Willow Creek Group
4.3625 reviewsCOUNTY ROAD 40, GRANBY, CO, 80446, USA
Willow Creek Group
$116.00 - $116.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$116.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The group tent-only campsite costs $116 per night during peak season. Additional fees apply, including late cancellation penalties ($10 fee, forfeiture of first night fee) and a $10 change fee for reservation modifications.
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About this campground
Perched on the pristine southern shore of Willow Creek Reservoir, this intimate tent-only retreat welcomes groups seeking an authentic Colorado mountain experience just six miles north of Granby. With space for up to 20 adventurers, your group will find everything needed for memorable evenings around the campfire ring, from sturdy picnic tables and grills to designated tent pads that make setup a breeze. Fresh drinking water and vault toilets ensure comfort during your stay. While the landscape tells the story of nature's cycles through the absence of pine trees lost to beetle infestation, the wide-open views more than compensate, offering unobstructed vistas of the reservoir and surrounding peaks. Summer visitors should come prepared for nature's afternoon light shows, as thunderstorms frequently roll through these high-country afternoons.
The Willow Creek Group Campground offers tent-only group sites and first-come, first-served single-family sites. RVs and trailers are permitted but without electricity or water hookups.
Historical SignificanceYour stay at Willow Creek places you at the doorstep of one of America's most treasured landscapes. The nearby Rocky Mountain National Park serves as a living museum of both natural and human history, where ancient Native American travel routes cross paths with the stories of early European settlers and the birth of the American conservation movement. From your campsite, you're perfectly positioned to explore these culturally rich sites and discover the layers of history that have shaped this remarkable region.
Weather and SeasonsSummer at Willow Creek brings the drama of afternoon thunderstorms that sweep across the reservoir, painting the sky with spectacular clouds before giving way to crystal-clear evenings perfect for stargazing. These warmer months offer ideal conditions for water activities, though the high-altitude sun demands respect and preparation. When winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, temperatures can plunge dramatically—with recorded lows reaching a bone-chilling 6.7°F. Snow blankets the shoreline and mountains, creating a serene but formidable environment that rewards only the most prepared cold-weather campers.
ElevationAt 8,130 feet above sea level, Willow Creek Campground offers the authentic high-altitude experience that defines Colorado camping. The crisp, thin mountain air carries the scent of pine and wildflowers, while cooler temperatures provide relief from summer heat found at lower elevations. First-time visitors to this elevation should take time to acclimate, as the reduced oxygen can leave even fit individuals feeling winded during initial activities. The reward for adjusting to the altitude is access to some of Colorado's most spectacular mountain scenery and the invigorating feeling of camping among the clouds.
Natural Features and SceneryWillow Creek Campground commands an enviable position along the reservoir's southern shore, where morning mists rise from the water to reveal mirror-like reflections of the surrounding peaks. At 8,130 feet, the landscape unfolds in layers of blue—from the deep sapphire of the reservoir to the varying shades of distant mountain ridges. While the effects of pine beetle infestation have opened up the canopy, creating a more exposed camping experience, this transformation has unveiled panoramic views that were once hidden behind dense forest. The open landscape now invites broader sky views, making this an exceptional spot for photographers and stargazers alike.
Geological RegionNestled within the stunning Arapaho National Recreation Area in north central Colorado, Willow Creek Campground occupies a spectacular perch on the southern shore of its namesake reservoir. This high-mountain setting at 8,130 feet showcases the dramatic geological forces that shaped the Colorado Rockies over millions of years. Surrounded by peaks that tell the story of ancient uplift and glacial carving, the campground sits in a landscape where granite formations meet alpine meadows, and where the reservoir itself fills a valley carved by the patient work of ice and water through the ages.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features for campers with disabilities are not explicitly described in the provided sources.
Sites SizeThe group campsite accommodates up to 20 people, while single-family campsites vary in size. User reviews mentioned a mix of large and small sites.
Sites PrivacyDue to the absence of trees or natural dividers, the sites offer limited privacy. User reviews frequently mention proximity to neighbors, with some stating that noise and neighbor visibility can be an issue.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesGuests desiring privacy should avoid peak holiday weekends as the proximity of tent pads may lead to noise disturbances.
Best CampsitesGroup campsite is the only reservable option. Reviewers suggest Campsite #13 for individual camping, describing it as the best in the area.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is 14:00 (2 PM) based on Recreation.gov standards.
Check-out
Check-out time is 12:00 (noon), per typical U.S. Forest Service guidelines.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit of 7 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 20 guests per group site.
