How much does camping cost at Arapaho Bay?

Camping fees at Arapaho Bay are $29 - $58/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Arapaho Bay first-come first-served or reservation?

Arapaho Bay 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 Arapaho Bay before I book?

Yes! Arapaho Bay has 8 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 Arapaho Bay?

Arapaho Bay is open May 15 to September 18. 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 Arapaho Bay?

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

How many campsites does Arapaho Bay have?

Arapaho Bay has 83 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Arapaho Bay?

Yes, pets are allowed at Arapaho Bay. 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 Arapaho Bay?

Arapaho Bay offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Arapaho Bay?

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

Arapaho Bay

Q: Can I have a campfire at Arapaho Bay?

Fire policies at Arapaho Bay: Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.45

457 reviews

C/O USFS PO BOX 10, GRANBY, CO, 80446, USA

Top 25% in COSpring

B+Report Card

Summer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Colorado

Quick Facts

8,300 ft

Price

$29 - $58/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

83 campsites

Season

Open from May 16 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

8,300 ft

Price

$29 - $58/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

83 campsites

Season

Open from May 16 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Arapaho Bay

$29.00 - $58.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $29.00; RV NONELECTRIC: $29.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC- Double Site: $58.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $29.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $29.00....

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

(530) 529-0578

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Campground Map

C/O USFS PO BOX 10, GRANBY, CO, 80446, USA

Arapaho Bay

C/O USFS PO BOX 10, GRANBY, CO, 80446, USA

Nearby places

Granby (approx. 14 miles, 25-minute drive), Grand Lake (approx. 20 miles, 35-minute drive)

Weather at Arapaho Bay

Current alerts(15)

All campsites must be occupied within 26 hours of the beginning of the reservation. If not present the site will be rented by first come first serve basis.
An additional fee will be charged for admission to the Arapaho National Recreation Area; fees are $5 for one day, $10 for three days, $15 for a week or $30 for a year-long membership and can be purchased from the Forest Service or local vendors; Golden Eagle, Age and Access…
Boats are subject to inspection to prevent the spread of zebra and quagga mussels
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 collected by the camphost. There is not a way to pay for extra vehicles when you make your reservation.

Best Time to Camp at Arapaho Bay

Best season: summer. Summer offers full access to Arapaho Bay and Lake Granby at its recreational peak — warm, long days (typical highs in the mid-60s to low-80s°F, nights often dipping into the 40s–50s°F) ideal for boating, fishing, kayaking, and day hikes. Water-based activities are at their best once the ice is gone and fish are active, though afternoon thunderstorms are common so pack rain gear and plan hikes for mornings. Expect the busiest weekends and holiday periods — make reservations early or arrive on a/— Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer is peak season with full lake access, warm days and abundant recreation; reviewers favor summer.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 18. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 16 to September 20 (reservable season). Sites may be available first-come, first-served outside these dates.

About Arapaho Bay

Arapaho Bay sits on the shore of Lake Granby in Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests, managed by the US Forest Service near Granby. This high-elevation alpine campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors come for boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and wildlife viewing along the lake and surrounding trails.

Arapaho Bay Campground provides accommodations for a variety of camping styles, including tent sites, RV sites, and primitive camping options. Campsites are clustered into three main loops: Roaring Fork, Moraine, and Big Rock, each offering unique features and experiences.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers full access to Arapaho Bay and Lake Granby at its recreational peak — warm, long days (typical highs in the mid-60s to low-80s°F, nights often dipping into the 40s–50s°F) ideal for boating, fishing, kayaking, and day hikes. Water-based activities are at their best once the ice is gone and fish are active, though afternoon thunderstorms are common so pack rain gear and plan hikes for mornings. Expect the busiest weekends and holiday periods — make reservations early or arrive on a/— Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation8300 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryLake Granby stretches out from the campground with Rocky Mountain peaks framing the horizon. Pine forests surround the sites, though many trees have been lost to beetle infestation, leaving the campground more exposed than it once was. Moose and bears appear regularly. Sunsets over the water are a standout feature. The area sits near Indian Peaks Wilderness and Rocky Mountain National Park, with trails accessible from camp.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or luxury accommodations are available; the campground focuses on traditional camping setups.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 7 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 people per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov or its mobile app, or by calling their contact center.

AccessibilitySome campsites are accessible. Specific details about additional accessibility features are not provided.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size but accommodate small trailers, tents, and some larger RVs. Parking spurs range from 20 to 40 feet.

PrivacyPrivacy varies significantly. Some sites offer seclusion, while others are closely packed, particularly in the Big Rock loop.

Total Campsites83 campsites

Recommended SitesFor families, sites 053-054 in Roaring Fork are close together and near hiking trails. Moraine Loop sites back up to Arapaho Bay, providing easy access to water.

