Renegade

For Colorado locals drawn to the serene beauty of mountain lakes and vast open skies, Renegade Campground near Grand Lake offers an ideal outdoor escape. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the Arapaho National Recreation Area, this campground provides a quintessential high-country experience, perfectly positioned for water activities, hiking, and soaking in stunning views. While it embraces a more rustic approach without electricity at the sites, it offers essential amenities that make for a comfortable and memorable stay for self-contained campers.

Renegade Campground is celebrated for its strategic location just above Shadow Mountain Reservoir, providing "sweeping views of the pretty reservoir and surrounding hills." This setting, characterized by "rolling sagebrush covered hills," offers a distinct landscape compared to dense forests, allowing for expansive vistas and a sense of open-air freedom. The campground caters to both tent and RV campers, with various single and double-family campsites designed to accommodate diverse needs. Its popularity stems from the combination of natural beauty, convenient access to water recreation, and the presence of fundamental amenities.

Whether your passion is boating, fishing for various trout species and Kokanee salmon, or exploring the extensive network of hiking and biking trails, Renegade serves as an excellent basecamp. Its proximity to the vibrant town of Grand Lake and the majestic Rocky Mountain National Park means that while you’re enjoying the tranquility of nature, you're never far from additional amenities, dining options, or further adventurous pursuits. Renegade Campground truly embodies the spirit of Colorado outdoor living, making it a highly suitable choice for residents seeking a genuine Rocky Mountain experience.

Renegade Campground is situated in Grand Lake, CO 80447, USA. More specifically, it is located on the shores of Shadow Mountain Reservoir, which is part of the larger Arapaho National Recreation Area. This positioning places it strategically amidst the "Colorado Headwaters," an area renowned for its interconnected lakes and proximity to the western entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Access to Renegade Campground is generally straightforward. It is located just a few miles south of the town of Grand Lake. Grand Lake itself is accessible via US Highway 34, which is the western approach to Rocky Mountain National Park and connects to other major routes in Colorado. The campground roads are paved, contributing to easier navigation for various vehicle types, including trucks pulling fifth wheels and trailers.

Its location is key for outdoor enthusiasts. Being on Shadow Mountain Reservoir provides immediate access to the water for boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Furthermore, it's a short drive to Grand Lake, Colorado's largest natural lake, and Lake Granby, offering even more aquatic recreation. The western entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is also very close by, providing access to an extensive network of hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and scenic drives like Trail Ridge Road. The area surrounding Grand Lake is a hub for year-round activities, from summer water sports and hiking to winter snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, all easily reachable from Renegade Campground. Its elevation of approximately 8,367 feet (around 2,550 meters) ensures a refreshing high-altitude climate, offering cooler temperatures during the summer months.

• Campsites: The campground offers both single and double-family campsites, designed to accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs. Sites are equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and grills.
• Restrooms: Flush toilets are provided within the campground. While not explicitly mentioned in the provided reviews, the presence of flush toilets is a significant amenity for a Forest Service campground.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available at the campground, ensuring campers have access to fresh water for their needs.
• Boat Launch Ramp: There is a convenient boat launch ramp within the campground, providing direct access to Shadow Mountain Reservoir for various watercraft.
• Fish Cleaning Station: For anglers, a dedicated fish cleaning station is available, making it easy to prepare your catch.
• Garbage Service: Trash collection is provided, with garbage bins available for disposal. This contrasts with "pack it in, pack it out" primitive sites, offering a greater convenience.
• Paved Roads: Internal campground roads are paved, improving accessibility and ease of navigation within the site.
• No Electricity: It is important to note that Renegade Campground does not offer electrical hookups at campsites. Campers needing power should bring their own solutions.
• No Showers: There are no shower facilities available at this campground.
• No Phone Service at Sites: While not explicitly stated, the lack of "phone" mentioned in some Forest Service descriptions implies no landline access at sites; cell service may vary.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are permitted but must be kept on a hand-held leash at all times within the campground.
• Day Use Area: Renegade Day Use Area, located a short distance (1/4 mile) from the campground, offers beach access, a marina, and another boat ramp.

