Best Camping in and near Roosevelt National Forest

83% (41 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Roosevelt National Forest adventure.

Get out in nature without straying far from the city in this wooded national forest.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Roosevelt National Forest

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Roosevelt National Forest

90%

(5)

Peaceful Valley Campground

16 sites · RVs, Tents In Roosevelt National Forest

100%

(2)

North Fork Poudre Campground

9 sites · RVs, Tents In Roosevelt National Forest

from

$13

/ night

Tunnel Campground

49 sites · RVs, Tents In Roosevelt National Forest

from

$18

/ night

Narrows Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents In Roosevelt National Forest

Bellaire Lake Campground

26 sites · RVs, Tents In Roosevelt National Forest

Dutch George Campground

21 sites · RVs, Tents In Roosevelt National Forest

from

$19

/ night

This isn't exactly the view from the campsite, but Mt. Meeker and Longs Peak are spectacular. The trailhead is just down the road

Meeker Park Overflow Campground

29 sites · RVs, Tents In Roosevelt National Forest

Brainard Lake Recreation Area

47 sites · RVs, Tents In Roosevelt National Forest

100%

(1)

Camp Dick Campground

20 sites · RVs, Tents In Roosevelt National Forest

Kelly Dahl Campground

25 sites · RVs, Tents In Roosevelt National Forest

Olive Ridge Campground

53 sites · RVs, Tents In Roosevelt National Forest

67%

(4)

Rainbow Lakes Campground

18 sites · RVs, Tents In Roosevelt National Forest

from

$13

/ night

Big Bend Campground

9 sites · RVs, Tents In Roosevelt National Forest

from

$15

/ night

Big South Campground

4 sites · RVs, Tents In Roosevelt National Forest

from

$15

/ night

West Lake Campground

35 sites · RVs, Tents In Roosevelt National Forest

Browns Park Campground

28 sites · RVs, Tents In Roosevelt National Forest

from

$14

/ night

Some great adventures and made lasting memories

Grandview Campground

9 sites In Roosevelt National Forest

from

$16

/ night

Jacks Gulch Campground

64 sites · RVs, Tents In Roosevelt National Forest

Kelly Flats Campground

29 sites · RVs, Tents In Roosevelt National Forest

from

$20

/ night

Long Draw Campground

25 sites · RVs, Tents In Roosevelt National Forest

from

$16

/ night

Sleeping Elephant Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents In Roosevelt National Forest

Tom Bennett Campground

12 sites · RVs, Tents In Roosevelt National Forest

from

$13

/ night

Stub Creek Cabin

1 site In Roosevelt National Forest

Pawnee Campground

47 sites · RVs, Tents In Roosevelt National Forest

100%

(4)

Ansel Watrous Campground

17 sites · RVs, Tents In Roosevelt National Forest

100%

(2)

Chambers Lake Campground

51 sites · RVs, Tents In Roosevelt National Forest

67%

(3)

Dowdy Lake Campground

62 sites · RVs, Tents In Roosevelt National Forest

Jacks Gulch Group and Equestrian Campground

3 sites · RVs, Tents In Roosevelt National Forest

100%

(2)

Lower Narrows Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents In Roosevelt National Forest

Mountain Park Campground

31 sites · RVs, Tents In Roosevelt National Forest

Aspen Glen Campground

9 sites · RVs, Tents In Roosevelt National Forest

Stove Prairie Campground

9 sites · RVs, Tents In Roosevelt National Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near Roosevelt National Forest

97%

(100)

