Drake Campground

Hello, Colorado adventurers! If you’re searching for a peaceful and scenic escape that truly captures the essence of our beautiful Rocky Mountains, then Drake Campground in Drake, CO, is a hidden gem you’ll want to discover. This isn't just another place to pitch your tent or park your RV; it's a serene riverside retreat where the sounds of the Big Thompson River become your daily soundtrack, and the crisp mountain air invigorates your spirit. Whether you're a seasoned camper or looking for a convenient mountain getaway, Drake Campground offers a unique blend of natural beauty and accessibility that makes it a local favorite.

Nestled within the breathtaking Big Thompson Canyon, Drake Campground provides a tranquil base camp for exploring some of Colorado's most iconic landscapes. It’s a place where you can truly unwind, disconnect from the digital world, and reconnect with nature. Imagine waking up to the gentle flow of the river, enjoying your morning coffee with a view, and spending your days fishing, exploring, or simply relaxing by a crackling campfire. This campground offers that coveted sense of solitude, even while being surprisingly close to urban conveniences, making it an ideal choice for Coloradans looking for a quick and impactful escape.

What truly sets Drake Campground apart, as shared by returning visitors, is the inviting atmosphere fostered by its dedicated hosts. The personalized touch and helpfulness create a welcoming environment that makes you feel right at home. This focus on hospitality, combined with the picturesque setting and well-maintained sites, makes Drake Campground more than just a place to stay—it becomes a memorable part of your Colorado adventure. It’s a testament to the charm of smaller, privately run campgrounds that offer a more intimate and authentic outdoor experience.

In the following sections, we’ll explore everything that makes Drake Campground a must-visit for local campers, from its prime location and convenient amenities to the specific features that ensure a relaxing and enjoyable stay. Get ready to discover your next favorite riverside camping spot in Colorado!

Drake Campground is conveniently located at 1601 US-34, Drake, CO 80515, USA. This address places it directly within the stunning Big Thompson Canyon, a gateway to the Rocky Mountains. Its strategic position along US-34 means it's easily accessible and offers a fantastic balance of mountain seclusion with proximity to larger towns.

One of the most significant advantages of Drake Campground’s location is its accessibility from major Colorado population centers. It’s approximately 25 minutes from Loveland, making it a very manageable drive for those hauling campers or looking for a quick escape from the Front Range. Additionally, it's conveniently close to Estes Park, a renowned mountain town and the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. This proximity means campers have easy access to supplies, dining options, and a multitude of additional outdoor activities and attractions should they wish to venture beyond the campground. While the campground itself offers a peaceful retreat, the option to quickly "run out for something or wanting to explore outside of camp" is a significant bonus for many.

The drive along US-34 through the Big Thompson Canyon is inherently scenic, offering glimpses of the majestic canyon walls and the Big Thompson River flowing alongside. This makes the journey to the campground part of the overall experience. The campground's setting right next to the river is a major draw, providing stunning views and the soothing sounds of flowing water directly from many campsites. This direct river access is a highly cherished feature, perfect for those who enjoy fishing, wading, or simply relaxing by the water's edge.

While some parts of the canyon may experience limited cell service, Drake Campground thoughtfully provides open Wi-Fi near the owner’s cabin, ensuring that campers can stay connected when needed, without being constantly immersed in their devices at their campsites. This allows for a true unplugged experience with the option for connectivity. The ease of access and beautiful surroundings make Drake Campground a remarkably convenient and appealing choice for Coloradans seeking a genuine mountain camping experience.

Drake Campground offers a thoughtful selection of services and amenities designed to enhance your camping experience, balancing rustic charm with essential comforts:

• Tent and RV Sites: The campground provides a variety of well-kept sites suitable for both tent campers and RVs. This flexibility allows different types of campers to find their ideal spot.

• Riverfront Sites: A standout feature, many sites are located directly next to the Big Thompson River, offering immediate access to stunning views and the relaxing sounds of flowing water. While these specific sites may not have hookups, the trade-off for the view is often considered more than fair by visitors.

• Electrical Hookups: For RV campers who require them, sites with electrical hookups are available just a short distance from the riverfront, providing convenience for those needing power.

• Individual Site Amenities: Each campsite is equipped with a fire pit for campfires and a picnic table, perfect for outdoor cooking and dining, fostering that quintessential camping atmosphere.

• Clean Bathroom Facilities with Showers: Visitors have reported clean facilities, including showers and toilets, which greatly enhance comfort, especially after a day of outdoor activities.

• Potable Water: Access to potable water is available, ensuring campers have a reliable source for drinking and cooking.

