Camping near San Isabel National Forest

89% (72 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next San Isabel National Forest adventure.

Walk along the footsteps of giants in this natural Rocky Mountain playground.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near San Isabel National Forest

Public campgrounds in the park

Stay at a public campground in San Isabel National Forest

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Baby Doe Campground

48 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Father Dyer Campground

23 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

May Queen Campground

13 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

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Molly Brown Campground

47 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Printer Boy Campground

4 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

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Silver Dollar Campground

39 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Angel of Shavano Group Campground

1 site · RV, Tent In San Isabel National Forest

Cascade Campground

21 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

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Chalk Lake Campground

19 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

94%

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Collegiate Peaks Campground

56 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Monarch Park Campground

35 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

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Mount Princeton Campground

19 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

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O'Haver Lake Campground

32 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

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Alvarado Campground

50 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

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Davenport Campground

12 sites In San Isabel National Forest

Southside Campground

8 sites In San Isabel National Forest

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St Charles Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

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Belle of Colorado Campground

1 site In San Isabel National Forest

Emerald Lake, just near the campground. Great place to catch trout and enjoy a breathtaking view!

67%

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Elbert Creek Campground

17 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

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Halfmoon East Campground

5 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

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Halfmoon West Campground

16 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Matchless Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

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Parry Peak Campground

25 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Tabor Campground

35 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

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Twin Peaks Campground

36 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Hayden Creek Campground

11 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Iron City Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

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North Fork Campground

9 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Blue Lake Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Lake Creek Campground

11 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

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Ophir Creek Campground

31 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Bassam Guard Station

1 site In San Isabel National Forest

67%

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Lake Isabel Cabin

1 site In San Isabel National Forest

Lakeview Campground

35 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

The view from a campsite just up the road closer to the Elbert TH.

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White Star Campground

49 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

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Purgatoire Campground

23 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

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Bootleg Campground

1 site In San Isabel National Forest

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Oak Creek Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

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La Vista Campground

29 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

A waterfall, just a little bit up the road from Angel of Shavano Campground!

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Angel of Shavano Campground

20 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Coaldale Campground

10 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

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Bear Lake Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Mingus Ranch Campground

1 site In San Isabel National Forest

Ponderosa Campground

1 site · RV, Tent In San Isabel National Forest

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Cottonwood Lake Campground

24 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

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Cordova Pass Picnic Area and Campground

3 sites · RVs, Tents In San Isabel National Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near San Isabel National Forest

91%

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Sweetwater River Resort

68 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents31 acres · Cotopaxi, CO

Sweetwater River Resort is located right on the Arkansas River, 30 minutes from Canyon City and 30 minutes from Salida where Hwy 50 follows the river through Bighorn Canyon. Skiers, we are only 40 miles from Monarch Ski Resort. We do offer fly fishing lessons and fly rod rentals on arrival. Sweetwater is the perfect getaway for anglers, hikers, rafters or nature-lovers. You’ll find uncrowded sites to unwind on our private 1/2 mile stretch of the Arkansas. At night you’ll find the clearest skies around, perfect for stargazing. Experience a range of accommodations at Sweetwater River Resort, from budget-friendly cabins to glamping tents to old-timey cabins and RV sites. For larger groups, we offer a spacious house overlooking the Arkansas River, all just a short distance from the river itself. Sweetwater is a short drive from 45 miles of 4x4 and ATV trails at Texas Creek, the Arkansas Headwaters Hiking Area, Vallie Bridge, Loma Linda, Lone Pine, Hayden Creek, Royal Gorge and Rainbow Trail near Westcliffe. It's the perfect base for river rafting trips throughout the season as well as a private stretch of blue-ribbon water for trout fishing. Come stay with us and experience all that Sweetwater River Resort has to offer!

95%

(71)

Yeti Sanctuary

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres · Florissant, CO

Situated on almost 4.5 acres of partially wooded acres, with a small lake, We have 6 beautiful campsites. Two can be used by an RV, two cabins, and the others for tents. There are great hammocking spots amongst the trees and bolders.. Enjoy the rugged beauty in Florissant, CO, with seasonal Aspen foliage and wildflowers, and a lot of birds, for the avid bird watchers. Florissant Fossil Beds Natl Monument is 7 miles away, with a Night Sky program, at every new moon. Plenty of winter activities … Ice skating on the lake, Snowshoeing and cross country sking in Pike National Forest only 2 miles away. Florissant Mercantile is 5 miles away, for your needed supplies. Come and enjoy the quiet beauty and peaceful atmosphere, of Colorado's beautiful mountains.

