Mountain Park

Star4.65
197 reviews
HWY 14, BELLEVUE, CO, 80512, USA
Mountain Park
$41.00 - $185.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $41 for standard electric sites to $185 for group non-electric areas. Rates may not include taxes or additional charges.
Standard Site Fee$41.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$185.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$226.00

Share this campground
Recreation.gov
Provider
970-295-6700.

About this campground

Escape to Mountain Park Campground, where modern comfort meets pristine wilderness along the rushing waters of the Cache la Poudre River. Whether you're seeking a cozy spot for two in our single-family sites, planning a reunion in our spacious double-family areas, or organizing a group adventure, you'll find the perfect basecamp here. After a day of exploration, refresh yourself with hot coin-operated showers, power up at convenient electric hookups, and rest easy knowing our facilities are thoughtfully designed for accessibility. Every detail has been carefully maintained to ensure your mountain retreat is as comfortable as it is memorable.
Mountain Park Campground caters to a range of camping preferences, offering sites for tents, RVs, and group camping.
Historical SignificanceYour campsite rests along the banks of the Cache la Poudre River, a waterway so precious it earned the distinction of becoming Colorado's first National Wild and Scenic River. This designation tells a story of conservation triumph, where communities came together to protect one of the last free-flowing rivers on the eastern slope of the Rockies. As you listen to the river's ancient song, you're experiencing the same waters that have shaped both the landscape and the environmental movement in Colorado.
Weather and SeasonsSummer days unfold with gentle warmth and crystal-clear mornings, perfect for early hikes and riverside coffee. As afternoon clouds build over the peaks, nature often treats campers to dramatic thunderstorms that rumble through the canyon, leaving behind the fresh scent of pine and rain-washed granite. When winter transforms the landscape into a snow-draped wonderland, the campground becomes a serene escape for those seeking the quiet beauty of the frozen forest.
ElevationPerched high above the plains, Mountain Park Campground offers a natural air conditioning system that provides sweet relief from the heat of nearby Fort Collins. Here in the mountains, summer temperatures drop by 15-20 degrees, creating perfect sleeping weather under star-filled skies and comfortable days for outdoor adventures.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering ponderosa pines and Douglas firs create a natural cathedral above your campsite, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The Cache la Poudre River serves as the campground's centerpiece, its crystalline waters tumbling over ancient boulders and creating a soothing soundtrack for your stay. Meadows burst with wildflowers in summer, while the surrounding canyon walls rise dramatically, creating an intimate wilderness setting. Keep your camera ready – wild turkeys often parade through camp at dawn, deer graze in the meadows at dusk, and the observant visitor might spot everything from playful river otters to soaring golden eagles.
Geological RegionMountain Park Campground sits within the dramatic embrace of Poudre Canyon, where millions of years of geological forces have carved a spectacular gorge through ancient granite peaks. These steep mountain walls, clothed in evergreen forests, create a natural amphitheater around the Cache la Poudre River – Colorado's pioneering National Wild and Scenic River. The canyon's unique geology creates diverse microclimates and habitats, from sun-baked south-facing slopes dotted with yucca to cool, moss-covered north faces where columbines bloom in shaded grottos.

Campsite details

AccessibilityThe campground has accessible single- and double-family sites. There are trails suitable for various abilities, and facilities like showers and vault toilets are designed for accessibility.
Sites SizeCampsites include both small, intimate sites and larger sites suitable for groups. Tent pads are standardized at 12x15 feet.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary. Some sites, such as site 29, are praised for their seclusion, while others are noted to be closer together. 'Lot 27 had lots of shade with plenty of space between neighbors,' said one reviewer.
Total Campsites54 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites farther from the river for less noise. Sites with electric hookups are in loops 1-32.
Best CampsitesSite 29 is noted for its privacy and distance from noise. Sites in the upper loop are quieter than riverfront spots.

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
14 consecutive nights allowed within a 60-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 8 guests per standard campsite.
Groups
The group site can accommodate up to 75 people and includes standard amenities like picnic tables and campfire rings. However, a user noted that 'the only space available for campers in the Group Site is in a big paved parking lot.'
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is organized into loops, with Sites 1-32 offering electric hookups and Sites 33-54 without.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 16 to September 20 for reservations. Closed during the off-season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available on Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityLimited first-come, first-served sites may be available in the shoulder season.
Cancellation PolicyReservation changes are allowed with a $10 fee. Cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeiture of the first night’s fee for late cancellations.

