Top Lakeside and Riverside Camping Spots

An rv parked near a lake with mountains in the background.

If you’re a fan of water adventures you’ve come to the right place. Grand County, Colorado is wild about water. We’re the proud home to the headwaters of the Colorado River and a variety of other lakes and rivers perfect for boating, fishing, swimming and more. For many of our visitors, a day trip to the water simply isn’t enough. That’s why we offer prime lakeside and riverside campgrounds 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.

Colorado River

Though it’s called the Colorado River, this extensive waterway passes through parts of seven U.S. and two Mexican states. Here in Grand County, we’re home to the headwaters of this behemoth—located in Rocky Mountain National Park. Many of our other lakes and rivers actually flow into the Colorado River, coming together to build this 1,450-mile beast.

Where to Camp

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

Fraser River

This 32-mile long river flows through the Arapaho National Forest, into the Colorado River and through the towns of Winter Park, Fraser and Tabernash. It’s 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 and to enjoy signature events throughout the year, activities at Winter Park Resort and more.

Where to Camp

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

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

Lake Granby

Located on the Colorado River, Lake Granby 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.

Where to Camp

Sunset Point Campground
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.

Address: Arapaho National Recreation Area, Granby, CO 80446 | View on Google Maps
Phone: 970-887-4100

Arapaho Bay Campground
Enjoy a view from the other side of the lake—and a picnic area by the water—at Arapaho Bay Campground, also located in the Arapaho National Recreation Area.
Address: Arapaho National Recreation Area, Co Hwy 637, Granby, CO 80446 | View on Google Maps

Green Mountain Reservoir

Located along the Blue RIver, Green Mountain Reservoir is a perfect nature retreat, with hiking and biking trails and ample water activities like sail boarding and canoeing. Conveniently located Heeney Marina 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.

Where to Camp

Cow Creek North Campground
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

McDonald Flats Campground
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: White River National Forest, Forest Rd 1699, Silverthorne, CO 80498 | View on Google Maps

The Wolford Mountain Reservoir

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

Where to Camp

Wolford Campground
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’s an ideal camping spot for a summer vacation with the family.
Address: 27219 US-40, Kremmling, CO 80459 | View on Google Maps
Phone: 970-724-1266

Muddy Creek Cabins
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: 315 River Ln, Kremmling, CO 80459 | View on Google Maps
Phone: 970-724-9559

Grand Lake & Shadow Mountain Lake


Fed by the headwaters of the Colorado River and by snowmelt coming off of the Continental Divide, Grand Lake 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, and both lakes remain consistently full all year long. Campers here can enjoy the best of Grand County's breathtaking views and outdoor activities while remaining within short reach of the many restaurants and amenities in the town of Grand Lake.

Where to Camp

Green Ridge Campground
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: Green Ridge Campground, 66 Co Rd 66, Grand Lake, CO 80447 | View on Google Maps
Phone: 970-887-4100

All Lakes & Rivers Mentioned in This Article

  • Colorado River
  • Fraser River
  • Lake Granby
  • Grand Lake
  • Shadow Mountain Lake
  • Blue River
  • Green Mountain Reservoir
  • Wolford Mountain Reservoir