How much does camping cost at Redfeather Ranger Station?

Camping fees at Redfeather Ranger Station range from $175-$200/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Redfeather Ranger Station first-come first-served or reservation?

Redfeather Ranger Station operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Redfeather Ranger Station before I book?

Yes! Redfeather Ranger Station has 13 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 Redfeather Ranger Station?

Redfeather Ranger Station is open May 22 to September 27. 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 Redfeather Ranger Station?

Redfeather Ranger Station does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Redfeather Ranger Station?

Fire policies at Redfeather Ranger Station: 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.

How many campsites does Redfeather Ranger Station have?

Redfeather Ranger Station has 2 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Redfeather Ranger Station?

Pets are not allowed at Redfeather Ranger Station. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

Redfeather Ranger Station

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Off the west side of Dowdy Lake Road, Red Feather Lakes, Larimer County, Colorado (Forest Service access road ~1/4 mile north of intersection of Dowdy Lake Road and W County Road 74E/Red Feather Lakes Road)

Summer Destination

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Quick Facts

8,200 ft

Price

$175 - $200/night

Booking

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Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

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Book on Redfeather Ranger Station Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,200 ft

Price

$175 - $200/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Redfeather Ranger Station Official Website

Get Directions

Redfeather Ranger Station

$175.00 - $200.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Cabin 4-6: $175.00; Cabin 6-8: $200.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

970-881-2937 or 970-295-6600VisitARP@usda.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Redfeather Ranger Station

Nearby places

Fort Collins — approximately 46 miles

Weather at Redfeather Ranger Station

Current alerts(6)

Click here to learn more about the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland
Elevation can pose a hazard; learn more about altitude illness
Pets (including dogs) and livestock are not allowed at the cabin
The cabins remain locked, and a combination will be provided upon booking. You can also call the Forest Service office at 970-295-6600, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. MST, Monday through Friday, to obtain a combination code.

Best Time to Camp at Redfeather Ranger Station

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable access and the best window for boating, fishing, and lake-side hiking—expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F (≈18–24°C) and cool nights in the mid-30s to mid-40s°F (≈2–7°C). Lakes are ice-free, wildflower meadows are at their peak, and trails and boat ramps are open, though afternoon thunderstorms are common so plan hikes for mornings. Crowds are moderate (peak weekends), but the historic log cabins and visitor center make a comfortable base for Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is warmest, lakes ice-free and wildflower peaks; described as the most reliable season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 27. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Redfeather Ranger Station

Redfeather Ranger Station offers two 1930s log cabins tucked in a ponderosa pine meadow at 8,200 feet between West Lake and Dowdy Lake. The Ranger Cabin and Assistant Ranger Cabin have full kitchens and share grounds with a visitor center. Bring your own linens and bedding.

Historic ranger station offering two rentable log cabins (Ranger Cabin and Assistant Ranger Cabin). No explicit mention of tent, RV, primitive, group or glamping sites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable access and the best window for boating, fishing, and lake-side hiking—expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F (≈18–24°C) and cool nights in the mid-30s to mid-40s°F (≈2–7°C). Lakes are ice-free, wildflower meadows are at their peak, and trails and boat ramps are open, though afternoon thunderstorms are common so plan hikes for mornings. Crowds are moderate (peak weekends), but the historic log cabins and visitor center make a comfortable base for Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation8200 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe station sits in a wildflower meadow surrounded by ponderosa pines. Bald Mountain rises to the southwest, Deadman Mountain to the west. West Lake and Dowdy Lake are both accessible from the property for fishing and paddling. The Cache la Poudre River runs ten miles south.

Lodging & AccommodationsTwo rentable log cabins: the Ranger Cabin (1,660 sq ft, described as accommodating six to eight people) and the Assistant Ranger Cabin (two-bedroom, accommodates four to six). Cabins offer fully equipped kitchens (stoves, refrigerators, microwave, toaster, coffee pot, cookware, dishes/utensils), indoor bathrooms, dining seating, and a living-room fireplace (Ranger Cabin). Guests must provide linens, bedding, pillows, towels and toiletries.

Programs & ActivitiesVisiting the Redfeather Visitor Center is noted as an activity; specific programs are not described.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Guests Allowed Per Site

Ranger Cabin: accommodates 6–8 people
Assistant Ranger Cabin: accommodates 4–6 people.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Total Campsites2 campsites

Recommended SitesGuests must provide linens, bedding, pillows, towels and toiletries. The Ranger Cabin has a fireplace (firewood not provided). Cabins include propane grills, picnic tables, a campfire ring, and a horseshoe game outside the Ranger Cabin.

