State Forest State Park

Star4.43
77 reviews
56750 Highway 14, Walden, Colorado, 80480, United States
Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

10,413 ft

Price

$15 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

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State Forest State Park
$15.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Reservation fees range widely based on the campsite type and amenities. There is an official NO-SHOW policy and varying penalties for cancellation,...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.43

Recommended

Based on 77 reviews

477 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlocationstaff

"User reviews emphasize the park's immense beauty, abundant wildlife, well-maintained facilities, and wide range of recreational activities. Views are mixed regarding staff responsiveness and campsite privacy. Seasonal changes influenced usability, particularly during winter."

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Campground Map

56750 Highway 14, Walden, Colorado, 80480, United States

State Forest State Park

56750 Highway 14, Walden, Colorado, 80480, United States

Driving directions75 miles west of Ft. Collins on Hwy 14, over Cameron Pass or 150 miles north of Denver on Hwy 40 over Berthoud Pass.
User reviews note that roads can be rough during winter, making access challenging. Jeremy Janus stated, "The roads can get rough in the winter and make it impossible to get out to at times."
Nearby places
Walden (null miles, travel time unknown)
Fort Collins (75 miles)
Denver (150 miles)
Nearby supplies
Nearby Walden offers supplies, described by user Eric Arnold: "Stop by Walden for a neat little town full of friendly people." Specific details on grocery or fuel availability are null.

Best Time to Camp at State Forest State Park

Summer transforms this high-altitude wonderland into a camper's paradise, with warm days perfect for hiking and cool nights ideal for campfire stories. However, winter tells a different tale—frigid temperatures and heavy snowfall create challenging road conditions that can make access nearly impossible. Experienced visitor Jeremy Janus strongly recommends planning your visit during the summer months, when mountain passes clear and the park reveals its full splendor.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
5.0 / 5
Top 6% in CO

Summer called a camper's paradise: warm days, ideal hiking and peak accessibility.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall frequently recommended; enjoyable season with good access and scenery.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring access can be variable due to snowmelt; activities depend on road conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Winter offers snow sports and ice fishing but roads can be impassable and access is limited.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Exact peak season dates are not provided; summer is recommended per user review.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Availability for reservations year-round, except for seasonal closures due to snow (specific dates not provided).
  • Current Alerts: No current alerts noted in provided materials.

About State Forest State Park

Escape the crowds and discover Colorado's best-kept secret: State Forest State Park. Spanning an impressive 74,000 acres of pristine wilderness, this remote mountain sanctuary offers the solitude and adventure that many Colorado parks have lost to popularity. As visitor Eric Arnold notes, "This park is not super popular and flooded with people all the time like other parks in Colorado." Here, you'll find yourself immersed in untouched backcountry, where the only sounds are rustling aspen leaves and distant elk calls.
State Forest State Park offers a variety of camping accommodations including tent sites, RV sites, dispersed camping areas, group sites, cabins, and yurts.
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Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive nights information is unavailable.

Amenities available

Showers
Electricity hookups
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Laundry Facilities
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

State Forest State Park offers a diverse range of recreational activities including hiking, fishing, hunting, biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and wildlife viewing. Seasonal activities such as snowmobiling and ice fishing are available during winter months. The park's vast acreage and remote location provide opportunities for both solitude and exploration, with many trails and backcountry options.
HikingHiking trails are abundant and range from beginner to experienced levels. Specific trails mentioned include Gould Trail and Montgomery Pass, with reviewers noting difficulty in following trails due to downed trees or muddy conditions.
FishingFishing is permitted in lakes and streams within the park. Reviewers reported success catching trout, although water levels and stream conditions varied seasonally.
BikingBiking trails are available and cater to varied skill levels. Reviewers noted opportunities for mountain biking and exploration.
BoatingBoating is supported, with facilities such as boat ramps and launches. Reviewers recommended kayaking in early mornings when conditions are calm.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a major highlight at the park, with frequent sightings of moose, bears, elk, deer, foxes, and beavers. Early morning viewing is recommended for moose.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsInterpretive programs are available within the facility, though specific details about topics and schedules are not provided.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife encounters with bears, moose, and elk noted in user reviews. Exposure to sun and dehydration during hikes, as per Forrest Brewer.
Active AlertsNo current alerts noted in provided materials.

Weather at State Forest State Park

Reviews

4.4
77 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
State Forest State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews emphasize the park's immense beauty, abundant wildlife, well-maintained facilities, and wide range of recreational activities. Views are mixed regarding staff responsiveness and campsite privacy. Seasonal changes influenced usability, particularly during winter.
Review Summaries
Based on 77 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the park's remote location, diverse wildlife, range of activities, and excellent stargazing opportunities. Reviewers praised the helpfulness of staff and the cleanliness of...
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Based on 77 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include limited water access, proximity issues between certain campsites, lower cleanliness standards for bathrooms in some areas, and staff errors such as cabin access problems.
Based on 77 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips include bringing shade structures for exposed campsites, arriving early for wildlife viewing, and preparing for cold temperatures even in summer. Reviewers recommend detailed trail maps and...
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Based on 77 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The park is most enjoyable during summer and fall months, as roads can be impassable during winter. Winter reviews emphasized snow sports, while summer reviews highlighted fishing, hiking, and...
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Based on 77 reviews

Camper Quotes

"State Forest State Park is a well-kept secret in Colorado!" "Talk about a beautiful park!" "The trails are not the easiest to follow and very muddy, but we were all alone." "Absolutely the most...
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Based on 77 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 402 (dispersed camping) is praised for its breathtaking views but requires OHVs or lifted vehicles for access. Sites 208 and 209 are criticized for their lack of privacy and proximity.
Based on 77 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in reviews, though the park offers a range of trail difficulties and recreational activities.
Based on 77 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcomed at the park, as mentioned in several reviews. Trails and campsites accommodate pets, and reviewers shared positive experiences bringing their dogs.
Based on 77 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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