Reservable campsites and first come, first served campites.
About
This enormous (1,106,604 acres!) national forest sits in Colorado's Front Range, west of Colorado Springs.
Amateur mountaineers might want to challenge themselves against the famous Pikes Peak. There's a reason the view from the mountaintop inspired the classic "America the Beautiful!" It's a particularly tough hike at 13.5 miles of rugged terrain, though.
The convenient midpoint of Barr Camp lets you stop to rest, eat or sleep. Looking for a great view but not so great of a challenge? Drive partway up Pikes Peak Highway and snag the free shuttle to reach the summit.
Other major peaks in the forest include Mount Bierstadt and Mount Evans. All are among Colorado's 53 "fourteeners," peak
This enormous (1,106,604 acres!) national forest sits in Colorado's Front Range, west of Colorado Springs.
Amateur mountaineers might want to challenge themselves against the famous Pikes Peak. There's a reason the view from the mountaintop inspired the classic "America the Beautiful!" It's a particularly tough hike at 13.5 miles of rugged terrain, though.
The convenient midpoint of Barr Camp lets you stop to rest, eat or sleep. Looking for a great view but not so great of a challenge? Drive partway up Pikes Peak Highway and snag the free shuttle to reach the summit.
Other major peaks in the forest include Mount Bierstadt and Mount Evans. All are among Colorado's 53 "fourteeners," peaks with elevations of 14,000 feet or more.
If slightly more leisurely exploration is your bag, definitely head into the Lost Creek Wilderness. A 27.6-mile loop trail takes you through gorgeous valleys and streams. Multiple campgrounds make it easy to turn this into an overnight adventure.
Nestled within the well-hidden confines of the areas heavy vegetation, Lost Park Campground is inundated with a string of a few, primitive campsites. Here, you’ll be able to enjoy the Summer and Spring activities (like the area’s high-elevated hiking trails) and well-manicured picnic tables; take note that this park is closed during the winter mon Read more...
Head high into the mountains and spend the night with moose, elk, golden eagles, and porcupines at Timberline Campground. Timberline is rustic and secluded, and the campsites are flat, shady, and darn-near perfect. Hike a section of the Colorado Trail, drag the kids to town to check out the South Park City Museum, or just chill at the campground a Read more...
Painted Rocks is a rustic, family-friendly campground on the edge of a sunny meadow and close to easy hiking, biking, fishing, and paddling opportunities. Not a party spot by any stretch of the imagination, this place is magic for kids, dogs, and relaxation experts. The popular Centennial Bike Trail is just 1/2-mile from the campground, and the 5- Read more...
With plenty of campsites to choose from, South Meadows Campground is a great choice to kick-off a long holiday weekend camp extravaganza. Your camp’s got all the hooked-up amenities AND is a stones throw from the Centennial Trail, a path connecting Manitou Lake to the town of Woodland Park. So after chillin’ at the lake with your crew, swing by ca Read more...
Come find somebody to love at Jefferson Creek Campground. Don’t be shy, there's no shame in this nature game! That somebody can be a creek, a lake, a conifer tree. Sitting atop a ridge overlooking its namesake creek, it’s hard not to fall in the love with the scenery. Located 1 mile from Jefferson Lake means you are only a short walk away from som Read more...
Families take notice--Colorado Campground may lack the excitement of Disney World, but it’s a perfect weekend destination for unplugging and honing your fishing and paddling skills. Situated almost 8,000 feet above sea level, and just a short walk from pristine Manitou Lake, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more peaceful and secluded spot than thi Read more...
Fiending for that mountain-life experience? Creekside camping at Aspen Campground is the perfect way to free your head. Let yourself be lulled by the fresh air of aspens and spruce, and follow your feet a few miles to Jefferson Lake, a pristine high elevation lake surrounded by 12,000-foot peaks, and try your hand at trout fishing or dip your toes Read more...
Twin Eagle Campground Is seasonally available campsites are all seasonally available, offering just a few primitive campsites to choose from; the general area is, however, open year-round. Make note to either bring your own water supply or some sort of filtering device―because you’re going to be hella’ thirsty if you don’t Make note that Twin Eagl Read more...
Feel the wind in your hair and the rush of freedom at Flat Rocks Campground, a rugged, woodsy destination much more exciting than its name would suggest. Perfect for ATV and motorcycle riders, Flat Rocks lets you ride your vehicles right into the grounds and connect up with surrounding trails. It’s also an alternative for hikers and sightseers wan Read more...