Amenities available

Two historic ranger station cabins and an office/visitor center. Cabins include fully equipped kitchens, propane grills, picnic tables, a campfire ring, and an outdoor horseshoe game; a fireplace is located in the Ranger Cabin but firewood is not provided. Both cabins have indoor bathrooms.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Recreation centered on nearby Dowdy Lake (115 acres) and West Lake (25 acres) and multiple regional trails. Popular activities include boating, canoeing/paddle boarding, fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and visiting the Redfeather Visitor Center. The Poudre River (about 10 miles south) offers additional whitewater and fishing opportunities.

Water Sports

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From Booking Sources

0.0

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Limited Reviews

Redfeather Ranger Station has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

Review Summaries

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Go if

Families or small groups who want a mountain base camp with beds and a real kitchen. Dowdy Lake's brown, brook, and cutthroat trout are walkable from the door, and the Ranger Cabin has a fireplace for cold nights in the mid-30s.

Skip if

Pack light on linens, the cabins supply the kitchen but not the bedding, pillows, or towels, so forgetting that detail means a rough first night. Tent campers or anyone wanting more than two private units won't find options here.

Nearby Campgrounds

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.

$28.00 - $81.00 / night

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.

$20.00 - $47.00 / night

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Bellaire Lake Campground

4545 County Road 162 a.k.a. 4545 Manhattan Road

Bellaire Lake Campground sits at 8,600 feet in Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests, a short drive from Red Feather Lakes. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, this small alpine campground offers tent and RV sites with electric hookups, flush toilets, and direct access to a fishing lake surrounded by trails. Visitors come for high-elevation hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and paddling in a setting known for clean facilities and dramatic summer thunderstorms.

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North Fork Poudre Campground

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North Fork Poudre Campground sits in the high-elevation alpine zone of Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests, offering secluded creek-side sites along the North Fork Cache la Poudre River. This very small campground is managed by the Forest Service and attracts visitors seeking quiet trout fishing, hiking, and wildflower viewing in summer months. The intimate setting and natural surroundings make it a retreat for those who value solitude over amenities.

Kelly Flats Campground

Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG

Kelly Flats Campground sits along the Cache La Poudre River in Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests, about an hour northwest of Fort Collins. This small mid-elevation forest campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, potable water, and bear-proof lockers. Visitors come for trout fishing, riverside relaxation, and the constant soundtrack of moving water.

HWY 14, BELLEVUE, CO, 80512, USA

Mountain Park sits along the Cache la Poudre River in Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests, 30 minutes west of Fort Collins. This USDA Forest Service campground offers shaded sites with electric hookups and hot showers, serving as a base for hiking, fishing, and rafting the Poudre. Camp hosts maintain the facilities and the riverside setting draws families and anglers seeking a forested retreat with modern conveniences.

$30.00 - $185.00 / night

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Dutch George Campground

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Dutch George sits along the Cache la Poudre River at 6,500 feet elevation, about an hour northwest of Fort Collins. The campground has 20 sites in an open, flat meadow with cottonwoods and ponderosa pines. Parking spurs range from 30 to 70 feet. Sites cost $25 per night and can be reserved ahead. No cell service.

$25.00 - $25.00 / night

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$0.00 - $0.00 / night

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Narrows sits along the Cache la Poudre River in Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests, west of Bellvue. Vista Recreation operates this small mid-elevation campground with tent, RV, and primitive walk-in sites. Campers fish, boat, hike, and watch wildlife along the river corridor, though Highway 14 runs nearby.

$29.00 - $29.00 / night

6515 N. County Rd 63E, Bellvue, CO, 80512, USA

Jacks Gulch sits high in the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests near Bellvue, offering electric hookups and equestrian facilities alongside tent and RV sites. The Forest Service campground serves as a staging area for trails into the Mummy Range, with direct access to hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing routes. Fall brings vivid aspen color and thinner crowds, though large groups can generate noise and dust on busy weekends.

$38.50 - $154.50 / night

Stove Prairie sits in mid-elevation forest along the Cache la Poudre River corridor in Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests, just outside Bellvue. This U.S. Forest Service campground offers a handful of sites for tent and RV camping, with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors fish the Poudre, hike nearby trails, and listen to the river at night.

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Redfeather Ranger Station

From official sources

Reference information about Redfeather Ranger Station compiled from official sources. Every claim links to its source. View official page →

Redfeather Ranger Station in the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests offers two log cabins for lodging: the Ranger Cabin, a 1,660-square-foot three-room structure built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937, accommodates six to eight people with one queen bed and four twin beds, and includes a fully-equipped kitchen with two stoves, two refrigerators, microwave, and dining seating for eight; the Assistant Ranger Cabin is a two-bedroom log cabin accommodating four to six people with a queen bed in one bedroom and two twin beds in the second, plus a small fully-equipped kitchen. Both cabins feature indoor bathrooms, propane grills, picnic tables, and campfire rings. Guests must provide their own linens, bedding, pillows, towels, and toiletries. The station sits at 8,200 feet elevation in a ponderosa pine forest between West Lake and Dowdy Lake, approximately 46 miles northwest of Fort Collins. Afternoon thunderstorms can be expected during spring and summer months. The facility is in black bear country, and pets and livestock are not permitted. Reservations are made through recreation.gov.

