Available sites
64 total sites
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About Arapaho Bay
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Pet friendly
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
Water Access
- Lake Access
Pets and Policies
- Pet friendly
Rates, Sites & Availability
64 Sites Available
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64 Sites Available
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Reviews (888)
What Guests Are Saying
Arapaho Bay offers a beautiful campground experience with friendly and helpful hosts, clean facilities, and access to scenic hiking trails and Monarch Lake. While some campers noted the proximity of sites and occasional noise, many appreciated the serene environment and wildlife sightings, including bears and moose. However, the lake's low water levels due to drought were a common concern, along with issues related to vehicle fees and road conditions. Overall, visitors enjoyed their stays and expressed a desire to return.
What Guests Are Saying
Arapaho Bay offers a beautiful campground experience with friendly and helpful hosts, clean facilities, and access to scenic hiking trails and Monarch Lake. While some campers noted the proximity of sites and occasional noise, many appreciated the serene environment and wildlife sightings, including bears and moose. However, the lake's low water levels due to drought were a common concern, along with issues related to vehicle fees and road conditions. Overall, visitors enjoyed their stays and expressed a desire to return.
Review Summary
Sarah F
VerifiedAugust 16, 2021 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: BIG ROCK
This was the worst camping experience in Colorado we have ever had and we camp a lot. We arrived to our site in Big Rock Arapahoe Bay at 6 pm on a Friday after a two and half hour drive from Denver pulling our camp trailer through traffic. I was happy to be there well before dark in time to set up our site which we booked to be close to friends. The plan was to share meals, kayaks, and camp time with our buddies in the other site. When we arrived, another crew was set up in the spot we reserved and their tag said they were to check out on Saturday (the next day). We went to talk to the camp host to see what the situation was. This camp host was the rudest, most dismissive, ugliest woman I have ever spoken with. When I approached her to ask about the site, she immediately went on the defensive and started making strange excuses for why she gave someone else the site we had booked weeks in advance. She said the only site that was available was a site directly adjacent to the roadway and furthest away from our friends site. When I asked if we could please be moved back to the site we booked and that we would be willing to move in the morning after the other group had left, she refused. She also made no apologies for not contacting us in advance to let us know she had given our site to someone else. Her entire demeanor was extremely off-putting and her behavior very odd... she was completely unapologetic and aggressive about the fact that she would not help us and she was not sorry. She actually encouraged us to leave and go home. In her words... "you can take this site or you can leave; I'm not dealing with this because I am off-duty". And she had a group of friends partying in her trailer, so I don't blame her for wanting to be "off duty", but how can you possibly treat someone like that when you caused the confusion and inconvenience. And then to be so rude to the people who are then effected by your mismanagement of the campground. We will not be back anytime soon.
Steven G
August 16, 2021
Great campground. The campground host is very helpful.
Sarah F
VerifiedAugust 16, 2021 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: BIG ROCK
This was the worst camping experience in Colorado we have ever had and we camp a lot. We arrived to our site in Big Rock Arapahoe Bay at 6 pm on a Friday after a two and half hour drive from Denver pulling our camp trailer through traffic. I was happy to be there well before dark in time to set up our site which we booked to be close to friends. The plan was to share meals, kayaks, and camp time with our buddies in the other site. When we arrived, another crew was set up in the spot we reserved and their tag said they were to check out on Saturday (the next day). We went to talk to the camp host to see what the situation was. This camp host was the rudest, most dismissive, ugliest woman I have ever spoken with. When I approached her to ask about the site, she immediately went on the defensive and started making strange excuses for why she gave someone else the site we had booked weeks in advance. She said the only site that was available was a site directly adjacent to the roadway and furthest away from our friends site. When I asked if we could please be moved back to the site we booked and that we would be willing to move in the morning after the other group had left, she refused. She also made no apologies for not contacting us in advance to let us know she had given our site to someone else. Her entire demeanor was extremely off-putting and her behavior very odd... she was completely unapologetic and aggressive about the fact that she would not help us and she was not sorry. She actually encouraged us to leave and go home. In her words... "you can take this site or you can leave; I'm not dealing with this because I am off-duty". And she had a group of friends partying in her trailer, so I don't blame her for wanting to be "off duty", but how can you possibly treat someone like that when you caused the confusion and inconvenience. And then to be so rude to the people who are then effected by your mismanagement of the campground. We will not be back anytime soon.
Steven G
August 16, 2021
Great campground. The campground host is very helpful.
John K
VerifiedAugust 14, 2021 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: BIG ROCK
Of the three camping loops at Arapaho Bay, the Big Rock loop is definitely our favorite. With tall shade trees, convenient water and bathroom locations, and easy access, we definitely recommend this campground!
John K
VerifiedAugust 14, 2021 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: BIG ROCK
Of the three camping loops at Arapaho Bay, the Big Rock loop is definitely our favorite. With tall shade trees, convenient water and bathroom locations, and easy access, we definitely recommend this campground!