Do you consider yourself a purveyor of adventures? Then you best gather the crew and head to Spillway Campground. Hugging the South Platte River, this prime spot offers gorgeous views of the surrounding wild and is watched over by spruce and ponderosa pine. Its neighbors with Eleven Mile Canyon, which was cut by the river back in the day. Tape up Read more...
Get swept away by the encompassing views of the mountain ranges here at Springer Gulch Campground. Inside the Eleven Mile Canyon, you can enjoy a short walk to the South Platter River (fly fishing galore!) or take to the nearby Overlook Trail for killer views of the entire canyon. This is also a rock climber’s paradise, offering plenty of crags an Read more...
River access? Yes, please! Ouzel Campground is one of several places in the area to enjoy the South Platte River along with some some quality peace and quiet. This is a tent-only site with no host, so those who like their camping DIY will have reason to rejoice. Firewood is available at nearby Lone Rock Campground. Beer and marshmallows, those are Read more...
Sweet valley high! Enjoy spectacular mountain and forest scenery at Burning Bear Campground, a smaller, rustic destination in a prime viewing area known as the “high country” that may be. . . erm, highly in demand come summer. The Mount Evans Wilderness and Burning Bear trail are both fair game for hiking, biking and larger-than-life sightseeing. Read more...
The Crags is a geological wonder near Colorado Springs. Think giant pillars of eroded stone reaching high into the clouds like a colossal, sleeping creature from another world. Most people who venture out to the Crags Campground are embarking on the 2-mile hike to get a glimpse of these magnificent natural monsters! It’s a popular trail, but the c Read more...
Kenosha Pass Campground is small but mighty. A backpacker’s dream, this family-friendly settlement is situated among Kenosha Pass, one of our nation’s highest mountain passes. At a 10,000 feet altitude, there’s no wonder they call this the High Country! Get that natural high from sights of wildflower and wildlife that thrives in this wonderland. Read more...
Those snow capped mountains you see are actually called “Buffalo Peaks,” located mere miles from Weston Campground! Like Blue Mountain Campground, you’ll be catching your breath while pitching-up your well-insulated tent at one of the area’s fourteen campsites. Get ready for some high altitude adventurin'. Read more...
Just a stone’s throw away from Colorado Springs, the Pike Community campground is the perfect place for, well, community. There’s baseball fields, a sand volleyball court, a playground, and a horseshoe pit, all surrounded by ponderosa pine forest. With so many sports options you might as well bring the whole group. And since the campground is esse Read more...
Tent? Check. Beer? If someone's gonna carry it in and out! Keep things simple at Platte River Campground, where you’ll have to make do with what you can lug to and from your site. With no host around but specific quiet hours, you’ve gotta be on your best behavior and make your own fun. But none of that’s a problem, right? Enjoy the river during th Read more...
Ahh, it smells like mountains and fresh pine needles out here (this rustic group campsite is surrounded by tall, ponderosa pines on all sides). Stay the night or reserve it for the day--either way, your group is going to love you for finding such a prime location. A mere 20 miles from Colorado Springs, it’ll be easy to get the gang back together a Read more...
Devil’s Head Campground is a hugely popular landmark destination known for its cool rock formations. And to answer your question, yes, the campground is named after one such cool rock formation that looks like. . . you guessed it. Sites are limited and first-come, first-served, so you’ll want to snag yours before heading out to enjoy crazy spectac Read more...
Make your summer unforgettable soaking in the creekside sun, catching your meals, and living by the discourses of nature. All this and more can be done at Lodgepole Campground. Located in what seems like the center of all that is rad, nearby recreation includes hiking, biking, or horseback riding the Colorado Trail or the Jefferson Loop Trail. Chi Read more...
Scenically located in the rocky canvassed confines of Tarryall Creek, Spruce Grove Campground is within twelve-miles of hustle-’n’-bustle of Lake George. And, at an elevation of nearly nine-thousand-feet, you’re inundated with bird eye views of MCcurdy Mountain’s green foothills; both primitive and electrically-fed campsites are available for rese Read more...
If you like your summers mild, your creeks close, and your major cities a distant memory, Buffalo Campground might be just for you! An easy place to camp with a family or small group, this popular summer destination gives everyone privacy while still keeping neighbors close. Take a crack at hiking or biking on the nearby Colorado Trail, indulge in Read more...
Kelsey Campground is leisure on ‘roids for all of you sporty campers. Get pumped on fishing, biking, hiking and even horseback riding. One of two awesome campgrounds within the Buffalo Creek Recreation Area, Kesley is the hub for a 40-mile trail system of hiking that happily welcomes feet, hooves and wheels all the same. One Love. Just an hour out Read more...
