About WEST LAKE
Overview West Lake Campground is located 48 miles northwest of Fort Collins, in north central Colorado, near the village of Red Feather Lakes. Visitors enjoy the area for its canoeing, fishing and trail opportunities.Recreation Canoeing and fishing are popular activities on the 25-acre, no-wake West Lake. Anglers cast for rainbow and lake trout. Several additional lakes are in the vicinity. Many hiking, biking and horseback riding trails are in the surrounding area, including the 1.5-mile West Lake Trail and 4-mile Mount Margaret Trail. Several off-road vehicle trails are located within five miles of the campground. Other popular activities include viewing wildlife and visiting nearby Redfeather Visitor Center.Facilities The campground offers 31 accessible single- and double-family campsites, with electric hookups. Five additional sites are designated for tent camping only and do not have hookups. Each site contains a tent pad, picnic table and campfire ring with grill. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Firewood may be gathered in the forest or purchased from the campground host.Natural Features The campground is situated in a ponderosa pine forest, on the shore of West Lake, at an elevation of 8,200 feet. Afternoon thunderstorms can be expected during spring and summer months. Due to the mountain pine beetle infestation and removal of hazardous trees, some sites have reduced shade. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (530) 529-0578. Nearby Attractions The small village of Red Feather Lakes is nearby, offering limited dining options, gift shops, general stores, a library, post office and golf course.Charges & Cancellations Modifications for this campground must be made through Recreation.gov or by calling the call center at 1-877-444-6777 PRIOR to your reservation start date. Customers and contact center agents cannot modify reservations on or after the check-in date.
How to Get There
From Fort Collins, take Highway 287 north approximately 24 miles to Livermore. Turn west on County Road 74 and continue 24 miles to the campground.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to WEST LAKE
Heading to WEST LAKE? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for WEST LAKE?
No central reservation system listed for WEST LAKE. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/231855) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to WEST LAKE?
From Fort Collins, take Highway 287 north approximately 24 miles to Livermore. Turn west on County Road 74 and continue 24 miles to the campground.
How do I contact WEST LAKE?
You can reach the park at phone: 970-295-6700.
References & Official Resources
