Arapaho Bay Campground

Catherine Smith

Absolutely stunning campground. My site (65) was a two minute walk uphill from the car and almost completely secluded. Be warned there is lots of wildlife activity so be smart with your food & your dogs please 🥰

Mel T

Worst camping trip ever. What they don’t tell you: if you are expecting peace and quiet, this is not the campground for you. There is lots of screaming, both kids and adults alike, early morning, all day long and late into the night. There is lots of generator noise and very loud inflating/deflating of inflatable kayaks, rafts, beds, etc. Then there is the loud music from the boats and beach. Also people leave their very loud dogs tied up in their campsites and they bark incessantly out of boredom all day and night long. Also, beware that some of the campsites take a bit of a walk with elevation. So if you pack lots of gear for a drive up and park site you can be severely disappointed and inconvenienced. Pack accordingly or set your expectations lower. The sites do not say which ones take a walk to get to. The sites themselves were clean, mostly. The tent pads were spacious and dimensions accurately described. However, bring sandbags to tie your tents down or hope for enough large rocks and objects. The rocks themselves aren’t very heavy for their size so they do not do an adequate job of keeping flaps open, much less keeping a tent stretched out. The sandy/rocky ground is too hard to drive stakes into it. I recommend a footprint or tarp to keep your tent bottom from being worn as it slides around on the rocks and sand. The lake is beautiful and views gorgeous. When I went (this past weekend 22-25.Aug 25) there was an active bear in the campground that broke into a car and destroyed two pop-ups. Also, there was no available water. Make sure your food is stashed in the provided bear vaults. Unfortunately these metal storage get super hot when the sun is out. They are all placed in the open.

Kyle Robertson

Last weekend we tried to find a first come first serve campsite in the front Big rock loop. After finding a open spot we put or money in the box we went to town leaving the receipt on the post. When we returned someone was in my spot. We went to the ranger in the front Big rock host site. After waiting 10min for her to come to the door with dogs barking and jumping around. The ranger came outside and so did the smell of Marijuana following her. We explained the situation and she told us that's not her problem and she didn't care this campground is not for black people. Before I could say anything she said I don't have time for this and went back inside letting her dog run out at us. We were so shocked as we left she just stood in her window and gave us the bird. We were so upset we drove to Winter Park and just got a room. Never again.

James Brewster

I wasn't sure how great a remote campsite would be, but I was pleasantly surprised. Most of the sites that are closest to the lake have beautiful 180° views. The campground itself is far enough away to be remote, yet close enough to civilization to drive for supplies, firewood, etc. (there's even firewood available at the camp hosts' spot). I also have to say that -- for a campground -- these are the cleanest restrooms I have ever seen. The staff who take care of them must take great pride in their work! In addition, every site appeared to have a large bear box, which will fit most decent size coolers and plenty of other supplies. Campsites also have a nice permanent metal grill with an adjustable grate. Personally, I stayed at site 59. It is a little bit of a walk from the parking space, but it boasts views of the lake, the mountains, and a nearby stream. A nice thing about it. Is that the restrooms are not too far away... But the fact that it is close to the lake and to the stream would make it a good spot for both adults and children. Just remember to bring some sort of shade, as there are not any trees near site 59.

Jordan Klotz

Wonderful campground, lake front spots, only $25. Firewood onsite is $9 They have a few vault toilets throughout the campground Some tent only spots (no vehicle at campsite but vehicle is only 30-40yards away) Mostly drive up spots vehicles directly next to the campsite We stayed in early Sep, was warm in day & cold at night. Great stargazing we saw the Milky Way with our bare eyes. Road to the campground is very well maintained too for a dirt road it was no problem, campers & trailers would be fine to get here.