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

Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups

Activities you can enjoy

Mountain Park Campground offers a wide range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, biking, rafting, and wildlife viewing. Recreational facilities within the campground include volleyball and basketball courts, horseshoe pits, and a playground.
Hiking
Multiple trails are accessible from or near the campground. These include the Mt. McConnel Trail, which offers a moderate to challenging hike with great views, and the William R. Kreutzer National Recreation Trail. A user shared, 'The Mt. McConnell Trail is a challenging 4-hour hike but very rewarding.' Some trails, like Young Gulch Trail, are less frequently traveled and may have overgrowth.
Fishing
The Cache La Poudre River is noted for excellent fishing opportunities. Anglers can catch brown, cutthroat, and rainbow trout. While some users found the fishing conditions challenging, others highlighted the river as a great destination.
Biking
Biking opportunities are available in the area but are not as prominently reviewed as hiking. No specific trails are mentioned for biking.
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a popular activity, with sightings of deer, hummingbirds, and chipmunks reported. 'We had wild turkeys right by our tent and Big Horn Sheep on the way up the canyon,' shared one user.
Winter Activities
Winter-specific activities are not mentioned.
Water Sports
Whitewater rafting is available on the Cache La Poudre River, and tubing is a popular activity during warmer months.

Campground rules

  • Pets are allowed
  • Fires are permitted in designated fire rings unless fire restrictions are in effect.
  • Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM

Hazards

General hazardsPotential hazards include encounters with bears and other wildlife. Campers should follow proper food storage practices.
Active alertsFire restrictions may be in place during dry conditions. Campers should check current alerts before visiting.

Weather forecast

55
°F
Oct 10
Friday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Humidity: 40%

Comfortable humidity levels

Wind: 5.3 mph

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Mainly clear
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Temperature Trends

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Weather Summaries

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Emergency Services

Nearest emergency services include fire stations and hospitals in Fort Collins, approximately 40 miles away.

Good to know

Peak season datesMay 16 - September 20
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available, and the campground is consistently described as very clean. Recycling availability is not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on the Cache la Poudre River, offering recreational opportunities like fishing and rafting.
Common complaintsComplaints include high traffic noise near riverfront sites and occasional closures of amenities like showers.
HostHosts are onsite and provide firewood, general assistance, and maintenance of facilities.

Campground Map

HWY 14, BELLEVUE, CO, 80512, USA
Driving directionsFrom Fort Collins, travel west on Colorado Highway 14, to Ted's Place, and continue up the Poudre Canyon to mile marker 98.8.
The campground is accessible via Colorado Highway 14. Roads are paved and generally in good condition. However, winding roads may pose challenges for large RVs.
Nearby places
Fort Collins (40 miles), Rustic (15 miles)
Nearby supplies
Basic supplies, including groceries and fuel, are available in the town of Rustic, 15 miles east.

Camper Reviews

4.7
197 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Mountain Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Mountain Park Campground has received overwhelmingly positive reviews for its cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, and accommodating hosts. It is popular for its proximity to the Cache La Poudre River and the variety of activities offered.
Review Summaries
Based on 197 reviews

What Campers Love

- Clean and well-maintained facilities, including showers and vault toilets. - Friendly and helpful camp hosts. - Beautiful natural setting with ample shade and proximity to the river. - Variety of...
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Based on 197 reviews

Common Concerns

- Lack of cell phone service. - Occasionally closed facilities, such as showers or bathrooms. - Some sites are closer together, offering less privacy. - Road noise in certain areas. - Vault toilet...
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Based on 197 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring quarters for the coin-operated showers and cash for firewood. - Sites 29 and 27 are highlighted for their privacy and shade. - Be prepared for no cell service by planning ahead for...
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Based on 197 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with activities like fishing, hiking, and rafting in full swing. However, some users noted that facilities like showers may not always be operational early in the...
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Based on 197 reviews

Camper Quotes

'The bathrooms were spotless, and the site was really clean and tidy.' 'Beautiful campground with really helpful hosts.' 'Camp hosts were amazing. Camp was clean and spaced nicely. The only drawback...
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Based on 197 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Site 29: Great privacy and located near the vault toilet, though odors can be an issue. - Site 31: 'Stayed in the upper loop, could hardly hear the road noise from that area.' - Group site:...
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Based on 197 reviews

Accessibility Features

Multiple reviewers praised the campground's accessible facilities, including vault toilets and trails. However, specific feedback from users with disabilities is limited.
Based on 197 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and most reviewers mentioned positive experiences with their pets. One user noted that a manager gave them bandanas for their dogs, highlighting the pet-friendly atmosphere.
Based on 197 reviews

Last updated August 10, 2025

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