Is Long Draw Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Long Draw Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Are there showers at Long Draw Campground?

Long Draw Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Long Draw Campground have?

Long Draw Campground has 25 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Long Draw Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Long Draw Campground. 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 Long Draw Campground?

Long Draw Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Long Draw Campground

4.03

37 reviews

StargazingSummer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Colorado

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

10,000 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

10,000 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Long Draw Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

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Campground Map

Long Draw Campground

40.5154, -105.7680

Nearby places

Fort Collins (10 miles north, plus 63 miles travel and 10 miles south on the Long Draw Road).

Weather at Long Draw Campground

Best Time to Camp at Long Draw Campground

Best season: summer. Summer at Long Draw delivers the fullest high‑alpine experience: long daylight, abundant wildflowers, and reliable access to the reservoir for boating and trout fishing with daytime highs typically in the mid‑50s to mid‑70s°F (12–24°C) and cool nights dropping into the 30s–40s°F (0–8°C). Afternoon thunderstorms are common — plan hikes for early mornings and expect dramatic stormscapes over the peaks — and wildlife viewing (including frequent moose sightings) and trail access are at their peak. M Peak months: July, August, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is busiest and fullest experience; pleasant days but cold nights and thunderstorms.

Planning Tips

About Long Draw Campground

Long Draw Campground sits at high elevation in Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests near Fort Collins, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. This small alpine campground offers tent, RV, and primitive camping alongside Long Draw Reservoir, where visitors fish for trout, launch boats, and watch wildlife under exceptional night skies. The rough washboard access road and closely spaced sites are trade-offs for clean facilities, reliable water, and mid-summer wildflower displays.

Long Draw Campground is a primarily primitive campground catering to tent camping and small RVs. Sites are first-come, first-serve, and the area is noted for its peaceful and quiet atmosphere.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer at Long Draw delivers the fullest high‑alpine experience: long daylight, abundant wildflowers, and reliable access to the reservoir for boating and trout fishing with daytime highs typically in the mid‑50s to mid‑70s°F (12–24°C) and cool nights dropping into the 30s–40s°F (0–8°C). Afternoon thunderstorms are common — plan hikes for early mornings and expect dramatic stormscapes over the peaks — and wildlife viewing (including frequent moose sightings) and trail access are at their peak. M Peak months: July, August, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation10000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDense Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir create a thick canopy at this high-elevation site. Long Draw Reservoir sits nearby, cradled between ridges shaped by ancient glacial carving. The surrounding peaks and valleys tell millions of years of geological history. Moose appear regularly in the meadows and wetlands around camp. Reviewers consistently mention the exceptional night sky and the profound quiet of the area. The landscape unfolds in layers: forested valleys, dramatic mountain peaks, and alpine meadows. One visitor called the stargazing "mind boggling."

Lodging & AccommodationsLodging options are limited to campsites, with no additional accommodations available on-site.

Programs & ActivitiesThere is no information about cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Guests Allowed Per Site

25 sites including three double sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNone specified.

AccessibilityDetailed accessibility features are not specified. The campground may not be fully ADA-compliant due to its remote location and primitive facilities.

Site SizeSites are suitable for tents and smaller RVs. Reviews note that the sites are back-in and not spacious enough for larger RVs.

PrivacyThe campground provides some privacy between sites due to dense tree coverage, but camping sites are relatively close together.

Total Campsites25 campsites

Recommended SitesBring emergency gear—do not underestimate nature's ability to take a routine trip and make it a nightmare.

Best CampsitesSites close to the meadow and reservoir offer the best moose viewing. Reviewers recommend arriving early on weekends to secure a spot, since the campground fills quickly during peak season.

Amenities available

Long Draw Campground offers basic amenities such as picnic tables and fire grates at each of its 25 campsites, including three double sites. User reviews frequently emphasize the well-maintained restrooms and presence of a reliable hand pump for clean drinking water. "The hand pump at the campground well is easy to use and provides a reliable, quality water supply," reported one camper. However, the campground lacks advanced facilities such as showers, and restrooms are described as simple vault toilets without sinks.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is celebrated for its proximity to Long Draw Reservoir and surrounding natural attractions. Popular activities include fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. "This is the Moose capital of the continental United States," one camper noted, emphasizing the frequent moose sightings.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

37 reviews

Satisfactory

Long Draw Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's stunning natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. However, the remote location and bumpy access road are noted as challenges.

Review Summaries

Based on 37 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers praised the campground's cleanliness, scenic views, and abundant wildlife. "The night sky is mind boggling," one reviewer exclaimed. Vault toilets and a reliable water pump were also...

Based on 37 reviews

Common Concerns

Criticisms include the rough dirt road leading to the campground, lack of cell service, and cold overnight temperatures. Some users also found the sites too close together.

Based on 37 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific feedback is limited, but users generally describe the sites as back-in, suitable for smaller RVs, and well-shaded by trees.

Based on 37 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early on weekends to secure a site. Prepare for cold nights even in summer and bring emergency gear due to unpredictable weather. Pack out all trash to maintain the pristine environment.

Based on 37 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest in summer, with cold nights and occasional thunderstorms reported. Wildlife activity is a highlight during this season.

Based on 37 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "This is the Moose capital of the continental United States and seeing them graze is a beautiful experience." - "The restrooms are exceptionally clean, and pumped water is available." - "Prepare...

Based on 37 reviews

Accessibility Features

No accessibility-specific reviews are provided, though the campground's remote location and primitive facilities may pose challenges.

Based on 37 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed, but pet owners should be aware that Rocky Mountain National Park, nearby, does not allow dogs. Keep pets secure due to wildlife presence.

Based on 37 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want high-elevation scenery, reservoir access, and dark skies and can handle a washboard road and compact site spacing.

Skip if

You need paved access, spacious sites, or can't tolerate afternoon thunderstorms and cool nights.

Nearby Campgrounds

3.1

(8)

Grandview Campground

Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG

Grandview Campground sits at 10,167 feet in Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests, overlooking Long Draw Reservoir with views into Rocky Mountain National Park. This very small, primitive campground operated by the Forest Service offers vault toilets, potable water, and basic amenities for tent campers seeking high-alpine solitude. Visitors fish for trout in the reservoir and often spot moose near the shoreline.