How much does camping cost at Idlewild Campground?

Camping fees at Idlewild Campground range from $29/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Idlewild Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Idlewild Campground 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 Idlewild Campground before I book?

Yes! Idlewild Campground has 3 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 Idlewild Campground?

Idlewild Campground 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 Idlewild Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Idlewild Campground?

Fire policies at Idlewild Campground: Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Idlewild Campground have?

Idlewild Campground has 24 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Idlewild Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Idlewild Campground?

Idlewild Campground offers: Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Idlewild Campground

3.69

96 reviews

Idlewild Campground

Top 22% in COFall

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$29/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

24 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

$29/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

24 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Idlewild Campground

$29.00 - $29.00 / night

Campsite Fees

RV: $29.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530-529-0578

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Idlewild Campground

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

Idlewild Campground

39.9055, -105.7804

Nearby places

Winter Park (approximately 1 mile north)

Fraser (connected via the Fraser River Trail

distance not specified)

Arapaho National Recreation Area and western portal of Rocky Mountain National Park (within an hour's drive).

Weather at Idlewild Campground

Current alerts(14)

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.
All campsites with a tent pad have a bear locker. For bear and human safety, keep a clean campsite and do not place food or other attractants in your tent.
Click here for more information about Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/arp
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

Best Time to Camp at Idlewild Campground

Best season: fall. Fall delivers crisp, clear weather and peak mountain scenery — daytime highs are typically in the 40s–60s°F with chilly nights dipping into the 20s–30s°F — making hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing especially pleasant. Aspens and willows in the Fraser River corridor often peak in mid-to-late September into early October, and elk rut activity increases wildlife sightings while mosquitoes and afternoon storms decline. Crowds are generally lighter than summer weekends, offering quieter riverbank Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 22% in CO

Fall called best — aspen colors peak, elk activity increases, mosquitoes disappear.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 18. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Idlewild Campground

Idlewild Campground sits along the Fraser River a few miles south of Winter Park on Highway 40. The 24 first-come, first-served sites fill up fast on weekends, so arrive early if you want a river spot. Each site has a bear locker, fire ring, picnic table, and tent pad. There's potable water from spring-fed hydrants and vault toilets.

Idlewild offers 24 non-electric single campsites that can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs. Sites are described as single, non-electric sites with standard campsite amenities (tent pad, picnic table, fire ring, bear locker).

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall delivers crisp, clear weather and peak mountain scenery — daytime highs are typically in the 40s–60s°F with chilly nights dipping into the 20s–30s°F — making hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing especially pleasant. Aspens and willows in the Fraser River corridor often peak in mid-to-late September into early October, and elk rut activity increases wildlife sightings while mosquitoes and afternoon storms decline. Crowds are generally lighter than summer weekends, offering quieter riverbank Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation9000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Fraser River runs right through camp, cold and clear from the Continental Divide. Evergreens shade most sites, and the surrounding peaks include Berthoud Pass to the south and the Vasquez Wilderness to the west. The paved Fraser River Trail passes nearby, connecting Winter Park and Fraser through the valley. Moose frequent the area, along with elk during fall rut. Aspens and willows along the river corridor turn gold in mid-to-late September into early October.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov or by calling the Recreation.gov call center at 1-877-444-6777.

Total Campsites24 campsites

Recommended SitesSites are non-electric single sites that accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs; each site includes a tent pad, picnic table, metal fire ring, and a bear-resistant food storage locker.

Need help booking Idlewild Campground?

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

RV water connections are not available. Come with your water tank filled.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredAll campsites are equipped with bear-resistant food storage lockers.

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).

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.

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

From Booking Sources

3.7

96 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Idlewild Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers are overwhelmingly positive about Idlewild Campground, consistently giving 5/5 ratings. They praise the beautiful river setting, proximity to town, helpful hosts, and frequent wildlife sightings, calling it one of their favorite camping and “staycation” spots.

Review Summaries

Based on 96 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers love the scenic location along the Fraser River, with some noting great fishing and “best fishing in the city.” The friendly, available camp hosts are repeatedly praised, as are the well‑kept...

Based on 96 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Several reviews highlight “amazing” spots along the Fraser River as particularly desirable, with one camper noting the host helped them move to a riverfront site. Another reviewer mentioned getting...

Based on 96 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

The campground operates on a first‑come, first‑served basis, and multiple reviewers note that it can fill up, so arriving early improves your chances of getting a site (especially river spots)....

Based on 96 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This campground is great! Camp host is friendly and always willing to help. She worked with us to move down to the amazing river spot!!" "One of our all time favorite spots. First come basis so good...

Based on 96 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

River sites are the draw, anglers and wildlife watchers who book early on Recreation.gov will likely spot moose, catch fish on the Fraser, and have a paved trail to Winter Park right outside camp. Late September hits the sweet spot with gold aspens, elk activity, and no mosquitoe

Skip if

No electric hookups and no RV water connections mean you need to arrive with a full tank. Road-facing sites get traffic noise until 10 p.m., and declining recent sentiment suggests something's shifted, worth reading the newest reviews before booking.

Nearby Campgrounds

3.7

(96)

Idlewild Campground

Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG

Idlewild Campground sits in the high-elevation alpine zone of Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests, minutes from Winter Park. Operated by the U.S. Forest Service, this small campground transforms in winter into a snow-country base for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat-biking. Tent and RV campers share vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables, with wildlife sightings common and clean facilities frequently praised by visitors.