Tunnel Campground

For those in Colorado craving an authentic outdoor experience, Tunnel Campground offers that quintessential "classic Colorado camping feel." Tucked away in a beautiful setting near Bellvue, CO, this popular first-come, first-served campground provides a peaceful retreat for tent campers and RV enthusiasts alike. It's a place where the sounds of the Laramie River soothe you to sleep and the beauty of the surrounding forest invites exploration. While parts of the journey to Tunnel Campground might pass through areas impacted by past wildfires, the campground itself stands as an oasis, offering a clean, well-maintained, and genuinely refreshing escape into the heart of Colorado's natural splendor.

Tunnel Campground is located in a somewhat remote but truly picturesque area of Colorado, with its address listed as Colorado 80236, USA. More specifically, it's situated along the Laramie River Road (County Road 103) near the confluence of the West Branch Laramie River and the Laramie River. This places it approximately 10 miles north of Fort Collins on U.S. Highway 287, then about 50 miles west on Colorado Highway 14 (Poudre Canyon Highway), and finally, a right turn (north) onto County Road 103 (Laramie River Road) for about seven miles until you reach the campground entrance on the west side of the road.

This journey highlights its accessible yet secluded nature. While the last 6-7 miles are on a well-maintained dirt road, as noted by visitors who found it in "great shape," the overall route is manageable for most vehicles, including motorcycles and RVs up to 70 feet. The campground is nestled within a lodgepole pine forest, which, while having seen some activity from the mountain pine beetle leading to tree removal for safety, still offers a pleasant and largely green camping environment. Its remote location means no cell service or Wi-Fi, emphasizing a true unplugged experience, with the closest limited services about 13 miles away at Sportsman's Lodge & the Trading Post, and more comprehensive options roughly 25-26 miles further at Archer's and Glen Echo. This accessibility, combined with its peaceful setting, makes it an ideal choice for Coloradans looking to escape the daily grind without venturing too far off the beaten path.

Tunnel Campground provides essential services and amenities that cater to a comfortable yet authentic camping experience in the Colorado wilderness.

• Campsites: The campground offers a total of 49 campsites, designed to accommodate both tents and RVs. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table, a fire grate for campfires (unless fire restrictions are in effect), and a designated tent pad. RV sites can accommodate vehicles ranging from 25 to 70 feet in length, and parking spurs are gravel.

• Clean Restrooms: Visitors consistently praise the cleanliness of the facilities, specifically noting the "nice bathrooms" (vault toilets) which are well-maintained. This is a significant plus for a national forest campground.

• Potable Water: Drinking water is usually available at a central pump, typically through late September, providing a crucial amenity for campers. Fees may be discounted if water is off during the shoulder seasons.

• Bear Lockers: For the safety of both campers and local wildlife, all campsites with tent pads are provided with bear lockers for secure food storage.

• Firewood Sales: Campground hosts often have firewood available for purchase, or campers may gather dead and downed wood from the forest, adhering to current fire restrictions.

• First-Come, First-Served: All 49 campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning no reservations are accepted. This allows for spontaneous trips but can mean needing to arrive early during peak season to secure a spot.

• Trash Disposal: While some reviewers have noted a lack of visible trash cans, suggesting a pack-it-out policy, dumpsters are generally available within the campground area.

Tunnel Campground stands out with several key features and highlights that contribute to its popularity among Colorado campers.

• Classic Colorado Camping Vibe: Many visitors describe the campground as having a "classic Colorado camping feel" – a testament to its blend of natural beauty, essential amenities, and a peaceful, unplugged atmosphere.

• Riverfront Access: Situated along the Laramie River and its West Branch, the campground offers direct access to the water. This is perfect for "stream fishing" and allows kids to "play in the creek," enhancing the overall outdoor experience. The sound of the river also helps to "drown out some noise" for a more tranquil stay.

• Oasis Amidst Burned Areas: A notable highlight, as mentioned by a reviewer, is that the campground itself is a "beautiful spot in an oasis among lots of burned areas." Despite the surrounding landscape's recovery from the Cameron Peak fire, the campground remains green and thriving, offering a welcome contrast.

• Proximity to Rawah Wilderness: Tunnel Campground serves as a gateway to the spectacular Rawah Wilderness. The "main access trailhead" is just a short walk away at the West Branch TH, providing excellent opportunities for hiking, backpacking, and deeper wilderness exploration.

• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The location along the Laramie River and near the Rawah Wilderness means frequent wildlife sightings. Campers have reported seeing "momma and baby moose pass through," adding an exciting element to the natural experience.

• Well-Maintained Facilities and Friendly Hosts: The consistently clean bathrooms and the presence of "friendly camp hosts" who maintain the site efficiently are frequently praised, contributing significantly to a positive visitor experience.

• Spacious Sites: Many sites offer "lots of room for a tent and a screen tent," providing campers with ample space, even if some tent pads are noted to be rocky under the gravel. The generous site sizes allow for comfortable setups.

For information regarding Tunnel Campground, including current conditions, operating seasons, and fees, it is best to contact the managing authority, the U.S. Forest Service, which oversees the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests & Pawnee National Grassland where the campground is located.

• Address: While the general address is Colorado 80236, USA, a more precise contact address for the managing Forest Service office would be: 2150 Centre Avenue, Building E, Fort Collins, CO 80526 (Supervisor's Office for Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests).

• Phone: The general information line for the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests is (970) 295-6700. This number can provide details on Tunnel Campground's current status, fire restrictions, and other relevant information.

It is important to note that since Tunnel Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, there is no direct phone number for making reservations. The provided phone number is for general inquiries to the Forest Service office.

For Colorado locals, Tunnel Campground is an ideal spot for a genuinely refreshing mountain escape. Its appeal lies in its "classic Colorado camping feel" – a tranquil setting where you can truly disconnect, away from the constant buzz of digital life (there's no cell service!). The accessibility, despite the dirt road, makes it a manageable drive from the Front Range, perfect for a spontaneous weekend trip or a longer, peaceful stay. What makes it particularly suitable for Coloradans is the direct access to the Laramie River for fishing and playing, and its proximity to the Rawah Wilderness, offering endless opportunities for hiking and exploring some of our state's most pristine backcountry. Even with surrounding areas showing fire scars, the campground itself remains a verdant "oasis," a testament to nature's resilience. The consistent praise for clean facilities and friendly hosts means that while it's a rustic experience, it's also a comfortable one. For those who love simple, authentic camping, the chance to spot moose, and the quiet solitude of a riverside spot, Tunnel Campground truly embodies the spirit of a Colorado outdoor adventure, encouraging us to pack out our trash and leave no trace, preserving this beautiful spot for generations to come.

Tunnel Campground

Colorado 80236, USA