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State Forest/North Michigan
Overview
Overview
State Forest State Park’s North Michigan Reservoir area provides a quintessential Colorado backcountry experience that feels worlds away from the city. Known widely as the moose capital of Colorado, this high-altitude destination centers around the serene North Michigan Reservoir. It is a place where the air is crisp and the pace of life slows down significantly, offering a rugged and authentic alternative to the highly developed RV resorts found elsewhere in the state.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just east of Walden, CO, within the expansive North Park valley, the park is framed by the dramatic Medicine Bow Mountains. The North Michigan campground sits at an elevation of approximately 9,000 feet, providing breathtaking views of alpine peaks and dense evergreen forests. Visitors should prepare for a remote setting where the natural landscape dominates the horizon, accessed via the scenic Highway 14 corridor through the Poudre Canyon or over Cameron Pass.
Amenities & Park Features
The North Michigan campground is designed for those who appreciate a rustic stay amidst nature. It features primitive RV sites that can accommodate various rig lengths, though travelers should note there are no electric or water hookups available at the sites. Park facilities include:
- Vault toilets maintained for cleanliness
- Seasonal hand pumps for drinking water
- Spacious sites with fire rings and picnic tables
- Convenient boat ramps for electric or hand-powered craft
The highlight of the park remains its waterfront access, allowing campers to launch kayaks or fish just steps from their doorstep.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts will find miles of recreation right at their fingertips. The reservoir is a premier spot for trout fishing and calm-water paddling. Hikers can trek the nearby Lake Agnes trail for stunning turquoise water views, while the Moose Visitor Center provides excellent regional history. For those seeking adventure, the area offers extensive OHV and multi-use trails that weave through the rugged terrain of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for self-contained RVers who seek a true wilderness experience and are comfortable without hookups. It is a perfect fit for nature photographers, serious anglers, and families looking to disconnect from digital screens. If you value solitude and wildlife encounters over high-speed internet and resort-style amenities, North Michigan offers a peaceful mountain escape that captures the heart of the Rocky Mountains.
Features & Amenities
- Tenting
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Rentals
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
Reviews
Douglas Bradford
The campground is in a very lovely area however the ranger lakes campground is in need of updating. The road thru is in need of work very dusty . The campsites need some tlc. The one positive is for the elec. Service. The water and trash area is need of more sites. There is only one. The entrance to the campground is very steep okay going in but coming out is a problem.because of the hill . Also the dump site is far away. This is in a very lovely area but the campground could use some updates.
Leslie Lochard
One of my favorite state parks in Colorado. I camped at Lake Michigan Reservoir(no electric or water)in site 248 and 247 which have great views of the reservoir. Site 248 is on a hill so the views are a little better than 247. This park is very strict on keeping your pets leashed. Both times that I have camped here I saw rangers telling people to leash their dogs. These people think that the rangers won't see their pets off leash but they absolutely will notice. Fishing on the reservoir isn't the best but if you drive to ranger lakes, its a great spot for fishing... caught several there. Was hoping to see moose but didn't see any. There is also a lot of cattle roaming around. Don't leave coolers sitting out because the foxes will get into them. There are showers available at the North Park campground.
L K
My friend and I are working on the "Passport for Adventure" and visiting all the Colorado state parks. This was my first time in the northwest portion of the state, and WOW!!! The drive to this park from Fort Collins was stunning. We saw bears along the way. We hiked the Lake Agnes Trail, which led up to a stunning lake and was a beautiful and short hike. It is conveniently located a few minutes off the highway. The road up to the lake is bumpy and rutted. I am glad to have taken our Forester instead of the Jetta. The VW would have made it with maybe a bump or two. This would be a good hike for leashed dogs. The restrooms at the trailhead were very clean, well-stocked, and maintained. We arrived on a Saturday around 10 am, and the parking lot was 1/3 full. If we had only hiked up and hiked down, it would have taken no more than 1.5 hours. We sat around awhile, ate lunch, and then hiked around the perimeter of the lake. There is no defined trail around the lake, and much of it is scree (fyi). After, we drove down the road for 10 minutes to the visitors center to have our state park passports stamped. Colorado State Park Number 27 for me (out of 41). The VC has an exhibit of the wildlife in the park, a small gift shop, and clean restrooms. All of the CPW employees and volunteers we interacted with were obviously happy to be there and helpful. Now that I know how beautiful that part of the state is, it will be an easy push to go to the other 5 parks off of Highway 40 next season. See you soon.
J Kain
Beautiful park! Saw 4 moose on the drive. Amazing fall colors and snow all in the same trip.
Luis E Perez
If you are looking for a park with lots of great trails, views and excellent facilities, this is it! I had an amazing time camping here. All the fecilties I visited were clean and well maintained, the trails are in excellent conditions and the staff were very helpful. Of course, the views were great at every turn!