Benjamin E
VerifiedAugust 9, 2021 • Stayed at: 018, Loop: BIG ROCK
The Big Rock campground is fine - nice views of the surrounding mountains and somewhat shaded, with plenty to do (Monarch Lake is fantastic), and far from noisy/main roads (too far?). My beef is with the campground host who is the most difficult and unpleasant person to have to interact with. We showed up around 8:30-9pm on a Thursday night for a Thursday reservation. Our spot had been recently taken and I was confused if we were even in the right spot. I went to the host to understand what was happening (whose camper was dark) and quickly got scolded for not showing up on time. I had changed the reservation a couple days ago (Tues) to show up Thur, rather than Wed, but she didn't care about any confirmation or email I had. Her record said I was supposed to show up on Wed, so she gave my spot away. She was also quick to point out that if I had a problem with her, I could bring it up with the Federal government. All this while I have a wife and two small kids waiting in the car, in the dark, to set up camp. My wife couldn't believe her behavior as well. I even returned the next morning to ask/understand if we could have our spot for the next two nights, and she went in her camper to swear (F-bomb this and that), before coming out to tell me again how I was wrong and should complain to someone else. I talked to her manager/supervisor (who was only slightly more helpful), and eventually it was sorted out (I was right and there was a system issue), and we were able to stay the next two nights. Regardless of the system issue, the hostess' behavior was atrocious and unacceptable. I didn't get the impression that this was a one-time issue for her. She should not have a job where she is allowed to deal with people. If you can avoid having to interact with her, your stay should be fine.
Benjamin E
VerifiedAugust 9, 2021 • Stayed at: 018, Loop: BIG ROCK
The Big Rock campground is fine - nice views of the surrounding mountains and somewhat shaded, with plenty to do (Monarch Lake is fantastic), and far from noisy/main roads (too far?). My beef is with the campground host who is the most difficult and unpleasant person to have to interact with. We showed up around 8:30-9pm on a Thursday night for a Thursday reservation. Our spot had been recently taken and I was confused if we were even in the right spot. I went to the host to understand what was happening (whose camper was dark) and quickly got scolded for not showing up on time. I had changed the reservation a couple days ago (Tues) to show up Thur, rather than Wed, but she didn't care about any confirmation or email I had. Her record said I was supposed to show up on Wed, so she gave my spot away. She was also quick to point out that if I had a problem with her, I could bring it up with the Federal government. All this while I have a wife and two small kids waiting in the car, in the dark, to set up camp. My wife couldn't believe her behavior as well. I even returned the next morning to ask/understand if we could have our spot for the next two nights, and she went in her camper to swear (F-bomb this and that), before coming out to tell me again how I was wrong and should complain to someone else. I talked to her manager/supervisor (who was only slightly more helpful), and eventually it was sorted out (I was right and there was a system issue), and we were able to stay the next two nights. Regardless of the system issue, the hostess' behavior was atrocious and unacceptable. I didn't get the impression that this was a one-time issue for her. She should not have a job where she is allowed to deal with people. If you can avoid having to interact with her, your stay should be fine.
Glen S
VerifiedAugust 5, 2021 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: BIG ROCK
Nice campground and reservation is recommended. Pit toilet was clean and water was available. Boat ramp was closed due to low water level.
Glen S
VerifiedAugust 5, 2021 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: BIG ROCK
Nice campground and reservation is recommended. Pit toilet was clean and water was available. Boat ramp was closed due to low water level.
Location & Directions for Arapaho Bay
9054 U.S Hwy 285, Morrison, CO 80465 United States
Elevation: 2,536 ft
Getting There
From the intersection of U.S. Highways 40 and 34 in Granby, head north on Highway 34 for about 5 mi to County Road 6. Go east for 9 mi to the campground.
Highway access
The campground is accessible via U.S. Highway 34, which is approximately 5 miles south from the intersection with U.S. Highway 40 in Granby.
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
- Stay at the campsite you reserved; swapping is not permitted.
Cancellation policy
- Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
- Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
- Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
- Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
- Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
- Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
- Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.
Utilities
- No water connections or utility hookups for RVs.
Wildlife & food storage
- Keep your campsite clean and avoid food attractants to ensure safety from bears.
Safety & rules
- All boats must be inspected to prevent invasive species.
Fees & deposits
- Admission fees apply for the Arapaho National Recreation Area: $5 for one day, $10 for three days, $15 for a week, $30 for a year.
Site capacity
- Some sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Campsites must be occupied within 26 hours of reservation start or will be re-rented.
- Tents must be set up on the designated pads.
General
- https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/arp for more information on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests
Fires & fuel
- Obtain firewood locally and burn it on-site to prevent harmful organisms.
- Fire restrictions may apply during hot, dry weather; campfires might be prohibited.
Vehicles & parking
- Extra vehicles incur a fee of $8 per vehicle per night, payable to the camphost.
- Vehicles must fit on the designated parking spur; off-road parking is not allowed.
Pets
- All pets must be kept on a leash at all times.
Cancellation policy
- Reservation modifications must be made before the start date through Recreation.gov.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: October 18, 2026
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Explore Morrison, CO
Population: 412
Elevation: 5,764 ft
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