Boulder Tintype Ranch

7 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Valmont, CO

Welcome to our charming 2-acre farm nestled in East Boulder with a view of Long’s Peak. Just minutes from town - near walking trails, a bike park, shopping, and restaurants. A great pitstop on your way to or from the mountains. We have a 4 meter Glamping tent complete with a queen sized bed and rocking chairs, as well as spots in the meadow for RVs and camping tents. We limit the meadow to 5 small groups so there always remains plenty of open space for everyone. Our goal is to offer you a peaceful and affordable place to rest. The most affordable in all of Boulder! We have a community fire ring, big stacks of free burn wood and kitchen tables. We have well water to offer up by the house, but I wouldn’t drink it without purification… makes for a great cold outdoor shower. We have fresh eggs! The chickens free range during the day, so please keep an eye on your dogs… leash if necessary. Our gals won’t run away. THE GOOD: *Easy in and out location *Most affordable rates in all of Boulder. *Beautiful view of the Longs Peak. *Lots of sun *Summertime creek on the property. *Fresh eggs!!! *Community campfire with free firewood THE BAD: *Daytime road noise (pretend ocean waves??). *Limited shade. *Total RV length 40 feet - Truck AND Trailer - due to a steep and winding entrance and exit. *Good Morning Rooster We can handle RVs around 40 feet in TOTAL LENGTH - truck and trailer. It’s a big field, but a narrow, winding and steep ramp to get in and out. If you are a nervous driver, perhaps choose another place to rest your head. If you are a confident driver with towing experience, you can probably even go bigger. No designated spots. Please feel free to park anywhere you’d like while leaving enough room for other campers. It is flattest along the fence by the pond - leveling boards are stacked up in the field to borrow. Please note there is no access to the pond itself. It’s our neighbor’s property. We've got Tintype Portraits! I am a Wet Plate Photographer specializing in 1800’s antique metal portraits made of silver. Half off a one night stay is included in the price of every portrait. Check out: TheTintypeCompany.com if you get the chance. We are indeed the cheapest Hipcamp in Boulder, and our goal is to remain as affordable as we possible can. Alternatively, there is a $22 place up near Loveland, a $36 farm in Longmont, and a van-only spot in Evergreen for $33… The local homeless shelter is also an option if you are car camping. No joke, it is wonderful. More like an hostel than a homeless shelter. And they have facilities!! Folks do it all the time if the shelter has the space that night. Showers, WiFi, even food. Their contact info is: 4869 N Broadway Boulder, CO 80304 bouldershelter.org +1 (303) 442-4646 If you are in a van and just looking for a place to park for a night, 33rd north of Arapahoe is your best bet. It’s right next to the Police station, so fairly safe. The streets aren’t level, but neither is our field! Great for vans, not so great for larger RVs or trailers. All that said, we would love to be your host. Our place is clean, safe, and quiet at night. It’s super convenient to town. Please reach out with any questions you may have. I’ll do my level best to help in any way I can. Safe travels! Sincerely, Patrick

92%

(227)

A-Lodge Boulder

11 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Boulder, CO

A-Lodge Boulder is a 30 room lodge just 2 miles above downtown Boulder, Colorado. We are located in a wilderness area of Boulder Canyon, right at the junction with Fourmile Canyon. We have three #vanlife sites and four tentsites for offer on Hipcamp. We have a BRAND NEW barrel sauna, hot tub, grills, seasonal pool (Memorial Day to Labor Day), meeting space, outdoor beer garden, bathrooms and showers for campers and a wonderful trail to Betasso Preserve right from your campsite. The Fourmile Creek runs through our property along our large lawn area. Great views and you might see bear, deer, elk, moose, foxes, or even a mountain lion! Walk-in sites are just a short hike, about 100 feet, on an unmanicured trail to our platforms. We provide the platform for your tent as well as access to all of our lodge's amenities; front desk, lobby, bar & beer garden, fire pits, grills, bathrooms, shower, outdoor common areas, free wifi, etc. Our guests love us too! Check out what a fellow camper had to say: "First time Hipcamper and A-Lodge visitor here, I’d definitely recommend checking this place out if you’re traveling to the Boulder area. The tent platforms were easy to get to and spaced far enough apart for privacy and generally a nice break from setting up a tent on a gravel pad. WiFi was stable throughout my visit and I was able to get some work done before heading home."

100%

(565)

Buford Canyon

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Buford, WY

We purchased 40 acres several years ago and built our home on the west side. We wished we could better access and appreciate the amazing views on the east side so we built two off grid cabins and a campsite. We have been encouraged to share this very special location with others. We have found it very rewarding to share this spot with others.

100%

(8)

Mountain View Farmland

4 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Longmont, CO

Beautiful field, with open views on 3 sides and mountain views on the 4th. Right next to lovely Haystack mountain, home to a heard of elk. Quiet, big skies, low light pollution. 10 minutes outside of Boulder, but in the countryside :) We have an unused field of low grass on our property that is quite flat (1-2 degrees) and great for camping. Note for entering: Turn into the gravel driveway. Then turn left immediately after the cut-off phone pole (this is the largest gap to enter the field). There is a bit of a dip from the driveway into the field. Also, on the righthand side of the driveway is a pretty large rain-collecting hole/ditch -- keep an eye out for it.

