Green Mountain

For Coloradans seeking a genuine escape into the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Green Mountain Campground in Grand Lake, Colorado, offers a compelling blend of rustic charm and unparalleled access to natural beauty. Situated amidst the stunning landscapes of the Arapaho National Recreation Area, this campground is a gateway to the shimmering waters of Shadow Mountain Lake and the majestic peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s a destination that promises a true outdoor experience, focusing on the simplicity of nature while providing essential amenities for a comfortable stay. If you’re a local looking to disconnect, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and immerse yourself in the natural splendor that Colorado is famous for, Green Mountain Campground might just be your next favorite spot.

This isn't a flashy resort; instead, Green Mountain Campground offers a more traditional camping experience, appealing to those who appreciate the quiet solitude of the forest and the endless opportunities for outdoor adventure right outside their tent or RV. It’s a place where mornings are greeted by the sounds of nature, and evenings are spent under a canopy of stars, far from city lights. The emphasis here is on embracing the wilderness, with easy access to hiking, boating, and fishing. For residents of Colorado who cherish their state's natural playgrounds, Green Mountain provides an accessible and authentic basecamp for exploring one of the most picturesque regions in the Rockies.

Green Mountain Campground is conveniently located near Grand Lake, CO 80447, USA. More specifically, it’s found southwest of Grand Lake on Shadow Mountain Reservoir, part of the extensive Arapaho National Recreation Area. To reach the campground from the intersection of U.S. Highways 40 and 34 in Granby, you travel north for 12 miles on Highway 34 to County Road 66 and then go east one mile, looking for the Green Ridge Complex sign. This well-defined route makes it relatively easy to access, even with larger vehicles like RVs, though some interior roads within the campground might be narrower.

The strategic location of Green Mountain Campground is a significant draw for Coloradans. It provides direct access to Shadow Mountain Lake, which connects to Grand Lake and Lake Granby, offering a vast aquatic playground. Critically, it’s also just a short drive from the west entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, allowing for easy day trips into one of the nation's most iconic natural treasures. This proximity means you can enjoy the peace of the campground while having world-class hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives just moments away. The ease of accessibility, combined with the abundance of nearby attractions, positions Green Mountain as an excellent choice for a mountain getaway for locals.

• Non-Electric Campsites: The campground offers 79 non-electric, single-family sites, providing a more rustic experience for tent and RV campers who are self-sufficient.
• Large Capacity Campsites: In addition to single sites, there are also one double and one triple capacity campsite available, suitable for larger groups or multiple families camping together.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, offering a convenient surface for meals and outdoor gatherings.
• Campfire Rings: Every site includes a campfire ring with a grate, perfect for enjoying campfires and cooking outdoors, provided there are no fire restrictions in place.
• Tent Pads: Designated tent pads are provided at campsites, offering a level and often slightly elevated surface for setting up tents, ensuring a more comfortable sleeping experience.
• Flush and Vault Toilets: The campground provides both flush toilets and vault toilets. While some reviews note that the plumbed restrooms can occasionally be non-functional, vault toilets are available and generally maintained. Visitors appreciate the availability of "REAL bathrooms AND sinks" when flush toilets are operational.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is typically available within the campground, although it's always wise to confirm availability and consider bringing your own supply, especially for RV tank filling as it's not provided for that purpose.
• Firewood Sales/Gathering: Firewood can often be purchased from the camp host, or gathered in the surrounding forest (check local regulations for gathering policies).
• Bear-Proof Storage: Many sites include bear-proof storage boxes or lockers, essential for safely storing food and scented items in bear country, as highlighted by reviewers who appreciate this precaution.
• Boat Ramp and Dock Access: For those with watercraft, a boat ramp and dock within the campground offer direct access to Shadow Mountain Reservoir.
• Camp Host: Friendly and helpful camp hosts are typically on-site, providing assistance, managing the campground, and often selling firewood.
• Reservations and First-Come, First-Served: While previously some sites might have been first-come, first-served, Green Mountain Campground largely operates on a reservation system through Recreation.gov for its 79 single-family sites and group sites. It's highly recommended to make reservations, especially during peak season.
• Extra Vehicle Fees: Be aware that one vehicle is usually included in your reservation, with an additional fee of $8.00 per vehicle, per night for any extra vehicles, collected by the camp host.

