Green Ridge Campground

Introduction / Overview

For us Coloradans, the perfect mountain getaway often involves the shimmering reflections of peaks on a pristine lake, and that's precisely what you'll find at Green Ridge Campground. Located in the breathtaking Arapaho National Recreation Area near Grand Lake, this campground offers a unique and highly sought-after lakeside camping experience. Situated between the southern shore of Shadow Mountain Lake and the banks of the mighty Colorado River, it's a true paradise for water enthusiasts, anglers, and anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the stunning beauty of our state's high country. Green Ridge Campground provides a mix of essential amenities within a natural setting, making it a popular choice for families and those looking for a peaceful escape, though weekend popularity can bring a livelier atmosphere. Despite some changes to the tree cover due to the mountain pine beetle infestation, the allure of being so close to the water and major trail systems remains strong. It’s a place where you can launch a kayak, cast a line, or simply relax by a campfire while soaking in the expansive views that define the Grand Lake area. Green Ridge Campground isn't just a place to sleep; it's a vibrant base camp for countless Colorado adventures.

Location and Accessibility

Green Ridge Campground is ideally situated at 66 Co Rd 66, Grand Lake, CO 80447, USA, placing it in a prime location within the Arapaho National Recreation Area. For us Coloradans, reaching this picturesque lakeside retreat is quite convenient. From the intersection of U.S. Highways 40 and 34 in Granby, you travel north for approximately 12 miles on Highway 34. Then, turn east onto County Road 66 for about one mile, and you'll find the Green Ridge Complex sign. Alternatively, if coming from the charming town of Grand Lake, it's a short drive south on US Highway 34 for less than 3 miles, then east on County Road 66 for a little over 1 mile. The campground's elevation is approximately 8,300 to 8,353 feet, offering a refreshing cooler climate during the warmer months. Its location directly on Shadow Mountain Lake and adjacent to the Colorado River provides unparalleled access to water activities. Furthermore, its proximity to the west entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park (just a 10-minute drive) is a significant draw, allowing for easy day trips into one of the nation's most iconic national parks. This blend of lakeside serenity, mountain views, and convenient access to both town amenities and wilderness trails makes Green Ridge Campground an easily accessible and highly desirable destination for locals across Colorado.

Services Offered

Green Ridge Campground is well-equipped to provide a comfortable and functional camping experience, offering essential services that cater to a wide range of campers. While it maintains a natural setting, it ensures that key amenities are available for guest convenience:

• Campsites for Tents, Trailers, and RVs: The campground features 79 non-electric, single-family sites, including some tent-only, back-in, and pull-through options. There is also one double and one triple capacity campsite. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers, with parking lengths typically ranging from 25 to 51 feet, though maximum RV length is often noted around 35 feet.
• Picnic Tables and Campfire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a campfire ring with a grate, perfect for outdoor meals and evening campfires (when fire restrictions allow).
• Tent Pads: Designated tent pads are provided at many sites, offering a level and comfortable surface for pitching tents.
• Flush and Vault Toilets: The campground offers both flush toilets and vault toilets. While flush toilets are preferred, campers should be aware that their functionality can vary (as noted in one review where flush toilets were not working, but vault toilets were clean).
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available at various spigots throughout the campground. Some campers report that water is easily accessible and cold.
• Bear-Proof Food Storage Lockers: Critically important in bear country, bear lockers are available at each site to safely store food and scented items away from wildlife.
• Trash Collection: Conveniently located trash receptacles and dumpsters are available for waste disposal, promoting cleanliness throughout the campground.
• Dump Station: A dump station is provided within the campground for RV waste, offering a convenient service for self-contained units.
• Boat Launch/Ramp: Direct access to Shadow Mountain Reservoir is a significant amenity, with a boat ramp and dock located within the campground, facilitating water-based activities.
• Firewood for Sale: Firewood can often be gathered in the surrounding forest (check local regulations) or purchased from the on-site camp host.
• On-Site Camp Host: Dedicated camp hosts are typically present during the operating season, providing assistance, maintaining facilities, and ensuring a pleasant experience.
• Cell Service: Fair cell service (AT&T and Verizon generally accessible with 2-3 bars) is reported in the area, which can be beneficial for staying connected or for emergencies.
• No Showers: It's important to note that the campground does not typically offer shower facilities, a common characteristic of many National Forest campgrounds.
• Extra Vehicle Fees: One vehicle is usually included with a reservation; additional vehicles may incur an extra nightly fee.

