Rockslide

For Colorado locals seeking a picturesque and amenity-rich lakeside camping experience in the heart of the Rockies, Rockslide Campground near Grand Lake stands as an excellent choice. Nestled within the expansive Arapaho National Recreation Area, this U.S. Forest Service campground provides a quintessential high-country escape. It offers campers the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in stunning natural beauty while enjoying access to essential comforts, making it a favorite for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Rockslide Campground is renowned for its inviting atmosphere and convenient access to Shadow Mountain Reservoir. With "sweeping views of the pretty reservoir and surrounding hills," campers are treated to breathtaking panoramas right from their sites. While the campground maintains a rustic charm by not offering electrical hookups, it prioritizes guest comfort with amenities like flush toilets and potable drinking water. This balance ensures a true outdoor adventure without compromising on vital facilities. The popularity of Rockslide is a testament to its desirable location and the quality of the camping experience it provides, encouraging repeat visits from those who discover its charm.

The surrounding area of Grand Lake is a playground for all types of recreation, and Rockslide Campground serves as an ideal basecamp. Whether you're planning a day of boating, casting a line for trout or Kokanee salmon, or exploring the vast network of hiking trails, everything is within easy reach. Its close proximity to the vibrant town of Grand Lake and the majestic Rocky Mountain National Park further enhances its appeal, offering a blend of wilderness serenity and convenient access to local attractions. For Colorado residents, Rockslide Campground truly encapsulates the essence of a mountain lake getaway, providing a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

Rockslide Campground is situated in the breathtaking Grand Lake, CO 80447, USA. It is specifically located within the Arapaho National Recreation Area, a vast region managed by the U.S. Forest Service that encompasses interconnected lakes and pristine wilderness areas. This strategic placement positions Rockslide directly adjacent to Shadow Mountain Reservoir, offering campers unparalleled access to water-based activities and stunning lakeside vistas.

Access to Rockslide Campground is generally straightforward. It can be reached via well-maintained roads from the charming town of Grand Lake, which serves as a gateway to the western side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Grand Lake is accessible via US Highway 34, a scenic route that connects to other major highways in Colorado. The campground's internal roads are typically paved, ensuring easy navigation for various types of vehicles, including larger RVs and trailers.

The location is a significant highlight for any Colorado outdoor enthusiast. Being on Shadow Mountain Reservoir provides immediate opportunities for boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming. Anglers will particularly appreciate the direct access to excellent fishing. Beyond the reservoir, the campground's proximity to the town of Grand Lake offers convenient access to local shops, restaurants, and additional lake activities on Grand Lake, Colorado's largest natural lake. Furthermore, the western entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is just a short drive away, opening up a world of hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives through one of the nation's most celebrated national parks. At an elevation of approximately 8,367 feet (around 2,550 meters), Rockslide ensures a refreshing high-altitude climate, providing a welcome escape from warmer summer temperatures.

• Campsites: Rockslide Campground offers a substantial number of campsites, including 79 non-electric, single-family sites, as well as one double and one triple capacity campsite. Each single site can accommodate up to eight people.
• Site Amenities: Every campsite is equipped with essential outdoor amenities, including a picnic table for dining, a campfire ring for campfires (fire restrictions permitting), and a grill for cooking. Tent pads are also provided to offer a leveled dirt spot for tent setup.
• Restrooms: The campground provides both flush toilets and vault toilets, offering a more comfortable restroom experience than many primitive sites.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available within the campground, ensuring campers have access to safe, fresh water.
• Boat Launch Access: While not explicitly stated as a boat ramp *within* the campground in all general descriptions, its location on Shadow Mountain Reservoir implies very easy access to boat launching facilities nearby, such as the Rockslide Day Use Area boat ramp or other nearby ramps on the reservoir.
• Fish Cleaning Station: For the convenience of anglers, a dedicated fish cleaning station is provided within the campground.
• Garbage Service: Unlike many primitive sites, Rockslide Campground offers garbage collection services, with bins available for waste disposal, making it more convenient for campers.
• Paved Roads: The internal roads within the campground are paved, which contributes to ease of access and navigation, particularly for RVs and trailers.
• No Electrical Hookups: It is important for campers to be aware that no electrical hookups are available at the campsites. Campers needing power should bring their own portable power solutions.
• No Showers: There are no shower facilities available at Rockslide Campground.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are typically allowed in Forest Service campgrounds but must be kept on a leash at all times.

