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Best Campgrounds near Grand Lake, CO

2,862 Reviews

The Grand Lake region in Colorado provides diverse camping experiences within and around Rocky Mountain National Park. Timber Creek Campground lies directly in Grand Lake, while Green Ridge Campground sits along Shadow Mountain Lake nearby. Dispersed camping options include Stillwater Pass, with free sites offering a more rustic experience. Campgrounds in the area accommodate various camping styles, from tent and RV sites to cabins at Winding River Resort. Proximity to both lakes and mountainous terrain makes this area particularly appealing for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both water and alpine recreation.

Road conditions and campsite availability fluctuate dramatically with elevation and season, with most campgrounds operating from May through September or early October. Green Ridge Campground typically opens mid-May and closes in late September, while Timber Creek remains open slightly longer until November. "Sites were pretty close together, and RVs were popular leading to some additional noise and light," noted one visitor about Green Ridge Campground. Reservations are strongly recommended for established campgrounds during peak summer months, especially weekends. The area experiences afternoon thunderstorms in summer months, while early fall brings cooler temperatures and changing aspen colors. Elevation at most sites ranges between 8,000-9,000 feet, requiring proper preparation for mountain weather conditions.

Several campers highlight wildlife viewing opportunities as a standout feature of the camping experience. Moose sightings are frequently mentioned in reviews, with one camper noting "Moose galore" in the area. Many campgrounds provide access to Shadow Mountain Lake and Grand Lake for water activities, though sites directly on the water are limited. The pine beetle infestation has affected tree coverage in some areas, particularly at Green Ridge Campground, resulting in less shade at certain campsites but better views of the surrounding landscape. Campers seeking more privacy may prefer the dispersed camping areas, while those wanting amenities like showers and hookups will find established campgrounds better suited to their needs. Proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park's west entrance provides easy access to additional hiking trails and scenic drives.

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Best Camping Sites Near Grand Lake, Colorado (444)

    1. Moraine Park Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    91 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    14 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."

    2. Glacier Basin Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    60 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 586-1206

    $35 - $70 / night

    "A short hike takes you to sprague lake or the park and ride shuttle to bear lake area. The shuttle does come into the camp, but due to construction it was easier to walk over to the park and ride."

    "Firewood sold next to the entrance by the same husband and wife that have been selling firewood there for 35 years. There is a shed full of firewood."

    3. Timber Creek Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park

    38 Reviews
    Grand Lake, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 586-1206

    $35 / night

    "The campground is adjacent to the Colorado River, close to the Kauwuneeche Visitor Center and Grand Lake! There are plenty of bathrooms, and they have running water with sinks and toilets."

    "Bathrooms are available within easy walking distance of each camping area."

    4. Green Ridge Campground

    27 Reviews
    Grand Lake, CO
    3 miles
    Website

    $29 - $88 / night

    "Our campsite was great and pretty quiet, kind of tucked away from people. The pit toilets were really clean. Very close to Grand Lake for dining."

    "Green Ridge is a great little campground to stay at to enjoy everything that Grand Lake has to offer. Just a short (10 min) drive into historic Grand Lake to the north, with Granby 20 mins south."

    5. Arapaho National Forest Stillwater Campground

    29 Reviews
    Grand Lake, CO
    6 miles
    Website

    $32 - $73 / night

    "This CG is a great location to enjoy activities on Lake Granby with an onsite marina and nice beaches. "

    "Nice drive on Trail Ridge Road to Rocky Mountain National Park. The town of Grand Lake is nearby and a nice place to visit."

    6. Arapaho Bay Campground

    31 Reviews
    Grand Lake, CO
    10 miles
    Website

    $29 - $58 / night

    "The sunsets were amazing, we saw a moose in the morning drinking from the lake. Plenty of trails, and being right on the water kept us busy all day."

    "Nice sized spaces, many sites close to the water, good wildlife sittings (moose, bald eagles, bear) beautiful large lake with Colorado River headwaters, near town of Grand Lake and entrance to Rocky Mt"

    7. Winding River Resort

    20 Reviews
    Grand Lake, CO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 627-3215

    $40 - $60 / night

    "This campsite is only minutes from Grand Lake so you can go to town fairly easily. I would come back here again."

    "If you enjoy trout fishing, be sure to explore the North Fork of the Colorado River that flows through the southend of the property."

    8. East Portal Campground at Estes Park

    40 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 964-7806

    $45 - $80 / night

    "Estes Park Campground at East Portal is a short drive away from both RMNP and the city of Estes Park, so you are nearby everything."

