Anglers and hikers gravitate toward Ranger Lakes Campground for its direct access to three alpine lakes and extensive trail network at nearly 10,000 feet elevation. The campground sits within State Forest State Park near Walden, offering both electric and water hookups alongside vault toilets and a dump station.
Sites feature large 15x15-foot tent pads on level, gravel surfaces with picnic tables, though limited screening between spots means neighbors remain visible. Mountain pine beetle damage has reduced tree cover significantly, leaving most sites in full sun with sparse, short conifers providing minimal shade. Michael notes the campground was "only a third full mid week September" with "sites well separated but limited screening between."
The lakes offer clear, cold water for fishing and non-motorized boating, with hiking trails connecting directly from the campground. Wildlife viewing opportunities include frequent moose sightings along trails and from campsites. Cell coverage remains spotty with limited T-Mobile service reported.
Colorado Parks & Wildlife operates this year-round facility with reservations available through their system. For additional camping options in the region, consider sites around Gould or nearby State Forest State Park Colorado. The $36 nightly rate includes hookups, making this a solid base camp for high-altitude recreation.
Description
This campground offers 31 electric sites and is directly accessible from Highway 14 and within a short walk of Ranger Lakes fishing areas.
Features:
The fishing area includes a fishing pier for people with disabilities. Water and vault toilet facilities are available nearby, but please fill large tanks at the water station at the maintenance shop. A nature trail and the Gould Loop Trail are accessible from the campground. Interpretive programs are offered on some weekend nights in the campground amphitheater. Restrictions: Boating and swimming are not permitted in the Ranger Lakes.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Colorado weather can be unpredictable: be prepared for a variety of weather conditions including extreme hot and cold temperatures, wind, rain, and snow (even in the summer). CPW does not grant exceptions to the refund policy for weather conditions.
Please use www.cpwshop.com to make, cancel, or change reservations or make any license, pass, or retail purchases. ReserveAmerica.com has limited functionality for CPW customers. **No-show policy:** If you are unable to occupy your site on the first day of your reservation, please call the park office in order to notify park staff. Otherwise, your reservation will be considered a "no-show" and your site may be resold. "No-show" reservations are ineligible for a refund for those nights or days passed and the fees for any nights or days passed will be retained.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundRanger Lakes Campground — State Forest State Park is located in Colorado
Directions
75 miles west of Ft. Collins on Hwy 14, over Cameron Pass or 150 miles north of Denver on Hwy 40 over Berthoud Pass.
Address
56750 Highway 14
Walden, CO 80480
Coordinates
40.5028244 N
105.968829 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/4/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/4/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
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
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Yurts
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 39 min from Fort Collins, CO
- 2 hrs 5 min from Greeley, CO
- 2 hrs 9 min from Cheyenne, WY
- 2 hrs 24 min from Boulder, CO


















