Tunnel Campground
4.7329 reviewsTunnel Campground, Laramie River Road (County Road 103), Colorado
Tunnel Campground
$20.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees are $20 per day during regular operations and $24 per day during peak season according to user reviews. A 25% discount is applied when water is off. Interagency Senior, Interagency Access, Golden Age and Golden Access passes provide cardholders half price for basic campground fees.
About this campground
Nestled on the edge of the pristine Rawah Wilderness, Tunnel Campground has earned its reputation as a beloved escape in the upper Poudre River Canyon. Here, 47 thoughtfully designed campsites rest beneath a canopy of towering lodgepole pines, with the melodic Laramie River providing nature's soundtrack. Each site comes fully equipped with essential amenities including a picnic table, fire grate, dedicated tent pad, and bear-proof food storage locker. While the sites offer an intimate camping experience with close proximity to neighbors, several prime locations reward early arrivals with enchanting river views that make the journey worthwhile.
Tunnel Campground is a first-come, first-served facility offering 47 combined sites for tent and RV camping. Group camping is not specifically designated, and there are no cabin or glamping options.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic beauty of Colorado's high country through every season at Tunnel Campground. Winter transforms the landscape into a serene wonderland of snow and silence, while summer brings mild temperatures perfect for outdoor adventures. Spring and fall visitors should come prepared for possible snowfall, adding an extra touch of mountain magic to their stay. Throughout the year, the campground maintains its reputation for cleanliness and exceptional upkeep, ensuring a comfortable base camp regardless of when you visit.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 8,600 feet above sea level, Tunnel Campground offers visitors a true high-altitude camping experience where the air is crisp, the stars shine brilliantly, and the mountain atmosphere creates unforgettable memories.
Natural Features and SceneryTunnel Campground stands as a verdant sanctuary within a landscape touched by nature's cycles. Though the surrounding lodgepole pine forest bears evidence of the mountain pine beetle's impact, the remaining mature trees create a peaceful green haven that visitors describe as an 'oasis among lots of burned areas.' The nearby Rawah Wilderness serves as your gateway to breathtaking mountain vistas and extraordinary wildlife encounters, with lucky campers frequently spotting majestic moose grazing in nearby meadows. This remarkable setting offers photographers, nature enthusiasts, and wilderness seekers an authentic Colorado mountain experience.
Geological RegionPositioned strategically along the rushing waters of the Laramie River, near where it meets the West Branch, Tunnel Campground occupies a special place in Colorado's mountainous geography. The surrounding mature lodgepole pine forest creates a natural amphitheater that amplifies the river's soothing sounds. This prime location serves as your launching point into the rugged Rawah Wilderness, where dramatic peaks, hidden alpine lakes, and pristine mountain terrain await exploration just beyond your tent flap.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground does not provide specific accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Sites SizeSites accommodate parking spur lengths from 25 to 70 feet, making them suitable for different vehicle sizes.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are close together, with some providing views of the river. However, users have noted that the campground does not feel overly crowded. One user commented, "Although many people, it surprisingly doesn't feel crowded."
Total Campsites47 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrive early during peak season for better site selection. Sites adjacent to the river offer great views. Multiple reviews recommend midweek camping to avoid crowds.
Best CampsitesSite #6 is highlighted for its quiet and classic Colorado camping feel. "We stayed here at site #6 for one night…" (User Review by Gary Alderson).
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 8 guests allowed per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutCampsites are close together with some near or overlooking the river. Loops or sections are not specified.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from June 23 through October 14.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; no reservations accepted.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as reservations are not permitted.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Tunnel Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. Popular activities include hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The nearby West Branch Trailhead provides access to a network of trails in the Rawah Wilderness.
Hiking
The campground is convenient to the West Branch Trailhead, which provides access to numerous trails in the Rawah Wilderness. This makes it an ideal basecamp for hikers.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available in the nearby Laramie River, which is known for brook trout.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a popular activity. Moose are frequent visitors to the campground, as noted by multiple reviewers.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
No water sports are available at the campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires permitted in provided grates only.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazards"A bear came into the campground a couple nights while we were there." (User Review by Michael Shanks). Visitors are advised to practice safe food storage techniques as this is bear country.
Weather forecast
59
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 63%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are available in Rustic, CO, including police and medical facilities.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 23 through mid-September.
Trash and recyclingThere are no trash or recycling facilities at the campground; campers are expected to pack out all their trash, as noted in a user review: "I didn’t notice any trash cans and we just packed ours out."
Proximity to water featuresLocated along the banks of the Laramie River; no lakes or larger water bodies nearby.
Common complaintsComplaints about camp hosts being overly strict and occasionally combative. "Camp host…was very combative and argumentative…" (User Review by Kelley Kreegar). Noise complaints from loud campers are noted as rare.
HostMixed reviews on campground hosts. Some users praise hosts for friendliness and helpfulness while others complain about hostility. "Rob and his wife were the best hosts!" (User Review by Samantha Neal) vs "Do better camp hosts." (User Review by Kelley Kreegar)
Campground Map
Tunnel Campground, Laramie River Road (County Road 103), Colorado
Driving directionsDrive 10 miles north of Fort Collins on U.S. Highway 287. Turn left (west) onto Highway 14. Drive approximately 50 miles and turn right (north) onto County Road 103 (Laramie River Road). It is approximately seven miles to the campground entrance, which is on the west side of the road.
"The 6.4 miles of dirt road was in great shape. Would definitely stay here again." (User Review by Gary Alderson) Roads are gravel/dirt but well-maintained.Nearby places
Rustic (approximately 20.5 miles west), Fort Collins (approximately 60 miles south), Walden (approximately 40 miles north).
Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping supplies can be obtained at Poudre River Resort in Poudre City, located east on State Route 14.
Camper Reviews
4.7
29 reviews
Tunnel Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Tunnel Campground are generally positive, with campers appreciating the clean facilities, pleasant setting, and recreational opportunities. However, some complaints about the behavior of camp hosts have been noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 29 reviews
What Campers Love
Users frequently praised the clean facilities, large campsites, and beautiful surroundings. One review mentioned, "Beautiful views, clean restrooms, and clean sites." Another noted, "The campground...
Based on 29 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Several complaints were directed at camp hosts for being overly strict or rude. One user stated, "The camp hosts need to be replaced to make people wanna come back." The lack of trash cans and the...
Based on 29 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early to secure a site, especially during busy summer weekends, as the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Be prepared to pack out your trash and bring your own drinking...
Based on 29 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is particularly popular in the summer and fall. Fall campers noted the beautiful views and pleasant weather conditions. However, summer weekends can get busy, and campers are advised...
Based on 29 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"One of our favorite places for fall camping! Beautiful views and lots of trails." - User, 2019. "Lots of first-come, first-serve sites, nice host, and clean bathrooms." - User, 2020. "Practicing...
Based on 29 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #6 was specifically mentioned in a positive review: "We stayed here at site #6 for one night while riding Hwy 14 on our motorcycle trip. Nice quiet campground with that classic Colorado camping...
Based on 29 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews addressed accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 29 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are permitted, but must be on a hand-held leash. One user noted a strict enforcement of this rule: "Our mistake, dogs were off-leash briefly, and we were promptly told to leash them."
Based on 29 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025