• Direct Lake Access: Green Mountain Campground’s most prominent feature is its direct access to Shadow Mountain Lake via an on-site boat ramp and dock. This is perfect for boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.
• Proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park: It serves as an excellent base camp for exploring the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, offering access to its breathtaking trails, wildlife, and scenic drives with fewer crowds than the east side.
• Scenic Surroundings: The campground is nestled amidst stunning mountain scenery, with views of the Continental Divide and surrounded by lodgepole pine and aspen trees, providing a serene backdrop for your outdoor adventures.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The area is rich in wildlife, with opportunities to spot elk, moose, mule deer, and various bird species. Reviewers have noted seeing moose wander into the campground to swim in the lake.
• Hiking and Biking Trails: Numerous hiking and biking trails are accessible directly from or very near the campground, including the East Shore Trail (part of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail), Roaring Fork Trail, and Monarch Lake Trail. One reviewer appreciated "Great walks/ hikes or bike rides into the Rocky Mountains from the campground."
• Fishing Hotspot: Anglers will find excellent opportunities for fishing in Shadow Mountain Lake and nearby streams for kokanee salmon, rainbow, brown, mackinaw, and cutthroat trout.
• Clean Facilities (Generally): While some variations exist, reviewers frequently mention the "clean bathrooms" and "spotless and stocked" facilities, contributing to a comfortable stay.
• Spacious Sites: Many campers have praised the "generally spacious" campsites with "relatively good separation between them, giving some sense of privacy."
• Dog-Friendly: The campground is noted as being dog-friendly, which is a great bonus for Colorado residents who enjoy camping with their furry companions.
• Cool Mountain Retreat: At an elevation of approximately 8,300 feet, Green Mountain Campground offers a pleasant, cooler climate during the hot summer months.
• Family-Friendly Environment: The campground's amenities and proximity to varied recreational activities make it a great spot for families, with many opportunities for children to explore and play.

Address: Grand Lake, CO 80447, USA

Phone: 1-877-444-6777 (Recreation.gov Call Center for reservations/modifications)

Mailing Address for Forest Service: 9054 U.S Hwy 285 Morrison CO 80465 (Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests & Pawnee National Grassland)

For Coloradans, Green Mountain Campground offers an ideal blend of accessibility and authentic mountain recreation, making it a highly suitable choice for a local getaway. Its location near Grand Lake and Rocky Mountain National Park means that residents from across the state can easily reach this natural haven without extensive travel. This convenience is a major plus for weekend trips or last-minute escapes when the call of the mountains becomes too strong to ignore.

What truly makes Green Mountain special for locals is its focus on the core camping experience. It provides the essential amenities—picnic tables, fire rings, tent pads, and clean restrooms—without unnecessary frills, allowing the stunning natural surroundings to be the main attraction. The easy access to Shadow Mountain Lake for boating, fishing, and water sports, coupled with the myriad of hiking and biking trails directly from the campground, caters perfectly to the active Colorado lifestyle. The opportunity to spot local wildlife like moose and elk adds an exciting dimension to every stay, connecting campers more deeply with the region's unique ecology.

While some reviews mention "little to no shade" due to past pine beetle infestation and tree removal, the forest service has planted new seedlings, indicating a commitment to future improvements. The general consensus from campers highlights the spaciousness of sites and the friendly, attentive nature of the camp hosts, ensuring a pleasant and well-managed environment. If you're a Coloradan looking for a dog-friendly, family-oriented campground that serves as a fantastic basecamp for exploring the unparalleled beauty of Grand Lake and Rocky Mountain National Park, Green Mountain Campground truly offers a quintessential Colorado camping experience. It’s a place to create cherished memories, soak in the panoramic views, and truly appreciate the wild heart of our beautiful state.

Green Mountain

Grand Lake, CO 80447, USA