3-Day: Lake Granby Arapaho Bay Campground

Arapaho Bay Campground, at 8,320' elevation, offers 81 campsites on the southeast shore of Lake Granby. This campground is rated by "Colorado Campgrounds," p.53, as four-stars for scenery, three stars for tents, and one star for both shade and privacy. The Big Rock Loop (sites 1-22) sits in a nice lodgepole forest, but is farthest from the water and lacks lake and mountain views. Moraine Loop (sites 23-51) has several likeside sites but most beetle killed trees have  been removed. Roaring Fork Loop (sites 52-84) has great waterside sites but no shade or privacy.  

Amenities: picnic tables, fire grates, bear vaults, water faucets, vault toilets and firewood for sale.

Tent Notes: Most sites have tent pads. Sites 57-66 have wonderful walk-ins near the lake. Site 62 is a favorite and 57-61 are all lovely lakeside sites but spaced close together.

Reservations: 6 months in advanced is critical at Recreation.gov or 800-444-6777. These sites fill fast. Site fees are $30 plus tax and fees. Recommend two single or double tents per site. When shared by two campers, a three-day trips (two nights) will cost each camper a nonrefundable $30. 

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 Mohawk Lake Trailhead, hike Mohawk Lake Trail (4 miles/500'EG), Drive to  campsite, set up camp for two nights.

Day 2 - Day hike Knight Ridge Trail (6 miles/1300'EG) or beyond, if desired

Day 3 - Break camp, drive to Strawberry Lake Trail to Strawberry Lake (4 miles/1000'EG), then drive home.

Activities:

Hiking: many trails in the area

Fishing: Lake, brown, brook, rainbow, and cutthroat trout and Kokanee salmon

Wildlife observations: particularly ospreys and bald eagles

Notes: 

The Arapaho National Recreation Area fee applies in addition to site reservation.   

Dogs must be leashed

Cell coverage spotty

• Suitable Activities: Camping
• Snowshoeing Category: Basic
• Seasons: Year-round
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: varies
• Elevation Gain: 2,500 ft
• High Point: 9,200 ft

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