Best CampsitesSite 060 in Roaring Fork Loop gets mentioned often for its proximity to water and privacy. Sites 074 and 032 in Moraine Loop also have strong reviews. Lakeside spots book first, so reserve early if you want water access. Big Rock Loop tends to feel more crowded.

Need help booking Arapaho Bay?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Arapaho Bay Campground offers a mix of basic and essential amenities designed for outdoor camping enthusiasts. Situated by Arapaho Bay on Lake Granby at an elevation of 8,300 feet, it features three loops of campsites equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings, and tent pads. Key amenities include vault toilets, drinking water spigots (although often reported as non-functional), and trash collection services. Campers should prepare for minimal shade due to a past mountain pine beetle infestation, and an additional vehicle fee of $8 per night applies. Campground accessibility details, firewood availability, and other essential resources require further user verification.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Arapaho Bay

This campground offers a variety of outdoor activities centered around its prime location on Lake Granby and proximity to scenic hiking trails. Activities include hiking, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and opportunities for water sports such as paddleboarding and kayaking. The campground's natural beauty and tranquility are highlights for visitors, though several amenities and activity-related features require improvement.

Hiking4.0/5

Numerous accessible trails (Roaring Fork, Monarch Lake, East Shore/Continental Divide) from the campground.

Fishing4.0/5

Boating4.0/5

Lake Granby supports kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding and other boating activities from campground.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Water Sports4.0/5

Lake Granby cited for kayaking/canoeing/paddleboarding with easy water access from campground.

Swimming3.0/5

Swimming allowed in Lake Granby but no formal lifeguarded or developed swim facilities.

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5High elevation, exposed sites (beetle kill) and dark skies support excellent night views.

Photography4.0/5Lake, Rocky peaks, wildlife and sunsets create many strong photographic opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are available at individual sites and recommended for food storage to prevent wildlife interactions.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

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 PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is available at designated areas throughout the campground. Recycling services are not explicitly mentioned.

Cell CoverageCell phone service details are inconsistent, with some users reporting adequate signal for certain carriers (e.g., AT&T) while others note limited to no coverage, particularly with providers like T-Mobile.

Trip Planning Tools

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

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

457 reviews

Recommended

Arapaho Bay is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Arapaho Bay Campground are mixed, with sentiments ranging from strong appreciation for the natural beauty and cleanliness to frustration over logistical issues like water shortages and campsite management.

Review Summaries

Based on 457 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews praise the campground's scenic location, well-maintained vault toilets, wildlife sightings, and general tranquility. Highlights include accessible trails, proximity to water for...

Based on 457 reviews

Common Concerns

A common complaint involves the lack of potable water, which has frequently been unavailable without notice. Other issues include closely packed campsites, loud RV generators, and reportedly...

Based on 457 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific feedback highlights Roaring Fork loop for lakeside access and wildlife sightings but notes limited shade. Big Rock loop is praised for seclusion and tree cover, while Moraine loop is...

Based on 457 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Top tips include bringing adequate water supplies, using bear-proof lockers, and reserving earlier for lakeside spots. Visitors also recommend exploring nearby Monarch Lake for additional activities.

Based on 457 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the busiest season, offering warm days and cool nights. Visitors often note that the campground provides little shade due to pine beetle damage. Afternoon thunderstorms are common.

Based on 457 reviews

Camper Quotes

"One of the best camping spots West of the Front Range!" - John W. "Vault toilets were well maintained, plenty of fresh water, and plenty of trees to hang an overhead cover." - Chris B. "We were...

Based on 457 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews addressing accessibility were sparse but noted some sites as accommodating to individuals with physical limitations.

Based on 457 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, but owners should keep them leashed due to wildlife presence. Some reviewers observed bears and moose, emphasizing the importance of pet control.

Based on 457 reviews

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Arapaho Bay

$29.00 - $58.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $29.00; RV NONELECTRIC: $29.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC- Double Site: $58.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $29.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $29.00....

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(530) 529-0578

Go if

You want lakeside camping with water access for boating and fishing in a high-alpine setting.

Skip if

You need full shade coverage or guaranteed potable water availability throughout your stay.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.5

(135)

Sunset Point Campground

Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG

Sunset Point Campground sits on the shores of Lake Granby in Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests, near the town of Granby in north-central Colorado. This high-elevation alpine campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors come for lake access, hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing, with summer bringing the warmest weather and long evening light over the water.

Arapaho Bay

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Current alerts(15)

Best Time to Camp at Arapaho Bay

Planning Tips

About Arapaho Bay

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Amenities available

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Current alerts(15)

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Amenities available

Things to do at Arapaho Bay

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

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