Near a Hobbit-esque hillside and right smack dab on the South Platte River, you’ll enjoy the rushing rapids that flaunt themselves from Lone Rock campground. Become one with the river in your kayak or fly-fish from the shore. You won’t be a lone rock on this campground, as the sites are close to one another and don’t provide a ton of privacy, but Read more...
Round-’n’-round, Round Mountain Campground will make you dizzy with its skyscraping campsites. Located nearly nine-thousand-feet in the towering vegetation of nearby Lake George. While the general area is open year-long, the campground only operates during the warm summer months. Read more...
Let’s face it, there’s really nothing like waking up to the sound of rushing water. And if you’re in remote and shady surroundings, like those of Deer Creek Campground, even better! With hiking trails and big-game hunting nearby, this doesn’t have to be a thinking person’s kind of vacation. Enjoy quality family time, get to know your friends bette Read more...
Get it while it’s hot! Goose Creek Campground is the last green forest grounds since the Hayman Fire, making this spot—well, on fire. Though it isn’t a wild river, Goose Creek gently runs through the grounds and those sounds alone will relax you into bliss. For the active tribes, enjoy a handful of super close killer trails perfect for hiking and Read more...
Wanna get away, but not too far away? Green Mountain Campground gives you the opportunity to find that escapism without traveling into the middle of nowhere. Southfork Creek runs through the grounds and is sure to make you feel one with Mother Nature. Who needs to listen to waterscapes on Spotify when you can pitch a tent under the stars? While im Read more...
Sitting roughly 8,000 feet above sea-level, Blue Mountain Campground might leave you just that―a little blue in the face--come prepared for potential altitude sickness! But, once you’ve acclimated to the soaring height, you’ll be rewarded with an eagle eye’s view of Pike National Forest from one of the area’s ah-mazing campsites. Read more...
Consider yourself an avid angler? Like to dabble in rock climbing? Perfect, cause Cove Campground will put your right in all the action. The area boasts polished gray granite cliffs that scream "Climb me!" and icy cool waters that are beggin’ to be fished. Get the most awe-inspiring views of Eleven Mile Canyon and the reservoir by taking the Overl Read more...
Pike National Forest
A surprisingly diverse landscape sprawled throughout a huge national forest.
This enormous (1,106,604 acres!) national forest sits in Colorado's Front Range, west of Colorado Springs.
Amateur mountaineers might want to challenge themselves against the famous Pikes Peak. There's a reason the view from the mountaintop inspired the classic "America the Beautiful!" It's a particularly tough hike at 13.5 miles of rugged terrain, though.
The convenient midpoint of Barr Camp lets you stop to rest, eat or sleep. Looking for a great view but not so great of a challenge? Drive partway up Pikes Peak Highway and snag the free shuttle to reach the summit.
Other major peaks in the forest include Mount Bierstadt and Mount Evans. All are among Colorado's 53 "fourteeners," peak
This enormous (1,106,604 acres!) national forest sits in Colorado's Front Range, west of Colorado Springs.
Amateur mountaineers might want to challenge themselves against the famous Pikes Peak. There's a reason the view from the mountaintop inspired the classic "America the Beautiful!" It's a particularly tough hike at 13.5 miles of rugged terrain, though.
The convenient midpoint of Barr Camp lets you stop to rest, eat or sleep. Looking for a great view but not so great of a challenge? Drive partway up Pikes Peak Highway and snag the free shuttle to reach the summit.
Other major peaks in the forest include Mount Bierstadt and Mount Evans. All are among Colorado's 53 "fourteeners," peaks with elevations of 14,000 feet or more.
If slightly more leisurely exploration is your bag, definitely head into the Lost Creek Wilderness. A 27.6-mile loop trail takes you through gorgeous valleys and streams. Multiple campgrounds make it easy to turn this into an overnight adventure.
Activities in the park
55 campgrounds in Pike National Forest
Nestled within the well-hidden confines of the areas heavy vegetation, Lost Park Campground is inundated with a string of a few, primitive campsites. Here, you’ll be able to enjoy the Summer and Spring activities (like the area’s high-elevated hiking trails) and well-manicured picnic tables; take note that this park is closed during the winter mon Read more...
Head high into the mountains and spend the night with moose, elk, golden eagles, and porcupines at Timberline Campground. Timberline is rustic and secluded, and the campsites are flat, shady, and darn-near perfect. Hike a section of the Colorado Trail, drag the kids to town to check out the South Park City Museum, or just chill at the campground a Read more...