• On-site Wi-Fi Access: While cell service may be limited in the canyon, open Wi-Fi is available near the owner's cabin, allowing campers to connect when necessary.

• Sanitary Dump Station: For RV campers, a convenient dump station is available on-site, making waste disposal straightforward.

• Trash Facilities: Disposal of waste is made easy with designated trash facilities within the campground.

These services collectively contribute to a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience, allowing visitors to focus on the natural beauty and relaxation.

Drake Campground offers several compelling features and highlights that make it a truly special place for campers in Colorado:

• Direct River Access and Views: A prominent highlight, many campsites are positioned right along the Big Thompson River. This provides campers with immediate access to the soothing sounds of the flowing water and picturesque views right outside their tent or RV door. It's perfect for fishing, wading in rubber boots and hip waders, or simply enjoying the peaceful ambiance.

• Exceptional Hospitality: Consistently praised by returning visitors, the hosts, like Laurie, are described as "helpful and kind." This personal touch and welcoming atmosphere create a feeling of being truly cared for, enhancing the overall camping experience significantly.

• Proximity to Attractions with a Secluded Feel: Despite being only about 25 minutes from Loveland and conveniently close to Estes Park, the campground maintains a wonderfully quiet and private atmosphere. This allows campers to enjoy the best of both worlds: easy access to town for supplies or exploration, combined with the peaceful solitude of a mountain retreat.

• Variety of Site Options: With both tent sites and RV spots, including those with electrical hookups, Drake Campground caters to diverse camping preferences. Campers can choose between rustic riverside spots without hookups (a fair trade-off for the view!) or more convenient sites with power.

• Well-Kept Sites with Basic Amenities: Each spot is described as "well kept" and includes essential amenities like a fire pit and a picnic table, fostering traditional camping activities like cooking over an open fire and enjoying outdoor meals.

• Disconnect and Reconnect Opportunity: The limited cell service at the campsites, coupled with available Wi-Fi near the owner’s cabin, encourages campers to unplug from daily distractions and truly immerse themselves in nature. This balance allows for both a digital detox and the option to connect when necessary.

• Ideal for Fall Camping: As noted by a visitor, the campground is particularly enchanting in the fall when things have slowed down. The crisp autumn air and potentially vibrant foliage would only enhance the already beautiful surroundings.

These highlights underscore Drake Campground's appeal as a welcoming, scenic, and well-equipped destination for a memorable Colorado camping adventure.

For inquiries, reservations, or more information about Drake Campground, you can reach out using the following contact details:

• Address: 1601 US-34, Drake, CO 80515, USA

• Phone: (970) 663-4152

• Mobile Phone: +1 970-663-4152

It is always advisable to contact the campground directly to confirm current availability, make reservations, inquire about specific site features, and check for any updated policies or seasonal information before planning your visit. The helpful staff will be able to provide the most current and accurate details to ensure a smooth and enjoyable camping experience.

For Colorado locals, Drake Campground stands out as an incredibly suitable and appealing option for your next outdoor escape. Its prime location in the scenic Big Thompson Canyon offers that perfect "just-right" distance from major Front Range cities like Loveland and Fort Collins – close enough for a convenient drive, even with a camper, yet far enough to truly feel like a mountain getaway. This accessibility is a huge benefit for those looking to maximize their time enjoying nature rather than stuck in traffic.

What truly resonates with the Colorado lifestyle is the campground's authentic blend of rustic charm and essential comforts. The opportunity to camp right by the Big Thompson River, with breathtaking views and the soothing sounds of flowing water, perfectly encapsulates the serene beauty many Coloradans seek in their outdoor adventures. Whether you're fishing in rubber boots and hip waders, tossing a football by the river, or simply enjoying music by the fire, the direct river access provides an unparalleled natural playground. While some sites offer the convenience of hookups, the trade-off for those magnificent river views is often considered more than worthwhile by seasoned campers.

Furthermore, the welcoming and helpful nature of the hosts, as highlighted by returning guests, adds a personal touch that transforms a simple camping trip into a truly memorable experience. In a world of often impersonal online bookings, the genuine hospitality found at Drake Campground creates a sense of community and ease. The option to disconnect from cell service while still having access to Wi-Fi near the office provides the ideal balance for a modern digital detox. For any Colorado local debating where to find their next peaceful, scenic, and genuinely friendly mountain escape, especially in the quieter beauty of the fall, Drake Campground is not just a recommendation; it's an invitation to experience the very best of our state's natural charm.

Drake Campground

1601 US-34, Drake, CO 80515, USA