History: The Ranger Cabin was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937 from adapted architectural plans from the Sunlight Ranger Cabin near Cody, Wyoming. source
Seasons & access: Afternoon thunderstorms can be expected during spring and summer months. source
Elevation: The Ranger Station is situated at an elevation of 8,200 feet in a ponderosa pine forest. source
Reservations: Reservations are made through recreation.gov. source
Campfires: Campfire rings are available outside the cabins, and campfires are allowed. source

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From Recreation.gov

Official information for Redfeather Ranger Station from the federal Recreation.gov facility record. View official page →

Overview

The Redfeather Ranger Station has two cabins, and an office with a visitor's center. The Ranger Cabin and the Assistant Ranger Cabin are available for lodging. Guests must provide linens, bedding, pillows, towels and toiletries. The Ranger Station is situated in a ponderosa pine forest at an elevation of 8,200 feet. Afternoon thunderstorms can be expected during spring and summer months.

This site is located off the east side of Dowdy Lake Road in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado. The Forest Service access road into the station is approximately 1/4 mile north of the intersection of Dowdy Lake Road and West County Road 74E/Red Feather Lakes Road. The Red Feather Lakes community, located about 46 miles northwest of Fort Collins, is known for its recreational opportunities and remote scenic beauty.

The Ranger Cabin is a spacious (1,660 square foot), three-room log cabin, that can accommodate six to eight people. It has one queen bed and four twin beds. The fully-equipped kitchen includes two stoves, two refrigerators, microwave, toaster, coffee pot, pots, pans, dishes and utensils. It was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937 from adapted architectural plans from the Sunlight Ranger Cabin near Cody, Wyoming.

The Assistant Ranger Cabin is a two-bedroom log cabin that can accommodate four to six people. There is a small fully-equipped kitchen with a small table. There is a log bed frame with a queen size bed in one bedroom and two twin beds in the second bedroom.

Recreation

Canoeing, paddle boarding and fishing are popular activities on the 115-acre, Dowdy Lake nearby and 25-acre, West Lake. Motorized boats are allowed on the lakes, but a 10 mph speed limit is enforced with no wake. Anglers cast for brown, brook, cutthroat and lake trout. Several additional lakes are in the vicinity.

Many hiking, biking and horseback riding trails are nearby, including the Mount Margaret Trail, Lady Moon Trail, Elkhorn, Dowdy Lake Trail and others. Several off-road vehicle trails are located within five miles of the cabins. Other popular activities include viewing wildlife and visiting the Redfeather Visitor Center.

The Poudre River is located 10 miles to the south (about a 30-minute drive) and offers whitewater rafting and kayaking, fishing, hiking trails, and other recreation opportunities.

Facilities

The Redfeather Ranger Station has two cabins and an office with a visitor's center. The cabins include propane grills, picnic tables, a campfire ring, and horseshoe game outside the Ranger Cabin.

The Ranger Cabin is a spacious (1,660 square foot), three-room log cabin, that can accommodate six to eight people. It has eight twin beds. The fully-equipped kitchen includes two stoves, two refrigerators, microwave, toaster, coffee pot, pots, pans, dishes and utensils. The dining room has seating for eight. A fireplace is located in the living room; firwood is not provided. An indoor bathroom is available.

The Assistant Ranger Cabin is a two-bedroom log cabin that can accommodate four to six people. There is a small fully-equipped kitchen with a small table and an indoor bathroom. There is a log bed frame with a queen size bed in one bedroom and two twin beds in the second bedroom.

Natural Features

The Ranger Station is located in a small meadow between West Lake and Dowdy Lake and ten miles north of the Poudre River. Bald Mountain is located to the southwest and Deadman Mountain is located to the west.

Nearby Attractions

The small village of Red Feather Lakes is nearby, offering limited dining options, gift shops, general stores, a library, post office and a golf course.

Directions

<p>The Redfeather Ranger Cabin is located off the west side of Dowdy Lake Road in the unincorporated town of Red Feather Lakes in Larimer County, Colorado and about 46 miles northwest of Fort Collins, CO. The Forest Service access road into the station is approximately 1/4 mile north of the intersection of Dowdy Lake Road and W County Road 74E / Red Feather Lakes Road (just past the Red Feather Supermarket and Rock Shop).</p>

Phone: 970-881-2937 or 970-295-6600
Email: VisitARP@usda.gov