How much does camping cost at West Lake?

Camping fees at West Lake are $28 - $81/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is West Lake first-come first-served or reservation?

West Lake 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 West Lake before I book?

Yes! West Lake has 7 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 West Lake?

West Lake 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 West Lake?

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

How many campsites does West Lake have?

West Lake has 31 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at West Lake?

Yes, pets are allowed at West Lake. 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 West Lake?

West Lake offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at West Lake?

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

West Lake

Q: Can I have a campfire at West Lake?

Fire policies at West Lake: 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.

4.64

228 reviews

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BReport Card

Summer Destination

Featured in:Tent Camping Colorado#3 Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Colorado Primitive Camping Colorado +7 more

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

Electric

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

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

Electric

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

West Lake

$28.00 - $81.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD ELECTRIC- Double Site: $81.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $41.00; WALK TO: $28.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$28.00

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Provider

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Campground Map

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West Lake

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Nearby places

Fort Collins (48 miles), Livermore (24 miles), Red Feather Lakes (approximately 5 miles)

Weather at West Lake

Current alerts(10)

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.
Boating is restricted to small watercraft, powered by hand, wind or electric motors
Drinking water is available until Sept. 30 each year. Sewer and water hookups are not available. Come with your RV/trailer water tank filled. Filling at campground hydrants cross-contaminates the system and is not allowed.
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 West Lake

Best season: summer. Summer offers warm, reliably snow-free days (typically 60–80°F in the afternoons, dropping to the 30s–50s at night) and full access to West Lake’s boating, fishing, and lakeside hiking. This is when the campground is fully open (May 16–Sept 20), trails are clear, and wildlife activity is high—ideal for anglers and paddlers. Expect moderate to busy weekends in July–August and frequent afternoon thunderstorms, so plan hikes for early morning and make reservations for prime dates. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Best season: summer 60–80°F, full access to fishing, boating and trails; many positive summer reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 18. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season begins May 16 and closes September 20 for reservable dates.

About West Lake

West Lake sits in the high-elevation alpine terrain of Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests near Red Feather Lakes, Colorado. This U.S. Forest Service campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with electric hookups, vault toilets, and potable water. Campers fish, boat, hike, and watch wildlife along the lakeshore, with friendly hosts maintaining clean facilities throughout the season.

West Lake Campground offers primarily traditional camping options, with accommodations for RVs, tents, and small groups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers warm, reliably snow-free days (typically 60–80°F in the afternoons, dropping to the 30s–50s at night) and full access to West Lake’s boating, fishing, and lakeside hiking. This is when the campground is fully open (May 16–Sept 20), trails are clear, and wildlife activity is high—ideal for anglers and paddlers. Expect moderate to busy weekends in July–August and frequent afternoon thunderstorms, so plan hikes for early morning and make reservations for prime dates. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation8200 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPonderosa pines dominate the landscape, their thick bark and wide spacing typical of Colorado's mid-elevation forests. West Lake sits at the campground's edge: 25 acres of calm water where motorboats aren't allowed. Recent forest management has thinned some areas, opening sunny patches between the remaining conifers. The surrounding terrain is forested ridges and well-drained soils that support the ponderosas' drought-adapted root systems. Views from lakeside sites take in water and tree line, though highway noise carries from nearby roads.

Lodging & AccommodationsLodging beyond camping is not available within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The maximum number of guests varies by site type. Standard sites allow up to 8 guests.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov or by calling the contact center at 1-877-444-6777.

AccessibilityThe campground is accessible with 31 sites designed for easy access.

Site SizeCampsites can accommodate a range of setups, including large trailers up to 35-80 feet in length. Some double sites are also available for larger groups.

PrivacyMany sites offer good privacy with natural spacing provided by trees. Specific reviews highlight the privacy of certain sites like #15.

Total Campsites31 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #2 is favored as a 'favorite place to camp.' Site #32 accommodates larger trailers (25-foot) well. Site #28 is near the day-use area and grocery store.

Best CampsitesSite #15 gets mentioned for privacy. Sites #2, #18, #22, and #25 also appear in reviews, praised for views or proximity to the lake. Double sites work for larger groups. Lakeside spots offer water access but catch more road noise.

Need help booking West Lake?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Drinking water is available until Sept. 30 each year. Sewer and water hookups are not available. Come with your RV/trailer water tank filled. Filling at campground hydrants cross-contaminates the system and is not allowed.

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at West Lake

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.

Fishing4.0/5

Boating4.0/5

25-acre no-wake lake allows canoeing, paddleboards, kayaks and electric motors; boating is popular.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Water Sports4.0/5

Hiking3.5/5

West Lake Trail (1.5 mi) and Mount Margaret Trail (4 mi) nearby; hiking options available.

Biking3.0/5

Surrounding area includes biking trails suitable for various skill levels.

Signature experiences

Stargazing3.5/5High elevation (8,200 ft) and remote forest setting imply good dark skies (inferred).

Photography4.0/5Scenic lakeshore, pines and wildlife (eagles) provide strong photo 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 food lockers are provided at many sites to ensure safety and compliance in bear country.

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 and recycling facilities are available, but detailed schedules or locations are not mentioned.

Cell CoverageSome user reviews indicate good cell phone reception, with mentions of reliable Verizon and Mint Mobile 5G service.

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

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate West Lake

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From Booking Sources

4.6

228 reviews

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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 228 reviews.

Site #15Loved
Site #15 is praised for its privacy and level setup for trailers.
Site #23Loved
Site #23 is described as spacious and close to restrooms.
Site #28Loved
Site #28 is noted for being near the day-use area and grocery store, which can be both convenient and a drawback.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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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West Lake

$28.00 - $81.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD ELECTRIC- Double Site: $81.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $41.00; WALK TO: $28.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$28.00

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

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

970-295-6700null

Go if

You want alpine lake access with modern conveniences like electric hookups and friendly on-site management.

Skip if

You need quiet isolation away from highway noise or prefer well-paved access roads.

Nearby Campgrounds

REDFEATHER LAKES, BELLEVUE, CO, 80512, USA

Dowdy Lake sits in the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests near Red Feather Lakes, a high-elevation alpine campground operated by the U.S. Forest Service. The mid-sized facility offers tent and RV sites with electric hookups, vault toilets, and potable water, drawing campers for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing on the lake. Spacious sites with fire rings and picnic tables provide a base for hiking and biking the surrounding forest trails.

West Lake

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about West Lake

Campground Map

Weather at West Lake

Current alerts(10)

Best Time to Camp at West Lake

Planning Tips

About West Lake

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking West Lake?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at West Lake

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

How campers graded it

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Featured in these camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about West Lake

Current alerts(10)

Best Time to Camp at West Lake

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking West Lake?

Amenities available

Things to do at West Lake

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns