Chambers Lake
4.27165 reviewsHWY 14, Bellevue, CO, 80512, USA
Quick Facts
9,200 ftPrice
$30 - $59/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
51 campsites
Season
Open season: June 13...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
9,200 ftPrice
$30 - $59/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
51 campsites
Season
Open season: June 13...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsChambers Lake
$30.00 - $59.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $30 to $59 depending on site type and season. Additional vehicle fee of $8 per night. Discounts may apply to Interagency Senior Pass...
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Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$59.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$89.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider970-295-6700
What Campers Say
4.27
Satisfactory
Based on 165 reviews
81 Google reviews
Most mentioned
viewscleanhikinglake
Some mention
noisebugsmosquitoes
"Overall, Chambers Lake Campground receives positive reviews for its scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, and generally well-maintained facilities. Common complaints include maintenance issues with vault toilets, high fees for double sites, and heavy camping demand during peak seasons."
Fees & Passes at Chambers Lake
$30 - $59/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Premium Site
Best views or amenities
Stay Limit: Maximum stay of 14 nights per visit.
Cancellation: A $10 cancellation fee applies for modifications to reservations. Late cancellations may forfeit the...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official U.S. Forest Service website.
Best Time to Camp at Chambers Lake
Mountain weather at Chambers Lake dances to its own rhythm, painting each day with dramatic shifts that keep visitors on their toes. Summer mornings often greet campers with crisp 40°F temperatures that invite cozy sleeping bags and steaming coffee, while afternoons warm to a pleasant 70°F perfect for lake activities. The high elevation means afternoon thunderstorms can roll in without warning, transforming sunny skies into spectacular lightning shows. As shoulder seasons approach, winter whispers its arrival through frosty mornings and occasional snow dustings, reminding visitors that this alpine paradise demands respect and preparation.
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: June 13 – September 20. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open season: June 13 – September 20 (reservable dates vary with peak season).
- Current Alerts: Post-fire recovery continues in the area. Visitors should be aware of potential fire restrictions and flooding impacts on nearby roads and trails.
About Chambers Lake
Perched high in the Colorado Rockies at 9,200 feet, Chambers Lake Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic mountain escape. Here, where the air is crisp and the stars shine brilliantly, families gather around campfires while anglers cast lines into the pristine waters of Chambers Lake. Days unfold with paddling adventures across mirror-like waters, discoveries along winding hiking trails, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Though the setting feels wonderfully remote, modern conveniences like vault toilets, fresh drinking water, and a delightful playground ensure comfort meets wilderness in perfect harmony.
Chambers Lake Campground accommodates a range of camping preferences, including tent camping, RV sites, and group camping. Primitive, first-come-first-serve, and double sites are also available.
Historical SignificanceThe landscape surrounding Chambers Lake tells a powerful story of resilience and renewal. In 2020, the Cameron Peak wildfire swept through these mountains, leaving its mark on the surrounding forests while the campground itself stood as a testament to the bravery of firefighters who protected this cherished recreation area. Today, visitors witness nature's remarkable ability to heal and regenerate, as new growth emerges among the burn scars, creating a living classroom where the cycles of destruction and rebirth unfold before your eyes.
Weather and SeasonsMountain weather at Chambers Lake dances to its own rhythm, painting each day with dramatic shifts that keep visitors on their toes. Summer mornings often greet campers with crisp 40°F temperatures that invite cozy sleeping bags and steaming coffee, while afternoons warm to a pleasant 70°F perfect for lake activities. The high elevation means afternoon thunderstorms can roll in without warning, transforming sunny skies into spectacular lightning shows. As shoulder seasons approach, winter whispers its arrival through frosty mornings and occasional snow dustings, reminding visitors that this alpine paradise demands respect and preparation.
ElevationAt 9,200 feet above sea level, Chambers Lake Campground sits in Colorado's thin-air territory, where every breath connects you more deeply to the mountain environment. This lofty perch offers spectacular vantage points but also requires mindful preparation—visitors often find themselves taking it slow for the first day or two as their bodies adjust to the altitude. The elevation brings cooler temperatures year-round and an intimate connection with the alpine ecosystem that thrives in these rarified heights.
Natural Features and SceneryThe dramatic landscape surrounding Chambers Lake tells multiple stories of nature's power and persistence. Towering peaks frame the sparkling waters of the lake, creating postcard-worthy vistas at every turn. While the recent wildfire and mountain pine beetle impacts have transformed the forest canopy, these changes have opened new viewpoints and created a unique ecosystem where wildlife thrives in the evolving habitat. The interplay of weathered snags, regenerating undergrowth, and pristine lake waters creates a hauntingly beautiful tableau that speaks to the raw, ever-changing nature of the Rocky Mountains.
Geological RegionChambers Lake Campground sits within a rugged mountain ecosystem shaped by millennia of geological forces. This high-altitude sanctuary, dominated by resilient lodgepole pines—many bearing the scars of beetle infestation and fire—showcases the dramatic interplay between volcanic uplift and glacial carving that defines Colorado's high country. The crystalline waters of Chambers Lake fill a natural basin carved by ancient ice, while the surrounding peaks stand as monuments to the powerful forces that continue to shape this dynamic landscape.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityMany campsites are accessible, and there are accessible vault toilets and picnic tables. However, reviews indicate some areas may have limited accessibility to parking or facilities.
Sites SizeCampsites vary in size, with parking spurs ranging from 20 to 45 feet in length.
Sites PrivacyThe campground offers a mix of secluded and more open campsites. Some sites, especially walk-in sites, provide elevated views of the lake but may lack tree cover for privacy.