Painted Rocks is a rustic, family-friendly campground on the edge of a sunny meadow and close to easy hiking, biking, fishing, and paddling opportunities. Not a party spot by any stretch of the imagination, this place is magic for kids, dogs, and relaxation experts. The popular Centennial Bike Trail is just 1/2-mile from the campground, and the 5- Read more...
With plenty of campsites to choose from, South Meadows Campground is a great choice to kick-off a long holiday weekend camp extravaganza. Your camp’s got all the hooked-up amenities AND is a stones throw from the Centennial Trail, a path connecting Manitou Lake to the town of Woodland Park. So after chillin’ at the lake with your crew, swing by ca Read more...
Come find somebody to love at Jefferson Creek Campground. Don’t be shy, there's no shame in this nature game! That somebody can be a creek, a lake, a conifer tree. Sitting atop a ridge overlooking its namesake creek, it’s hard not to fall in the love with the scenery. Located 1 mile from Jefferson Lake means you are only a short walk away from som Read more...
Families take notice--Colorado Campground may lack the excitement of Disney World, but it’s a perfect weekend destination for unplugging and honing your fishing and paddling skills. Situated almost 8,000 feet above sea level, and just a short walk from pristine Manitou Lake, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more peaceful and secluded spot than thi Read more...
Fiending for that mountain-life experience? Creekside camping at Aspen Campground is the perfect way to free your head. Let yourself be lulled by the fresh air of aspens and spruce, and follow your feet a few miles to Jefferson Lake, a pristine high elevation lake surrounded by 12,000-foot peaks, and try your hand at trout fishing or dip your toes Read more...
Twin Eagle Campground Is seasonally available campsites are all seasonally available, offering just a few primitive campsites to choose from; the general area is, however, open year-round. Make note to either bring your own water supply or some sort of filtering device―because you’re going to be hella’ thirsty if you don’t Make note that Twin Eagl Read more...
Feel the wind in your hair and the rush of freedom at Flat Rocks Campground, a rugged, woodsy destination much more exciting than its name would suggest. Perfect for ATV and motorcycle riders, Flat Rocks lets you ride your vehicles right into the grounds and connect up with surrounding trails. It’s also an alternative for hikers and sightseers wan Read more...
Do you consider yourself a purveyor of adventures? Then you best gather the crew and head to Spillway Campground. Hugging the South Platte River, this prime spot offers gorgeous views of the surrounding wild and is watched over by spruce and ponderosa pine. Its neighbors with Eleven Mile Canyon, which was cut by the river back in the day. Tape up Read more...
Get swept away by the encompassing views of the mountain ranges here at Springer Gulch Campground. Inside the Eleven Mile Canyon, you can enjoy a short walk to the South Platter River (fly fishing galore!) or take to the nearby Overlook Trail for killer views of the entire canyon. This is also a rock climber’s paradise, offering plenty of crags an Read more...
River access? Yes, please! Ouzel Campground is one of several places in the area to enjoy the South Platte River along with some some quality peace and quiet. This is a tent-only site with no host, so those who like their camping DIY will have reason to rejoice. Firewood is available at nearby Lone Rock Campground. Beer and marshmallows, those are Read more...
Sweet valley high! Enjoy spectacular mountain and forest scenery at Burning Bear Campground, a smaller, rustic destination in a prime viewing area known as the “high country” that may be. . . erm, highly in demand come summer. The Mount Evans Wilderness and Burning Bear trail are both fair game for hiking, biking and larger-than-life sightseeing. Read more...
The Crags is a geological wonder near Colorado Springs. Think giant pillars of eroded stone reaching high into the clouds like a colossal, sleeping creature from another world. Most people who venture out to the Crags Campground are embarking on the 2-mile hike to get a glimpse of these magnificent natural monsters! It’s a popular trail, but the c Read more...
Kenosha Pass Campground is small but mighty. A backpacker’s dream, this family-friendly settlement is situated among Kenosha Pass, one of our nation’s highest mountain passes. At a 10,000 feet altitude, there’s no wonder they call this the High Country! Get that natural high from sights of wildflower and wildlife that thrives in this wonderland. Read more...
Those snow capped mountains you see are actually called “Buffalo Peaks,” located mere miles from Weston Campground! Like Blue Mountain Campground, you’ll be catching your breath while pitching-up your well-insulated tent at one of the area’s fourteen campsites. Get ready for some high altitude adventurin'. Read more...