98%

(293)

Rocky Mountain Glamping

6 sites · Lodging, RVs5 acres · Lyons, CO

A Rocky Mountain Glamping Experience! *** Bliss Camp awarded Runner-Up for Best Glamping in Colorado for 2023 and 2024 *** November 2024 Update: Winter has arrived and after a very successful 2024 Glamping season, Bliss Camp is taking a break until April 2025. 2024 provided exceptional weather which enhanced all of our many Glampers' experiences. Temperatures were delightful all the way until October 30. Wildflowers were abundant most of the season, and autumn colors were spectacular for nearly two months. Bliss Camp is now accepting reservations for our 2025 Glamping season. We will be reopening April 25, weather permitting. Due to our popularity reservations often fill up quickly. We suggest you make your reservations as much as six months in advance if you are that organized and especially if you have a group to rent the entire camp. At times there are last minute cancelations which allows for last minute openings. Big news flash: Bliss Camp is adding a 12' x 14' Glamping Wall Tent in 2025. We have it in our possession now! This is larger than our Frontier Tent. It will have an early settler / gold miner theme which is fitting since Bliss Canyon may have been the northern most gold mines in Colorado. The tent will be placed uphill in a private location in the vicinity of the Frontier Tent. It will be situated about 300' from the Frontier Tent so privacy will be maintained for all accommodations. The view of rock formations is spectacular. It will have it's own well-stocked kitchen, private hot shower and propane fire pit for those romantic moments! Oh, did we mention there is flat parking within 30' ! Dot and Byron look forward to greeting our many returning guests and are eager to meet new Glamping adventurers. Happy Trails and towards the fun! Dot and Byron Welcome to Bliss Canyon! Relax stream side in your private camp overlooking lush nature and towering rock outcroppings. Stroll along a rushing stream or head up challenging Moose Track trail to Balancing Rock. After your day of adventure or kicking back enjoy a hot shower. Share your revelations of the day around the campfire, roast marshmallows, or relish your favorite beverage or special treat as you unwind. The open air, covered Kitchens have sinks, fresh, potable hot water, kitchenware, gas stove —pots, pans, dishes, utensils, etc, BBQ with side burner, critter-resistant food safe, bear-proof trash can, and picnic table outside. We provide a convenient propane campfire for safety since our climate is dry and often windy. No candles or open flames please. There are easy trails on property along the lush stream (the original riverbed of the Middle Saint Vrain Stream), fishing or swimming in the pond (no lifeguard on duty), or challenging trails into Roosevelt National Forest from the property. (Ask Hiker Dot for guidance.) Several National Forest access points, where you can enjoy peaceful walks away from crowds, are a short drive. Bliss Canyon is a spur off of breathtaking, picturesque South Saint Vrain Canyon. Stroll on over to the South or Middle for renowned fly fishing. For climbers, there are over 50 climbs in South Saint Vrain Canyon! Dark Skies: If you like to watch the stars and meteor showers, Bliss Canyon is blessed with dark skies with little light from the plains. Bring your telescopes and explore the Universe. Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the five Crown Jewels of the National Park Service, is nearby. The closest trailhead in RMNP is 10 miles, the next trailhead at Wild Basin entrance to the park is 13 miles, and the Beaver Meadows entrance (main entrance) is 36 miles. Rocky Mountain National Park has breathtaking drives, easy strolls with interpretive signs, and 360 miles of trails. (Advance reservation required for entry 9:00 am to 3:00 pm for main park, or 5:00 am to 6:00 pm for Bear Lake corridor.) Indian Peaks Wilderness also has several nearby access points and trailheads. Ask Dot for details. Fall Colors are forecasted to be over the top this year starting in September to late October. Bliss Canyon explodes with color and is a great base camp for Aspen viewing along Peak to Peak Highway, Rocky Mountain National Park and all the surrounding areas. The famous Fall Elk Rut starts the beginning of September. According to Byron, the Elk Rut is one of the best National Geographic Moments on the Planet! This is a must experience event! We are located near Rocky Mountain National Park which typically provides the best opportunities to view the Rut, as well as other areas near the Park. During the Fall we provide "Little Buddy" propane heaters for the Gypsy Wagons and the Frontier Tent to help you warm up during cold evenings. Additionally, with a new Starlink booster we now have internet at all camps. The charming town of Lyons is 20 minutes away with coffee shops, restaurants, bars, lots of great live music, library with free wifi, and quaint shops*. Also, Spirit Hound Distillery received the award for the #1, Best Whiskey in the World in 2022, hmmm, it might be worth a tasting! Dot and Byron look forward to hosting you in our spectacular Rocky Mountain Paradise. Wir sprechen auch Deutsch!