97%

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High Peaks Campground

22 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Moffat, CO

Welcome to the San Luis Valley; the largest Alpine Valley in the world! San Luis Valley is a region in south-central Colorado with a small portion overlapping into New Mexico. The valley is approximately 122 miles long and 74 miles wide, making it the largest alpine valley in the world. It extends from the Continental Divide on the northwest rim into New Mexico on the south. This campground sits close to the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. I encourage binoculars or even a telescope to view wildlife and check out the Rockies and then the night sky views! Looking to submerse yourself in nature? The Sangre de Cristo Range in Colorado contains the following 14ers: Blanca Peak, Challenger Point, Crestone Needle, Crestone Peak, Culebra Peak, Ellingwood Point, Humboldt Peak, Kit Carson Peak, Mount Lindsey, and Little Bear Peak. Great Sand Dunes are visible from every site. With unlimited mountain views, beautiful starry night skies, come see the Milky Way, Eclipse, even Meteor showers!!! History: this land was originally part of a large cattle ranch in the 1980s. The main ranch is still up and running but this parcel was used for many purposes over the years. In 2021, we were featured in USA Todays Ten Best for star gazing! My property has 360 degree mountains views with the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range as our back yard. Nearby you can find many different trail systems for all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking to jeeping, ATV or dirt biking and equestrians - you can find it all! You will be surrounded by BLM land, BACA land, and Wildlife Refuge just two miles away. Be sure to bring extra bug spray and protection needed against biting insects such as flies, gnats, and mosquitoes. For those bringing your pets, they MUST be on a leash/lead at all times. While I do not have much cactus on my property, I do have an abundance of greasewood (Chico brush) which is very thorn-like if stepped on. Accommodations for those with livestock or horses, just make sure you chat in advance your initial message. Close to BLM, and National Forest as well as 3 hot springs within 20 miles and the Great Sand Dunes. We are still under construction and making changes often so bear with us while we continue to add and change things for the better!

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Four Seasons RV Park

68 sites · RVs10 acres · Salida, CO

We are excited to be your beautiful basecamp for countless outdoor activities or a peaceful pad to simply unwind and relax next to our rambling river. Four Seasons is located just a mile outside the vibrant Mountain Town of Salida, and inside the historic Area of Cleora. The settlement started as a stagecoach stop on the Barlow Sanderson Stagecoach line. Explore natural landmarks, hiking trails and a range of activities for the whole family.

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Frenchman's Creek Ranch

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Buena Vista, CO

We have a 100+ acre working ranch with access to the Arkansas river for fishing, kayaking or just dipping your feet in. We have great views of the Collegiate Peaks 14ers and the Harvard trail is just up the hill. Frenchman's creek runs through the ranch which has hay fields, aspens, cottonwoods, pinons, cows, chickens, sheep and pigs. Deer, elk, coyotes and bobcats also wander through. We are 15 minutes from BV, 10 minutes from Clear Creek Reservoir, 20 minutes from Twin Lakes and 30 minutes from Leadville.

97%

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Creekside Chalets

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Salida, CO

Welcome to Creekside Chalets Escape from the stresses of everyday life with a rejuvenating mountain vacation. Here you can revel in the beauty of the mountains, relax to the sounds of the river, and experience an unforgettable trip. Our cozy and charming cabins & campsites offer stunning views, wonderful amenities, and an unbeatable location. Nestled among picturesque peaks, there is no shortage of lovely sights when you stay in our campsites & cabins. Every season is equally lovely. From snow-capped peaks in the winter to bright gold aspen leaves in the fall, you’ll never be left wanting when it comes to picture-perfect surroundings. We are just minutes from Monarch Mountain, which boasts 800 ski-able acres and an annual average snowfall of over 350 inches. Just a short drive east of our cabins is Salida, Colorado known as the ‘Gem of the Rockies’. This small but vibrant town offers a number of restaurants and shops as well as festivals and events throughout the year. New for 2023 Creekside Chalets has added 3 Creekside Camping spots all with access to the North Fork of the South Arkansas creek that flows through the property. The sites are located in an aspen grove along the creek with a picnic table provided and room to park one vehicle up to 20 feet long and space for a tent. 30 amp power is provided to each site, a porta-potty within 250 feet and water from a camp spigot. The campsites are pet friendly, $30 per pet per stay, max 2 pets.