Total Campsites51 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor privacy and scenic views, choose sites 48-51 (walk-in); for lake access, opt for sites near the boat ramp such as 2 and 43. Avoid sites 25 and 13 due to proximity to problematic vault toilets.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
3PM
Check-out
12 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights per visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Most sites suitable for single families or small groups.
Groups
Group sites accommodate multiple families or groups and include extra space and facilities. Double sites are available but come at a higher fee, regardless of occupancy.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground has designated loops (Loop A, B, C), with both drive-in and walk-in sites. Tent pads and bear-proof lockers included at each site.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season: June 13 – September 20 (reservable dates vary with peak season).
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov or via the call center at 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites may be available first-come, first-served outside the reservation season.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies for modifications to reservations. Late cancellations may forfeit the first night's fee and incur additional penalties. Reservations can be modified or canceled via Recreation.gov up until the scheduled check-in date.
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
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Chambers Lake Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including fishing, canoeing, and kayaking on the no-wake Chambers Lake. Hiking and biking trails nearby provide access to the Rawah Wilderness and other scenic areas. Wildlife viewing is a popular pastime, and the campground's elevation of 9,200 feet allows for breathtaking mountain vistas.
Hiking
The campground is near Blue Lake Trail No. 959, a 7.2-mile trail that provides access to the Rawah Wilderness. Additional hiking trails lead to the Neota and Comanche Peak wilderness areas.Fishing
Fishing is a primary activity at Chambers Lake, with anglers targeting rainbow, cutthroat, and lake trout. However, the lake's water levels can vary, especially late in the summer, affecting the fishing experience.Biking
Biking is available on trails surrounding the campground, with opportunities for mountain biking in rugged terrain.Boating
The lake supports non-motorized boating activities such as canoeing and kayaking. A boat ramp is available but may be inaccessible late in the summer due to low water levels.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife spotting is common and includes animals such as deer and foxes. Some campers have reported sightings of moose near the campground.Winter Activities
Campground experiences during winter are undocumented, but high-elevation conditions suggest opportunities for snow-based recreation might exist.Water Sports
Canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are popular activities on the lake, which enforces a no-wake policy.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed in designated rings unless fire restrictions are in place due to dry conditions.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM – 6 AM
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife hazards include bears and moose; bear-proof food lockers are provided for safety. Fire-damaged terrain may present additional risks when hiking.
Active alertsPost-fire recovery continues in the area. Visitors should be aware of potential fire restrictions and flooding impacts on nearby roads and trails.
Weather at Chambers Lake
13
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 62%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 3.3 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Closest emergency services include Fort Collins for hospitals and other major facilities (~60 miles).
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 13 – September 20
Trash and recyclingTrash disposal is available, and bear-proof food lockers are provided to prevent wildlife interactions. Maintenance issues with dumpsters (e.g., overflowing) have been noted in some reviews.
Proximity to water featuresChambers Lake is directly accessible; boat ramp provided for kayaking and fishing. Water levels may drop late in summer due to reservoir usage.
Common complaintsVault toilet cleanliness issues are frequently noted in user reviews, particularly during peak season. Other complaints include generator noise, flooding during rain, and bugs (mosquitoes and biting flies).
HostHosts frequently praised for being friendly and helpful, although some complaints about reduced presence in recent years.
Campground Map
HWY 14, Bellevue, CO, 80512, USA
Driving directionsFrom Interstate 25 at Fort Collins, take Highway 287 north for 10 miles to Ted's Place, then take Highway 14 west for 50 miles to the campground.
Road access is available via paved highways (Highway 287 and Highway 14). No seasonal closures for the main roads are mentioned. However, users noted potential impacts from fires and flooding affecting nearby areas.Nearby places
Fort Collins: ~60 miles, approximately 1 hour drive
Ted's Place: ~10 miles, approximately 15 minutes drive.
Nearby supplies
Glen Echo Resort (~20 miles) provides gas, Wi-Fi, and forgotten supplies. Archer’s Poudre River Resort (~20 miles) also offers essentials like fuel at competitive rates.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.3
165 reviews
Chambers Lake is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Chambers Lake Campground receives positive reviews for its scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, and generally well-maintained facilities. Common complaints include maintenance issues with vault toilets, high fees for double sites, and heavy camping demand during peak seasons.
Review Summaries
Based on 165 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers praise the stunning mountain and lake views, proximity to hiking trails, clean campsites, and the family-friendly atmosphere. Activities such as kayaking and fishing are highly recommended.
Based on 165 reviewsCommon Concerns
Frequent issues raised by campers include unclean vault toilets, high campsite fees, limited cell service, and overcrowding during peak times. Maintenance and host responsiveness have also been...
Based on 165 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend arriving early to secure first-come-first-serve sites, bringing sunshades for exposed areas, and preparing for varying weather conditions. Many suggest bringing kayaks or canoes to...
Based on 165 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Peak summer months (July and August) are the most popular but also the busiest, leading to complaints about crowded conditions. Late summer water levels in the lake can be low, affecting boating and...
Based on 165 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
“Beautiful mountain campground with breathtaking views.” “Vault toilets were unbearable; avoid sites near them.” “Kayaking on the lake was peaceful and serene.” “Bring all essentials; the nearest...
Based on 165 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 45 is frequently rated as one of the best for its views and spacing. Sites 32 and above are noted for their elevated positions and proximity to the lake. Complaints about odor near vault toilets...
Based on 165 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessible sites are available, but concerns include steep paths to walk-in sites and the distance to basic facilities. Vault toilets are wheelchair-accessible.
Based on 165 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but leash rules are inconsistently enforced. Some reviews mention off-leash dogs disrupting campers.
Based on 165 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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