The Dyrt camper Ryan S.
Dowdy Lake Campground is nestled amongst ponderosa pines on the shores of Dowdy Lake. The campground has sites for tents and RVs of all sizes. Amenities include fire rings, electric hookups, vault toilets, and storage lockers. There’s a boat ramp nearby where you can drop in and fish for trout, but if you prefer land activities, take advantage of the hiking and OHV trails near the campground. Dowdy Lake is a quiet respite from daily life where you can cast your reel, break in your boots, and rest your weary bones.
“Loved this campground and the nice lake. Camp hosts were very nice and accommodating. Was lucky to get a site w/o a reservation as runs pretty full. Lots of kids on weekends but quieter during week. Good fishing, kayak, etc access- no wake lake, no swimming. Lots of paddle boards. Electric sites, vault toilets very clean, no shower. Sites are nicely spaced and most are shady. Forest service so got a discount w my Lifetime NP pass.” – Peggy J.
Campground Details:
- Price: $20-64
- Number of sites: 70
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
3. Kelly Flats Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper Kendrick
Kelly Flats Campground is 17 miles from Red Feather Lakes, next to the Cache La Poudre River. There are first-come-first-served sites for tents and smaller RVs. Sites come with fire rings, vault toilets, storage lockers, and drinking water. You’re right on the river, where you can fish for trout or dip your toes in for a swim. You also have immediate access to hiking and OHV trails right from the campground. Kelly Flats is a great spot to rest while exploring Arapaho National Forest and Red Feather Lakes.
“This campground is right along the Poudre river and has beautiful campsites. They offer a variety of sites including some very secluded ones, as well as a few that could easily host a large group through a few connected sites. I saw the hosts out checking and cleaning sites and bathrooms multiple times a day. I will definitely be returning to this campground in future visits to the area.” – Kate H.
Campground Details:
- Price: $24
- Number of sites: 29
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
4. West Lake
Image from The Dyrt camper Kelsey C.
West Lake Campground is surrounded by ponderosa pines on the beautiful shores of West Lake. There are sites for tents and RVs up to 80 feet, and amenities include fire rings, electric hookups, vault toilets, and storage lockers. The campground is right next to the lake, with clear walking paths to the water, so you can drop in a canoe or fish for trout. For land activities, check out the hiking, biking, equestrian, and OHV trails. Keep an eye out for deer, moose, and foxes that frequent the area. And visit nearby Red Feather Lakes for casual dining and supplies. West Lake is a quiet spot to catch trout, enjoy the lake, and see wildlife up close.
“West Lake campground is a beautiful spot off 74. The lake is great for fishing, and the tent campsites are super private. Your pass includes access to other lakes in the surrounding area as well. We didn’t see any moose but we could definitely hear them early in the morning. Clean bathrooms and great, friendly hosts!” – Corrin S.
Campground Details:
- Price: $24-64
- Number of sites: 36
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
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5. Mountain Park
Image from The Dyrt camper Brent K.
Mountain Park Campground is 18 miles from Red Feather Lakes, on the Cache la Poudre River. There are sites for tents and RVs with electric hookups, picnic tables, vault toilets, and showers. Volleyball and basketball courts and horseshoes are also available. The campground is easily accessible, as it’s right off State Highway 14, and you’re in a great spot for whitewater rafting and fishing. You can expect to catch brown and rainbow trout. There are several hiking trails nearby, where you can see abundant wildlife and birds soaring above. Mountain Park is a fun place to camp, play, and get some well-earned R and R.
“It was a GREAT stay. The sites are well spaced and the tent spots are maintained to be even – no lumps under you! Toilets are a reasonable distance. There is lots of shade and a great hiking trail up the ridge line. Staff is very friendly and it is very well maintained. It s a short drive to other spots such as Red Feather Lakes. I would definitely stay here again.” – Patty F.
Campground Details:
- Price: $32-64
- Number of sites: 32
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
6. Dutch George Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper Erica P.
Dutch George Campground is a gorgeous camping spot up the road from Mountain Park. The campground sits in a valley along the Cache la Poudre River, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. There are first-come-first-served sites for tents and RVs up to 70 feet. Sites come with fire rings, vault toilets, and drinking water. Enjoy the shaded retreat by day and fall asleep to the sound of the rushing river by night. You’ll find multi-use trails nearby, with plenty of options for scenic views and wildlife, and the river is great for rafting and trout fishing. Dutch George is a peaceful camping spot where you can relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Red Feather Lakes area.
“The restrooms were clean and well stocked, the campground was incredibly quiet because of the rushing river sounds and it was beautiful. We stayed in #9 and 10 on the East loop. Site 10 is very wide but doesn’t have much shade BUT if the river is high this is the best spot for kids as there is a large rock in the middle of the river that creates a gentle pool/gulley right in front of this spot. There are great trees all around for hammocks and shade. We will be back.” – D.
Campground Details:
- Price: $23-46
- Number of sites: 20
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
7. North Fork Poudre Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper The Free Birds RV R.
North Fork Poudre Campground is eight miles east of Red Feather Lakes, on the North Fork Cache la Poudre River banks. There are first-come-first-served sites for tents and RVs up to 35 feet. Sites come with fire rings and vault toilets, but you’ll need to bring your own drinking water. The campground isn’t visited as much as others in the area, so it’s usually pretty quiet. You’re next to hiking and OHV trails, and in a perfect spot for stream fishing. North Fork is an older campground perfect for travelers who want a quiet, peaceful getaway to commune with nature.
“This is a great little campground with only 7 campsites that are first come first served. However, it’s almost never full and if it is full there are plenty of free camping areas along the road (forest service road). There is no electricity or sewer capabilities for RV’s and campers and the sites are relatively small, but a pop up or smaller 5th wheels and RVs will fit. The beautiful Kilpecker Creek runs through the camp and most of the campsites are situated right along the creek. All of the campsites have a good tent pad, fire pit and picnic table. The great thing about this campground is it’s location and the fact that the sites are fairly spaced out giving you more privacy at each site. There is also a great communal area in the center of the campground of you have a small group up there.” – Joe O.
Campground Details:
- Price: $13
- Number of sites: 9
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
Check out these seven Red Feather Lakes camping spots next time you’re looking for a trip to the Rockies. They’re your premier destinations for rich wildlife and outdoor adventure.