    "The bathrooms were clean, and close to almost every site. They had a very nice playground for the kids with a climbing wall."

    9. Stillwater Pass Dispersed Campsite

    19 Reviews
    Grand Lake, CO
    4 miles
    Website

    "Very close to Grand Lake and Rocky Mountain National Park. Didn’t look like there were too many spots but the spots I did see were nice. Had no trouble finding a spot on a Sunday evening"

    "Great site and location about 10 minutes from downtown Grand Lake. The sites had tons of space and a great view of the mountains."

    10. Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake

    46 Reviews
    Estes Park, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 964-7806

    $45 - $70 / night

    "There’s access to a small playground for kids. The pool looked nice, the lake is right across the road. Overall a good campsite."

    "Since there was construction going on at the national park campgrounds and none were available, we found Mary’s Lake to be a great alternative to take our chances at camping in the park."

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Recent Camping Photos near Grand Lake, CO

1040 Photos of 444 Grand Lake Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Grand Lake, CO

2862 Reviews of 444 Grand Lake Campgrounds

  • Hillary B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Peak One Campground

    Convenient and beautiful

    Convenient to town and all that Frisco/Dillon has to offer, but also right on the perimeter trail (6-mile dirt) and also the Dillon Reservoir loop (18-mile paved). Our site had a small path right to the beach.

    No hammocks are allowed here (we learned this by having one). There are bathrooms, but they were locked during our stay. Potable water was still available.

  • Ken B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Hermits Hollow Campground — Hermit Park

    Nice campground

    The sites are spacious and far enough apart. Not much for views but the place was clean and the staff very welcoming. Close to the park and t-shirt shopping in Estes Park.

  • Ben W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Pioneer Park

    Cute, but...

    Great little campground, right on the Colorado River.

    Would be better if a freight train didn't pass through every 2-3 hours, blowing the train horn.

  • A
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Manor RV Park

    Location Excellent - Campground and showers OK

    The campground is extremely conveniently located and in a pretty area. The campground itself is just ok. Super close together spaces and zero privacy at sites. Nice concrete pads to park beside to help with mud and tracking so that was nice. Each site has its own picnic table. The shower house was centrally located within the grounds. The women's side entrance wasn't very well lit at night. There are no private changing areas in the shower house, except the handicap stall, which I am not a fan of. Water wasn't very hot even on straight hot.

    Men's side was even less private my husband said.

  • leah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    The Lost Site - Dispersed Campsite

    The lost site

    Beautiful quiet spot. Large sites with pull thru. Easy turn around. No facilites and cold in October

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Applewood RV Resort by Rjourney

    Great hiking and biking trails

    The park was okay if you are looking for something overnight. And very expensive and very crowded and no room between rigs. Looks like fulltime living in some spaces. It does have laundry service. And it has a great park just beside it. And there are beautiful hiking and biking trails right next to the facility. And it is very dog friendly.

  • Susan D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    FR-302 Dispersed Camping - Rabbit Ears Pass

    Great spot

    We found a spot about a mile up 302. You hit kind of an intersection. We took the road to the right and went all the way to the end. It ends in a big loop (really big enough space for a few rvs). We pull a 33' fifth wheel and just went slow. The spot at the end was beautiful!

  • Vinny D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Allenspark Dispersed Camp Spot

    Great spot, quiet

    Good spot, this is my second time staying here. You have to drive through a neighborhood to get to the serving road. Follow the directions on Google and you’ll be fine. The best spots are a little further back. The road will come to a Y go left. Once you go left down be hill you’ll go back up a hill and go around the curve to the right. There’s a creek on the left and great spots.

  • Adam B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    South Bay Campground — Horsetooth Reservoir

    Eh… it’s ok

    For what you’re paying for it could be better. Vault bathrooms are not clean and smell awful. Look I know they smell and are dirty but people do your part to close the lid and clean up afterwards. Showers are good but you have to pay $2 per shower Dump is $15 too! Good cycling around here Cell service is ok. Sometimes drops. Verizon and att People working here are very friendly and helpful. Leave it better than you found it.

