Ranger Lakes Campground

For Colorado residents seeking a tranquil and authentically wild mountain experience, Ranger Lakes Campground, nestled within the magnificent State Forest State Park near Walden, offers an unparalleled escape. This high-elevation campground is a true gem, providing a serene environment where the sounds of nature prevail and wildlife sightings, particularly of the majestic moose, are a common and delightful occurrence. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect from the everyday hustle and immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of Colorado’s North Park region.

State Forest State Park, encompassing over 71,000 acres of rugged peaks, alpine lakes, and dense forests, is often referred to as the "Moose Capital of Colorado." Ranger Lakes Campground is a key part of this vast wilderness, renowned for its quiet atmosphere and abundant recreational opportunities. As one past visitor aptly described, "it was very quiet. Only about 1/3 of the sites occupied," even shortly after a major holiday weekend. This speaks to its ability to offer a peaceful retreat, a coveted feature for many Colorado campers seeking solitude amidst stunning natural backdrops.

Whether your passion lies in casting a line into crystal-clear lakes, traversing scenic hiking trails, or simply enjoying the crisp mountain air from your campsite, Ranger Lakes provides an ideal base. Its combination of remote feel with essential amenities makes it a compelling choice for a variety of camping styles. This article will guide you through what makes Ranger Lakes Campground a standout destination for Colorado locals, detailing its unique location and accessibility, the services it provides, its distinctive features and highlights, essential contact information, and compelling reasons why it is perfectly suited for your next high-country adventure.

Ranger Lakes Campground is located in Walden, CO 80480, USA, specifically within State Forest State Park at an elevation of approximately 9,240 to 9,242 feet. It is situated in North Central Colorado, about 75 miles west of Fort Collins, and easily accessible directly off Highway 14, which is part of the scenic Cache La Poudre-North Park Scenic Byway.

The drive to Ranger Lakes Campground, particularly if coming from the Front Range, can be a scenic journey through the mountains, including options to traverse parts of Rocky Mountain National Park (though this may require additional park entrance fees and reservations depending on the time of year). Despite its somewhat remote feel, its direct access from Highway 14 ensures that it is well-connected and navigable for most vehicles, including RVs and trailers up to 60 feet in length. While it feels "very remote," as noted by a reviewer, it still offers "more than enough of the amenities you would need camping," balancing seclusion with convenience. The short walk to the Ranger Lakes fishing areas directly from the campground further enhances its accessibility for recreational pursuits.

Services Offered:

• Campsites with Electric Hookups: Ranger Lakes Campground offers 32 campsites, all of which include electric hookups (30 amps or more), accommodating tents, trailers, and RVs.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining and gathering.
• Fire Rings/Grates: Individual sites include fire rings with grates, perfect for campfires and cooking (always check for current fire restrictions and burn bans).
• Drinking Water: Potable water is available within the campground, accessible via a hose or spigot.
• Vault Toilets: The campground provides access to vault toilets, which are typically well-maintained.
• Trash Collection: Designated trash collection areas are available to help keep the park clean.
• Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available within State Forest State Park, providing a crucial service for RV and trailer campers.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood is available for sale from the camp host, ensuring a ready supply for your campfires.
• Rustic Cabins: Six rustic cabins are also available for rent year-round within the park, offering an alternative lodging option.
• Amphitheater: The campground features an amphitheater, which sometimes hosts weekend interpretive programs.

Features / Highlights:

• Abundant Moose Viewing: State Forest State Park is famously known as the "Moose Capital of Colorado." Campers at Ranger Lakes have a high chance of spotting moose, often seen traversing the campground itself, as highlighted by a past reviewer who "watched two bull moose traverse the campground."
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The "lakes" (likely including Ranger Lakes themselves) are regularly stocked with trout, making it "a great place to take kids and teach them to fish," as one reviewer noted. An ADA-accessible pier is also available.
• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: The campground is often quiet, particularly outside of major holiday weekends, providing a serene and relaxing environment for campers seeking solitude.
• Extensive Trail System: The area offers a variety of hiking and biking trails. The Ranger Lakes Nature Trail is an easy 1.25-mile loop around the lakes, starting directly from the campground, providing interpretive information about local flora and fauna.
• Dispersed Camping Options Nearby: For those seeking even more solitude, dispersed camping is available in the surrounding State Forest State Park, accessible via off-road entries, often with "amazing views."
• Wildlife Viewing: Beyond moose, the park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elk, deer, and various bird species, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
• High-Elevation Climate: The elevation of over 9,200 feet ensures cooler temperatures, providing a pleasant escape from the heat of lower elevations, especially during the summer months.
• Winter Activities: For adventurous locals, the park offers year-round opportunities including ice fishing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
• Scenic Drive: The journey to Ranger Lakes Campground along Highway 14 is part of the beautiful Cache La Poudre-North Park Scenic Byway, offering stunning mountain vistas along the way.

Contact Information:

Address: 56750 Highway 14, Walden, CO 80480, USA (within State Forest State Park)

Phone: (970) 723-8366 (State Forest State Park Office)

For reservations and the most up-to-date information regarding Ranger Lakes Campground, it is highly recommended to visit the official Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) website or utilize their online reservation system. Reservations can typically be made up to six months in advance. The park office phone number provided can also be used for general inquiries about current conditions, fire restrictions, and park-specific rules. It is always wise to confirm operating seasons and any alerts before planning your trip, especially given the high-elevation mountain environment.

Conclusion: Why Ranger Lakes Campground is Suitable for Locals

For residents across Colorado, Ranger Lakes Campground in State Forest State Park presents an exceptionally suitable and highly desirable destination for their next outdoor adventure. Its appeal to locals is deeply rooted in its unique combination of serene wilderness, abundant wildlife, and accessible amenities, all within a reasonable driving distance from many population centers.

Firstly, its location in the "Moose Capital of Colorado" offers an almost guaranteed opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. For Coloradans who value wildlife viewing as a core part of their outdoor experience, Ranger Lakes delivers consistently, making for truly unforgettable moments. The added excitement of "stocker trout" in the lakes provides a fantastic and approachable fishing experience, perfect for introducing kids to the joys of angling.

Secondly, the campground's balance between a remote mountain feel and essential amenities like electric hookups, potable water, and vault toilets makes it highly practical for both tent and RV campers. This allows locals to comfortably immerse themselves in nature without completely roughing it. The quiet atmosphere, as noted by visitors, is a significant draw for those seeking a genuine escape from the crowds often found at more popular front-range campgrounds.

Furthermore, the extensive opportunities for hiking, biking, and even exploring nearby dispersed camping areas ensure that Ranger Lakes caters to a wide spectrum of outdoor interests. The relatively easy drive over scenic mountain passes, and the option to combine the trip with a journey through Rocky Mountain National Park, adds to its allure as a local adventure. Ranger Lakes Campground is more than just a place to stay; it's an invitation for Coloradans to experience the profound tranquility, abundant wildlife, and rugged beauty that define their home state's high country, creating lasting memories for families and friends alike.

If you're curious to see what Ranger Lakes Campground looks like, you can watch this short overview: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfu8yNv65Sk).

Ranger Lakes Campground

Walden, CO 80480, USA