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State Forest/Ranger Lakes
Overview
Overview
Ranger Lakes is a serene, high-altitude destination located within the sprawling Colorado State Forest State Park. Unlike traditional commercial RV resorts, this area offers a rustic, back-to-nature experience that highlights the rugged beauty of the North Park region. It is a premier spot for travelers looking to disconnect from the noise of city life and immerse themselves in the quiet majesty of the Rocky Mountains, surrounded by pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife.
Location & Surroundings
Situated near Walden, CO, Ranger Lakes sits at a high elevation, offering stunning vistas of the Medicine Bow Mountains. The campground is nestled deep within the state forest, providing guests with direct access to dense pine forests and expansive meadows. The surrounding environment is characterized by its secluded atmosphere, making it an ideal base camp for those who prefer dark night skies and the genuine tranquility of a remote mountain retreat.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground offers a basic, no-frills camping experience centered on outdoor access. While amenities are modest, the site provides essential services including vault toilets and potable water, which are necessary for self-contained RV travelers. Each site is designed to accommodate various sizes, featuring fire rings and picnic tables. The primary appeal here is the scenic lakeside access, allowing campers to step directly from their RV into the heart of the forest.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife photographers. Visitors frequently spot moose populations, as North Park is known as the moose viewing capital of Colorado. Beyond wildlife spotting, the park features an extensive network of hiking and mountain biking trails that cater to various skill levels. During the summer months, the lakes are popular for non-motorized boating and fishing, while the colder seasons invite visitors for snowshoeing and backcountry winter adventures.
Who This Park Is Best For
Ranger Lakes is perfectly suited for self-contained RVers and independent campers who prioritize location over luxury. It is an excellent choice for those who do not require electrical or sewer hookups and prefer the peace of a national or state forest setting. If you are an avid outdoors person seeking quiet nights, dramatic mountain scenery, and immediate access to wilderness trails, this destination will easily become a favorite stop on your Colorado journey.
Features & Amenities
- Tenting
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
Reviews
Dan Sprague
Great campground with electric hookups. We had deer and moose wander through not far from our site. Very close to pond for fishing.
Garret Maurer
We went just following Memorial Day weekend and it was very quiet. Only about 1/3 of the sites occupied. Nicely kept except where someone tossed/lost a paper garage bag of trash. Camp host and their barky dogs walked past it. I picked it up and disposed of it. Watches two bull moose traverse the campground too. The stocker trout in the “lakes” were a lot of fun. A great place to take kids and teach them to fish.
Jill Lathrum
Love this place. So beautiful. Saw many moose. Restrooms smell pretty bad though. Our campsite was across the road and down a bit and we could still smell them when we sat outside. Also the fire ring was full of charred logs. Not sure we could have had a fire had we wanted to.
Jen Kubat
We loved this campground! We had site 128, and it was perfect. Next to the trail to the lakes, a stream at the back, short walk to the bathroom, we were able to hang our hammock, and lots of space for the kids to play. The site was well leveled and easy to back into. Be aware the campground host was never around, and we had to buy firewood at Moose Visitor Center, none available at the campground when we went. No big deal. The state park is gorgeous.
JAlden Yakobis
Not wheelchair accessible for most. I manually wheeled through a dirt path and gravel to reach the lake. The roads are mostly dirt in the surrounding campsites.