Groups
Group tent-only campsites accommodate up to 20 people, making them suitable for larger gatherings.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle group tent-only site with defined tent pads; individual sites are first-come, first-served with varying sizes and privacy levels.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 16 to September 19 (peak season). Closed from September 20 to May 15.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilitySingle-family campsites are first-come, first-served only, but group sites require reservations.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the scheduled arrival date with a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of the first night's use fee for late cancellations. Group site cancellations within 14 days of the arrival date also incur first-night fees.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors to Willow Creek Group Campground enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including wildlife viewing, hiking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and other non-motorized boating. The close proximity to Willow Creek Reservoir enhances opportunities for water-based activities. User reviews highlight the reservoir’s beauty and the peaceful atmosphere of the campground.
Hiking
Numerous hiking trails are accessible within the Arapaho National Recreation Area, including the East Shore Trail, Roaring Fork Trail, and Monarch Lake Trail. These trails offer varying levels of difficulty and scenic views.Fishing
Fishing is supported at Willow Creek Reservoir, where anglers target rainbow, brown, and brook trout. Users describe the fishing experience as hit-or-miss.Boating
Willow Creek Reservoir is a no-wake lake open to canoes, kayaks, and other non-motorized boats. User reviews frequently praise the reservoir for its tranquility and suitability for paddling.Wildlife viewing
The nearby Rocky Mountain National Park provides abundant opportunities for wildlife viewing, although specific species are not explicitly listed.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are popular due to the close proximity to Willow Creek Reservoir.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in fire rings unless fire restrictions are in place.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsThis is bear country; campers must maintain clean campsites and avoid placing attractants in tents. Afternoon thunderstorms can pose lightning risks and the elevation may affect individuals unaccustomed to high altitudes.
Active alertsNo active alerts are currently indicated, though fire restrictions may be imposed seasonally. Some reviews mention closures due to fires.
Weather forecast
59
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 75%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 13.8 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
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
Closest hospital: Middle Park Health in Granby (approx. 6 miles). Closest police station: Granby Police Department (approx. 6 miles).
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 16 – September 19 for both 2025 and 2026.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available, but recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresDirectly on Willow Creek Reservoir, a 300-acre no-wake lake open for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Lake Granby, Shadow Mountain Lake, and Grand Lake are also within a short driving distance.
Common complaintsCrowded during holidays, limited water access, no shade, and potential noise from adjacent campsites. Guests also complain about late cancellations and generator use beyond quiet hours.
HostHosts Mike and Heidi are frequently praised for their friendliness and helpfulness. One user noted that Heidi even took their phone number in case a site opened up.
Campground Map
COUNTY ROAD 40, GRANBY, CO, 80446, USA
Driving directionsFrom the intersection of U.S. Highways 40 and 34 in Granby, head north on Highway 34 for approximately 5 miles, to the junction with County Road 40. Turn west and travel approximately 3 miles to the campground.
Road access to the campground is easily navigable with paved roads leading to County Road 40, which transitions into an unpaved road. No specific seasonal closures or challenging terrain were noted.Nearby places
Granby (6 miles, approx. 10 minutes)
Grand Lake (approx. 10 miles, 20 minutes)
Rocky Mountain National Park west entrance (approx. 12 miles, 25 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel available in Granby, approximately 6 miles away. Firewood is sold on-site for $7 per bundle.
Camper Reviews
4.4
25 reviews
Willow Creek Group is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Willow Creek Group Campground frequently praise the cleanliness of facilities, the friendliness of camp hosts, and proximity to Willow Creek Reservoir. However, complaints include limited privacy between campsites, occasional noise issues, and the lack of running water.
Review Summaries
Based on 25 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include clean vault toilets, friendly and helpful camp hosts, peaceful surroundings, and scenic views of Willow Creek Reservoir. Many users also appreciate the quiet enforcement of...
Based on 25 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common issues raised include close proximity of campsites leading to limited privacy, lack of running water, and noisy neighbors during peak times.
Based on 25 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early to secure a good campsite, as parking and sites fill up quickly during peak times. Bring extra water and firewood due to limited on-site availability.
Based on 25 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews highlight increased crowding during holidays such as Labor Day weekend. Summer is a popular season, but afternoon thunderstorms and the lack of shade can be drawbacks.
Based on 25 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'The camp hosts Heidi and Mike are worth the stay alone.' 2. 'Bathrooms were the cleanest I have seen in awhile.' 3. 'Spots are so close you can hear your neighbors pass gas.' 4. 'The lake is...
Based on 25 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #13 is identified as one of the best campsites according to one user review.
Based on 25 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility-specific reviews are not available.
Based on 25 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but user reviews do not provide detailed feedback on pet-friendly features or experiences.
Based on 25 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025