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Camp Lake View

1 site · RV, Tent38 acres · Guffey, CO

Learn more about this land:This camp site is directly across the road from Eleven Mile Reservoir. With this site being around 3000 feet from the reservoir you will be able to enjoy all the amazing views and amenities the reservoir has to offer without the crowded camp grounds. You will need a park pass to access the reservoir but not to camp on the land. A 1/4 mile down the road is access to nation forest for going off road or get a parks pass and fish at one of the many amazing fisheries in the area like Eleven mile, Spinney and Eleven mile canyon. The south shore boat ramp is less than 4 miles away. This area does get windy so be careful setting up awnings and pop up tents or anything the wind likes to blow away. The site has a slight pitch but leveling out your camper should be relatively easy. No trees on the land to block your 360 degree mountain views.

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Observatory At South Park

9 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Fairplay, CO

Observatory At South Park! THE UNIVERSE AWAITS With an incredable Night Sky, The Observatory at South Park is located on 5.37 acres in Harstel Colorado. According to web site Darksitefinder.com, The Observatory at South Park location is rated Dark Blue! That's the 3rd darkest on their scale with Gray & Black skies to the South & West. Telescope Our main Telescope this year is a custom built well-crafted 13-inch Dobsonian telescope. This scope created by Robert Teeter of Teeters Telescopes has a 13in primary mirror. Stay Up with us! See Planets, Moons, Rings, Star Clusters, Nebulas, Galaxies and more! Outdoor recreation is the maindraw to the area, The pristine South Platt River flows thru Hartsel/South Park offering great trout fishing year round. The South Platt fills 3 awesome Reservoirs, Antero, Spinney, and Eleven Mile State Park with boating, fishing, hiking, biking, swimming. Hunting is also popular on Federal lands and stat wildlife areas.

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Camp Penguin at WPR

5 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · Cañon City, CO

Learn more about this land: Note: NO FIREWORKS or GUNS are allowed to be used on the property. #WanderingPenguinRanch #CampPenguin #LifeOnTheMountain Don't forget we're at over 9,000 feet elevation and temperatures and weather conditions can vary greatly. Be prepared for all seasons!!! Camp fire usage depends on current weather conditions at the time of visits in addition to any state/county restrictions that may be in place (host approval required)!!! IF there are no restrictions and fires are allowed, we have firewood bundles and/or starter packs for purchase at $10/bundle/pack. We also have two propane fire pits available for rent (see "extras"), or you are welcome to bring your own. If you have purchased wood and there are restrictions/bans, we will gladly apply your wood purchase the rental of a propane pit. Propane fire pit usage may also be restricted by current conditions or state/county restrictions! Fresh eggs are available for purchase (when the girls are cooperating) by the dozen, or half dozen (see "extras"). You are welcome to go "visit" the chickens. Their coop is next to the large blue shop/barn. *UPON ARRIVAL at the property, please WAIT INSIDE our main gate (unless otherwise directed via prior communication with host). The host(s) will meet you there shortly after passing through the gate and direct you to your site. ----------------------- Camp Penguin at Wandering Penguin Ranch (facebook.com/CampPenguin) in southern Colorado is about a 3 hour drive from the Denver metro area, two hours from Colorado Springs and just under an hour north west of Canon City. We provide a variety of site options to choose from including tent sites, car/van/truck sites, and rustic trailer site options - all with NO amenities (NO electric/septic/water, etc). Additional vehicle parking on the property can be accommodated for groups with more than one vehicle. Please provide type of camper/tent and number of vehicles at booking so hosts can help direct you to the best site option available. Guests can relax around our small pond or roam freely around our 35-acre property. There is both hiking and fishing at Badger Creek only a short drive away. Waugh Mountain State Trust Land is another hiking option and is also just a short drive up the road (*NOTE: the State of Colorado now requires a valid hunting/fishing license to access state trust lands)! Additionally, we are about 45-90 minutes away from a variety of alternative adventures! Some of these include Salida, Cripple Creek, Eleven Mile Reservoir, Paradise Cove Swimming Hole, Florissant Fossil Beds, Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center, Manitou Incline, Manitou Cliff Dwellings, Cave of the Winds, Seven Falls, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience, several rafting/zipline and Jeep tour companies, Westcliffe, Bishop Castle and Canon City including Skyline Drive, Tunnel Drive, Royal Gorge Train, Museum of Colorado Prisons and The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey. Any of these can be done as a day trip or visited while on your way here, or home. (*NOTE: some of these attractions are free, some require a fee and some are seasonal. To avoid disappointment, PLEASE do your own research prior to arrival)! Guests need to be self-sustaining to camp here as there are no facilities nearby (gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, etc.)! But, if you are looking for a peaceful, quiet getaway to commune with nature, a chance to see wildlife and simply relax.... We're your place - book your visit now!!!

