Arapaho Bay Moraine Campground

Hello, fellow Colorado adventurers! If your idea of a perfect getaway involves waking up to crisp mountain air, the scent of pine, and stunning views of a vast, sparkling lake, then Arapaho Bay Moraine Campground is a destination you absolutely must explore. Nestled on the scenic shores of Lake Granby, this popular loop within the larger Arapaho Bay Campground offers a quintessential Colorado camping experience, blending accessible amenities with the raw beauty of the Arapaho National Recreation Area.

Arapaho Bay Moraine Campground is frequently praised by visitors for its beautiful setting, clean facilities, and its coveted proximity to Lake Granby. It's a fantastic choice for those who love water activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing, with many sites offering direct views or easy walks to the water's edge. While some areas within Arapaho Bay might have experienced tree loss due to beetle infestation, the Moraine loop often maintains good tree cover, providing welcome shade. As a reservable campground, it offers the peace of mind that comes with a guaranteed spot, allowing you to focus on enjoying the majestic Rocky Mountains.

Arapaho Bay Moraine Campground is part of the larger Arapaho Bay Campground complex, located at Co Hwy 637, Granby, CO 80446, USA. This places it directly on the eastern tip of Lake Granby, within the expansive Arapaho National Recreation Area. To reach this stunning lakeside haven, you'll typically head north from Granby on US Highway 34 for about 5 miles, then turn east onto County Road 6 (also known as Forest Road 125 or Arapaho Bay Road) and continue for approximately 9 miles until you reach the campground entrance.

A crucial tip for Colorado locals planning their visit: an Arapaho National Recreation Area (ANRA) vehicle pass is required for entry. This daily fee (or annual pass option) is usually purchased at the lake entrance about 7 miles before you reach the campground. Missing this stop means a considerable backtrack, so remember to acquire your pass on the way in! The road to the campground, while unpaved for a section, is generally well-maintained and accessible for most vehicles, including RVs and trailers. Its excellent location provides not just lake access but also convenient access to numerous hiking trails in the surrounding area, including the popular Monarch Lake Loop and trails leading into the Indian Peaks Wilderness. This blend of accessibility and remote beauty makes it a highly desirable spot for Coloradans seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Arapaho Bay Moraine Campground, as part of the overall Arapaho Bay Campground, offers a good range of essential services to ensure a comfortable and convenient stay.

• Reservable Campsites: Moraine Loop features reservable campsites, primarily through Recreation.gov. This allows campers to plan their trips in advance and secure a spot, which is especially beneficial during Colorado's busy summer season. While some first-come, first-served sites might be available in other loops, Moraine is known for its reservation system.
• Single and Double-Family Sites: The campground offers a mix of site sizes, including single-family sites (for up to 8 people) and larger double-family sites that can accommodate more individuals, making it suitable for various group sizes. Some sites are also noted as being accessible.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a sturdy picnic table, providing a dedicated space for meals, games, and gathering.
• Campfire Rings with Grates: Every site includes a campfire ring with a grill grate, perfect for cooking over an open flame and enjoying cozy evenings by the fire (always check for current fire restrictions).
• Tent Pads: Many sites, particularly in the Moraine loop, feature designated tent pads, offering a level and clear area for pitching tents.
• Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets are conveniently located throughout the campground loops. Reviewers consistently praise the cleanliness of these facilities, often noting that camp hosts keep them very well-maintained.
• Potable Drinking Water: Drinking water spigots are available within the campground loops, providing access to potable water for campers.
• Trash Collection: Bear-proof trash receptacles are strategically placed for convenient waste disposal, helping to maintain the cleanliness of the area and protect wildlife.
• Camp Host On-Site: A friendly and helpful camp host is typically present at Arapaho Bay, providing assistance, answering questions, and ensuring the campground is well-managed.
• No Hookups: It's important to note that this campground does not offer electrical, water, or sewer hookups for RVs, making it ideal for self-contained RVs or those with generators.
• Firewood for Sale: Firewood is often available for purchase on-site, a convenient service for campers.

