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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Stay at a public campground in Roosevelt National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds near Roosevelt National Forest
92%
(138)
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.
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$65
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94%
(26)
Boulder Tintype Ranch
7 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Valmont, CO
Welcome to our charming 2-acre farm nestled in East Boulder, just minutes from town - near walking trails, a bike park, shopping, restaurants. A great pitstop on your way to or from the mountains… a good place to pause and restock. Whole Foods is close. So is REI and a plethora of breweries.
We have chickens! They free range during the day, so please keep an eye on your dogs. Please leash if necessary. Our chickens won’t run away and are therefor easy to kill. Fresh eggs available every morning. First come first serve at the coop.
THE GOOD:
*Easy in and out location
*Most affordable rates in all of Boulder.
*Beautiful view of the mountains.
*Lots of sun
*Summertime creek on the property.
*Fresh eggs!!!
*Tintypes!
*Community campfire with free firewood
THE BAD:
*Daytime road noise (pretend ocean waves??).
*Limited shade.
*Maximum stay of 4 nights.
*Total RV length 35-40 feet - Truck AND Trailer - due to a steep and winding entrance and exit.
*No amenities / facilities.
We can handle RVs up to 35-40 feet in TOTAL LENGTH. 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. A free 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 the area, and our goal is to remain as affordable as we possible can for Boulder. 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
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95%
(258)
Creekside Paradise
5 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.
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$36
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100%
(14)
Basecamp On The Poudre
4 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Bellvue, CO
At the base of the Poudre Canyon this location makes a perfect quick getaway for any camper, Only 15 minuets from down town Fort Collins your adventure awaits. You will be met with beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains, The comforting sounds of the Cache La Poudre, and if your lucky a glimpse at some of Colorado's amazing wildlife.
Base Camp provides space for many camping styles, from pitching a tent and enjoying a breathtaking view sleeping under the stars. Or hauling in your camper for a more comfortable stay.
Enjoy a view of the Poudre River right from your from your picnic table next to your cozy campfire, your next adventure awaits you here!
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$75
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93%
(246)
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 main 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 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 cots 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 and wood. Don't forget to take some water with you. 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.
We are @ 10,000 feet and it is a slight hike to the cabin.
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.
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$55
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99%
(1309)
Logan Ranch Campground
23 sites · RVs, Tents500 acres · Tie Siding, WY
Welcome to our property! This is a very scenic property, that is rich with history. The Virginia Dale Stage Station is about three miles away and the overland trail has several branches going through here. We are also a fifth generation cattle ranch. We are in Wyoming, on Highway 287 between Fort Collins, CO. and Laramie, Wyoming. We are still building out our property with a General store, and Western Themed Town coming soon. We have campsites for RV’s or Tents. We have an amazing 1000 acres to have your own hiking, wildlife, birdwatching, adventure. We have great hiking and wildlife viewing, marmots, pronghorn, antelope, deer, elk, and an occasional moose. Birds of every feather gather here so bring your binoculars. Hikes include balancing boulders and rock formations. Wonderful stargazing, our stars are so bright it seems like you can reach up and touch them. We are a working ranch and do have livestock. Don’t mess with the bull!Firewood, for $7.00 per bag delivered to your campsite. The bags make a great trash bag when empty! Do not bring your own firewood, as we don’t want more pine beetles and noxious weeds. Due to the high volume of people coming in separate vehicles, after two vehicles per site, its $10.00 per vehicle extra per night. We have portable outhouses available.
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$50
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100%
(448)
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.
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$40
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92%
(178)
A-Lodge Boulder
7 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 hot tub [CURRENTLY DOWN FOR MAINTENANCE 05/02-05/15], 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 our property. 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!
Tent sites are just a short walk, about 100 feet, up 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! "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."
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95%
(44)
Parrish Ranch Campground
15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · CO
We are a Full Grass, 6-acre campground at the base of Rabbit Mountain. The Little Thompson River runs through the property and is wonderful to take a dip in.
