State Forest State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Spanning more than 71,000 acres of pristine mountain and forest landscape in Northern Colorado, State Forest State Park is an adventurer’s playground where wild moose drink from crystal-clear lakes, brilliant wildflowers blanket alpine meadows, and dense green pines give way to snowcapped peaks. This is Colorado at its best—wild, rugged, and packed with year-round fun. In the summer, fish in clear lakes and hike or bike up to panoramic vistas; when the snow falls, break out the skis and snowshoes. If you prefer high-speed exploration, bring your four-wheeler or snowmobile. With four distinct seasons, this park offers year-round activities. The nearest town is Walden, about 23 miles away; Fort Collins sits 76 miles east.
Spring 20-50 F
Summer 40-70 F
Fall 20-60 F
Winter 11-30 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in State Forest State Park
Because of the mountainous location, the weather in State Forest State Park is cool and prone to rapid shifts. With an RV, you always have a comfortable place to rest no matter the conditions. Don’t own an RV? An RV rental is a no-commitment way to try out your dream model and find out how it can upgrade the camping experience.
State Forest State Park Campgrounds
There are five developed State Forest State Park campgrounds. For RVs, the best options are the electric sites at Ranger Lakes or the pull-through sites at North Michigan, Bockman, and North Park. If you want a secluded spot, check out the primitive sites that are scattered throughout the park. Developed campgrounds in State Forest State Park offer picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets; North Park offers flush toilets, showers, and a laundromat. For the best mountain views, check out Bockman, and for fast boat-ramp access, book a site at North Michigan. Want to experience the park in the winter? Sites 201, 202, and 205 in the North Michigan Reservoir spillway are plowed year-round. Primitive sites are $18 per night, basic sites are $28, and sites with electric hookups cost $36 per night.
Pines Campground
Located less than 10 miles from State Forest State Park, Pines Campground is a convenient base camp. With just 11 campsites, it offers a quiet, relaxing atmosphere. The Michigan River’s South Fork flows nearby, offering opportunities for hiking and fishing. Each site comes with access to drinking water, garbage bins, and vault toilets. All sites are first-come, first-served, and pets are welcome. Keep in mind that this spot is located at 9,200 feet above sea level; be prepared for the effects of the elevation.
Sentinel Mountain RV and Quick Stop
If you want a campsite with full hookups, Sentinel Mountain RV and Quick Stop is one of the most convenient options near State Forest State Park. It’s located about 42 miles north near the Wyoming border. With beautiful panoramic views and impeccable grounds, it makes a lovely stop for a night or a week. Each of the 11 sites sits near the laundry room and shower house, and there’s a convenience store within a short walk. A playground keeps your little ones active, and pets are welcome. This is a particularly great option for winter camping; it’s easy to access in the snow, and it sits within a short drive of the trails at State Forest State Park. Rates start at $40 per night with great discounts for weekly stays.
What to Do at
State Forest State Park
Inside State Forest State Park
State Forest State Park offers a variety of ways to explore the mountains. A massive network of trails is open to hikers, bikers, and equestrians; if you have an OHV, check out the roads and trails open to motorized vehicles. The North Michigan Reservoir is open to boating, and fishing is popular in the park’s rivers and streams. Winter brings a new set of adventures; go snowmobiling on 70 miles of groomed trails, try ice fishing on the lakes, bring the family sledding, or get out into the mountains on snowshoes or cross-country skis. One of the most popular activities in the park is wildlife-spotting—in fact, this is one of the best spots in Colorado to see moose.
How to Get to
State Forest State Park
There are several entrances to State Forest State Park; many visitors start their trip at the Moose Visitor Center on Highway 14. To get there, take Highway 14 east from Walden or west from the Fort Collins area. If you’re coming from the north, it’s possible to take County Road 10 from Woods Landing in Wyoming.
Entering State Forest State Park
State Forest State Park is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
State Forest State Park Per vehicle : $9.0
State Forest State Park Individual : $4.0
If the wild landscapes of State Forest State Park are on your itinerary, RVshare would like to hear how your trip goes. Tag RVshare in your social media posts so that the team can follow along on your adventures. You can also email photos, stories, tips, and any other information to [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions About State Forest State Park
State Forest State Park is a treat year-round. But if you want to avoid getting snowed in, visit the park during the summer and enjoy ideal temperatures with plenty of sunshine and rugged mountain adventures.
Summer highs hover around 78 degrees Fahrenheit in State Forest State Park, with January being one of the coldest months. Like most Colorado parks, wintery precipitation is expected, with the park getting about 92 inches of snow each year.
You'll find wildlife in the park, especially black bears, birds, and deer. Yet, the park's most famous residents are its moose population. With approximately 600 moose in the park, you're sure to spot one on a hike. Come prepared!
State Forest State Park is a rugged park that attracts backcountry campers, but there are sites for RVs. Check out the Ranger Lakes campground, which has 31 sites that include electric hook-ups. There's also a nearby handicap-accessible fishing pier.
Reservations are required at all Colorado state parks as of January 2020. The reservations can be made through their online system. Camping fees for electrical campgrounds are $28-$36 per night.