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Arapaho-Roosevelt/Idlewild
Overview
Idlewild Campground offers a quintessential Rocky Mountain experience just south of the town of Winter Park. Managed by the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, this campground provides a serene escape for travelers seeking a natural setting without sacrificing proximity to town. It is a seasonal destination that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the high-country landscape of the Fraser Valley, serving as a peaceful retreat for those who appreciate the sounds of the forest and the nearby river.
Location & Surroundings
Situated at an elevation of approximately 9,000 feet, the park is nestled among lodgepole pines and sits adjacent to the scenic Fraser River. Its location is unique because it feels secluded despite being just minutes from downtown Winter Park. The surrounding terrain is characterized by dense woodlands and mountainous vistas. While the site provides a sense of wilderness, its proximity to U.S. Highway 40 makes it highly accessible for travelers navigating the mountain passes of Colorado.
Amenities & Park Features
As a traditional Forest Service site, the amenities focus on the essentials of the great outdoors. The park features vault toilets and shared potable water spigots located throughout the loops. Each individual campsite is equipped with a heavy-duty picnic table and a fire ring for evening gatherings. There are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups available, making it a premier destination for those who enjoy dry camping. Many sites can accommodate RVs and trailers, though travelers with larger rigs should check specific site lengths.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless entertainment within walking or biking distance. The Fraser River Trail is easily accessible from the campground, offering a paved path for hiking and cycling that connects the town to the resort. During the summer months, the Winter Park Resort offers alpine slides and world-class mountain biking at Trestle Bike Park. Anglers will appreciate the proximity to the river for trout fishing, while hikers can explore the nearby Jim Creek Trail for more rugged terrain.
Who This Park Is Best For
Idlewild is ideal for the self-contained RVer who prefers a rustic, wooded environment over a commercial resort. It is perfect for those who enjoy being close to mountain town amenities—like local breweries and gear shops—while sleeping under a canopy of stars. If you value a primitive camping style and desire direct access to hiking and biking trails, this park serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring the diverse recreation options in Grand County.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Snow Kitten
Some FF are really for small cars, the place gets really packed and you ended up circling and leaving because a van can’t really fit. Its close tho and nicely cared for.
David Bosworth
Tale of two cities... Campsites 15+ are down the hill, away from the traffic on Hwy 40 and situated along the stream and the Fraser River Trail. Sites 1-13 are within 20 feet of the highway and very close proximity to the railroad track. Convenient to Winter Park for sure, but not exactly peaceful mountain camping. Bathrooms were clean but what was FC-FS versus reserved was very confusing on the site signage. Seems like budget cuts must have caught up with that function of the campground. On the flip side, we picked a spot as best we could and no one said anything to us.
Patty Durbin
This is a great campground to stay in right across from Winter Park. My son really enjoyed taking the ski lifts up to the top and riding his mountain bike down. Friends and I enjoyed having a tent close to the stream. The restrooms are great. It’s an easy ride from the campground right downtown. lot of people use this as a walking path through the middle of the camp from town. So it tends to be very busy during the day.
Laura Belladonna
Pretty campground next to the river with lots of pine trees. Not great if you are looking for seclusion or privacy, since the campsites are right off a busy trail (Frasier River trail), full of people who don't mind staring at you like you're an exhibit in a zoo. Also pretty noisy between highway 40 traffic, late night train traffic, and the campground host blasting their music through a DJ system first thing in the morning.
DL M
$25 opened 27 June. Snow still melting. Right next to highway. Passenger train on other side of highway. No train horns. Maybe 4 trains during stay. Vehicles glide by without acceleration or braking. Just tire noise. Not many trucks.