95%

(22)

The Bluebear at Y Double-K Ranch

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Ward, CO

We border a national forest where you can hike and just enjoy the outdoors. The Ceran Saint Vrain trailhead is less than one mile away and Brainard Lake is a short 20 minute drive. If you feel as you need to go to town, Boulder, Estes Park, and Nederland are all a 30 min drive. Away, yet close enough!

95%

(336)

Creekside Paradise

6 sites · Lodging, Tents42 acres · CO

Located perfectly between Boulder, Nederland, and Rocky Mountain National Park, and very close to other stunning hikes, this spot is a great landing pad to have easy access to some of the most beautiful places in the Rockies as well as offering it's own breathtaking scenery. This land is the sacred land of the Arapaho tribe. Chief Niwot and his tribe spent winters here. It is a very special place. The property is a mile long so there is plenty of space with the tent sites being 1/2 mile from the yurt and separate entries for each. There are currently 2 tents sites available, a bell tent, and a yurt.

93%

(291)

Neverland/Camp Wilder

5 sites · Lodging, Tents7 acres · Nederland, CO

Welcome to Camp Wilder! We are an off-the-beaten-path camp offering peace and solitude. The cabin is very special to my family and me. It was passed down as a mining claim from my grandmother who founded it in the '60s. The vision for the land was simply perfect. A small 10 x 10 cabin with the whole mountain to explore and whoever they wished to bring with them. The town of Nederland is 10 minutes down the road where you can fish at Baker Reservoir. Lots of fun little stores in town to keep the family busy. Wildlife is everywhere up by the cabin/campsite, always remember don't leave food lying around with lots of great things to look for around the magical town of Nederland. The cabin sleeps up to 8 with the futon downstairs being very comfortable and 3" foam upstairs in the loft for more sleeping area. Bring your sleeping bags to stay cozy at night. There are lanterns inside to light up your night with a wood stove to keep you warm at night. The ground around it is sloped so you may have a hard time setting up any tents around the cabin. The grocery store is in Nederland where you can buy food, Coleman green propane bottles, gallon jugs of water and wood. There is a 3 burner Coleman, stove to cook on with limited pots & pans as well as silverware. Road disclaimer, the road to the cabin is one lane dirt road. The drive up to the cabin is pretty good but the turn onto the single dirt road to the cabin has a slight dip, if you have a low-clearance car it may bottom out when you are turning so be careful. No Trailers. They will not be able to turn around once there. Recommend vehicles with AWD. Go 3.4 miles up Caribou road. Turn right @ yellow stakes go .4 miles. Park on the left. Hike down to the cabin between yellow stakes. We are @ 10,000 feet and it is a slight hike to the cabin. Go 3.4 miles up Caribou road. Turn right @ yellow stakes go .4 miles When leaving please make sure both door locks are locked, put the key in the lock box and mix the code for the next camper.

90%

(266)

Arapaho Valley Ranch

68 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Granby, CO

Arapaho Valley Ranch is a gorgeous, family-owned guest ranch in Colorado’s beautiful Grand County. Our ranch is surrounded by the Arapaho National Forest and is nestled in one of the most beautiful wilderness areas in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. This area features hiking trails, waterfalls, and historic steam engines from the old town of Monarch. We have a private hiking trail that leads to our “kissing swing” overlooking the headwaters of the Colorado River Valley. Property Description Disclaimer: The amenities, features, and services displayed in photos on our website or promotional materials are for illustration purposes only. AVR does not guarantee the availability, condition, or quality of these amenities at the time of your visit, and they are subject to change. AVR reserves the right to change, modify, or discontinue any feature or service without notice at any time.

94%

(157)

Sherwood Creek Camp and Glamp

5 sites · Lodging, Tents24 acres · Nederland, CO

This forested and open meadow property is located on a seasonal creek 2 miles from the quaint mountain town of Nederland, Colorado. A short drive to both Boulder & Denver and situated in the picturesque Front Range, Nederland has convenient access to skiing, mountain biking, hiking & camping, including many points of access to the Continental Divide. The property is within walking distance of Boulder County Open Space and Indian Peaks Wilderness trails for endless biking and hiking adventures. Sites are private and secluded. There is a 20-foot tipi, a quaint treehouse, and a tent site camp that can be rented separately or together for larger groups. Toilet, picnic table, and potable water all available onsite. We have endless hiking, biking, and mountain fun activities onsite and nearby! Space for camper vans as well! We look forward to hosting you soon.

