3-Day: Poudre Canyon Chambers Lake Campground

The campground, at 9200', is located 63 miles west of Fort Collins, off Hwy 14.  Sites 32 - 51 are the best offering excellent spacing, lake views, privacy and lake views.  Sites 45-51 are walk in tent sites, with 51 being the most desirable.  The 2020 fire did approach the campground so mountainside views are not pristine.

Nearest town:  Fort Collins

Amenities:  picnic tables, bear vaults, fire grates, firewood for sale within camp, potable water, vault toilets, playground, day-use area, amphitheater, boat ramp.  Water sports include fishing for rainbow and brown trout, and mackinaws.  Additional fishing is available along the lake trail to Fall Creek and to Lost Lake and the Laramie River.  Motor boats are allowed but must be wakeless; no swimming; canoeing and kayaking allowed.  Coin operated showers at Mountain Park Campground a short drive away.

Reservations:  There are six non-reservable sites that will probably be filled with walk-in campers by Thursday, so go early if you don't make a reservation.  Campground is very popular so making reservations by March 1 is suggested.  Recreation.gov  970 295 6700

Local manager:  www.AmericanLL.com  801 226 3564

Driving Directions:  From I-25 in Fort Collins, take Hwy 287 N for 10 miles to Ted's Place, then take Hwy 14 west for 50 miles to the campground

Fees:  Campsite fees $34 per site x 2 nites/2 - $34 per person. Leaders must reserve and pay for reservable sites in advance; reimbursement due date from campers is determined by the leader.  Baseline carpool fees to and from campground  144 miles x $.30/3 per vehicle = $14.40  Additional mileage can be added for driving to and from trail heads.

Nearest 24/7 ER:  Poudre Valley Hospital 1024 S Lemay Ave, Fort Collins 970 495 8020

Larimer County Sheriff:  970 498 5100  2501 Midpoint Drive, Fort Collins 

Suggested Backpacking Section (BPX) itinerary for 3-day trip to be used for CMC trips led by BPX leaders for BPX members.

Day 1 - drive to Chambers Lake campground, set up camp, fish, leisure in camp

Note:  Chambers Lake Loop trail closed, not maintained

Day 2 - fish, leisure in camp, boat or drive to TH for Blue Lake on Hwy 14.  Trail leads to Blue Lake, Blue Lake Pass and into Rawah Wilderness which was burned in 2020 fire.  Check with Forest Service 970 295 6600

Day 3 - break camp and hike Sawmill Trail from same trail head as Blue Lake, return to meeting location

Note:  There are multiple campgrounds and trailheads along Highway 14 ranging in elevation from 5800' to 10,220' .  Campgrounds which do  not allow RVs are Grandview, Tom Bennett; State Forest State Park is about 75 miles NW of Fort Collins, over Cameron Pass and has 225 sites.

Due to the 2020 fire, check with FS about trail closures

• Suitable Activities: Camping
• Seasons: June, July, August, September
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: varies

• Land Manager: U.S. Forest Service
  Canyon Lakes Ranger District (ARNF)
• Parking Permit Required: USFS Permits & Passes
• Recommended Party Size: 6
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12