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Twin Bridges Campground

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Coaldale, CO

Overnight, Seasonal, and Extended Stay Camping, we are open year-round. We have 30/50amp sites (shade and partial shade) around our lake, 20 amp in the "upper campground," and dry camping (full facilities) along the Arkansas River (Gold Medal fishing) with access for all campers for fishing and floating. Many of our sites are great for star-gazing, watching meteors, looking for fireflies, and seeing the birds zip on by. We are conveniently located on Hwy 50, in Bighorn Sheep Canyon, and have all sorts of rental options for your outdoor adventure needs. Whether you want to pitch a tent, try out the glamping experience, enjoy the convenience of an RV, or rent one of our fully equipped RVs, we have the perfect spot for you. We have four entrances marked by sail flags into the campground, two by the lake, one near the bathhouse, and one by the post office (on our property). The map of the Arkansas River has our campground listed! Adventure awaits with home to the highest mountain peaks in Colorado and the river and 102 miles of Trout Gold Medal Water. There is access to white water rafting, guided fishing, and fishing lessons. There are at least 5 hot springs within 60 miles of Twin Bridges Campground. Salida is considered the white-water rafting capitol of the US by some and has a whitewater park and surfing wave. Salida area is also home to a ton of hiking (14'ers anyone?) and mountain biking trails. The Royal Gorge is a quick 30 minute drive with restaurants and other fun near Canon City. The Sand Dunes are 90 minutes and Monarch Ski Area is 45, we have some of the best bird watching! Warbling Vireo, Western Wood-peewee, Cassin's Kingbird to name a few.

Booked 4 times

Monarch Spur RV Park and Campground

52 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents46 acres · Salida, CO

Nestled in a small valley in the San Isabel National Forest along the south fork of the Arkansas River, Monarch Spur RV Park and Campground is at 8,620 feet above sea level – literally in the Heart of the Rockies. We offer free Wi-Fi access, clean laundry and shower facilities, and a camp store with last-minute supplies and snacks. Our RV guests can enjoy 60-foot+, pull-thru sites with full hook-ups, including 20, 30 and 50 amps of power. We also have tent campsites with the south fork of the Arkansas river close by.

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Mountain Bird Alpine Desert

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Moffat, CO

Our land is out away from all the noise and lights. You can see the milky way and the stars at night are amazing. then to have the view of the Sangre de Christo mountain range is amazing to enjoy. The surrounding valley has lots to offer from the quant little towns and coffee shops to the home style meals at the restaurants. and all the hot springs are amazing. Your site is overlooking the Sangre de Christo mountain range. The land is Alpine desert with sagebrush and ground cactus and incredible star gazing. There are 2 great hiking trails within a couple miles. There are 3 hot springs within 30 minutes. The Great sand dunes national park is within 1hr. The San Luis valley offers, hiking, mountain biking, ATV trail, Horse back riding, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, rafting, refuges for wildlife watching. New for 2024, The flushable toilet and shower are now operational. The shower house is located in the center of the loop with sites 1,2,3 on the south side of the building. It has an on demand water heater, there is also a a flushable toilet located in the same space. An important note about the toilet, Do Not flush anything other than toilet paper please. DO NOT flush feminine hygiene products, napkins or hand wipes or anything other than toilet paper. These type of things plug and burn up the pump while pumping out the tank. This will cause the toilet to be unusable. ATTENTION: THE SHOWER HOUSE AND TOILET WILL BE SHUTTING DOWN AND GETTING WINTERIZED OCTOBER 1ST UNTIL MAY 1ST. No fireworks are permitted at any time.

The best camping near San Isabel National Forest guide

Overview

About

This park's location in the Rocky Mountains makes it a magnet for mountain climbers. You've got 19 14'ers to choose from! The big one is Mount Elbert, the highest summit in all the Rockies at 14,440 feet. You can also hit the second-highest, Mount Massive, and the fifth-highest, La Plata.