• Sweeping Reservoir Views: Most campsites offer "sweeping views of the pretty reservoir and surrounding hills" of Shadow Mountain, providing a picturesque backdrop.
• Excellent Water Recreation: Being on Shadow Mountain Reservoir, the campground provides direct access to excellent opportunities for boating, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming.
• Prime Fishing Destination: Anglers can enjoy fishing for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and Kokanee salmon directly from the reservoir.
• Proximity to Grand Lake & RMNP: The campground is very close to the charming town of Grand Lake and the west entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, offering easy access to additional amenities and world-class hiking.
• Well-Equipped Sites: Sites come with essential amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and grills, enhancing the camping experience.
• OHV Trail Access: The Strawberry OHV Trail System, offering 75 miles of trails, is nearby, catering to off-highway vehicle enthusiasts.
• Hiking and Mountain Biking: An extensive trail system for hikers and mountain bikers is easily accessible from the campground.
• Wildlife Viewing: The natural setting provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, with deer, elk, and potentially moose common in the Grand Lake area.
• Cleanliness and Maintenance: While basic, Forest Service campgrounds are typically well-maintained, ensuring a pleasant environment. The garbage service is a notable convenience for a non-hookup campground.
• Seasonality: The campground is open seasonally, generally from May to October, aligning with prime summer and fall outdoor activity seasons in Colorado.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: With diverse activities and the safety of a managed site, it's suitable for families seeking outdoor adventures.

Address: Grand Lake, CO 80447, USA

As Renegade Campground is a U.S. Forest Service campground within the Arapaho National Recreation Area, direct phone numbers for the campground itself are not typically provided. Reservations and detailed information are usually handled through the federal recreation booking system.

For reservations and comprehensive details, it is best to visit:

• Recreation.gov website: Search for "Renegade Campground" under Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest (though it's listed as Grand Lake, CO, on the provided info, the Forest Service manages it. Note: There is a "Renegade Campground" in Utah on Strawberry Reservoir that shows up prominently in searches. Ensure you are looking at the Grand Lake, CO, location if it is indeed managed by the USFS in that area).

For general inquiries about the Arapaho National Recreation Area or local conditions, you may contact the local Forest Service office:

• Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests & Pawnee National Grassland Supervisor's Office (or a local Ranger District office like Sulphur Ranger District in Granby, CO, which oversees the Grand Lake area). (Search online for their current contact information.)

Always check recreation.gov or the Forest Service website for the most current information regarding operating dates, fees, and any alerts (e.g., fire restrictions).

For Colorado locals, Renegade Campground near Grand Lake is an excellent choice for embracing the state's iconic lakeside and mountain adventures. Its prime location on Shadow Mountain Reservoir, coupled with its close proximity to the charming town of Grand Lake and the majestic Rocky Mountain National Park, offers unparalleled convenience for a variety of outdoor pursuits right in our backyard. This means less travel time and more time enjoying what we love about Colorado.

The campground provides a fantastic balance of accessible amenities and a genuine outdoor feel. While it doesn't offer electrical hookups, the presence of clean flush toilets, potable drinking water, and convenient trash service significantly elevates the comfort level for tent and self-contained RV campers. This combination allows locals to enjoy a traditional camping experience without sacrificing too many modern conveniences, making it an ideal step up from primitive backcountry sites.

What truly makes Renegade shine for Coloradans is the direct access it provides to the heart of the Grand Lake area's recreational opportunities. Whether you're launching your boat for a day of fishing or water skiing on the reservoir, exploring the extensive hiking and biking trails, or simply soaking in the "sweeping views" of the surrounding hills, this campground serves as a perfect launchpad. The opportunity for "wildlife viewing" and the ability to easily visit local attractions in Grand Lake, from dining to boutique shops, further enhance the local appeal.

Renegade Campground offers a reliable, scenic, and activity-rich base for Colorado residents looking to make the most of our state's incredible natural playgrounds. It's a place where families can create lasting memories by the water, hikers can embark on new adventures, and everyone can simply relax and breathe in the refreshing mountain air, all within a familiar and beloved region of Colorado.

Renegade

Grand Lake, CO 80447, USA