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Arapaho-Roosevelt/Chambers Lake
Overview
Chambers Lake Campground offers a quintessential high-country experience within the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. Situated at an elevation of over 9,000 feet, this destination provides a rugged escape for RVers who prioritize nature over luxury. The park is characterized by its stunning views of the Medicine Bow Mountains and proximity to pristine alpine waters, making it a seasonal favorite from summer through early autumn. It is a place where the air is thin and the scenery is vast.
Location & Surroundings
Located approximately 60 miles west of Fort Collins near Bellvue, the park sits along the scenic Cache la Poudre-North Park Scenic Byway. The campground is nestled among lodgepole pines and provides easy access to the Rawah Wilderness. The surrounding terrain is a mix of dense forest and open lake views, offering a sense of isolation while remaining accessible via Highway 14. Visitors often encounter wildlife, including frequent moose sightings near the water’s edge.
Amenities & Park Features
As a Forest Service facility, the amenities are designed for a call to the wild. There are no electric or water hookups, so RVers should arrive prepared for dry camping. The park provides essential features including:
- Vault toilets and potable water from shared spigots.
- Picnic tables and fire rings at every individual site.
- A concrete boat ramp for non-motorized lake access.
The layout is designed to integrate with the natural landscape, offering a genuine back-to-basics atmosphere for self-contained travelers.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor recreation is the primary draw here. Anglers frequent the lake to fish for trout and kokanee salmon, while hikers can explore the nearby Blue Lake Trail, which leads deeper into the mountains. For those seeking a scenic drive, the trip over Cameron Pass offers breathtaking vistas of the Crags. The area is also a gateway to the Michigan River, providing additional opportunities for fly fishing and exploring the diverse Colorado backcountry.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for travelers who enjoy boondocking and self-contained RVing in a high-altitude setting. It appeals to nature photographers, birdwatchers, and those seeking a quiet retreat away from city lights. If you value scenic solitude and direct access to mountain trails, Chambers Lake is a perfect match. It is best suited for small to mid-sized rigs, as winding canyon roads can be challenging for the largest motorhomes.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Bruce Wahlgren
Was so excited for our family camping trip to Chambers Lake, and ready to enjoy paddle boarding with the grandkids. Alas, we arrived on Wednesday, July 16th only to find the lake was being drained for work on the dam. Understand that maintenance needs to be done, but to have no notice about the condition of the lake on the campground website is unconscionable. Shame on you, US Forest Service, for not notifying anyone about this, including Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), who had shown up with a boat to do a fish study. We ended up shortening our camping trip from 5 nights to 2.
Oksana Morgan
As of July 13th 2025, our last day camping there, the reservoir was half empty. Just a short line of the lake where you can start your paddle board or kayak. If you have a boat, you might not be able to get it into water. Fishing was still good. Bring extra bug spray, mosquitoes and flies are insane this season because of low water. Was very windy too every day.
Diane Bellamy
What a great campground! Sites are extremely well- maintained, roomy, and offer a feeling of privacy. Restrooms are numerous and clean. Camp hosts were friendly and helpful.
Katie Wedum
The lake is gorgeous. The restrooms clean, however the tent sites are without any drainage which means if it rains tent sleepers beware. Our tent site turned into a literal lake. A pvc pipe drain would work miracles.
Matthew Lute
I went camping here with a friend's family and the experience was great. The nearby trails were fun to walk along and were great for any skill level. There was plenty of firewood around and they had fire pits and a grill. Unfortunately it rained starting at 7 PM when we visited but overall I had a great time. I would definitely go again.