Guide to Grand Lake

Camping near Grand Lake, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning views and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Rocky Mountain National Park. Many campers rave about the easy access to trails, with one reviewer noting, "The hiking trail to Sprague Lake is about a mile with plenty of birds and other critters."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for moose and elk. A camper at Timber Creek Campground shared, "Wonderful place. Moose in campground, and elk calling at night."
  • Fishing: The lakes around Grand Lake are perfect for fishing. One visitor mentioned, "We saw a moose in the morning drinking from the lake," highlighting the area's natural beauty.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers love the breathtaking views. A reviewer at Glacier Basin Campground said, "Great campground with beautiful views of the mountains!"
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are well-maintained. A visitor at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake noted, "Common bathroom, shower, dish and clothes washing facilities centrally located, clean and well maintained."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peaceful environment. One reviewer at Moraine Park Campground mentioned, "Chilly, clear starry night. Tall trees. Close to town but quiet."

What you should know:

  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds have specific seasons. For example, Glacier Basin Campground is open from May 23 to September 11, so plan accordingly.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A camper at Timber Creek Campground pointed out, "Restroom is rustic and functional with dish washing sink."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Expect busy campgrounds in summer. A visitor at Moraine Park Campground mentioned, "It's a bit overcrowded."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. A reviewer at East Portal Campground said, "Big playground and not crazy expensive."
  • Plan for Wildlife: Keep an eye on kids and pets. One camper at Timber Creek Campground noted, "We saw elk and mule deer in the campground on multiple occasions."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring extra blankets and layers. A visitor at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake mentioned, "It gets windy in the afternoon."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Golden Gate Canyon State Park - Reverend's Ridge Campground said, "Choose your loop carefully."
  • Look for Hookups: Some campgrounds offer electric hookups. A camper at Deer Creek Campground noted, "Great place to RV camp with a good amount of hookups and showers/bathrooms on site."
  • Be Prepared for Road Noise: Some sites are near busy roads. A visitor at Timber Creek Campground mentioned, "There’s a bit of road noise from trail ridge road traffic."

Camping near Grand Lake, Colorado, is a fantastic way to enjoy nature, but it's good to be prepared. With the right planning, you can have a memorable outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time of year to camp at Grand Lake, Colorado?

The prime camping season at Grand Lake runs from late June through early September, with July and August being the busiest months. Willow Creek Campground fills quickly during this peak summer period, particularly after July 4th when many campgrounds in the area reach capacity. For those seeking a quieter experience, consider late May to mid-June or September when temperatures remain pleasant but crowds thin considerably. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, with Moraine Park Campground visitors noting occasional summer rain showers that typically pass quickly. Fall brings spectacular color but cooler temperatures, especially at night. Winter camping is available in some areas but requires proper cold-weather gear and experience, as services are limited and many roads may be inaccessible.

Where are the best campgrounds in Grand Lake, Colorado?

Grand Lake offers several excellent campgrounds for your Colorado adventure. Timber Creek Campground is ideally located within Rocky Mountain National Park, adjacent to the Colorado River and close to both the Kauwuneeche Visitor Center and Grand Lake town. It features running water, sinks, and toilets. For those seeking resort amenities, Winding River Resort provides spacious sites with water and electric hookups, clean bathrooms with warm showers, and numerous onsite activities including a popular pancake breakfast. Other notable options include Green Ridge Campground, which offers quiet sites and clean facilities just minutes from Grand Lake, and Stillwater Campground, which provides easy access to Lake Granby for water recreation.

Is tent camping available at Grand Lake, Colorado?

Yes, tent camping is widely available around Grand Lake. Moraine Loop Campground offers excellent tent-friendly sites with level areas specifically designated for tents alongside picnic areas. The campground provides clean vault toilets though lacks water fill stations or shower facilities. For a more immersive nature experience, Primitive Sites — State Forest State Park offers excellent backpacking opportunities along the American Lakes Trail with dispersed camping options. This area is renowned for its moose population and scenic beauty. Other tent-friendly options include Willow Creek Campground and Green Ridge Campground, both offering quiet surroundings and basic facilities. Most campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV camping, though tent campers should check site dimensions when making reservations.

What activities can you do while camping at Grand Lake?

Grand Lake offers abundant recreation opportunities for campers. Water activities dominate the scene, with Arapaho Bay Campground providing spectacular lake access for swimming, fishing, and paddling, plus frequent wildlife sightings including moose, bald eagles, and bears. Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate Stillwater Campground as a jumping-off point for numerous trails into Rocky Mountain National Park. The area boasts excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly moose watching in the mornings. Grand Lake town is just a short drive from most campgrounds, offering dining and shopping options. For those seeking elevation and mountain views, the dispersed sites along NFSR 120 provide panoramic vistas overlooking both Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Lake.

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