Sleep Under the Stars: Camping & Campgrounds in Red Feather Lakes
There is no better way to experience the magic of The Tiny Mountain Town Full of Big Mountain Adventure than by spending a night under our clear, star-filled skies.
Whether you are looking to park your RV with full hookups, pitch a tent right on the water’s edge, or find a secluded spot deep in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, the Red Feather Lakes area offers a camping experience for every level of outdoor enthusiast. Wake up to the scent of ancient pines, spend your day paddling our shimmering blue lakes, and fall asleep to the gentle sounds of the Rocky Mountain wilderness.
Grab your gear, pack the marshmallows, and check out our guide to the best public, private, and dispersed camping spots around Red Feather Lakes!
Featured National Forest Campgrounds
(Publicly managed sites known for stunning lake access and classic mountain beauty)
Dowdy Lake Campground If you want to wake up with the water practically at your doorstep, Dowdy Lake is a local favorite. Featuring 70 campsites (including 10 walk-in tent sites), this popular spot offers magnificent views of the lake’s islands and giant granite boulders. It is incredibly popular for paddleboarding, kayaking, and casting a line for trout.
- Best for: Water sports enthusiasts and families wanting easy lake access.
West Lake Campground Nestled in a fragrant, luscious ponderosa pine forest just a stone’s throw from the village center, West Lake Campground perfectly balances wildness and convenience. With 36 sites available—many offering electrical hookups—and a handful of highly sought-after walk-in tent sites, it is the perfect basecamp. You are just steps away from excellent fishing and short hiking paths.
- Best for: RV campers needing electric hookups and those who want to be close to local shops.
Bellaire Lake Campground Tucked away at an elevation of 8,600 feet, Bellaire Lake offers a more serene and secluded camping experience. This hidden gem has 27 sites (both RV and tent) and features a fantastic wheelchair-accessible wooden boardwalk that leads directly down to the water. It is a peaceful spot surrounded by unique rock formations, perfect for canoeing and brook trout fishing.
- Best for: A quiet, secluded retreat and accessible lake fishing.
Featured Private Campgrounds & RV Resorts
(Private facilities offering extra amenities, rustic luxury, and year-round comfort)
Beaver Meadows Resort Ranch Looking for an experience that has something for the whole family? This sprawling 480-acre ranch offers over 60 sites for both RV and tent camping, alongside their gorgeous resort rooms and cabins. When you camp here, you aren’t just getting a fire pit—you get access to horseback riding stables, an 18-hole disc golf course, a restaurant, and miles of private hiking and mountain biking trails!
- Best for: Active families looking for resort amenities and on-site activities.
Alpine Lodge at Red Feather Lakes Nestled amongst massive boulders and towering pines, Alpine Lodge provides a safe haven to recharge. They offer everything from large 40-foot RV lots to cozy tent sites, tiny homes, and rustic cabins. It is a highly scenic, pet-friendly campground where you can enjoy the rugged beauty of the mountains while staying just minutes from the lakes.
- Best for: Group trips where some want to tent camp and others prefer a cabin or tiny home.
Off the Beaten Path: Dispersed Camping & Boondocking
If you truly want to escape the crowds and find that “wildness is a necessity,” the areas surrounding Red Feather Lakes offer exceptional dispersed camping (boondocking).
Popular spots include the rugged roads leading up to Lost Lake (high-clearance vehicles recommended!) and the scenic pull-offs along the Manhattan Road corridor. Remember, dispersed camping means no amenities—no trash service, no water, and no toilets. Please help us keep our mountain home beautiful by strictly practicing Leave No Trace principles and respecting all local fire bans!