Map showing campground location near Twin Lakes, Colorado

Camper submitted image from Williams Fork Reservoir

Williams Fork Reservoir

Denver Water Board manages Williams Fork Reservoir, a dispersed camping area that sits at 7,870 feet elevation near Parshall. The campground provides direct access to the reservoir with multiple areas spread around the water's perimeter, connected by well-graded dirt roads that accommodate any size RV.

Campers can choose from numerous sites, with many positioned directly on the water. The area near the boat ramp tends to draw more activity and generator use, while the east side of the reservoir offers more space between sites. Anne M. notes "many spots to choose from, all with great views of the water." Sites include picnic tables and fire rings, though shade remains limited except near some trees by the boat ramp area.

The reservoir supports boating and kayaking, with a boat inspection requirement before launching. Denver Water maintenance crews make regular rounds to keep facilities clean and monitor the area. Cell coverage varies by location, with AT&T providing 1-2 bars of service while Verizon and T-Mobile connections prove more spotty.

Clean pit toilets and dumpsters serve the camping area, plus a free dump station. No potable water is available on-site, so campers must bring their own supply. Matt H. found the "bathroom was super clean" during his July visit. Afternoons can bring wind across the open water, which helps reduce insects but may affect those in tents.

As of May 2022, the campground transitioned from free camping to a fee system. For additional options, campers can explore places to camp around Parshall or check nearby Williams Fork Reservoir West Ramp just across the water.

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Location

Public Campground

Williams Fork Reservoir is located in Colorado

Coordinates

40.00683257 N
106.221836 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon5G
Good Coverage
Verified by 9 users
Last on 4/2/26
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 4/2/26

Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon5G
Good Coverage
Verified by 9 users
Last on 4/2/26
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 4/2/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Reservable
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Pull-Through Sites
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Visit Website

Reservations

Make reservation

Drive Time

2 hrs 14 min from Denver, CO
2 hrs 24 min from Boulder, CO
2 hrs 56 min from Greeley, CO
3 hrs from Fort Collins, CO

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

14 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the stunning waterfront sites and clean facilities as major highlights of this reservoir campground. A common theme was the peaceful atmosphere, though some noted generator noise near the boat ramp area.

Jess G.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 11, 2024

Decent but has a fee now

The app says this used to be free but now you have to pay a fee that began May 22, I was very disappointed that you have to pay. Also beware of ticks here and be sure you bring bug spray!

Month of VisitJune

Sean M.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 14, 2023

Amazing view and great space

Everything was great, scenery is to die for and the wildlife are so cute and curious. It does get pretty cold at night so pack some extra clothes. My only downside to the whole trip was a group of loud people who continued to be loud into the night.

Month of VisitAugust

Angus B.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 25, 2023

Was a great stay

We dropped off our teardrop next to the water and had an amazing view. The outhouses were well maintained and plenty through the area.

Month of VisitJuly

(4) View All

Lisa M.

Ranger

Reviewed Jul. 17, 2023

Beautiful views over the water

Disbursed campers found this hidden gem. A beautiful lake. Clean bathroom. Private spot. Free for 2023. Campsites with fire ring and table.

Sitesite 9

Month of VisitJuly

(5) View All

Matt H.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 4, 2023

Great free sites

Arrived on 4th of July weekend bur found great spot on water. Windy in the afternoons, but kept bugs away. Kayak in the mornings. Bathroom was super clean.

Month of VisitJuly

(4) View All

Kevin H.

Legend

Reviewed Jun. 25, 2023

Delightful free site Will charge from 2024

Lovely dispersed site. Dispersed. Camp where you will Few long drop toilets & dumpsters No water / electricity

7870 feet high

If you love remote. This area is it

Month of VisitJune

(5) View All

Anne M.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 13, 2023

Beautiful

Many spots to choose from, all with great views of the water. Very clean pit toilets are available. Some cell service, more spotty in some areas than others. The dirt roads into and around camping sites are all graded very well and accessible by any vehicle, even in the midst of a lightning storm. Super sweet free camping!

Month of VisitJune

Alex D.

Guide

Reviewed May. 28, 2023

Best Lakeside camping around

Stayed here in late May. The place itself is absolutely stunning. Bathrooms are clean. People are polite. The grounds manager even has his own site and told us to let him know if you needed anything to just stop by! This place is free though the manager did mention they were going to start charging a fee soon (rightfully so to be honest).

