Arapaho Bay

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

Quick Facts

8,300 ft

Price

$29 - $58/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

83 campsites

Season

Open from May 16 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens US Forest Service site

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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
Total Campsite Fees$87.00

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
(530) 529-0578

What Campers Say

4.45

Recommended

Based on 294 reviews

Most mentioned

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"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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Fees & Passes at Arapaho Bay

$29 - $58/night

Campsite fees

Standard Site

Basic tent/RV spot

$29/night
Premium Site

Best views or amenities

$58/night

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

Cancellation: Cancellations can be made prior to the check-in date but incur a $10 cancellation fee and forfeit th...

Prices verified November 24, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official US Forest Service website.


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.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.

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.
Weather and SeasonsAfternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, as are cooler overnight temperatures, which may dip into the 40s even in peak season.
ElevationLocated at 8,300 feet above sea level, the campground provides panoramic views but can be cold at night.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground offers stunning views of Lake Granby and surrounding Rocky Mountain peaks. Wildlife like moose and bears are frequently seen, and the area features pine forests and scenic sunsets.
Geological RegionThe campground is situated in the Arapaho National Recreation Area on Lake Granby, surrounded by stunning Rocky Mountain terrain. It is at the eastern tip of Lake Granby, near Indian Peaks Wilderness and Rocky Mountain National Park.
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Campsite details

AccessibilitySome campsites are accessible. Specific details about additional accessibility features are not provided.
Sites SizeCampsites vary in size but accommodate small trailers, tents, and some larger RVs. Parking spurs range from 20 to 40 feet.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies significantly. Some sites offer seclusion, while others are closely packed, particularly in the Big Rock loop.
Total Campsites83 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor 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.

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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.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 people per site.
Groups
No information is provided about designated group sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is divided into three loops: Moraine, Big Rock, and Roaring Fork.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 16 to September 20 (reservable season). Sites may be available first-come, first-served outside these dates.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov or its mobile app, or by calling their contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites may be available first-come, first-served during and outside the reservation season, but availability is not guaranteed.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made prior to the check-in date but incur a $10 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's fee for individual sites if canceled less than a day before arrival.

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.
Hiking
Numerous 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.
Fishing
Fishing 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.
Swimming
Swimming 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.
Boating
Lake 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 viewing
Wildlife sightings are common, including moose, deer, and occasional bears. Campers noted encountering moose within the campground and along nearby trails.
Winter Activities
Winter activities are not specified.
Water Sports
Water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking are popular, especially on Lake Granby and nearby Monarch Lake.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are allowed
  • Campfires are allowed unless restrictions are imposed due to weather conditions.

Hazards

General hazardsThis 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.

Weather at Arapaho Bay

18
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%

Strong wind, exercise caution

Humidity: 72%

High humidity, may feel muggy

Wind: 9.8 mph

Strong wind, exercise caution

Overcast

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Emergency Services

Granby offers emergency services, including a hospital and police station, approximately 25 minutes away.

Good to know

Peak season datesMay 16 to September 20
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available at designated areas throughout the campground. Recycling services are not explicitly mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to Lake Granby, with access to boating, kayaking, and fishing.
Common complaintsThe campground has been criticized for a lack of shade due to pine beetle infestation, no potable water at times, and rough access road conditions.
HostMost reviews praise the hosts as helpful and diligent, though a few mention negative experiences with specific hosts.

Campground Map

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.

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.5
294 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 294 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 294 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 294 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 294 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 294 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 294 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 294 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews addressing accessibility were sparse but noted some sites as accommodating to individuals with physical limitations.
Based on 294 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 294 reviews

Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

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Last updated November 24, 2025
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