How much does camping cost at West Lake?

Camping fees at West Lake range from $28-$81/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is West Lake first-come first-served or reservation?

West Lake accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at West Lake before I book?

Yes! West Lake has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit West Lake?

West Lake is open May 16 to September 20.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at West Lake?

West Lake does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does West Lake have?

West Lake has 31 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at West Lake?

Yes, pets are allowed at West Lake. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at West Lake?

West Lake offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at West Lake?

Popular activities at West Lake include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

West Lake

Q: Can I have a campfire at West Lake?

Fire policies at West Lake: Fire restrictions may be implemented during dry weather conditions. Campfires are allowed unless restricted.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.64

228 reviews

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Summer Destination

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Colorado Primitive Camping Colorado Boating Camping Colorado +5 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,200 ft

Price

$28 - $81/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

31 campsites

Season

Open season begins M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on U.S. Forest Service Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Only 31 sites — this campground fills fast. Set up a free alert.

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,200 ft

Price

$28 - $81/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

31 campsites

Season

Open season begins M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on U.S. Forest Service Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

West Lake

$28.00 - $81.00 / night

Campsite Fees

EXTRA VEHICLE FEES: One vehicle is included in your reservation. Any additional vehicles will be charged $8.00 per vehicle per night and will be...

Standard Site Fee$41.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$28.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.64

Top-Rated

Based on 228 reviews

10 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanfriendly

Some mention

dusty

"User reviews highlight the cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, and helpful hosts as standout features. Many visitors praise the camp's serene atmosphere and access to recreational activities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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West Lake

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Nearby places

Fort Collins (48 miles), Livermore (24 miles), Red Feather Lakes (approximately 5 miles)

Nearby supplies

The nearest grocery store, cafes, and general supplies are in Red Feather Lakes village, within a 5-mile radius.

Best Time to Camp at West Lake

The campground runs May 16 to September 20. Summer afternoons hit 60-80°F, then drop to the 30s-50s overnight. Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent in July and August, so most visitors hike early. Spring snow lingers into May at this elevation, and early-season trips may encounter muddy trails. Winter temperatures plunge well below freezing, transforming the area into snow country. Weekends in peak summer fill up fast. Ground is hard and rocky year-round, so bring a heavy mallet for tent stakes.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer is peak season and consistently praised for fishing and camping conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 16 to September 20.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season begins May 16 and closes September 20 for reservable dates.
Current Alerts: Water faucets may occasionally be unavailable due to testing. Fire restrictions can be imposed during dry seasons.

About West Lake

West Lake Campground has 31 sites tucked into ponderosa pines at 8,200 feet, about 30 minutes from Red Feather Lakes. The campground offers electric hookups, vault toilets, and potable water, with fees running $28-$81 per night. Sites accommodate RVs up to 35 feet (some reviews mention 80-foot trailers) and include a handful of double sites for larger groups. Camp hosts maintain clean facilities and get consistent praise from visitors.

West Lake Campground offers primarily traditional camping options, with accommodations for RVs, tents, and small groups.

Historical Significance

Families have been camping here since at least the 1960s. Some reviews mention multi-generational visits, with grandparents bringing children who later return with their own kids. The campground has accumulated decades of repeat visitors who associate it with childhood summers.

Weather and SeasonsThe campground runs May 16 to September 20. Summer afternoons hit 60-80°F, then drop to the 30s-50s overnight. Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent in July and August, so most visitors hike early. Spring snow lingers into May at this elevation, and early-season trips may encounter muddy trails. Winter temperatures plunge well below freezing, transforming the area into snow country. Weekends in peak summer fill up fast. Ground is hard and rocky year-round, so bring a heavy mallet for tent stakes.

ElevationPerched at 8,200 feet above sea level, this high-altitude haven offers a refreshing escape from summer's heat. The thin mountain air brings cooler temperatures that make for perfect sleeping weather in your tent, while the elevation creates those stunning alpine conditions that paint sunrises and sunsets in brilliant hues across the sky.

Natural Features and SceneryPonderosa pines dominate the landscape, their thick bark and wide spacing typical of Colorado's mid-elevation forests. West Lake sits at the campground's edge: 25 acres of calm water where motorboats aren't allowed. Recent forest management has thinned some areas, opening sunny patches between the remaining conifers. The surrounding terrain is forested ridges and well-drained soils that support the ponderosas' drought-adapted root systems. Views from lakeside sites take in water and tree line, though highway noise carries from nearby roads.

