Williams Fork Reservoir West Campground

Introduction / Overview

For us Coloradans, the perfect outdoor escape often involves the tranquil beauty of a high-altitude reservoir, where the reflections of towering peaks dance on clear waters. Williams Fork Reservoir West Campground, nestled near Parshall, Colorado, offers just such an idyllic setting. This beloved camping spot, managed by Denver Water, provides a unique opportunity to connect deeply with nature, offering a blend of stunning lake views and a more primitive camping experience. It’s a popular choice for those who value peace and quiet over extensive amenities, and for anyone eager to spend their days on the water. Unlike some highly developed campgrounds, Williams Fork Reservoir West embraces a more natural, less manicured feel, which is precisely what appeals to many local adventurers. Whether you’re bringing a small RV, pitching a tent, or simply seeking a breathtaking backdrop for fishing, kayaking, or paddleboarding, this campground delivers. It's known for its clean facilities, including well-maintained pit toilets, and the overall serene atmosphere that allows you to truly unwind amidst the expansive Colorado landscape. From the morning mist rising off the water to the vibrant sunsets painting the skies, every moment at Williams Fork Reservoir West promises a memorable Colorado outdoor experience.

Location and Accessibility

Williams Fork Reservoir West Campground is beautifully situated at 11799 Co Hwy 33, Parshall, CO 80468, USA. This address places it squarely within Grand County, in the heart of Colorado's magnificent high country. For us Coloradans, its accessibility is a key factor in its appeal. The campground is easily reachable from US Highway 40, a major thoroughfare connecting much of Western Colorado. From Parshall, you'll head south on County Highway 33 (also referred to as County Road 33 or sometimes County Road 341 in some mapping services) for several miles until you reach the reservoir and its camping areas. While the roads leading to the campground are typically dirt or gravel, they are generally well-graded and accessible for all types of vehicles, including most RVs, though campers with very large rigs should always exercise caution on unpaved roads. The elevation of the campground is around 7,800 feet, which provides a refreshing escape from lower altitudes during the warmer months. This location offers a perfect balance: it feels wonderfully remote and provides expansive views, yet remains within a reasonable driving distance of towns like Kremmling and Hot Sulphur Springs for any necessary supplies or services. Its direct proximity to the Williams Fork Reservoir is its greatest asset, offering immediate access to the water's edge for a variety of recreational pursuits.

Services Offered

Williams Fork Reservoir West Campground provides essential, yet somewhat primitive, services tailored for campers who appreciate simplicity and a strong connection to nature. While it does not offer the extensive amenities of a full-service RV park, it ensures fundamental needs are met for a comfortable outdoor experience. Key services and facilities include:

• Designated Campsites: The campground offers 56 designated campsites, many of which are located directly along the reservoir, providing incredible waterfront views. These sites are equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grate.
• Tent and RV Camping: Sites are suitable for both tent camping and RVs/trailers. While specific length restrictions for RVs are not widely detailed for individual sites, many are spacious enough for various sizes, with some larger pull-through options available. Note that some review suggests a maximum vehicle length of 35 feet might apply to certain sites.
• Vault Toilets: Multiple, well-maintained pit (vault) toilets are strategically located throughout the campground, ensuring convenient and clean restroom facilities. Customer reviews consistently praise their cleanliness.
• Trash Disposal: Dumpsters and trash receptacles are provided at various points within the campground for convenient waste disposal, promoting cleanliness and encouraging campers to pack out what they pack in. There is also a free dump station near the east boat ramp for RV waste, although it typically does not provide water for rinsing.
• No Drinking Water On-Site: It is crucial for campers to note that Williams Fork Reservoir West Campground does not provide potable drinking water on-site. Visitors must bring their own supply of water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. Water may be available for purchase or at spigots in nearby towns like Kremmling (e.g., 25 cents for 2.5 minutes of flow).
• No Hookups: The campground operates as a primitive camping area and does not offer electrical, water, or sewer hookups at individual campsites. Campers should be fully self-contained or prepared for off-grid living.
• Reservations Required (as of 2024): While historically free or first-come, first-served, camping at Williams Fork Reservoir now requires reservations through Campspot, with a fee of $25 per night plus a $4 processing fee per reservation. Camping is permitted in designated sites only from April 1 to November 30.
• Limited Cell Service: Cell service can be spotty to non-existent in some areas of the campground, particularly on the west side. Some campers report better AT&T and Verizon service on the east side of the reservoir. This limited connectivity contributes to the remote feel but should be considered for emergency planning.
• On-Site Management/Host: A grounds manager or camp host is often present on-site, available to assist campers and provide local information.