Carter Lake is only a 5-minute drive away.
20 Minutes away from Longmont Colorado is far enough away that you can escape from the city but close enough to be able to run into town if you need anything.
As long as you are by your post, we don't care how you park, pull in, back in, pull through, we are easy going.
Be aware this is a Rustic experience.
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$60
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88%
(4)
Homestead Farm Lyons
4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents15 acres · Lyons, CO
We are a new family farm 10 minutes from Lyons, Colorado, on 15 acres of rolling natural grasslands with red sandstone cliffs and stunning views of Long's Peak and the surrounding mountains and foothills along the Little Thompson River.
We raise pigs, sheep, goats, donkeys, chicken, turkeys, ducks and geese, and grow delicious organic vegetables.
We provide farm food as well as cooked meals (farm-to-table) with advance notice), a fire pit, BBQ, an archery range, trails on the property, access to the river and a swimming hole to cool off in.
We have a dog kennel if you would like to explore nearby Rocky Mountain National Park and need a safe place for your canine companion.
In collaboration with SoulRemembrance, we also offer retreats, ceremonies and initiations (more at Soulremembrance.com).
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$59
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99%
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Vista Tranquila - Boulder Glamping
5 sites · Lodging, RVs6 acres · Boulder, CO
Our family has resided on this magnificent property for over 20 years. In the 1950s, before the home was built, our land was known as "the point." Lovers used to drive onto the property, park at the end of the lot which overlooks the eastern plains, and... you know...
We live on 6.5 acres of stunning forested land located 1000 feet above downtown Boulder. Our property rests on a peninsula with views of the white-capped peaks to the west and the city lights to the east. The property feels far away from the bustle of city life, yet it is only an eight-minute drive to the heart of downtown Boulder's historic shopping district and ten minutes from the University of Colorado, Boulder.
Vista Tranquila, the name given to our property by its previous owners, has trails to meander, picnic tables, horseshoes, swings hanging from the trees, a competitive-level trampoline, benches with views, and hammocks.
The communal food prep area has a gas grill, a table for food prep, and a seating area. We request that guests pack out all trash. Since we do not provide stoves, pans, utensils, or cleanup facilities, please bring paper towels to wipe off your stoves, pans, dishes, and utensils.
A well-maintained portable flush toilet is provided in a tall tent near the main residence.
A spigot can be found with fresh well water on the back side of the main residence. We do not offer showers. However, the Boulder Recreation Center (a 10-minute drive) offers showers and other facilities for a small fee.
You can enjoy a historic mining town experience with fine dining and live bluegrass/ folk music at the town of Gold Hill which is less than 20 minutes up our canyon.
Kayakers, climbers, hikers, and cyclists (mountain, road, and gravel) will have an outdoor playground within a very short drive or right outside our door. World-class climbing located at Eldorado Canyon State Park is only a 25-minute drive.
If you seek bigger peaks beyond Boulder Mountain Parks, the Indian Peaks Wilderness and Rocky Mountain National Park are a gorgeous 45-minute drive.
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$49
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99%
(230)
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 ***
We are excited to announce that Spring has at last arrived with Summer moments occurring with warmth and lots of clear skies. Wildflowers are going off at lower elevations and some above. With all of the late Sprin g moisture this shoule become a spectacular Wild Flower year!
Additionally, with a new Starlink booster we mow have internet at all camps.
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 you 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.
Spring and Summer, 2023 has supplied tremendous rainfall providing amazing wildflowers all over Bliss Canyon and way beyond.
Fall Colors are forecasted to be over the top this year starting in September to late October. This years moisture should produce colors like we rarely see. 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 Elf 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.
Let the world melt away; there is no wifi or cell service, (Unless you really want it! Starlink signal now reaches each camp.) the world will survive without your input. In the event of urgent need, come to our home up the hill and ring the bell and we can get you connected.
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!
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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.
Top cities near Roosevelt National Forest
- Roosevelt National Forest
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