• Sweeping Reservoir Views: A significant highlight of Rockslide Campground is the "sweeping views of the pretty reservoir and surrounding hills," providing a picturesque setting for campers.
• Direct Water Access: Its location directly on Shadow Mountain Reservoir offers unparalleled access to a wide array of water activities including boating, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming.
• Excellent Fishing: The reservoir is known for good fishing, with opportunities to catch rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and Kokanee salmon.
• Proximity to Grand Lake Town: Being very close to the town of Grand Lake means campers have easy access to local amenities such as grocery stores, restaurants, gift shops, and other services.
• Gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park: Rockslide serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring the western side of Rocky Mountain National Park, with its entrance just a short drive away.
• Variety of Site Types: With both single and double-family sites available, the campground can accommodate various group sizes, from individual campers to larger family gatherings.
• Essential Amenities Provided: The availability of flush toilets, drinking water, and garbage service enhances the comfort of this natural setting, making it accessible to a wider range of campers.
• Nearby OHV Trails: For off-highway vehicle enthusiasts, the extensive Strawberry OHV Trail System with 75 miles of trails is located nearby.
• Hiking and Biking Opportunities: The surrounding area offers numerous trails for hiking and mountain biking, catering to active outdoor enthusiasts.
• Wildlife Viewing: The natural environment provides opportunities to observe local wildlife, including deer, elk, and potentially moose.
• Managed by Forest Service: Being managed by the U.S. Forest Service ensures a certain level of maintenance and adherence to public land management standards.

Address: Grand Lake, CO 80447, USA

As Rockslide Campground is a U.S. Forest Service campground within the Arapaho National Recreation Area, it typically does not have a direct phone number for the campground itself. Reservations and detailed information are primarily managed through the federal recreation reservation system.

For reservations, current availability, fees, and the most up-to-date information, it is best to visit:

• Recreation.gov website: Search for "Rockslide Campground" on Recreation.gov. This platform allows you to check site availability, make reservations, and find specific details about the campground's operating season and policies.

For general inquiries about the Arapaho National Recreation Area or local conditions in the Grand Lake area, you may contact the relevant U.S. Forest Service Ranger District. The Sulphur Ranger District in Granby, CO, typically oversees the Grand Lake area:

• Sulphur Ranger District Office: (Search online for the current phone number, often around 970-887-4100).

It is always advisable to check recreation.gov or contact the Forest Service directly for any fire restrictions, weather alerts, or specific information that might impact your stay.

For Colorado locals, Rockslide Campground near Grand Lake is an exceptional destination that perfectly embodies the spirit of our state's outdoor lifestyle. Its prime location on Shadow Mountain Reservoir provides instant access to the water activities that so many Coloradans cherish, from fishing and boating to kayaking and paddleboarding. This direct connection to one of the state's beautiful mountain lakes makes it an ideal spot for those seeking aquatic adventures without venturing too far from home.

The campground strikes an excellent balance between rustic charm and convenient amenities. While it offers a non-electric camping experience that encourages a deeper connection with nature, the presence of clean flush toilets, readily available drinking water, and even garbage service elevates the comfort level. This makes Rockslide a highly suitable choice for families and campers who appreciate a more managed environment without sacrificing the true outdoor feel. It’s a great option for locals who enjoy traditional camping but value some essential comforts.

Furthermore, Rockslide's strategic position offers unparalleled access to the broader Grand Lake area. Being just a short drive from the vibrant town of Grand Lake means that resupply, local dining, and charming shops are easily accessible. More importantly, its close proximity to the western entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park opens up endless possibilities for world-class hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring one of the nation's most stunning natural treasures.

In essence, Rockslide Campground is a local gem that provides a perfect blend of recreational opportunities, scenic beauty, and convenient amenities. It’s a place where Colorado families and outdoor enthusiasts can create lasting memories, enjoy the breathtaking views of the Rockies, and truly embrace the unique natural heritage of our state.

Rockslide

Grand Lake, CO 80447, USA