Features / Highlights

Williams Fork Reservoir West Campground offers a compelling array of features and highlights that make it a truly special destination for Coloradans, emphasizing its natural beauty and abundant recreational opportunities:

• Stunning Lakeside Views: The most significant highlight is the direct, breathtaking views of the expansive Williams Fork Reservoir, framed by rolling hills and distant mountains. Many campsites are located right by the water's edge, providing unparalleled scenery for sunrise and sunset.
• Water-Based Recreation Haven: The reservoir itself is a playground for water activities. It's ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, and windsurfing. Motorized boating is permitted (with specific launch regulations), making it perfect for anglers and those who enjoy being out on the water. Swimming and other forms of water-body contact, however, are prohibited.
• Excellent Fishing: Williams Fork Reservoir is renowned for its fishing, with abundant populations of rainbow, brown trout, and kokanee salmon. Anglers often find success from the shore or by boat, making it a prime spot for a fishing getaway.
• Dispersed-Style Feel (Historically/Some Areas): While now having designated sites and a fee, the campground retains a sense of spaciousness, with sites often well-spread out, providing a more "dispersed" or private feel compared to tightly packed campgrounds. This allows for a greater sense of solitude.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The surrounding natural areas are home to diverse wildlife. Visitors frequently report sightings of various bird species, including ospreys and bald eagles, along with pronghorn, mule deer, and occasionally elk and muskrat, making it a great spot for nature observation.
• Accessible Dirt Roads: Despite being primitive, the dirt roads leading into and around the camping sites are well-graded, ensuring accessibility for most vehicles, even in varying weather conditions (though caution is always advised).
• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Many reviews highlight the campground's serene and peaceful environment, providing a true escape from urban noise and light pollution. This makes it excellent for stargazing on clear nights.
• Proximity to Other Outdoor Adventures: The region around Parshall and Williams Fork Reservoir offers countless other outdoor activities, including extensive hiking trails in the nearby Arapaho National Forest, hunting in designated areas, and access to other attractions in Grand County like Hot Sulphur Springs and Rocky Mountain National Park (though the latter requires a drive).
• Ideal for Self-Contained Campers: The lack of hookups and drinking water makes it perfect for experienced campers who are self-sufficient and prefer a more rugged, independent camping style.

Contact Information

Address: 11799 Co Hwy 33, Parshall, CO 80468, USA

For reservations, which are now required as of 2024, please visit the Campspot website specifically for Williams Fork Reservoir. For general inquiries about the reservoir or Denver Water properties, you may contact:

Denver Water (Owner, Operator, Recreation Manager): (303) 893-2444 (Customer Care Contact Form also available online).

White River National Forest (General Forest Information, if applicable): (801) 226-3564 (This number is often associated with the National Recreation Reservation Service or a general forest contact.)

It is always recommended to verify the most current information regarding fees, operating seasons, fire restrictions, and specific regulations directly from official sources like Denver Water or Campspot before planning your trip, especially given the transition to a reservation system and fees.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For us Coloradans, Williams Fork Reservoir West Campground represents an ideal embodiment of the authentic mountain and lakeside experience that draws us to the great outdoors. Its suitability for locals is profoundly rooted in its unique blend of accessible remoteness, unparalleled natural beauty, and a focus on essential, yet comfortable, primitive camping. Located near Parshall, it offers a convenient escape from the Front Range, allowing for more time spent enjoying the destination and less time on the road. This ease of access is invaluable for quick weekend getaways or longer, immersive stays.

The campground's direct access to the expansive Williams Fork Reservoir is its most compelling feature, catering directly to our state's love for water-based recreation. Whether it's the thrill of fishing for trout and salmon, the serene glide of a kayak or paddleboard across calm waters, or simply soaking in the breathtaking mountain and water views from your campsite, this location truly delivers. While it operates without hookups and requires campers to bring their own drinking water, this appeals to the self-sufficient spirit of many Colorado outdoors enthusiasts who prefer a more rustic and less commercialized camping experience.

Furthermore, the spacious and often waterfront sites provide a rare sense of privacy and tranquility, allowing for a genuine disconnect from daily life. The consistent praise for the cleanliness of the vault toilets and the presence of trash disposal ensures a basic level of comfort and responsible outdoor stewardship. The opportunities for wildlife viewing, from ospreys to elk, further enhance the immersive natural experience that is so cherished by locals. Williams Fork Reservoir West Campground is more than just a place to stay; it’s a destination where the vastness of the Colorado sky meets the tranquility of mountain waters, offering a perfect setting for creating lasting memories, embracing outdoor adventure, and rejuvenating the spirit right here in our incredible home state.

Williams Fork Reservoir West Campground

11799 Co Hwy 33, Parshall, CO 80468, USA