You can drive out on the reservoir beach, but only camping at sites.

Enjoy!!

SiteSite 14

Month of VisitMay

Ingrid

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 12, 2022

Beautiful lake setting

Another peaceful setting, quite a few spots along the lake, RV friendly and some tent sites plus some vault toilets and fire pits

SiteWest Grand 1-jt., CO, USA

Month of VisitJune

Laura M.

Legend

Reviewed Jun. 7, 2022

Free!

An easy drive in from highway 40 in any size rig. This place is great it is FREE plus there are a lot of sites to choose from.

We initially started out in the cluster of sites near the boat ramp but moved because of an on going generator user so we moved to the east side of the reservoir and were much happier! This area is more quiet and serene, and though there were many spots to choose from there was hardly anybody there and we had the whole area to ourselves.

Each site has a picnic table and fire pit and sites are fairly level. Not private at all but not bad when we were there as there weren’t too many other campers. There are pit toilets and dumpsters for trash as well as trash cans near the bathrooms.

There is also a dump station that is free as well but there is NO water (not even rinse water) so bring your own. There is also very little shade except for some trees near the boat ramp area sites. There is a boat ramp here and there are signs for another one on the other side of the lake and boats need to be inspected prior to putting them in the water.

Lots of maintenance workers (I believe the logo on the trucks said Denver Water) going through here all day, keeping everything cleaned up and picked up and keeping an eye on things. That was nice.

1-2 bars of 4G-LTE with ATT, barely 1 bar with Verizon and Tmobile was roaming. WeBoost helped though.

(11) View All

Kurtis K.

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 13, 2021

👍

Great water front camping

Siten/a

Month of VisitAugust

Eric B.

Traveler

Reviewed May. 31, 2021

Great spot for me and the dog

The lots were spread out and I was fortunate to get one right on the beach. Was great to be able to walk with the dog off leash and throw the ball on the beach without having to worry about others

Month of VisitMay

Dirt N.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 6, 2019

Great Spot!

Awesome spot to camp beautiful views and nice lake. Clean Bathrooms.

alexa H.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 25, 2018

Williams fork

Nice spot by the water. Has bathrooms and a road around the lake. Hiking near RMNP and Grand Lake aren’t too far!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is swimming allowed in Williams Fork Reservoir?

Swimming is permitted in Williams Fork Reservoir. The reservoir offers beautiful beach areas that are ideal for water activities, including swimming. Many campsites are positioned right on the beach, making water access convenient. The water provides a refreshing experience, especially during warm summer days. Morning hours typically offer calmer water conditions, while afternoons can get windy. Remember that this is a mountain reservoir, so water temperatures may be cooler than expected.

What's the difference between Williams Fork Reservoir East and West campgrounds?

The East and West campgrounds at Williams Fork Reservoir offer slightly different experiences. The East campground tends to be quieter and may provide more privacy between sites. It's an excellent option if you're looking to escape generator noise that can be present in busier areas. The West side is closer to the boat ramp and tends to have more clustering of campsites. Both areas offer waterfront camping opportunities with fire rings and access to clean vault toilets. The entire area features stunning views, but site selection between East and West depends on whether you prefer quick boat access or more seclusion.

Where is dispersed camping allowed at Williams Fork Reservoir?

Williams Fork Reservoir offers extensive dispersed camping opportunities along its shoreline. You can camp virtually anywhere around the reservoir, with many prime spots located directly on the beach or waterfront. The east side of the reservoir provides excellent dispersed camping options, as does the area near the boat ramp. Most sites feature fire rings and are accessible via well-maintained dirt roads that can accommodate various vehicle types. The campground sits at approximately 7,870 feet elevation and offers a remote, peaceful setting with beautiful views of the water.

Do I need reservations for Williams Fork Reservoir campgrounds?

Reservations are not required for camping at Williams Fork Reservoir as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. While camping was previously free, a fee system has been implemented recently. The campground can fill up during holiday weekends and peak summer months, so arriving early is recommended, especially for waterfront sites. For the most current fee information and availability status, contact the campground manager who maintains a site on the property or check with the managing agency before your trip.

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