Features / Highlights

Green Ridge Campground is celebrated for several key features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for Coloradans seeking an enriching outdoor experience:

• Lakeside Location: Nestled directly on the southern shore of Shadow Mountain Lake and adjacent to the Colorado River, the campground offers unparalleled access to water-based activities and stunning waterfront views from many sites.
• Water Recreation Paradise: Shadow Mountain Lake provides excellent opportunities for boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, and swimming. Anglers can enjoy fishing for kokanee salmon, rainbow, brown, mackinaw, and cutthroat trout. A boat ramp within the campground makes water access seamless.
• Proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park: The campground is just a 10-minute drive from the west entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, offering incredible opportunities for scenic drives, hiking, backpacking, and abundant wildlife viewing within the park.
• Spacious and Private Sites: Many campsites are described as spacious with good separation between them, providing a sense of privacy. While some areas might have less shade due to pine beetle impact, trees generally offer adequate cover.
• Clean Facilities: Visitors consistently praise the cleanliness of the bathrooms, including both flush and vault toilets, and the overall well-maintained nature of the campground.
• Wildlife Viewing: The area is rich in wildlife, with frequent sightings of moose, deer, elk, foxes, and marmots. An observation spot with telescopes pointing at an osprey nest is a notable highlight for birdwatchers.
• Access to Hiking and Biking Trails: Numerous hiking and horseback riding trails are in the vicinity, including the East Shore Trail (part of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail), Roaring Fork Trail, and Monarch Lake Trail, catering to various skill levels.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The campground is generally considered family-friendly, with many children and families enjoying the outdoor environment, especially activities like biking on the campground roads.
• Convenient to Grand Lake Town: The charming town of Grand Lake, with its dining, shops, and boardwalk, is just a short drive away, providing easy access to amenities and a taste of local culture.
• Beautiful Views: The campground offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the lake, contributing to a truly scenic camping experience.
• Dog-Friendly: As part of the Arapaho National Recreation Area, it's a dog-friendly campground, allowing water-inclined pups to enjoy the lake.

Contact Information

Address: Green Ridge Campground, 66 Co Rd 66, Grand Lake, CO 80447, USA

Phone: (970) 887-4100 (This number is typically for the Sulphur Ranger District, Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests, which manages the campground.)

Mobile Phone: +1 970-887-4100

For reservations, current conditions, fees (including the Arapaho National Recreation Area fee, which may apply in addition to camping fees), and specific site availability, it is highly recommended to visit the official Recreation.gov website for Green Ridge Campground or the USDA Forest Service website for the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. As site availability can be competitive, especially during peak season, booking well in advance is often advisable. General information regarding operating seasons (typically mid-May to mid-October) and any fire restrictions can also be found on these official platforms.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For us Coloradans, Green Ridge Campground is an exceptional destination that truly embodies the spirit of our state's outdoor lifestyle. Its profound suitability for locals stems from a remarkable combination of convenient accessibility, diverse recreational opportunities, and a setting that perfectly balances natural beauty with essential comforts. Located near Grand Lake, it's a manageable drive from many Front Range communities, making it an ideal choice for both spontaneous weekend getaways and more extended family vacations without venturing too far from home.

The campground's most compelling draw for locals is its direct embrace of water recreation. Situated directly on Shadow Mountain Lake and the Colorado River, it offers unparalleled access for boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing—activities deeply ingrained in Colorado's outdoor culture. This means you can wake up, step out of your tent or RV, and be on the water within minutes, truly maximizing your time in nature. Furthermore, its proximity to the west entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park is an enormous advantage, providing easy access to some of the state's most iconic hiking trails, scenic drives, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities that we cherish.

While acknowledging that weekend crowds can bring a livelier atmosphere and that the quiet hours may not always be perfectly enforced, many Coloradans understand that popular spots in our beautiful state often attract a vibrant community of outdoor enthusiasts. The trade-off is well worth it for the stunning views, the clean flush and vault toilets, and the convenience of a dump station and potable water. The spacious sites, complete with picnic tables, fire rings, and crucial bear-proof lockers, are designed for comfortable and responsible camping. Green Ridge Campground isn't just a place to park your rig or pitch your tent; it's a community hub for active Coloradans seeking to experience the best of our mountains and lakes, offering a complete and truly unforgettable outdoor adventure right here in our own backyard.

Green Ridge Campground

Green Ridge Campground, 66 Co Rd 66, Grand Lake, CO 80447, USA