Just a stone’s throw away from Colorado Springs, the Pike Community campground is the perfect place for, well, community. There’s baseball fields, a sand volleyball court, a playground, and a horseshoe pit, all surrounded by ponderosa pine forest. With so many sports options you might as well bring the whole group. And since the campground is esse Read more...
Tent? Check. Beer? If someone's gonna carry it in and out! Keep things simple at Platte River Campground, where you’ll have to make do with what you can lug to and from your site. With no host around but specific quiet hours, you’ve gotta be on your best behavior and make your own fun. But none of that’s a problem, right? Enjoy the river during th Read more...
Ahh, it smells like mountains and fresh pine needles out here (this rustic group campsite is surrounded by tall, ponderosa pines on all sides). Stay the night or reserve it for the day--either way, your group is going to love you for finding such a prime location. A mere 20 miles from Colorado Springs, it’ll be easy to get the gang back together a Read more...
Devil’s Head Campground is a hugely popular landmark destination known for its cool rock formations. And to answer your question, yes, the campground is named after one such cool rock formation that looks like. . . you guessed it. Sites are limited and first-come, first-served, so you’ll want to snag yours before heading out to enjoy crazy spectac Read more...
Make your summer unforgettable soaking in the creekside sun, catching your meals, and living by the discourses of nature. All this and more can be done at Lodgepole Campground. Located in what seems like the center of all that is rad, nearby recreation includes hiking, biking, or horseback riding the Colorado Trail or the Jefferson Loop Trail. Chi Read more...
Scenically located in the rocky canvassed confines of Tarryall Creek, Spruce Grove Campground is within twelve-miles of hustle-’n’-bustle of Lake George. And, at an elevation of nearly nine-thousand-feet, you’re inundated with bird eye views of MCcurdy Mountain’s green foothills; both primitive and electrically-fed campsites are available for rese Read more...
If you like your summers mild, your creeks close, and your major cities a distant memory, Buffalo Campground might be just for you! An easy place to camp with a family or small group, this popular summer destination gives everyone privacy while still keeping neighbors close. Take a crack at hiking or biking on the nearby Colorado Trail, indulge in Read more...
Kelsey Campground is leisure on ‘roids for all of you sporty campers. Get pumped on fishing, biking, hiking and even horseback riding. One of two awesome campgrounds within the Buffalo Creek Recreation Area, Kesley is the hub for a 40-mile trail system of hiking that happily welcomes feet, hooves and wheels all the same. One Love. Just an hour out Read more...
Near a Hobbit-esque hillside and right smack dab on the South Platte River, you’ll enjoy the rushing rapids that flaunt themselves from Lone Rock campground. Become one with the river in your kayak or fly-fish from the shore. You won’t be a lone rock on this campground, as the sites are close to one another and don’t provide a ton of privacy, but Read more...
Round-’n’-round, Round Mountain Campground will make you dizzy with its skyscraping campsites. Located nearly nine-thousand-feet in the towering vegetation of nearby Lake George. While the general area is open year-long, the campground only operates during the warm summer months. Read more...
Let’s face it, there’s really nothing like waking up to the sound of rushing water. And if you’re in remote and shady surroundings, like those of Deer Creek Campground, even better! With hiking trails and big-game hunting nearby, this doesn’t have to be a thinking person’s kind of vacation. Enjoy quality family time, get to know your friends bette Read more...
Get it while it’s hot! Goose Creek Campground is the last green forest grounds since the Hayman Fire, making this spot—well, on fire. Though it isn’t a wild river, Goose Creek gently runs through the grounds and those sounds alone will relax you into bliss. For the active tribes, enjoy a handful of super close killer trails perfect for hiking and Read more...
Wanna get away, but not too far away? Green Mountain Campground gives you the opportunity to find that escapism without traveling into the middle of nowhere. Southfork Creek runs through the grounds and is sure to make you feel one with Mother Nature. Who needs to listen to waterscapes on Spotify when you can pitch a tent under the stars? While im Read more...
Sitting roughly 8,000 feet above sea-level, Blue Mountain Campground might leave you just that―a little blue in the face--come prepared for potential altitude sickness! But, once you’ve acclimated to the soaring height, you’ll be rewarded with an eagle eye’s view of Pike National Forest from one of the area’s ah-mazing campsites. Read more...
Consider yourself an avid angler? Like to dabble in rock climbing? Perfect, cause Cove Campground will put your right in all the action. The area boasts polished gray granite cliffs that scream "Climb me!" and icy cool waters that are beggin’ to be fished. Get the most awe-inspiring views of Eleven Mile Canyon and the reservoir by taking the Overl Read more...