West Lake

Star4.64
228 reviews
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Summer Destination

Quick Facts

8,200 ft

Price

$28 - $81/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

31 campsites

Season

Open season begins M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens U.S. 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
West Lake
$28.00 - $81.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $28 for Walk-to sites to $81 for Standard Electric sites during the peak season. Additional charges may apply for extra vehicles ($8...
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Standard Site Fee$41.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$28.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
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What Campers Say

4.64

Top-Rated

Based on 228 reviews

10 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanfriendly

Some mention

dusty

"User reviews highlight the cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, and helpful hosts as standout features. Many visitors praise the camp's serene atmosphere and access to recreational activities."

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Campground Map

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West Lake

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Driving directionsFrom Fort Collins, take Highway 287 north approximately 24 miles to Livermore. Turn west on County Road 74 and continue 24 miles to the campground.
The roads leading to the campground are primarily paved, but the campground road can be dusty and narrow, especially during rainy seasons.
Nearby places
Fort Collins (48 miles), Livermore (24 miles), Red Feather Lakes (approximately 5 miles)
Nearby supplies
The nearest grocery store, cafes, and general supplies are in Red Feather Lakes village, within a 5-mile radius.

Best Time to Camp at West Lake

Mountain weather here tells its own dramatic story. Spring and summer afternoons often announce themselves with spectacular thunderstorms that roll across the peaks, bringing refreshing rain and nature's light show. When winter arrives, it transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland where temperatures plunge to create that crisp, invigorating mountain air punctuated by gentle snowfall and whispering winds through the pines.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Open and peak May 16–Sep 20; summer reviews highlight best fishing and camping conditions.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Early fall has fewer visitors but weather can be variable; fewer review highlights.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring brings thunderstorms and variable weather; campground opens mid-May.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 16–Sep 20; winter season not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 16 to September 20.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season begins May 16 and closes September 20 for reservable dates.
  • Current Alerts: Water faucets may occasionally be unavailable due to testing. Fire restrictions can be imposed during dry seasons.

About West Lake

Nestled among towering ponderosa pines, West Lake Campground welcomes outdoor enthusiasts with 31 thoughtfully designed single- and double-family campsites, plus five secluded tent-only spots for those seeking a more intimate connection with nature. Modern conveniences blend seamlessly with the wilderness experience, featuring electric hookups for RVs, well-maintained vault toilets, and fresh drinking water throughout the grounds. Friendly campground hosts ensure your stay is comfortable, maintaining pristine facilities and offering local insights to enhance your mountain adventure.
West Lake Campground offers primarily traditional camping options, with accommodations for RVs, tents, and small groups.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time is 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out time is 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Electricity hookups
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

West Lake Campground provides a variety of activities for campers. Canoeing, paddleboarding, and fishing are popular on the 25-acre no-wake lake, with anglers targeting rainbow and lake trout. The area also features hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, including the 1.5-mile West Lake Trail and 4-mile Mount Margaret Trail. Wildlife viewing is common, and the nearby Redfeather Visitor Center offers additional activities.
HikingTrails in the area include the West Lake Trail (1.5 miles) and Mount Margaret Trail (4 miles). Off-road vehicle trails are located within five miles.
FishingFishing is a major draw, with rainbow and lake trout as the primary catches. Some reviews report excellent fishing conditions, though others mention issues with trout health.
BikingThe surrounding area includes biking trails suitable for various skill levels.
BoatingBoating is limited to small watercraft operated by hand, wind, or electric motors due to the lake's no-wake status.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a popular activity, with mentions of bald eagles and other local fauna.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThis is bear country, requiring food storage precautions. Thunderstorms and high winds are common hazards.
Active AlertsWater faucets may occasionally be unavailable due to testing. Fire restrictions can be imposed during dry seasons.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food lockers are provided at many sites to ensure safety and compliance in bear country.

Weather at West Lake

Reviews

4.6
228 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
West Lake is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, and helpful hosts as standout features. Many visitors praise the camp's serene atmosphere and access to recreational activities.
Review Summaries
Based on 228 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, friendly camp hosts, great fishing, and beautiful views. Hosts repeatedly receive high praise for their helpfulness and maintaining a clean environment.
Based on 228 reviews

Common Concerns

Some complaints include dusty roads, occasional highway noise, and issues with water availability during certain periods. The no-swimming policy is also a noted drawback, especially for families with...
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Based on 228 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Book early due to high demand. Prepare for sudden weather changes at the elevation of 8,200 feet. Bring a mallet for staking tents due to hard ground. Visit nearby Red Feather Lakes Village for...
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Based on 228 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is highlighted as the best season, with consistent praise for fishing and camping conditions. Spring and early fall see fewer visitors but also reviews noting weather-related challenges like...
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Based on 228 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The camp hosts are the best we have ever come across!" - Kim W. "Fishing for stocked rainbows was good. The weather was fine with little to none of the wind that Red Feathers is famous for." - Scott...
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Based on 228 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #15 is praised for its privacy and level setup for trailers. Site #23 is described as spacious and close to restrooms. Site #28 is noted for being near the day-use area and grocery store, which...
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Based on 228 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground is generally accessible, with vault toilets and electric hookups available at some sites.
Based on 228 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is pet-friendly, though one review describes an issue with a belligerent neighbor's barking dogs that the camp host quickly resolved.
Based on 228 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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