Arapaho Bay Moraine Campground shines with several appealing features that make it a highly desirable camping destination in Colorado.

• Direct Lake Granby Access & Views: The most significant highlight is its prime location directly on Lake Granby. Many sites within the Moraine loop offer beautiful lake views, and it's just a short walk to the shore, making it perfect for water activities.
• Excellent for Water Activities: Ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing, Lake Granby provides ample opportunities for aquatic recreation. Campers frequently mention the ease of launching kayaks and enjoying the water.
• Beautiful Sunsets: Reviewers often rave about the "amazing" and "great" sunsets over Lake Granby, creating a breathtaking backdrop for evening relaxation at your campsite.
• Abundant Wildlife Sightings: The natural setting offers frequent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Moose are commonly spotted drinking from the lake or foraging nearby, and bald eagles and osprey are also seen, adding an exciting dimension to your stay.
• Good Tree Cover and Shade: Unlike some areas affected by beetle kill, the Moraine loop is noted for having "very good tree cover to protect from the sun," providing ample shade for many campsites.
• Spacious and Peaceful Sites: Campers appreciate that the sites are not too close together, offering a good sense of privacy and a quiet, peaceful atmosphere, perfect for unwinding in nature.
• Clean Facilities and Friendly Hosts: The consistently clean vault toilets and the presence of friendly, helpful camp hosts are frequently highlighted by visitors, ensuring a pleasant and well-managed experience.
• Proximity to Hiking Trails: The campground offers easy access to a network of hiking trails, including the popular and relatively easy Monarch Lake Loop (a 4.25-mile hike) and trails leading into the Indian Peaks Wilderness, providing options for all skill levels.
• Fishing Opportunities: Lake Granby is well-known for its excellent fishing, particularly for kokanee salmon and various trout species, making it a favorite spot for anglers.

For reservations, current conditions, and general inquiries about Arapaho Bay Moraine Campground, here's the relevant contact information:

Address: Co Hwy 637, Granby, CO 80446, USA

Phone: (970) 887-4100 (This is the general contact number for the Sulphur Ranger District of the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests, which manages the area. They can provide information on conditions, alerts, and regulations.)

Mobile Phone: +1 970-887-4100 (Same as above).

For Reservations: It is highly recommended to make reservations online through Recreation.gov by searching for "Arapaho Bay Campground." You can typically book sites up to six months in advance. Their national reservation line is 1-877-444-6777.

For ANRA Pass Information: Details on the required Arapaho National Recreation Area Pass can be found on Recreation.gov or the USDA Forest Service website for the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests.

For Colorado locals, Arapaho Bay Moraine Campground is an exceptionally suitable and highly desirable camping destination, embodying many of the qualities that make our state so special. Its prime location on Lake Granby immediately resonates with Coloradans who cherish direct access to water activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing, without the hassle of long drives to separate launch points.

The ability to reserve campsites well in advance is a significant advantage for locals. Unlike many first-come, first-served sites that require early arrival and an element of luck, Arapaho Bay Moraine allows for stress-free planning, which is invaluable for families and groups. The consistently praised cleanliness of the vault toilets and the presence of friendly, helpful camp hosts further enhance the experience, providing comfort and peace of mind in a natural setting.

Beyond the practicalities, the campground offers a deep connection to the Colorado wilderness. The opportunity to witness stunning sunsets over the lake, spot moose in their natural habitat, and easily access a network of hiking trails, including the beloved Monarch Lake Loop, provides an authentic and enriching outdoor experience. While the required ANRA pass is an expected part of enjoying our National Forests, it contributes to the upkeep of these cherished natural spaces. For Coloradans seeking a beautiful, well-maintained, and accessible lakeside retreat with ample opportunities for both relaxation and adventure, Arapaho Bay Moraine Campground truly offers a perfect mountain escape.

Arapaho Bay Moraine Campground

Co Hwy 637, Granby, CO 80446, USA