Mountain Park Group Campground

For us, as Colorado locals, gathering with our loved ones, whether it's for a family reunion, a youth group outing, or a friends' getaway, often means finding a space that can comfortably accommodate everyone while still immersing us in our state's incredible natural beauty. Mountain Park Group Campground, nestled within the majestic Cache la Poudre Canyon in Larimer County, is a standout choice for just such occasions. It offers the unique blend of expansive group facilities and access to a wealth of outdoor adventures, making it a highly desirable destination for larger parties seeking a memorable Colorado experience.

Mountain Park Group Campground is designed specifically to cater to big groups, providing ample space and key amenities that make organizing a large gathering in the wilderness much smoother. It's a place where laughter echoes through the trees, shared meals are enjoyed under the stars, and collective memories are forged against the backdrop of the iconic Cache la Poudre River. This article will delve into what makes Mountain Park Group Campground an excellent option for Colorado locals, highlighting its strategic location, the array of services it offers, its distinctive features, and why it's perfectly suited for your next large-scale outdoor event.

Mountain Park Group Campground is located in Larimer County, CO 80512, USA, directly along Colorado Highway 14 (also known as the Poudre Canyon Highway), approximately 40 miles northwest of Fort Collins. This prime location places it deep within the scenic Cache la Poudre Canyon, which is renowned as Colorado's first National Wild and Scenic River. The drive itself is part of the allure, offering breathtaking views as the road winds alongside the Poudre River, through diverse vegetation ranging from dense forests to open meadows surrounded by steep mountain terrain.

Accessibility to Mountain Park Group Campground is generally excellent. Being situated on a state highway means the roads leading to the campground are paved and well-maintained, allowing for easy access for various vehicle types, including large RVs, trailers, and multiple passenger cars typical of group gatherings. While the canyon roads are scenic, they can be winding, so drivers should exercise caution. Despite its convenience, the campground manages to retain a genuine sense of being immersed in the natural environment, providing that sought-after mountain escape without feeling overly remote. This balance is particularly beneficial for groups with varying levels of outdoor experience or those requiring easier logistical planning.

The strategic position within the Poudre Canyon also means that the campground serves as an ideal basecamp for exploring the extensive recreational opportunities of the Roosevelt National Forest. From world-class whitewater rafting on the Poudre River to diverse hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, the area offers something for every outdoor enthusiast. Notably, the campground is also close to the Kelly Flats Off-road Trail, attracting those who enjoy motorized recreation.

• Group Campsite: Features a dedicated group site capable of accommodating up to 75 people for day use and suitable for up to 10 RVs or trailers in its large parking lot, alongside tent camping for 30 people.
• Individual Campsites: In addition to the group site, the broader Mountain Park Campground (which includes the group section) offers 54 individual campsites. Sites 1-32 have electric hookups, while sites 33-54 do not.
• Picnic Tables: Numerous picnic tables are provided within the group area and at individual sites, facilitating large group meals and gatherings.
• Fire Grates/Rings: Equipped with fire grates or rings for campfires and cooking, often with grills (always check for current fire restrictions).
• Covered Pavilion: The group site includes a covered pavilion, offering shelter from sun or rain, complete with an electrical outlet for convenience.
• Restrooms: Flush toilets and showers are available within the campground. While cleanliness is generally good, some reviews note occasional variations in maintenance and hot water availability for showers (which may be coin-operated).
• Potable Water: Drinking water spigots are available throughout the campground.
• Trash Collection: Trash dumpsters are provided for waste disposal.
• Bear Lockers: Bear-proof food storage lockers are typically available, essential for safe food storage in this wildlife area.
• Camp Hosts: A camp host is usually on-site to assist campers, provide local information, and oversee campground operations, though the level of active presence can vary.
• Sports Courts: Includes amenities like volleyball and basketball courts, and horseshoe pits, adding organized recreational options for groups.
• Playground: A simple playground is available, providing a designated area for children to play and expend energy.
• Firewood Sales: Dead and downed firewood may be gathered in the forest (check regulations) or purchased from the camp host.
• Extra Vehicle Fee: An additional vehicle fee of $8.00 per vehicle per night is charged for vehicles beyond the one included in the reservation.

• Ideal for Large Groups: Specifically designed with a dedicated group site that can host up to 75 people and accommodate multiple RVs/trailers, making it perfect for family reunions, youth camps, and other large gatherings.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The presence of a playground, volleyball, basketball courts, and horseshoe pits ensures there are activities for all ages, particularly beneficial for families with children.
• Direct River Access: Situated on the banks of the Cache la Poudre River, offering easy access for fishing (brown, cutthroat, and rainbow trout), floating, and enjoying the serene river environment.
• Electric Hookups: Many individual sites (and potentially the group site's parking area) offer electric hookups, providing comfort and convenience for RV and trailer campers.
• Scenic Poudre Canyon Location: Nestled in a beautiful forested canyon setting with steep mountains, providing a quintessential Colorado outdoor experience.
• Proximity to Off-Road Trails: A significant draw for adventure enthusiasts, with the popular Kelly Flats Off-road Trail nearby.
• Extensive Recreational Opportunities: Serves as a gateway to numerous activities including whitewater rafting, extensive hiking trails (like Mt. McConnel Trail, William R. Kreutzer National Recreation Trail, Young Gulch Trail), mountain biking, birding, and wildlife viewing.
• Covered Pavilion: The group site's covered pavilion offers a valuable shaded or sheltered gathering space, complete with an electrical outlet.
• Paved Roads: Internal roads within the campground are paved, contributing to ease of access and navigation.
• Cell Service: While not always strong throughout the canyon, Mountain Park Campground has generally reported cell service, which can be a convenience for group organizers.

Address: CO-14, Bellvue, CO 80512, USA (Larimer County, CO)

Phone: (970) 295-6600 (This number typically connects to the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests & Pawnee National Grassland Supervisor's Office, or the Canyon Lakes Ranger District, which manages the Poudre Canyon area and Mountain Park Group Campground.)

For reservations, especially for the group site, it is highly recommended to use the national reservation system: Recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777.

For Colorado locals, Mountain Park Group Campground stands out as an exceptional resource for fostering community and connection in the great outdoors. We often seek venues that can comfortably accommodate our larger gatherings—be it a multi-family camping trip, a scout troop expedition, or a special celebration—and this campground is explicitly designed to meet those needs. Its dedicated group site with ample space, a large parking area, and a covered pavilion with electricity significantly simplifies the logistics of managing a big group in a natural setting, allowing us to focus on the shared experience.

The rich array of on-site recreational amenities, including a playground for children and courts for volleyball and basketball, ensures that there's entertainment for every age group, enhancing the overall family-friendly appeal. Beyond the campground, the unparalleled access to the Cache la Poudre River for rafting and fishing, coupled with extensive hiking and off-roading opportunities, provides the quintessential Colorado adventure experience that resonates deeply with our outdoor-loving culture. While occasional concerns about cleanliness or the additional vehicle fee have been noted, the overwhelming value of having a dedicated, well-equipped space for large gatherings in such a stunning natural environment makes these minor considerations for many.

Ultimately, Mountain Park Group Campground offers Colorado residents the perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories with their extended circles. It’s a place where the wild beauty of the Poudre Canyon meets the convenience of modern camping facilities, fostering an environment where groups can truly thrive and enjoy the very best of what our state has to offer. For your next large-scale outdoor event, look no further than this premier group camping destination in Larimer County.

Mountain Park Group Campground

Larimer County, CO 80512, USA