{"id":2370,"date":"2019-05-08T00:00:01","date_gmt":"2019-05-08T00:00:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/visitgrandcoun.wpengine.com\/articles\/riverside-and-lakeside-campsites-in-colorado\/"},"modified":"2025-11-19T13:26:55","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T20:26:55","slug":"riverside-and-lakeside-campsites-in-colorado","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.visitgrandcounty.com\/blog\/riverside-and-lakeside-campsites-in-colorado\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Lakeside and Riverside Camping Spots"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019re a fan of water adventures you\u2019ve come to the right place. Grand County, Colorado is wild about water. We\u2019re the proud home to the headwaters of the Colorado River and a variety of other lakes and rivers<\/a> perfect for boating<\/a>, fishing<\/a>, swimming and more. For many of our visitors, a day trip to the water simply isn\u2019t enough. That\u2019s why we offer prime lakeside and riverside campgrounds<\/a> so you can settle in and enjoy the water day and night. Below, some of our famed lakes and rivers and places to camp nearby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Colorado River<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Though it\u2019s called the Colorado River<\/a>, this extensive waterway passes through parts of seven U.S. and two Mexican states. Here in Grand County, we\u2019re home to the headwaters of this behemoth \u2014 located in Rocky Mountain National Park<\/a>. Many of our other lakes and rivers actually flow into the Colorado River, coming together to build this 1,450-mile beast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to Camp<\/big><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Pumphouse Campground<\/a><\/strong><\/u>
Before you settle in to one of this riverside campground\u2019s 18 campsites (plus two group sites), drive through the city of Kremmling to stock up on gear at Colorado River Rentals<\/a>.
Address:<\/strong> Co Hwy 106, Kremmling, CO 80459 | View on Google Maps<\/a>
Phone: <\/strong>970-724-3000<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fraser River<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This 32-mile long river<\/a> flows through the Arapaho National Forest, into the Colorado River and through the towns of Winter Park, Fraser and Tabernash. It\u2019s a hot spot for fisherman, who are known to score Trout from Grand Lake as large as 20 inches. Follow the river through Winter Park<\/a> and to enjoy signature events throughout the year, activities at Winter Park Resort<\/a> and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to Camp<\/strong><\/big><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Idlewild Campground<\/a><\/strong><\/u>
Steps from the Fraser River, this campground offers 26 sites for tent or RV camping.
Address: <\/strong>80103 US-40, Winter Park, CO 80482 | View on Google Maps<\/a>
Phone: <\/strong>303-726-8860<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Robbers Roost Campground<\/strong><\/a><\/u>
This hidden gem is open from June through early September and is the perfect spot for an outdoorsy summer vacation in Colorado. It\u2019s a small riverside campground located in the upper Fraser River drainage near Winter Park.
Address: <\/strong>Idaho Springs, CO 80452 | View on Google Maps<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lake Granby<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Located on the Colorado River, Lake Granby<\/a> is the third largest body of water in Colorado. And with more than 150 miles of scenic shoreline, there are plenty of campgrounds to host visitors looking for stunning views, or their next big catch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to Camp<\/strong><\/big><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sunset Point Campground<\/strong><\/a><\/u>
A wonderful option for lakeside camping in the summer, this campground offers a boat ramp and stunning lake views from its namesake, Sunset Point. This campground is located in the Arapaho National Recreation Area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Address: <\/strong>Arapaho National Recreation Area, Granby, CO 80446 | View on Google Maps<\/a>
Phone: <\/strong>970-887-4100<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Arapaho Bay Campground<\/strong><\/a><\/u>
Enjoy a view from the other side of the lake \u2014 and a picnic area by the water \u2014 at Arapaho Bay Campground, also located in the Arapaho National Recreation Area.
