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Arapaho-Roosevelt/Long Draw
Overview
Overview
Long Draw Campground, located within the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, offers a quintessential high-mountain camping experience in northern Colorado. This is a rustic, high-altitude destination designed for those who want to escape the noise of modern life and immerse themselves in the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Situated near the banks of the Long Draw Reservoir, the park emphasizes a quiet, nature-focused atmosphere far from the distractions of city tourism.
Location & Surroundings
Positioned west of Bellvue and deep within the Poudre Canyon area, this campground sits at a high elevation. Travelers should be prepared for breathtaking mountain scenery and cooler temperatures, even during the peak summer months. The surrounding landscape is defined by dense evergreen forests and steep granite peaks, providing a remote setting that requires careful navigation on winding forest roads. It is a true alpine retreat located in one of Colorado's most pristine wilderness corridors.
Amenities & Park Features
The facility provides a stripped-back, authentic camping environment. Guests will find basic vault toilets and hand-pump water sources, reflecting its status as a primitive site. Each individual campsite is equipped with a fire grate and a picnic table, perfect for evening meals under the stars. The park is best suited for tent campers and small-to-medium RVs, as the narrow forest roads and limited site sizes make it inaccessible for large motorhomes or long fifth-wheel trailers.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless opportunities for adventure right outside their door. Long Draw Reservoir is a primary draw for kayaking and catch-and-release fishing, particularly for those seeking serene water views. Additionally, the area serves as a popular gateway for hikers looking to access trails leading into the surrounding high-country peaks. Wildlife viewing is another highlight, with frequent opportunities to spot moose and elk roaming through the nearby meadows and dense lodgepole pine forests.
Who This Park Is Best For
Long Draw Campground is ideal for self-sufficient travelers who prioritize solitude and access to nature over modern conveniences. It is perfectly suited for nature lovers and backcountry anglers who can manage without electric or sewer hookups. If you are an RVer with a smaller rig who enjoys remote forest locations and does not mind a lack of cellular service, this spot offers an unforgettable immersion into the Colorado wilderness.
Features & Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
Reviews
Paul Jaeger
The hos is amazing!
Megan Silberhorn
We loved Long Draw, however, we did not camp at the designated campground. The campground sites are close together but have a lot of trees to shelter the sites. If you don’t mind being packed into a small campsite and can’t go without a bathroom nearby, the campground seems fine. Bathrooms were adequately maintained but not the best we’ve ever smelled (comparing to Kelly Flats). We camped at a designated site a mile or two north of the campground. There are about 25 or so designated camp sites outside of Long Draw Campground and Grandview Campground (which is on the shore of Long Draw Reservoir), which is tent only. This is a high usage area but not overly crowded, in my opinion. This is a first come first served camping area!!!! To grab a site, plan to arrive in the morning and on weekdays. You’ll have to take your chances after noon and on the weekends. You’ll have to stay in Roosevelt National Forest if you have a dog. Rocky Mountain National Park has better hiking but does not allow dogs. Bring your kayak, SUP, or canoe to recreate on Long Draw Reservoir. It is cold at night! Bring a jacket, hat, warm sleeping clothes and gear! There is plenty of free campfire wood strewn along the side of the roads. WARNING: the road to this area is 10 miles of washboard and rocky gravel road. Make sure your vehicle and your nerves can handle it. The views and moose make the drive worth it!
M Schulze
This is a beautifully wooded, and quit place to stay!! It is about 10100 feet in elevation, clean, and the camp hosts are fantastic and dedicated people. Restrooms are exceptionally clean, and pumped water is available. Being that high in elevation makes it a little chilly at night if one camps in a tent but this can be managed with a good sleeping bag. This area is a must see; the night sky is mind boggling; Long Draw reservoir is amazing for boating and fishing, and the surrounding valleys and mountains are 5 stars all around. This is the Moose capital of the continental United States and seeing them graze is a beautiful experience. Enjoy the stay and the beautiful area!
David Lobree
It will likely take you about an 1/2 hour to drive the 9 Miles from Highway 14 on the very bumpy, curvy Long Draw dirt road to arrive at this campground, but it is well worth your time. All sites are first-come, first-serve, so plan on getting there early on a weekend (starting Thursday). The sites and restrooms are well-maintained by the on-site campground manager. The hand pump at the campground well is easy to use and provides a reliable, quality water supply. Due to the dirt road and smaller size for the campsites (all back-in), this campground is better suited for tent camping and smaller RVs. At approximately 10,000' elevation, you can expect cold overnight temperatures, even in the middle of the summer, so be prepared. And downpours from thunderstorms are not uncommon throughout the summer.
Naomi Lea
Beautiful location! Love visiting. This is my third visit. We really enjoy Joyce, the host. I disagree with the cost of the sites. ( the state is getting a little greedy with the great outdoors. Its camping people, come on!) Had a bear visit the camp two nights in a row. We slept right through his visit. Make sure to correctly store your food, or Yogi is going to have a midnight picnic!