If you've got kids with you on your adventure, definitely hit the Picketwire Canyon Trail. This trail takes you to the largest known sample of dinosaur tracks in the country! Getting all the way through this 10.6-mile haul is a serious undertaking, so pack plenty of water.

Prefer a less strenuous, more relaxing San Isabel experience? High-altitude fishing at Chalk Creek or Cottonwood Creek is great for landing trout. Be sure to come between July and September. These alpine lakes often ice over during the colder months of the year.

With over 300 days of sunshine, we're sure you'll be baggin' peaks and takin' names in no time!

89%

72 ratings · 40 reviews

Recommends

· July 2021

Love this place. 10,200 feet up in the Rockies, big sites, clear Alpine lake full of trout. Been going many years but this was our best trip. Lake recently stocked with trout, caught 2 salmon in the runoffs. The camphosts Sara and Roy are awesome. Clean bathrooms, clean sites, great tips, warm, fun and welcoming. Grandkids loved Junior Ranger activities from them. Best hosts experienced in all of our 7 trips there. Book in advance, sites get locked in 6 mos in advance, for good reason!

Mark R.

3 years on Hipcamp

Not recommend

· June 2021

This campground is best suited for campers that have no children or pets, people who will spend zero time at their campsite or folks who are in their tent/camper by 9:30 pm. **This campground has zero tolerance for children** - Quiet hours between 10pm - 8am mean: No more than 8 people around the fire, even if you’re quiet. You cannot ride your bike from one campsite to another because your headlamp might bother someone. No talking. No music, even if it can’t be heard outside your campsite. No laughing. (We seriously got yelled at for laughing when they told us there were 6 minutes and 33 seconds left until quiet time). Sara and Roy are the most aggressive camp hosts we’ve ever encountered.

Sam D.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2021

We camped at a spot right by the bathroom. I went with my parents, sister, aunt, uncle, and my 3 year old daughter. The couple who runs the property had wood for sale on site. They did great! In the 3 days we were there they serviced the bathroom multiple times. Unfortunately, someone tagged the bathroom while we were there(wtf guys) and they had to shut down for a few hours to clean it up. They were on it right away though. They came through to tell us goodbye while we packed up. We did walk through the other sites and down to the river, very beautiful property. Lake and fishing areas were only 15 minutes away! I will be bringing my hubby and kids later this year so my little family can experience it. We had 1 popup, 3 tents, 3 cars.

Brittney R.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2020

Quaint lovely little campground in a valley with huge sites and lots of wooded areas to explore. Stayed in site 17 which was adjacent to a tributary (there are several in the area) which was nice for washing pots and pans. Enjoyed exploring the surrounding hillsides and the rustle of the leaves in this secluded spot. There are also options for dispersed camping on the road leading into the campground. Thorough enjoyed.

Mark S.

9 years on Hipcamp

July 2020

Great camping experience. The camp host, Tom, was super helpful and friendly. I have stayed at this campground many times and it is never disappointing.

Jennifer R.

4 years on Hipcamp

January 2020

Great camp. Large wooded sites, with great trails nearby. Easy quarter mile walk to Turquoise Lake. Quiet and secluded. Can't go wrong.

Mark S.

9 years on Hipcamp

July 2019

typical FS campground in some ways, but it's laid out nicely. Some serious hikes here.

Jeff L.

10 reviews

June 2019

This site is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! I'm from Kansas City, KS and it's hard to escape the city for some nice dark, peace and quiet. I originally saw the town Westcliffe in a Real Big Story video promoting the town as a dark city. We happened to be going rafting in Cañon City the next valley over and decided to stop and camp. There's plenty of wood lying about or for purchase, the bathrooms are well kept, and didn't experience any bugs! The sky is GORGEOUS! Just when you think it can't get any better it does! It probably peaked at around 2AM and you can see the entire Milkyway with your naked eye. It's great for long exposure photography as well. It's very peaceful, and we've been back twice now. If you're trying to get away... this is it.

Josh L.

6 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2019

I love this campground, this is my all time favorite lake to camp on in Colorado with kids!

Sheena H.

6 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2018

This is one of the most beautiful camps I've ever seen!! Make sure to bring warm clothes!!

Mya M.

6 years on Hipcamp

August 2018

Amazing views of Chalk Cliffs and mountains. The sound of the river makes a great soundtrack for falling asleep. The ghost town of St Elmo is 15 minutes up the road and worth the trip.