Address: <\/strong>Arapaho National Recreation Area, Co Hwy 637, Granby, CO 80446 | View on Google Maps<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Green Mountain Reservoir<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Located along the Blue River, Green Mountain Reservoir<\/a> is a perfect nature retreat, with hiking and biking trails and ample water activities like sail boarding and canoeing. Conveniently located Heeney Marina<\/a> on the west side of the river is the best place for visitors to pick up snacks, ice and bait or reserve a boat rental before a day on the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to Camp<\/strong><\/big><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cow Creek North Campground<\/strong><\/a><\/u>
Located in White River National Forest, lodge at Cow Creek North. The campground offers nightly rates or season passes for those who want to return multiple times throughout the season.
Address: White River National Forest, CO-9, Heeney, CO 80498 | View on Google Maps<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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McDonald Flats Campground<\/strong><\/a><\/u>
South of Cow Creek, but also in the White River National Forest, McDonald Flats Campground offers the same proximity to the water and National Forest camping experience, with an alternative view.
Address: <\/strong>White River National Forest, Forest Rd 1699, Silverthorne, CO 80498 | View on Google Maps<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Wolford Mountain Reservoir<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Home to stunning mountain views and the annual Wolford Ice Fishing Contest, the Wolford Mountain Reservoir<\/a> is a must-see in Kremmling. The reservoir is a hot spot for boating \u2014 you can rent pontoons, paddle boats<\/a> and more right at the reservoir \u2014 and offers nearby hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and hunting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to Camp<\/strong><\/big><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wolford Campground<\/strong><\/a><\/u>
As close to the action as you can get, Wolford Campground is home to cabins, tent sites and RV camping sites right on the water. It\u2019s an ideal camping spot for a summer vacation with the family.
Address: <\/strong>27219 US-40, Kremmling, CO 80459 | View on Google Maps<\/a>
Phone: <\/strong>970-724-1266<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Muddy Creek Cabins<\/strong><\/a><\/u>
Located 10 minutes away from the reservoir, at the base of the Cliffs of Kremmling, Muddy Creek is home to cozy log cabins complete with gas fireplaces.
Address: <\/strong>315 River Ln, Kremmling, CO 80459 | View on Google Maps<\/a>
Phone: <\/strong>970-724-9559<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grand Lake & Shadow Mountain Lake<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fed by the headwaters of the Colorado River and by snowmelt coming off of the Continental Divide, Grand Lake<\/a> is the largest and deepest natural body of water in Colorado. Grand Lake forms a continuous body of water with neighboring, man-made Shadow Mountain Lake<\/a>, and both lakes remain consistently full all year long. Campers here can enjoy the best of Grand County’s\u00a0breathtaking views and outdoor activities while remaining within short reach of the many restaurants and amenities in the town of Grand Lake<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to Camp<\/strong><\/big><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Green Ridge Campground<\/strong><\/a><\/u>
Situated on the southern tip of Shadow Mountain Lake, this 72-site campground offers boating, swimming and fishing. It also provides excellent access to the region’s numerous hiking and horseback riding trails, including the East Shore Trail. Open May through October.
Address: <\/strong>Green Ridge Campground, 66 Co Rd 66, Grand Lake, CO 80447 | View on Google Maps<\/a>
Phone: <\/strong>970-887-4100<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All Lakes & Rivers Mentioned in This Article<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  • Colorado River<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Fraser River<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Lake Granby<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Grand Lake<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Shadow Mountain Lake<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Blue River<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Green Mountain Reservoir<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Wolford Mountain Reservoir<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Ready to camp by the water? This guide highlights prime lakeside and riverside campsites near the Colorado River headwaters. Find the best spots for fishing, boating, and hiking around Lake Granby, the Fraser River, and Shadow Mountain Lake.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2879,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2370","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitgrandcounty.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2370","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitgrandcounty.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitgrandcounty.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitgrandcounty.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitgrandcounty.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2370"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitgrandcounty.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2370\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11682,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitgrandcounty.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2370\/revisions\/11682"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitgrandcounty.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2879"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visitgrandcounty.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2370"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitgrandcounty.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2370"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visitgrandcounty.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2370"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}