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State Forest/North Michigan
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.
Amenities
- Tenting
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Rentals
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
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!
Terry Ballard
This is a very odd State Park. There's graded dirt roads circling all over the place, that don't go anywhere. The RV dump station is miles away from CG. And I don't recommend sites 201 - 205... they are just wide spots on the heavily travelled main road. There's odd buildings with work trucks scattered all over by the entrance. Very odd place.
Meghan Lundstrom
AMAZING spot! Clean, quiet & the view is so pretty. Saw mule deer, hummingbirds, a fox & gold finches. A nature lovers dream! Camped in the Bockman campground & drove to the N Michigan lake . We will be back & for longer!