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Arapaho-Roosevelt/Long Draw
Overview
Perched at an elevation of over 10,000 feet within the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, Long Draw Campground offers a serene mountain escape for high-altitude enthusiasts. Located near the headwaters of the Cache la Poudre River, this seasonal destination provides a rare opportunity to experience the rugged beauty of the Colorado Rockies. Visitors typically find a sense of quiet seclusion here, as the park is designed for those who appreciate a slower pace and a direct connection with the surrounding wilderness.
Location & Surroundings
The campground is situated in Bellvue, CO, adjacent to the Long Draw Reservoir and near the edge of the Neota Wilderness. The landscape is defined by dense stands of lodgepole pine and expansive alpine meadows that burst with wildflowers during the short summer season. Because of its high-altitude location, the air remains cool even in mid-summer, and the vistas of the Mummy Range provide a dramatic backdrop for every campsite. The access road is a long, gravel stretch that emphasizes the park’s remote character.
Amenities & Park Features
Long Draw is a rustic facility that caters to self-contained RVs and campers who enjoy a traditional outdoor experience. The park features vault toilets and a hand pump for drinking water, though there are no hookups available. Each site is equipped with a sturdy picnic table and a fire ring for evening gatherings. Travelers should be prepared for a pack-it-in, pack-it-out environment, as there is no on-site trash collection, ensuring the pristine nature of the forest remains undisturbed.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor recreation is the primary draw for visitors, with the nearby reservoir offering excellent trout fishing opportunities. Hikers can explore the La Poudre Pass Trail, which serves as a gateway to the northern reaches of Rocky Mountain National Park. The area is also a hotspot for wildlife viewing, with frequent sightings of moose, elk, and mule deer in the marshy willow thickets. The proximity to the Continental Divide makes it a bucket-list destination for photographers and nature photographers seeking untouched landscapes.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for boondockers and adventure-seekers who prefer a primitive setting over a commercial resort. It is a perfect fit for those with smaller RVs or truck campers who are comfortable navigating mountain forest roads. Travelers looking for a digital detox will appreciate the lack of cell service, making it the ultimate destination for those who want to unplug and immerse themselves in the high-country wilderness of Northern Colorado.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User 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!