Arapaho Bay

Star4.45
457 reviews
C/O USFS PO BOX 10, GRANBY, CO, 80446, USA
FishingSummer Destination

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

Opens US Forest Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Arapaho Bay
$29.00 - $58.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fee ranges from $29 to $58 depending on site type and season. An additional $8 per vehicle per night is charged if exceeding one vehicle per...
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Standard Site Fee$29.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$58.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
(530) 529-0578
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What Campers Say

4.45

Recommended

Based on 457 reviews

Most mentioned

viewslocationwaterfriendly

"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."

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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

Driving directionsFrom the intersection of U.S. Highways 40 and 34 in Granby, head north on Highway 34 for about 5 miles to County Road 6. Go east for 9 miles to the campground.
The campground is located 9 miles down a dirt road from Highway 34. Some user reviews mention the road is rough and takes about 30 minutes to navigate. One reviewer noted, 'The road in is little more than dirt for about 20 minutes to get there.'
Nearby places
Granby (approx. 14 miles, 25-minute drive), Grand Lake (approx. 20 miles, 35-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as groceries, fuel, and other essentials can be obtained in Granby, located about 14 miles away. The nearest convenience store is mentioned by a reviewer as being close to the campground, but further details are not provided.

Best Time to Camp at Arapaho Bay

Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, as are cooler overnight temperatures, which may dip into the 40s even in peak season.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season with boating, fishing and hiking; afternoon thunderstorms and crowds noted.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Early fall (open through Sept 20) likely offers good weather, fewer crowds and scenic views.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Pre-season limited access; variable weather and facilities may be restricted before May 16.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Reservable season closed; winter use not part of core offering.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 16 to September 20. 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.
  • Current Alerts: Fire restrictions may be imposed during hot, dry weather.

About Arapaho Bay

Arapaho Bay Campground is located on the eastern tip of Lake Granby within the Arapaho National Recreation Area. Known for scenic beauty, abundant wildlife, and recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, kayaking, and hiking.
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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in starts at 3 PM.
Check-out
Check-out ends at 11 AM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 7 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingNumerous trails are accessible, including the Roaring Fork Trail, Monarch Lake Trail, and the East Shore Trail, which is part of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. Hiking routes provide a range of experiences, from lakeside walks to more challenging backcountry options.
FishingFishing is a key attraction, with anglers targeting kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, brown trout, mackinaw trout, and cutthroat trout. Monarch Lake and Lake Granby offer excellent fishing opportunities.
SwimmingSwimming is allowed in Lake Granby but is not formally organized or supported with designated swim areas. The water is described as refreshing, especially during the summer months.
BoatingLake Granby supports various boating activities, including kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and small motorized boats. However, the boat ramp has been intermittently closed, causing frustration for visitors.
Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings are common, including moose, deer, and occasional bears. Campers noted encountering moose within the campground and along nearby trails.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThis is bear country; food storage lockers are recommended and bear-proof lockers are available at many sites. Afternoon thunderstorms and falling trees during windy conditions are potential hazards.
Active AlertsFire restrictions may be imposed during hot, dry weather.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are available at individual sites and recommended for food storage to prevent wildlife interactions.

Weather at Arapaho Bay

Reviews

4.5
457 reviews
Recommended
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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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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Last updated January 13, 2026
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