Geological RegionDiscover your own slice of Rocky Mountain paradise in north-central Colorado, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of pine-covered ridges and crystal-clear alpine lakes. At 8,200 feet, West Lake Campground sits in the heart of ponderosa pine country, where these stately conifers have adapted to thrive in the well-drained soils and dramatic temperature swings that define Colorado's high country. The lake itself, cradled by forested shores, serves as a natural gathering place where the mountains meet the water.

Scenic ViewsMany campsites offer views of West Lake and the surrounding forested area, described by users as 'beautiful' and 'serene.'

Lodging & AccommodationsLodging beyond camping is not available within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in time is 11:00 AM.

Check-out

Check-out time is 12:00 PM.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The maximum number of guests varies by site type. Standard sites allow up to 8 guests.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are arranged in loops. Some are pull-throughs, others back-ins. Spacing between sites varies, with trees providing natural screening at many spots. Sites closer to the lake have shorter walks to the water but less distance from the road.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov or by calling the contact center at 1-877-444-6777.

Walk-in AvailabilityUnoccupied sites are made available on a first-come-first-serve basis, as noted by hosts.

Cancellation PolicyChanges to reservations are allowed with a $10 change fee. Late cancellations incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's fee. No changes can be made on the check-in date.

AccessibilityThe campground is accessible with 31 sites designed for easy access.

Site SizeCampsites can accommodate a range of setups, including large trailers up to 35-80 feet in length. Some double sites are also available for larger groups.

PrivacyMany sites offer good privacy with natural spacing provided by trees. Specific reviews highlight the privacy of certain sites like #15.

Total Campsites31 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #2 is favored as a 'favorite place to camp.' Site #32 accommodates larger trailers (25-foot) well. Site #28 is near the day-use area and grocery store.

Best CampsitesSite #15 gets mentioned for privacy. Sites #2, #18, #22, and #25 also appear in reviews, praised for views or proximity to the lake. Double sites work for larger groups. Lakeside spots offer water access but catch more road noise.

Need help booking West Lake?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Drinking water is available until Sept. 30 each year. Sewer and water hookups are not available. Come with your RV/trailer water tank filled. Filling at campground hydrants cross-contaminates the system and is not allowed.

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

West Lake Campground provides a variety of activities for campers. Canoeing, paddleboarding, and fishing are popular on the 25-acre no-wake lake, with anglers targeting rainbow and lake trout. The area also features hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, including the 1.5-mile West Lake Trail and 4-mile Mount Margaret Trail. Wildlife viewing is common, and the nearby Redfeather Visitor Center offers additional activities.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThis is bear country, requiring food storage precautions. Thunderstorms and high winds are common hazards.

Active AlertsWater faucets may occasionally be unavailable due to testing. Fire restrictions can be imposed during dry seasons.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; only vault toilets are provided.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food lockers are provided at many sites to ensure safety and compliance in bear country.

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyFire restrictions may be implemented during dry weather conditions. Campfires are allowed unless restricted.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not specified.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are available in Red Feather Lakes village, including general stores and public facilities.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, but detailed schedules or locations are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesLocated on the shores of West Lake, visitors can fish and paddleboard. Nearby Dowdy Lake offers additional recreational options.

Camp HostHosts are frequently described as friendly, attentive, and helpful, often going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay.

Cell CoverageSome user reviews indicate good cell phone reception, with mentions of reliable Verizon and Mint Mobile 5G service.

Weather at West Lake

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.6

228 reviews

Top-Rated

West Lake is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, and helpful hosts as standout features. Many visitors praise the camp's serene atmosphere and access to recreational activities.

Review Summaries

Based on 228 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, friendly camp hosts, great fishing, and beautiful views. Hosts repeatedly receive high praise for their helpfulness and maintaining a clean environment.

Based on 228 reviews

Common Concerns

Some complaints include dusty roads, occasional highway noise, and issues with water availability during certain periods. The no-swimming policy is also a noted drawback, especially for families with...

Based on 228 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Book early due to high demand. Prepare for sudden weather changes at the elevation of 8,200 feet. Bring a mallet for staking tents due to hard ground. Visit nearby Red Feather Lakes Village for...

Based on 228 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is highlighted as the best season, with consistent praise for fishing and camping conditions. Spring and early fall see fewer visitors but also reviews noting weather-related challenges like...

Based on 228 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The camp hosts are the best we have ever come across!" - Kim W. "Fishing for stocked rainbows was good. The weather was fine with little to none of the wind that Red Feathers is famous for." - Scott...

Based on 228 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #15 is praised for its privacy and level setup for trailers. Site #23 is described as spacious and close to restrooms. Site #28 is noted for being near the day-use area and grocery store, which...

Based on 228 reviews