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Little Cabin with a view

3 sites · Lodging15 acres · Jelm, WY

Cozy, rustic, dry, one room mountainside cabin with outhouse, sits under the wide open Wyoming sky. (Has electricity, electric heat) View sunsets and star filled skies from the front patio. A microwave, mini fridge, propane grill allow for simple meals to be prepared. The Little Cabin offers a mountainside basecamp, getaway, vacation or over night travel stop 30 miles from LARAMIE, WY, I80, WY 130, US 287 and Co 125. 2.5 miles from Woodslanding on WY 230. Depending on the time of year there are various outdoor activities nearby to enjoy. Hiking, Fishing, Snow Shoeing, Cross Country skiing. There are Mountain Lakes, Plains Lakes, the Big Laramie River, Snowy Range Down Hill Ski Area all with in a 60 mile radius. There is public access to the Big Laramie River across the highway where you can fish or walk the public access path that runs along side it. Saratoga, WY, natural Hot Springs are about 90 miles West and makes for a beautiful drive. Snowy Range Mountain offers a down hill ski area, trails for hiking, cross country skiing and snow shoeing. Star gazing from the Little Cabin or Gazebo is amazing. There is no light pollution which allows a view of the stars some have never seen.

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(10)

Secluded Mountain View Camp

1 site · RV8 acres · Boulder, CO

Enjoy mountain views, access to open space for hiking and 8 acres of property. We have horses and chickens on the property. Gravel parking for RV, electric hook up. Water is available. Dump facilities within 10-15 min drive. 8 min drive to Boulder, 10 to Louisville and Lafayette. Bike ride away to additional parks.

The best camping near Roosevelt National Forest guide

Overview

About

Administered in conjunction with the Arapaho National Forest and the Pawnee National Grassland, the Roosevelt National Forest is a popular getaway from nearby Fort Collins, attracting campers and day trippers alike throughout the year. The Cache la Poudre River, the only designated Wild and Scenic River in Colorado, winds through the forest, and attracts experienced white-water rafters and kayakers in search of thrills as well as its fair share of anglers, particularly in spring and summer. The greater Arapaho-Roosevelt-Pawnee area offers 53 designated campgrounds plus 10 wilderness areas ideal for backcountry adventures.

Notable campgrounds

Best for RV camping: North Fork Poudre Campground can accommodate RVs measuring up to 35 feet in length.
Best for short breaks from the city: Sleeping Elephant Campground is just over an hour from Fort Collins.
Best for planning ahead: about half of the sites at the Peaceful Valley Campground can be reserved during high season

Tips for snagging a campsite

The Roosevelt National Forest offers a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served (FCFS) campsites. If you’re looking for an FCFS site, it’s usually best to arrive early in the morning to beat crowds or to nab a site from a departing camper.
Arrive mid-week for the best shot of securing a good site, particularly if you want to camp in the busy summer season.
Reservable sites open for bookings at 8am Mountain Time, six months in advance. If you’re trying to book a popular spot or a cabin, try to reserve as soon as it’s released.

When to go

The Roosevelt National Forest is a year-round destination, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure no matter the season. Popular wintertime activities include ice fishing, snowmobiling, skiing, and snowshoeing. Early spring and summer are popular for white-water rafting along the Cache la Poudre River, while July and August see the biggest crowds when it comes to camping and hiking; if you want a bit more forest to yourself, September is a great alternative.

Know before you go

Cell service can be spotty at best in the Roosevelt National Forest. Be sure to download offline maps before heading out. Having a paper map as a backup is wise, too.
Forest fires are an issue in Colorado, particularly in the summertime. Be prepared for burn bans and potential road and campground closures.
Check ahead for the latest information on snow-related road closures if you’re visiting during the wintertime. It’s a good idea to also pack chains or get snow tires if driving in higher altitudes during the cooler months.
Bicycles are not allowed in wilderness areas, and dogs must be kept leashed at all times.

Nearby attractions

Experience the beauty of camping in Poudre Canyon, a picturesque mountain getaway. Set up camp amidst towering cliffs, hike scenic trails, and listen to the soothing sounds of the Poudre River. Enjoy fishing, spot wildlife, and create lasting memories in this tranquil natural paradise.